Murkowski Morning Meeting For Wednesday, March 12, 2014

What DC is Reading

• National Journal: Republican Bill to Extend Long-Term Unemployment Not Getting Traction
• Bloomberg: Senate Climate “All-Nighter” More Politics than Problem-Solving
• Washington Post: Health Care has a Young Adult Enrollment Problem

U.S. Senate Events

Alaskans in Afghanistan

Alaskan Impact: To thousands of Alaskans, the military serving in Afghanistan is more than men and women in uniform defending us – it’s our neighbors, fathers, mothers and friends. With troop levels being reduced in Afghanistan, there is still uncertainty over whether Americans will be there at the end of the year and what permanent accomplishments have been attained. Today’s hearing featured a range of the questions that many Alaskans are asking.

5:00 am AKDT

Senate Armed Services Committee

Topic: “Conditions in Afghanistan”

Witnesses:

• Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., commander of the International Security Assistance Force

Watch the hearing here: www.armed-services.senate.gov

(Click to view)
Senator Inhofe (R-OK): What’s the Afghan military capable of presently?

(Click to view)
Senator Manchin (D-WV): What is our present mission goal in Afghanistan?

America’s Arctic Focus

Alaskan Impact: Coast Guard strength, FEMA, Arctic Ocean policy. There are a lot of Alaskan concerns falling into the Department of Homeland Security’s jurisdiction – but the President’s budget suggest cuts to Homeland Security. Senator Murkowski has been vocal in her requests that the administration step up its focus in the Arctic. This hearing addresses the upcoming budget concerns and priorities for Homeland Security.

10:00 am AKDT

Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing– Homeland Security Subcommittee

Topic: “FY2015 budget for the Homeland Security Department.”

Witness:

• Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson testifies

Watch the hearing here: appropriations.senate.gov (In a little over a half hour)

U.S. House Events

Protecting Our Coast

Alaskan Impact: The Coast Guard in Alaska is incredibly valuable, protecting coast line and saving lives. The importance of ensuring the activities of the Coast Guard are properly funded also means protecting maritime borders. Today’s hearing was a chance to hear Admiral Papp’s thoughts on the President’s budget.

10:00 am

House Appropriations Committee Hearing– Homeland Security Subcommittee

Topic: “The FY2015 Coast Guard Budget”

Witness:

• Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert Papp Jr. testifies

Watch the Hearing here: appropriations.house.gov