Speech #850240728

I have listened with great interest to the debate on House bill 7999. I have been impressed by the fact that the American people support statehood for Alaska. by the fact that the Alaskans themselves wish it. and appear to be capable of supporting a State government financially. by the fact that it will constitute the fulfillment of the pledges of our two great political parties. and by the further fact that Alaska with its vast resources. has the promise of a rich and dynamic future. The grant of statehood should encourage the development of Alaskan immigration. food production. exploitation of natural resources. and expansion of industry and commerce. 1 The compact with the people of Alaska should assure the Nation that our nationalsecurity interests will be protected with a minimum of restriction upon the local government and activities of the peoples in the northern and western portions of that subcontinent. The provisions in the controversial section 10 of the bill appear to be a practical solution to a difficult and demanding problem. and they afford procedures which I believe will be held to be in accord with our constitutional traditions. I am particularly impressed by the fact that most of the Senators from our great western States. where so much of the land is under Federal jurisdiction. strongly supported this provision of the bill.