Video Clips

Quoted moments from Alaska public meetings, hearings, and press conferences.

Clips from U.S. SenateClear

Shelley Capito

“Do I have your commitment to work with with the Office of Surface Mining, state regulators including the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, 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 in the wake of this court decision? Yes, ma'am.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Kevin Lilly

“when all the science has culminated to come up with an answer, and yet it can be whisked away through judicial review, that does not work toward the benefit, I think, of either the species or the American people. The only thing that it benefits are legal fees and the perpetual litigious nature that the ESA has become. So, to answer your question directly, ma'am, working toward ESA reform is a benefit to all, and I believe it is a bipartisan reality to deregulate, to protect our environment, to protect our species, no question, but also to be reasonable and not use it as a burden upon American industry, upon private landowners, upon tribal communities, and upon stakeholders.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Shelley Capito

“The Fish and Wildlife Service also participates in the federal permitting process through the ESA consultation process. This process has been long, inefficient, and costly for projects and communities across the country.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Shelley Capito

“one of the biggest hurdles projects can face is under the ESA consultation.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Kevin Lilly

“the predicate, sir, is that I have no doubt that the police officers involved in the apprehensions of these individuals, of which I believe there were 5, were doing their duty, were enforcing the law appropriately, and I think that all of us should recognize and believe that vandalism of any kind— is an affront to civilized society.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Kevin Lilly

“the U.S. Park Police is one of the most extraordinary and historic police departments in the United States, founded in 1789. And in the year that I've had the opportunity and pleasure and privilege and honor to work with them, I have been amazingly impressed by their professionalism, their training, their discipline, their service, and their duty and service to this district and the people that live here.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Kevin Lilly

“I stand by my statement that the U.S. Park Police operated and conducted their business of defending, protecting this city in an appropriate manner. There was no malfeasance, nor was there any political motivation to it. And furthermore, sir, as you know, this is an ongoing investigation, and consequently I'm not in a position to share that information publicly.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Kevin Lilly

“to my knowledge, sir, I do not know of any Inspector General, um, inquiry or process as it relates to this topic.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Kevin Lilly

“Inspector General programs can be launched by anyone at any time. And so I'm not in a position to opine on whether one is warranted or not.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Kevin Lilly

“I believe that we have conducted ourselves legally. I believe that the contracts have been done, and I know that the contracts have been done by warranted contracting officers who are licensed by the federal government, that are career professionals, that are excellent at their job. And I believe that everything that has happened with this project, as well as all construction projects the National Park Service are done in compliance with the law.”

Senate Environment and Public Works (Sullivan): Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife. · Jun 24, 2026

Tom Cole

“He knows that Native American issues and interests are genuinely bipartisan and in most ways nonpartisan. You either believe in tribal sovereignty or you do not. And you either understand the trust responsibility of the United States or you do not. Mark understands both.”

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

“the Secretary created this senior advisor position and I'm the first such to do this job.”

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

“what we did was within the authorities that we have at HHS, we created a $1 billion NEF commitment. So that was a strong step by the secretary to recognize and acknowledge that problem.”

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

“The latest estimate I received to get those 8 projects done was $8 billion. My annual appropriation in that line item is just under $200 million. Doing quick math, it's going to take us about 40 years to get those 8 projects done. That's unacceptable.”

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

“do, do we have your commitment to be responsive personally if any member of the Indian Affairs Committee has any question? Will you call them back within a reasonable timeframe? Yes, Vice Chairman.”

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

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

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

Mark Cruz

“putting that '93 construction list on a glide path to completion, um, is just one of the passion projects of mine.”

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

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

“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

“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

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

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

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

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

“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

Tom Cole

“I support Mark's nomination, and I can confidently say there is no one better suited for this role. He's a leader, he builds bridges, and he works across the aisle.”

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 want to make sure that those remaining projects get on a path towards completion. So whether it's environmental review, permitting, I want to understand that. If it's design-build, I want to understand 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

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. 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

“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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

“It's also a recipe for major disruptions in the very possible event that party-line reconciliation fails. The administration's choice to structure an ambitious $1.5 trillion request in this way is yet another missed opportunity to put key aspects of our common defense on a stronger and more enduring fiscal footing.”

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