Murkowski Morning Meeting For Wednesday, February 4, 2015

What DC is Reading

• Gallup: The Big Lie: of 5.6% Unemployment
• USA Today: Drill, With Care, in ANWR and Everywhere
• New York Times: The Newest Small Aircraft Safety Hazard: Selfies

U.S. Senate Events

The Military’s Alaska Future

Alaskan Impact: As evidenced today by the Pentagon planning simulators and F-35s at Eielson Air Force Base for 2019, Alaska is one of the most strategic military locations in the world. With the U.S. facing emerging threats from Iraq, Syria, and North Korea, it’s crucial the next Secretary of Defense grasps our state’s value. Today, nominee Ashton Carter testified in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee, answering questions on our global defense, military sexual assault, and President Obama’s strategy to defeat ISIS.

10:30a.m. AKST

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “Nomination of Ashton Carter to be Defense Secretary”

(Click to watch excerpt)

Dr. Ashton Carter: America’s military role has been “pivotal” in keeping peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Defending and Empowering Native Children

Alaskan Impact: Alaska Native children face a variety of obstacles – such as high rates of poverty and unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and limited economic opportunities. Senator Murkowski joined Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) in introducing the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children to address these hurdles. Today, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee will review the legislation that would create this commission.

10:30a.m. AKST

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Markup

Topic: “S.246, to establish the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children.”

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Protecting Alaska Fishermen, Stopping EPA “Silliness”

Alaskan Impact: The EPA’s burdensome ‘incidental discharge’ regulation that would consider merely hosing “fish guts” off the deck of a boat a violation of the Clean Water Act poses a threat to 8500 fishing boats in Alaska. That is why Senator Murkowski brokered a three year moratorium on this EPA regulation, but has vowed to negotiate a more permanent solution. Today the Senate Commerce Committee heard from those in the industry on how this “nonsensical” regulation could harm America’s fishing communities if it ever came to be.

10:30a.m. AKST

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Hearing

Topic: Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee Hearing on “The Impacts of Vessel Discharge Regulations on our Shipping and Fishing Industry.”

Witnesses:

• James Farley, President, Kirby Offshore Marine
• James Weakley, President, Lake Carriers Association
• Claudia Copeland, Specialist in Resources and Environmental Policy, Congressional Research Service
• Robert Zales, President, National Association of Charter Boat Operators

Watch the hearing entire hearing by clicking here.