Murkowski Morning Meeting for Thursday, February 2, 2012

U.S. Senate Events

All of the Above Energy …

Alaskan Impact: As Senator Murkowski pursues an ‘all of the above” energy policy for Alaska and the nation, America’s next steps in nuclear energy were discussed at the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee today. The chairs of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future testified, pushing for a new approach – saying a new long term nuclear storage facility must be established before new nuclear power plants can move forward.

5:30am AKST
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing
Topic: “America’s Nuclear Future Report”
Testimony from:

• Former Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Ind.
• Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft
  Co-chairmen of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future

Murkowski: How do we keep agencies from running amok?

What about the ‘not in my backyard’ concern on nuclear facilities?

Watch the entire hearing: http://1.usa.gov/yeG3ZX

House of Representatives Events

The State of the US Economy

Alaskan Impact: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified this morning on the nation’s economy. Recent news has been a mixed bag for the nation: US productivity rose for the fifth straight month, but the Congressional Budget Office is projecting a deepening deficit and rising joblessness.

6:00am AKST
House Budget Committee Hearing
Topic: “State of the U.S. Economy”
Testimony from:

• Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke

Watch the hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/wlcnk5

Creating Career Opportunities for Veterans

Alaskan Impact: Unemployment is a broad and national concern, but many of Alaska’s 77,000 veterans face an even steeper reality. Iraq and Afghanistan vets face rising unemployment rates, including 30 percent for young vets. After much of Senator Murkowski’s “Hiring Heroes” legislation became law in November, the House Veterans Affairs Committee examined additional ways to help.

6:00am AKST
House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing
Topic: “Lowering National Guard Unemployment Rates”

Watch the entire hearing: http://veterans.house.gov/