In Congress, some lawmakers say the comments by members of the Alaskan delegation show that the Republican leadership was misled.

The Alaskan delegation did not give up, however, and worked hard with Bartlett to pressure the Congress into action.

Members of the Alaskan congressional delegation, particularly Representative Don Young and Senator Ted Stevens, were the bridge's biggest advocates in Congress, and helped push for federal funding.

The Alaskan delegation is fighting to keep the rule from applying to the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest, the nation's largest.

The three members of the Alaskan Congressional delegation, all Republican chairmen of committees that have oversight and spending power over natural resources, issued a statement expressing "deep skepticism" that the plan provides enough timber for the industry.

Young is the dean of the Alaskan congressional delegation, the fifth most senior U.S. Representative and the second most senior Republican Representative, behind Bill Young of Florida.

He toured the state and convinced the Alaskan delegation and the Anchorage and Fairbanks Chambers of Commerce of the economic benefits that would result from a permanently open port at Point Hope.

Members of the Alaskan delegation, including Sen. Frank Murkowski, had been a central force in pressing the broader package.

Tongass National Forest President Clinton won in his fight with the three-man Alaskan delegation, Republicans all, over expanded logging in the Tongass National Forest.

Hiebert and other station owners negotiated with the U.S. military and the Alaskan congressional delegation to bring a live satellite feed of the landing to Alaska.