Murkowski Morning Meeting for Thursday, July 11, 2013

U.S. Senate Events

Maintaining Our Pacific Defense

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s strategic military position makes our state a key location for the Pentagon’s new Pacific focus, but the Republic of Palau also provides an essential strategic piece to the United States’ Pacific national defense and resource puzzle. Senator Murkowski supports maintaining a strong relationship with the Republic of Palau, as defined by the 50-Year Compact of Free Association, but wants to ensure that the federal government finds a viable source of funding for this assistance. Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee discussed this issue, where Murkowski is the top Republican.

5:30am AKDT
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing
Topic: “Omnibus Territories Act”
Testimony from:

• Del. Donna Christian-Christensen, D-Virgin Islands
• Del. Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam
• Del. Gregorio Sablan, D-Northern Mariana Islands
• Acting Assistant Interior Secretary for Insular Areas Eileen Sobeck
• Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for South and Southeast Asia Vikram Singh

(Click imageto view statement)

Senator Murkowski: Palau is critical to our nation’s economic and physical security.

Watch the entire hearing online: energy.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

Fighting Wildfires on Public Lands

Alaskan Impact: More than 80 million acres of Alaska is managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior as public land. Every summer, hundreds of wildfires burn on those public lands, and some need to be fought to protect lives and structures. Right now, there are 87 active wildfires burning across Alaska, and the Stuart Creek 2 Fire near Fairbanks is still proving challenging for firefighters. With the recent firefighter tragedy in Arizona still fresh on the minds of Americans, today the House looks at fighting fires on America’s public lands.

6:00am AKDT
House Natural Resources Committee Public Lands and Environmental Regulation Subcommittee
Topic: “Wildfire and Forest Management.”
Testimony from:

• Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado
• Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colorado
• Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Arizona
• Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Arizona
• Jim Hubbard, Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry at the U.S. Forest Service
• James Douglas, acting director of the Office of Wildland Fire

Watch the entire hearing online: resourcescommittee.house.gov