Legislature(2005 - 2006)

2006-03-13 Senate Journal

Full Journal pdf

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2439
                                                                                                    
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                   
                                                                                                    
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                              
                                                                                                    
                          TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE                                              
                                                                                                    
                                SECOND SESSION                                                   
                                                                                                    
Juneau, Alaska                     Monday                    March 13, 2006                       
                                                                                                    
                               Sixty-fourth Day                                                  
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                 
Stevens at 11:21 a.m.                                                                               
                                                                                                    
The roll showed seventeen members present. Senator Kookesh was                                      
excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Ellis, Guess were absent.                               
                                                                                                    
Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that                                         
Senators Ellis, Guess be excused from a call of the Senate today.                                   
Without objection, Senators Ellis, Guess were excused.                                              
                                                                                                    
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Green. Senator                                      
Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be                                        
spread. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                       
                                                                                                    
     Our Dear Heavenly Father,                                                                      
                                                                                                    
     We thank You for allowing us to be here today and to be in                                     
     the presence of our peers and folks we work with everyday.                                     
                                                                                                    
     We try to do what is right and to listen to the word that says                                 
     we are on the right track. Keep us doing and working with                                      
     wisdom, patience and endurance.                                                                
                                                                                                    
     We especially want to remember those folks at Holy                                             
     Trinity Episcopal Church as they go through the grief at                                       
     having lost their building. As they say, "Our building may                                     
     be gone but our church still stands." We hold them up to                                       
     You for solace and comfort along with other members of                                         
     this community who have been impacted by that fire.                                            
                                                                                                    

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2440
     We ask You to be with us in this day. Take care of us and                                      
     give us the chore of being Your servant. Help us in that                                       
     servanthood.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
     I ask in Christ's Name,                                                Amen.                   
                                                                                                    
Senator Wilken led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                          
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                Certification                                                    
                                                                                                    
Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                     
journals for the sixtieth through sixty-third legislative days be                                   
approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so                                
ordered.                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                          Standing Committee Reports                                             
                                                                                                    
SB 193                                                                                            
The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 193 "An Act relating to an optional deferral of                                     
municipal property taxes on certain primary residences owned and                                    
occupied by individuals with incomes at or below federal poverty                                    
guidelines for the state" and recommended it be replaced with                                       
                                                                                                    
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 193(CRA) "An Act                                                   
          relating to a mandatory exemption for certain                                             
          residences owned by a religious organization and to                                       
          an optional deferral of municipal property taxes on                                       
          certain primary residences."                                                              
                                                                                                    
Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Chair. Signing do not pass: Senator                               
Kookesh. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wagoner. Signing                                        
amend: Senator Gary Stevens.                                                                        
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                    
                                                                                                    
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                     

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2441
SB 246                                                                                            
The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 246 "An Act making a special appropriation from                                     
the Alaska capital income fund to the revenue sharing fund; and                                     
providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with                                
                                                                                                    
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 246(CRA) "An Act                                                   
          making a special appropriation from the Alaska                                            
          capital income fund to the revenue sharing fund and a                                     
          special appropriation from the general fund to the                                        
          municipal public employees' retirement system                                             
          underfunded liability relief account; and providing                                       
          for an effective date."                                                                   
                                                                                                    
Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Chair; Senators Wagoner, Gary                                     
Stevens, Kookesh.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                     
                                                                                                    
SB 247                                                                                            
The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 247 "An Act relating to the revenue sharing                                         
program; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be                                 
replaced with                                                                                       
                                                                                                    
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 247(CRA) "An Act                                                   
          relating to the revenue sharing program and to state                                      
          aid for certain municipal underfunding of the Public                                      
          Employees' Retirement System of Alaska; and                                               
          providing for an effective date."                                                         
                                                                                                    
Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Chair; Senators Wagoner, Gary                                     
Stevens, Kookesh.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community and                                           
       Economic Development                                                                         
     Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law                                                     
                                                                                                    
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                     

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2442
SB 291                                                                                            
The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 291 "An Act relating to the municipal harbor                                        
facility grant program; and providing for an effective date" and                                    
recommended it be replaced with                                                                     
                                                                                                    
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 291(CRA)                                                           
                                                                                                    
Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Chair; Senators Wagoner, Gary                                     
Stevens, Kookesh.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation                                              
       and Public Facilities                                                                        
                                                                                                    
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                     
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                        Introduction and Reference of                                            
                              Senate Resolutions                                                 
                                                                                                    
SCR 24                                                                                            
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24 BY THE                                                          
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE,                                                                         
                                                                                                    
          Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e),                                             
          Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,                                            
          concerning House Bill No. 92, relating to the                                             
          purchase of interests in nonprofit corporations by the                                    
          University of Alaska.                                                                     
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk.                                           
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                            
                                                                                                    
                                  Citations                                                      
                                                                                                    
Honoring - Poldine Carlo                                                                            
Representative(s) Guttenberg                                                                        
Senator(s) Seekins, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson,                                      
Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson,                                       
Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken                                                  

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2443
In Memoriam - Mary Alice Jones                                                                      
Representative(s) LeDoux                                                                            
Senator(s) Davis, Gary Stevens, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery,                                        
Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh,                                       
Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken                                                
                                                                                                    
Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                     
citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and                             
referred to the Secretary for transmittal.                                                          
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                             Unfinished Business                                                 
                                                                                                    
                       Reconsideration of Senate Bills                                           
                                                                                                    
SB 112                                                                                            
Senator Olson requested that the reconsideration on CS FOR SENATE                                   
BILL NO. 112(FIN) am be taken up. The bill was before the Senate on                                 
reconsideration.                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The question to be reconsidered: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO.                                      
112(FIN) am "An Act relating to a tax on residents of and individuals                               
employed in regional educational attendance areas; relating to                                      
permanent fund dividend applications; relating to regional educational                              
attendance area grants; and providing for an effective date" pass the                               
Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                              
                                                                                                    
CSSB 112(FIN) am                                                                                    
Third Reading - On Reconsideration                                                                  
                                                                                                    
YEAS:  11   NAYS:  6   EXCUSED:  3   ABSENT:  0                                                   
                                                                                                    
Yeas:  Bunde, Cowdery, Dyson, Green, Huggins, Seekins, Stedman,                                     
Stevens B, Stevens G, Wagoner, Wilken                                                               
                                                                                                    
Nays:  Davis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Olson, Therriault                                             
                                                                                                    
Excused:  Ellis, Guess, Kookesh                                                                     
                                                                                                    
and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 112(FIN) am passed the Senate                                        
on reconsideration.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Senator Gary Stevens moved for the adoption of the effective date                                   
clause.                                                                                             

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2444
The question being: "Shall the effective date clause be adopted?" The                               
roll was taken with the following result:                                                           
                                                                                                    
CSSB 112(FIN) am                                                                                    
Effective Date Clause                                                                               
                                                                                                    
YEAS:  17   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  3   ABSENT:  0                                                   
                                                                                                    
Yeas:  Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Elton, French, Green,                                          
Hoffman, Huggins, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Stevens G,                                    
Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Excused:  Ellis, Guess, Kookesh                                                                     
                                                                                                    
and so, the effective date clause was adopted and the bill was referred                             
to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                   
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                Announcements                                                    
                                                                                                    
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                 Engrossment                                                     
                                                                                                    
SB 112                                                                                            
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 112(FIN) am "An Act relating to a tax                                        
on residents of and individuals employed in regional educational                                    
attendance areas; relating to permanent fund dividend applications;                                 
relating to regional educational attendance area grants; and providing                              
for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and                                   
Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration.                                           
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                 Adjournment                                                     
                                                                                                    
Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                     
Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 15, 2006.                                       
Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:40 a.m.                                               
                                                                                                    
                                                                Kirsten Waid                        
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                 March 2006                         

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2445
                                Announcements                                                    
                                                                                                    
Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require                      
special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access                                
committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the                              
Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance                               
notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the                      
ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD.                                                     
                                                                                                    
                             STANDING COMMITTEES                                                 
+ indicates teleconference                                                                          
= indicates bill previously heard/scheduled                                                         
                                                                                                    
                         COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS                                            
                                                                                                    
Mar 13        Monday                                Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
              -- Meeting Canceled --                                                                
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                             Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 17        Friday                                Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                   FINANCE                                                       
                                                                                                    
Mar 13        Monday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
              -- Meeting Canceled --                                                                
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
              Joint w/(S) Transportation                                                            
+             Discussion Regarding- Federal Transportation Funding                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                   Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
+ SB 303 KNIK ARM BRIDGE AND TOLL AUTHORITY                                                         
+ SB 304 AIRPORT PARKING SHUTTLES/AIRPORT CHARGES                                                   
+ SB 250 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNCIL                                                   
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            3:30 PM                     
+             Key Campaign Presentation                                                             

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2446
                             FINANCE (continued)                                                 
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 17        Friday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
+ SB 235 SCHOOL PERFORMANCE BONUSES                                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                     HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 13        Monday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                     
+= SB 299 NONDISCRIMINATION HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS                                                   
+ HB 379 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, INCL. ANALOGS                                                       
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 17        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                  JUDICIARY                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 13        Monday                          Butrovich 205           8:30 AM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           8:30 AM                     
              Joint w/(H) Judiciary                                                                 
+             Presentation on Therapeutic Courts                                                    
+= SB 222 PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION                                                        
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           8:30 AM                     
+= SB 206 DETENTION OF MATERIAL WITNESSES                                                           
+ SB 306 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FUND & TAXES                                                        
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           8:30 AM                     
+ HB 410 REVISOR'S BILL                                                                             
+ HB 326 USE OF LEWD MATERIAL AS HARASSMENT                                                         
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2447
                            JUDICIARY (continued)                                                
                                                                                                    
Mar 17        Friday                          Butrovich 205           8:30 AM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                               Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                              Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
+ SB 273 MOTOR VEHICLE SALES                                                                        
+ SB 300 MOTOR VEHICLE NEGATIVE EQUITY                                                              
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
              Including But Not Limited to:                                                         
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                  RESOURCES                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 13        Monday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                     
= SB 305 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX                                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                     
              Econ l Presentation                                                                   
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                     
= SB 305 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX                                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                     
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                     
= SB 305 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX                                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                     
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                     
= SB 305 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX                                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                     
                                                                                                    
Mar 17        Friday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                     
= SB 305 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX                                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                     
                                                                                                    
Mar 18        Saturday                        Butrovich 205         10:00 AM                      
= SB 305 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION TAX                                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                     
                   ----------------------------------------                                        

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2448
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                    
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                              Beltz 211         3:30 PM                     
+ SCR 22 JT. LEG. OVERSIGHT CMTE FOR ALMR PROJECT                                                   
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                   
                                                                                                    
Mar 13        Monday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
              -- Meeting Canceled --                                                                
+             Joint w/(S) Finance                                                                   
+             Discussion Regarding - Federal Transportation Funding                                 
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           9:00 AM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                     
+ SB 308 ALASKA RAILROAD REVENUE BONDS                                                              
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                            FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES                                                
                                                                                                    
                                ADMINISTRATION                                                   
                                                                                                    
Mar 17        Friday                          Butrovich 205           7:30 AM                     
+             FY07 Operating Budget                                                                 
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                      COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                               Beltz 211         8:00 AM                     
              -- Meeting Canceled --                                                                
              Budget Detail                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 21        Tuesday                               Beltz 211         8:00 AM                     
              Budget Detail                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 28        Tuesday                               Beltz 211         8:00 AM                     
              Budget Detail                                                                         
                                                                                                    

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2449
                COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV (continued)                                   
                                                                                                    
Apr 04        Tuesday                               Beltz 211         8:00 AM                     
              Budget Closeout                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                        EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT                                            
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            8:00 AM                     
              FY07 Operating Budget                                                                 
              Title I School Improvement Sites                                                      
              (Level 2 and above)                                                                   
              Other Education Issues                                                                
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                          ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION                                             
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            8:00 AM                     
              Agency Overview Follow-up                                                             
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                 FISH & GAME                                                     
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            1:30 PM                     
              -- Meeting Postponed until 03/22/06 --                                                
              Budget Priorities                                                                     
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                        LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT                                            
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                     Fahrenkamp 203             8:00 AM                     
              Budget Priorities                                                                     
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                     LAW                                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            4:30 PM                     
              Budget Detail                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 23        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            4:30 PM                     
              Budget Detail                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 30        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            4:30 PM                     
              Budget Closeout                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                        

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2450
                        MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS                                            
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                   Senate Finance 532            1:30 PM                     
+             FY07 Operating Budget                                                                 
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                              NATURAL RESOURCES                                                  
                                                                                                    
Mar 14        Tuesday                            Capitol 120          8:00 AM                     
+             Budget Priorities                                                                     
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                PUBLIC SAFETY                                                    
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                        Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                     
+             FY07 Operating Budget                                                                 
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                   REVENUE                                                       
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            1:30 PM                     
              Budget Detail                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 23        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            1:30 PM                     
              Budget Detail                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Mar 30        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            1:30 PM                     
              Budget Closeout                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                             UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA                                                
                                                                                                    
Mar 15        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532          10:15 AM                      
+             University FY07 Operating Budget Overview                                             
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                                                  
                                                                                                    
                             LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL                                                 
                                                                                                    
Mar 16        Thursday                     Terry Miller 104           5:00 PM                     
              Statute Publishing RFP Subcommittee                                                   
              Executive Session                                                                     
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2006-03-13                     Senate Journal                      Page 2451
                       LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (continued)                                           
                                                                                                    
Mar 23        Thursday                   House Finance 519            5:00 PM                     
              Fairbanks Office Space RFP                                                            
              Lease Renewals                                                                        
              Late Per Diem Request                                                                 
              Ombudsman FY07 Budget Request                                                         
              Anchorage Office Space Lease                                                          
                                                                                                    
Mar 30        Thursday                   House Finance 519            5:00 PM                     
              FY05 Legislature Audit                                                                
              Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission                                               
              Capitol Security                                                                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                OTHER MEETINGS                                                   
                                                                                                    
                                JOINT SESSION                                                    
                                                                                                    
Mar 22        Wednesday                    House Chamber            11:00 AM                      
              Address by the Honorable Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator