Murkowski Morning Meeting for Thursday, December 8, 2011

Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Wednesday, December 8, 2011

U.S. Senate – Events

A New Face at the Energy Department?

Alaskan Impact: Dr. Arunava Majumdar was nominated last week to be the Under Secretary of Energy. Mr. Majumdar has visited Alaska at Senator Murkowski’s request in his capacity as Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), where he has worked to advance renewable energy projects in Alaska and nationwide. Senator Murkowski believes all energy sources should be on the table; from wind and hydropower, to solar and fossil fuels. Mr. Majumdar took questions from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where Senator Murkowski brought up Alaska’s methane hydrate potential.

5:30am AKST
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing
Topic: “Pending Nominations”
Testimony from:

• Dr. Arunava Majumdar, nominee

Footage of entire hearing: http://1.usa.gov/tqYOdI

Sen. Murkowski: What is the role of unconventional fossil fuels like Alaska’s methane hydrates?

House of Representatives – Events

The Justice Department’s Inconsistent Message

Alaskan Impact: From declining to pursue teen sex crime charges against Bill Allen, to refusing to answer on DOJ involvement in Operation Fast and Furious, some in Congress have suggested that Attorney General Eric Holder resign. Today, the House Judiciary Committee got their chance to ask Holder for clarification on the administration’s role in the failed operation.

5:30am AKST
House Judiciary Committee Hearing
Topic: “Justice Department Oversight”
Testimony from:

• Attorney General Eric Holder

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

Off the Hill – Events

Smart Justice for Alaska

Alaskan Impact: 44.7 percent of Alaskans in prison commit a new crime within three years – that’s the highest recidivism rate in the nation. The problem is systemic and has contributed to Alaska’s Department of Corrections budget rising by over $100 million in the last decade. The Alaska Department of Labor has been working with inmates to provide counseling and training services in order to aid in their re-entry into the Alaskan workforce. It’s an important concept because of the extremely high unemployment rates faced by Americans with criminal records. Earlier today, the Council of State Governments hosted a forum to examine what else can be done to reduce recidivism and aid in prisoner re-entry.

4:30am AKST
The Council of State Governments Justice Center Forum
Topic: “Prisoner Reentry and Recidivism”
Participants:

• Rep Frank Wolf, R-Va.
• Chaka Fattah, D-Pa.

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