[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Page 27657]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               ALASKA DAY

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, today is Alaska Day, the day 140 years 
ago when our territory was officially transferred from Russia to the 
United States. That was the beginning of a long road towards the 
American dream for our State.
  What was once called ``Seward's folly'' has become one of our 
Nation's great assets. Alaska has more than made good on Seward's 
initial investment. The Federal Government has collected enough revenue 
from the development of our resources to repay this investment hundreds 
and hundreds of times over.
  Over the years, Alaskans have worked hard to realize our land's vast 
potential. And, while much remains to be done, we have much to 
celebrate.
  We are working towards creating a climate for investment, attracting 
capital to develop and market our valuable natural resources. As our 
state grows, we are working to ensure that all Alaskans enjoy the 
benefits of a strong and vibrant economy.
  Through programs such as the Denali Commission, we are building 
modern water and sewer facilities, health care centers and providing 
education and job opportunities to Alaskans in the far corners of our 
state.
  Though many challenges lay ahead, today, we can look on our 
accomplishments and know that together we can continue making progress 
on the road to the American Dream.

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