Nomination of Thomas J. Ridge for Secretary of Homeland Security

NOMINATION OF THOMAS J. RIDGE OF PENNSYLVANIA TO BE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to offer my support for the confirmation of Governor Ridge as Secretary of Homeland Security. President Bush chose wisely when he nominated Tom Ridge to head this new department. Governor Ridge's adeptness in politics won him six terms as a United States Congressman and two terms as Governor of Pennsylvania. In both positions, he was praised for his intelligent leadership and attention to detail. His service in the military, in which he received a Bronze Star for Valor in Vietnam, only adds more credit to his name.
While my colleagues can further attest to Mr. Ridge's accomplishments, I would like to focus my attention on the impact that Homeland Security has on my State, and I encourage Mr. Ridge to consider Alaska's security as a means of enhancing National Security.

With nearly 50 percent of the total Coastline of the United States, Alaska has much to gain from the new Department of Homeland Security.

Our coastal communities rely on a free-flow of air and maritime traffic to meet their daily needs. Any interruption in this traffic could imperil our isolated communities.

Twenty percent of our Nation's domestic oil supply flows through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which spans some 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay in the north, to Valdez in the south. The Valdez terminal is the northernmost ice-free port in the United States. Its protection, therefore, is crucial to the safe and effective transport of Alaska Crude oil to the West Coast.

Another port of importance to my State is the Port of Anchorage. Nearly 80 percent of all goods destined for Alaskan cities flow through the Anchorage Port. These communities, many with populations smaller than 100 people, rely on the Anchorage Port to remain open. Providing for the security of the Port of Anchorage is essential to the well-being of the Alaskan people.

In addition to commerce, most of the people in Alaska's coastal regions rely on the Fishing industry for jobs, generating nearly half a billion dollars for the State annually. With approximately 1200 groundfish vessels operating in Alaskan waters, harvesting nearly 2 billion pounds of groundfish every year for U.S. and foreign consumers, Alaska's position as a fish leader is unquestionable. Fishing in Alaskan waters is an issue of security. The ability to maintain our own domestic food supply should be paramount to the new Department, and Alaska's role in its production is key.

The safeguarding of these fishing vessels falls to the capable men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, one of the new Department of Homeland Security's essential agencies. Although only 4 percent of the Coast Guard is stationed in Alaska, the Kodiak Coast Guard base is the largest single Coast Guard installation in the country. It is imperative, for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and oil spill response that the Coast Guard maintains its mission in Alaska.

The focus of Homeland security is not limited to water, however, but encompasses all ports of entry. As an international hub, the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the busiest cargo airport in the country. Nine hours to most major destinations, the airport's location makes it an ideal crossroads for international trade, as well as for domestic travel and commerce. Airport security continues to be of great importance to this and other airports throughout Alaska.

Likewise, Alaska is home to four military bases—two air force bases, and two army bases—and new missile defense facilities. Protecting our military assets for national defense and future military engagements will require comprehensive planning with Governor Ridge and the new Department of Homeland Security.

I look forward to working with the new Secretary to provide for the security of this great Nation as well as for the State of Alaska.