Murkowski Morning Meeting for Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Wednesday, November 9, 2011

U.S. Senate – Events

Alaska’s Bypass Mail Battle Playing Out

Alaskan Impact: Though Alaska is fighting a USPS battle of our own over the future of bypass mail, both chambers of Congress are asking “What to do with the postal service?” Some are suggesting that mail service be cut to five days a week, while other point out the retiree health benefits system needs to be rethought. Today, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee discussed the bipartisan bill being called a “rescue plan” for the USPS.

6:00am AKDT
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Markup
Topic: “Pending Legislation: 21^st Century Postal Service Act of 2011”

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/uFPCMY

Floor Speech on EPA Regulations, Internet

Moments ago, the day before Senator Murkowski holds a teletown hall with Alaskans on the national economy, she gave a speech on what she learned in her first three town halls in Anchorage, Palmer and Fairbanks. She shared with her Senate colleagues that “far too often, our small businesses are being judged by how well they keep their safety records rather than the actual safety records themselves. Did you check the right box? Did you fill out the right form? If you didn’t, we’re going to fine you … but is the focus on whether they have a sound safety record?” (Click box below to watch)

House of Representatives – Events

The House of Representatives is not is session this week.

Off the Hill – Events

Giving Small Businesses a Helping Hand

Alaskan Impact: There are over 16,000 small businesses in Alaska, and small businesses nationwide are growing thanks to legislation introduced in the House and Senate, as well as investments from big banks – $607 billion in loans during the first half of 2011 alone. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke participated today in a discussion on how continued investment in the American entrepreneurial spirit could create jobs and boost our economy.

4:30am AKDT
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System & Kauffman Foundation Conference
Topic: “Small Business and Entrepreneurship during Economic Recovery”
Participants:

• Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke

Alaskan Access to Telecommunications Infrastructure

Alaskan Impact: Almost a month after AFN tackled the issue of inadequate Internet service in rural Alaska, George Mason University hosted a discussion on the FCC’s plan to reform broadband services nationwide. Nearly 40 percent of Alaska’s land area doesn’t have reliable access to broad band Internet – something that would be unacceptable to most states in the lower 48.

6:00am AKDT
The Mercatus Center at George Mason University Discussion
Topic: “Broadband and the FCC”
Participants:

• Raymond Gifford, partner at the law firm of Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP
• Jeffrey Eisenach, managing director and principal at Navigant Economics
• Howard Shelanski, professor of law at Georgetown Law School

For more information on what’s happening in Washington,
D.C. or to find out Senator Murkowski’s view on these issues – contact the
Communications Office at 202-224-9301.
www.murkowski.senate.gov