Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, February 26, 2015

What DC is Reading

• Politico: IRS Still Targeting Non-Profits
• U.S. Naval Institute News: Coast Guard: U.S. Needs 3 Heavy and 3 Medium Icebreakers
• Wall Street Journal: Obama Targeting Thrifty Americans for More Fees

U.S. Senate Events

Healthy Forests, Healthy Economies

Alaskan Impact: The Tongass National Forest covers nearly all of Southeast Alaska, but the decline in timber sales and the U.S. Forest Service’s failure to actively manage the forest has slowly strangled the region’s timber industry without offering a viable economic replacement. In today’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Chairman Murkowski pressed Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell on timber harvest levels, the impact of the roadless rule on renewable energy projects, restrictions on filming, and even recreational activities in the Tongass.

5:45a.m. AKST

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “The U.S. Forest Services’ FY2016 Budget.”

Witness:

• Thomas Tidwell, Chief, U.S. Forest Service

(Click to view)
Murkowski presses Forest Service Chief for answers on Tongass National Forest.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Fisheries Funding

Alaskan Impact: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a huge presence in Alaska, with responsibilities covering over 800,000 square nautical miles of our waters—and falls within the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department. Senator Murkowski understands the value and importance of NOAA, but is concerned by some of its recent proposals that could potentially shutter Alaska’s fishing industry. Today the Appropriations Committee questioned the Commerce Secretary about her priorities and agenda.

6:30a.m. AKST

Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing

Topic: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Hearing on “The Department of Commerce’s FY2016 Budget.”

Witness:

• Penny Pritzker, Secretary, Department of Commerce

U.S. House Events

Health Care Reform Flops

Alaskan Impact: Eighteen months after its botched rollout, the Affordable Care Act is continuing to give Alaskans headaches, especially as tax season approaches. Senator Murkowski is well aware of the failures of the ACA, which is why she’s introduced several pieces of legislation that address some of the biggest problems. Today the House Oversight Committee reviewed the ACA’s murky history to determine what needs to be done to make this legislation work for Americans.

6:00a.m. AKST

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing

Topic: Health Care, Benefits and Administrative Rules Subcommittee Hearing on “From Health Care Enrollment to Tax Filing: A PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) Update.”

Witnesses:

• Kevin Counihan, Director and Marketplace CEO, The Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.