Murkowski Morning Meeting For Tuesday, July 14, 2015

What DC is Reading

• NBC: Obama Vows to Veto Congressional Dissent on Iran Nuclear Deal
• Politico: The Reality of Cyberwar
• Washington Post: As Dempsey Departs, A Sober Assessment Of Middle East

U.S. Senate Events

Rural, Remote Challenges to Energy

Alaskan Impact: The sheer size and remoteness of Alaska means that the vast majority of the state’s communities like Kwig and Pelican must operate their own independent power systems without the efficiency benefits that come from a larger interconnected power grid. Most of these communities must also rely on diesel to generate electricity and heat – diesel that must be barged or flown long distances, adding to its cost. Senator Murkowski today held a hearing on the unique challenges rural communities in Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territories face in providing their residents with affordable and abundant energy.

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “Islanded Energy Systems: Energy and Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories.”

Witnesses:

• Esther P. Kia’aina, Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
• Robert Underwood, President, University of Guam, and Former Guam Delegate, U.S. House of Representatives
• Mark B. Glick, Administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office
• Hugo V. Hodge Jr., Executive Director (CEO), Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
• Meera Kohler, President and CEO, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

(Click image to watch video.)
Senator Murkowski calls for advancement of Alaska’s isolated energy systems.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

America’s Best Defense

Alaskan Impact: Last week, the nominee to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the biggest threat to U.S. national security is Russia, just days after the Pentagon announced 2,600 Army troops will be cut from JBER. Senator Murkowski has criticized the short-sighted decision to reduce our military presence in such a volatile region. Today the Senate Armed Services Committee reviewed the nomination of General Paul Selva to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

5:30a.m. AKDT

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “Nomination of Air Force Gen. Paul Selva to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.