Murkowski Morning Meeting For Wednesday, January 28, 2015

What DC is Reading

• Wall Street Journal: A.G. Nominee to Face Grilling in Senate Hearing (Paywall)
• New York Times: Obama’s Double Standard: Drilling in Atlantic, but Limit Arctic
• Washington Post: America’s Debt Still a Problem to be Faced

U.S. Senate Events

“Out of this World” Problems at DoJ

Alaskan Impact: As details of Senator Ted Stevens’ botched trial continue to come forth – and DoJ misdoings go unpunished – Alaskans are more than aware of abuses within the Department of Justice system. Senator Murkowski has repeatedly vowed to reform the DoJ’s disciplinary system and is ready and willing to use the Attorney General Nomination process as a means to do so. Today, AG nominee Loretta Lynch was reminded of the dark legacy of the Stevens case.

6:00a.m. AKST

Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

Topic: “Nomination of Loretta Lynch to be U.S. Attorney General.”

Sen. Hatch (R-UT): Nominee Lynch should repair the faith in justice after the Stevens trial.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Protecting Alaska’s Railroad

Alaskan Impact: The Alaska Railroad is one of our state’s most important pieces of infrastructure, transporting as much as 5 million tons of freight each year from Southcentral all the way up to the Interior. Senator Murkowski has been an advocate for the ARRC, fighting against proposed budget cuts to the railroad in the U.S. Senate. Today the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee heard from industry officials on how to ensure our nation’s railroads remain safe, efficient, and effective.

6:00a.m. AKST

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Hearing

Topic: “Freight Rail Transportation: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Commerce”

Witnesses:

• Frank Lonegro, Vice President for Service Design at CSX Transportation
• Dave Brown, COO of Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services
• Bill Johnson, Former Director of Port Miami
• Michelle Teel, Multimodal Director for the Missouri Department of Transportation
• Chris Jahn, President of the Fertilizer Institute

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

U.S. House Events

Caring for our Veterans

Alaskan Impact: Almost nine months after details first emerged on the critical mismanagement of the Veterans’ Affairs healthcare system, reform is underway to ensure that our nation’s veterans receive the care they deserve. Senator Murkowski remains committed to Alaska’s veterans, whether by passing the Clay Hunt SAV Act or by encouraging VA listening sessions around the state. Today the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee received updates from government officials on what steps the VA is taking to ensure the high quality of care promised to our military men, women, and families.

6:15a.m. AKST

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: Health Subcommittee Hearing on “Examining the Quality and Cost of VA Health Care.”

Witnesses:

• Matthew Goldberg, Deputy Assistant Director of the Congressional Budget Office’s National Security Division
• Carl Blake, Associate Executive Director for Government Relations for Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Louis Celli, Director of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation at the American Legion
• James Tuchschmidt, Acting Principal Deputy VA Undersecretary for Health

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.