Video Clips
Quoted moments from Alaska public meetings, hearings, and press conferences.
Lisa Murkowski
“President Trump nominated Mr. Cruz for this position. On June 1st, 2026. Mr. Cruz, it's great to be able to welcome you to the committee, and, and I offer my congratulations on your nomination and my thanks for your willingness to step into this position.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Lisa Murkowski
“The committee has received more than 40 letters from tribes and tribal organizations that support your nomination, and those letters will be included in the hearing record.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Lisa Murkowski
“Mr. Cruz, I, I don't usually say it before we've actually gone through the hearing process, but I am looking forward to supporting your nomination., and working with the Vice Chairman and our colleagues to move your nomination through the committee.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Brian Schatz
“At a time when IHS faces persistent workforce shortages, aging infrastructure, and ongoing concerns about service delivery, this committee has a responsibility to carefully examine whether any nominee is prepared to meet the demands of this position from day one.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Mark Cruz
“I'm Marc Cruz. I'm deeply honored, as are my family, the Klamath Tribes, and my fellow Oregonians, that President Trump has nominated me to serve as the 12th Director of the Indian Health Service.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Mark Cruz
“For more than a year, I have served as senior advisor to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. I thank the Secretary for creating this position in response to tribal leaders' requests and for entrusting me with that role.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Lisa Murkowski
“you said tribal consultation is a process, not an event. Think about that, how important it is, because so much of the time around here tribal consultation is just kind of a check-the-box exercise. We meet for one meeting and boom, we move on to something else.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Mark Cruz
“if confirmed, I would have— I would be dual-hatting, but I would essentially be preserving that close relationship with the Secretary. And as we manage within the departments, that is just a critical relationship to have because we do hear about a number of issues from tribal leaders and tribal health departments and our urban partners about issues that are occurring in different operating divisions.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Lisa Murkowski
“through what we've been able to do with self-determination, self-governance, in working through our Alaska Tribal Health Compacts, it's really quite remarkable. And I think that Secretary Kennedy saw that in his visit last summer when he came. Not only are we building infrastructure that meets the need, but we are in a place where our ability to deliver care is probably some of the best example that you will see in Indian Country, and some would argue that in rural areas, how we have done it through our compacting is the promise and the model for that.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Lisa Murkowski
“We will keep the hearing record open for the next 24 hours, but we would like to get these submitted by the end of business tomorrow so that we can do what the committee needs to do next, which is hopefully move you to a markup.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Lisa Murkowski
“what I would like is your commitment to work with this committee as well as those of us on the Interior Appropriations Committee and our tribal leaders to really figure out how we are addressing the many issues that are in front of us with contract support costs and 105L.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Mark Cruz
“Self-governance really excites me, and strong supporter. So, I've been very clear with the advocates when asked, and, you know, the secretary is on the record, both publicly and in congressional testimony, being generally supportive of the concept of self-governance going— expanding beyond Indian Health Service. The challenges is our authority, and that's going to take a congressional fix.”Senate Indian Affairs (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the nomination of Mark Cruz, of Oregon, to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. · Jun 24, 2026
Martin Heinrich
“I just want to ask unanimous consent to enter a letter from Governor Guerrero and Governor Apateng regarding deep seabed mining into the record.”Senate Energy and Natural Resources (Murkowski): Business meeting to consider S.1547, to amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. · Jun 17, 2026
Henry Hofschneider
“Governor Hapiteng and Governor Guerrero have written a letter to Chairman Lee to introduce the legislation to place a moratorium.”Senate Energy and Natural Resources (Murkowski): Business meeting to consider S.1547, to amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. · Jun 17, 2026
Lisa Murkowski
“I'm wondering if you can share with the committee what you might consider meaningful consultation with territorial governments would look like. Before the federal government advances any future leasing decisions.”Senate Energy and Natural Resources (Murkowski): Business meeting to consider S.1547, to amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. · Jun 17, 2026
Caleb Lee
“Mr. Hofschneider, do you think it makes sense for the citizens of one of America's biggest, most menacing adversaries, that is the People's Republic of China, should be allowed to enter a U.S. territory without a visa?”Senate Energy and Natural Resources (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the state of the U.S. Territories. · Jun 17, 2026
Caleb Lee
“Mr. Henry Hofschneider, Chief of Staff to Governor David Apatong of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or CNMI, here today because the governor is dealing with the impact of a major typhoon that has hit his territory.”Senate Energy and Natural Resources (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the state of the U.S. Territories. · Jun 17, 2026
Caleb Lee
“I continue to urge the Department of Homeland Security, along with the Department of the Interior, to terminate the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program and to end Hong Kong's participation in the broader Guam CNMI Visa Waiver Program.”Senate Energy and Natural Resources (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the state of the U.S. Territories. · Jun 17, 2026
Caleb Lee
“Earlier this year, my colleagues and I called on the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Interior to terminate the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program, a Biden-era policy that allows nationals from the People's Republic of China to enter the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 14 days without a visa. This policy has threatened uh, to create, and in some cases created, serious problems. Chinese nationals have been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine into the CMI— CMI. The program has facilitated birth tourism and created additional travel avenues to Guam.”Senate Energy and Natural Resources (Murkowski): Hearings to examine the state of the U.S. Territories. · Jun 17, 2026
Speaker C
“The FY27 budget proposes an increase of $5.1 million for ESA Section 7 consultations for energy projects. With this funding, the service will be able to accelerate the review of priority energy projects, and we anticipate being able to reduce consultation timeframes from 30 to 14 days. The budget also reflects a commitment to the recovery of listed species. We are requesting a $2.6 million increase for work to support the development of recovery plans, 5-year status reviews, and rulemakings.”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Shelley Capito
“Several years ago, my staff began holding monthly calls with the services staff at the Elkins field office because of delays with the consultation processes for critical projects. As a result of these calls, progress has been made, and many of these projects have started moving forward. But now, under your leadership, Director Nesvik, there are significantly fewer projects facing delays”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Shelley Capito
“I was pleased to see that the Service is requesting an increase in funding for energy project reviews, including the development and use of programmatic tools to automate ESA compliance. Known as the Information for Planning and Consultation System, or IPAC. IPAC has been a game changer in our state for our projects, dramatically cutting down the timeframes for Section 7 consultations.”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Whitehouse
“Not cutting all funding for endangered species conservation, including iconic species such as elephants, rhinos, and great apes. Not cutting science support, which provides technical assistance to local communities. For wildlife and habitat conservation, not cutting state and tribal grants which help conserve fish and wildlife before they require protection under the Endangered Species Act.”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Shelley Capito
“I would remiss not to mention the recent decision out of the D.C. District Court that invalidated the 2020 programmatic biological opinion issued by the service for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation Enforcement's mining regulation program. This decision will negatively impact coal production in the 24 states that have primacy That includes my state. I'm extremely disappointed by this court decision and very concerned about what it will mean for projects in my state moving forward.”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Speaker C
“this is a recent development. This is a pretty recent court decision. We are aware of it in the Department of Interior, and we've already begun looking at what the options may be in order to ensure that this doesn't disrupt our abilities to issue those permits that previously state primacy was able to address. So I don't have specific options identified here today, but please know that we are working on those, and myself as well as senior officials in the department are very well aware.”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Speaker C
“specific to the ranking member's questions regarding clean energy projects, you know, I think that that folks are aware that this administration directed a review process for all energy projects, and part of that review process included initially a prohibition from those particular energy proponents from being able to submit their projects. That's— those reviews are ongoing, and I don't have much more on that.”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Shelley Capito
“do I have your commitment to work with the Office of Surface Mining, state regulators including West Virginia's EPA, and the mining industry on a path forward that allows ESA consultations to take place in an efficient manner and avoid unnecessary delays in the permitting process after this court decision?”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Whitehouse
“Your IPAC database helps developers quickly determine if a project could affect a protected species. IPAC has received bipartisan praise, but in July of last year, you banned wind and solar projects from using the online IPAC system. Who does that help? Developers can once again access the system, but that thanks to a court order.”Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. · Jun 10, 2026
Troy Meink
“Foundational readiness. Boosting readiness requires increased and stable funding, particularly given the age of many of our platforms. The FY27 budget request increases our foundational readiness investment by 34%, providing the jump needed to truly recover.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Troy Meink
“Without a reconciliation and a year-long CR that keeps us at the $890-ish total, that would have significant impacts on our readiness. A lot of the investments we've just been talking about to meet the the unmanned vehicles, as well as, you know, the increased readiness for weapons systems to increase the F-35 readiness, as well as the munitions procurement. All that is substantially impacted if we stayed at 890 without a reconciliation or other mechanism.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Susan Collins
“The administration is proposing that a significant portion of funding for both of these modernization programs be done through a third reconciliation bill, a bill that may never happen. For example, of the $154 million request for the power thermal management upgrade for the engine, only $10 million is requested in the base budget. What is the impact on these programs if they are not fully funded in fiscal year 2027, and what would be the implications for the defense industrial base?”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Mitch McConnell
“Core pieces of the President's defense agenda, like multiyear procurement contracts for critical munitions, Half of the F-35 program, Golden Dome, and DROME dominance initiatives are all requested as a one-off reconciliation spending, not a full year base appropriations.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Kenneth Wilsbach
“What that tells us is that when you prioritize the funding for the parts and the weapon system sustainment, the jet flies really well. And that's why in this budget we have $24 billion for weapon system sustainment and $10 billion for flying hours and $4.5 billion for the working capital fund, which funds the necessary parts and weapon system sustainment. A large portion of that is for F-35”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Troy Meink
“It is the appropriate amount of money to, to build the KC-46s. Essentially, Senator, it's the max rate that Boeing's able to produce the aircraft.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Mitch McConnell
“I think it's safe to conclude there will not be another reconciliation bill. So it's really not an option.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Troy Meink
“this budget leverages existing commercial production capacity and takes full advantage of multiyear procurement for our most critical munitions, totaling 39,000 weapons of all types by FY '33.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
General Saltzman
“the FY27 budget landmark investment of $71.1 billion for the Space Force represents a generational opportunity to position the force to meet the rapidly expanding threats and demands of the nation.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Kenneth Wilsbach
“Weapon systems sustainment funding increased to over $24 billion and flying hours to nearly 10 billion.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Troy Meink
“The DAF's lean budget over the years has also resulted in a $50 billion facilities maintenance backlog.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Chris Coons
“The Department of the Air Force is requesting nearly $100 billion in the defense discretionary budget, from $257 enacted to $351 billion that we're evaluating here today.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Chris Coons
“The request places critical resources, multi-year munitions procurements, spare parts for the F-35 program, key missile defense space programs into a reconciliation package that I doubt will ever be enacted.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Chris Coons
“the administration has at times, um, talked in competing ways, with one breath insisting our current operational tempo is risk-free, and in the next requesting billions for additional vital munitions.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Chris Coons
“it is also demonstrably the case these current operations and recent operations have strained readiness, sharply reduced important munitions inventories, and weakened our hand to respond to tomorrow's threats.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Kenneth Wilsbach
“the F-35 has performed marvelously in Epic Fury. And you're right, the aircraft availability averages out over the course of time at about 50%, but of the jets that we actually had forward performed much, much greater than that.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Troy Meink
“Across the fight, about 60% of that 30,000-plus weapons are coming from there, so that That tells you the level of investment, 60% of the weapons going forward across the fight.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
General Saltzman
“the FY27 budget boosts our top line by 130% and our end strength by 27%.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Troy Meink
“The fiscal year 2027 President's Budget breaks that pattern with the $338 $1.8 billion request for the DAF, a 34% increase from last year.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026
Susan Collins
“I would just suggests that it is taking a terrible risk and creates instability when you're counting on a third reconciliation bill for the bulk of the money rather than doing base funding through the defense appropriations bill.”Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Defense (Murkowski): Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force. · Jun 9, 2026