Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, July 23, 2015

What DC is Reading

• Washington Examiner: Congress’s Productivity on the Rise
• The Hill: GAO: Too Much Bias Risk in IRS Audit System
• National Journal: A Comprehensive Energy Bill That Sparks

U.S. Senate Events

Iran Nuclear Deal Questioned

Alaskan Impact: Alaskans remain concerned about the Iran nuclear agreement—as even nuclear experts question if this deal can be verified. Senator Murkowski is skeptical that the bill will assure Iranian compliance, and is reviewing the deal to full examine whether or not it protects the American people. Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee heard from those who crafted the deal to determine if the deal is truly enforceable, verifiable, and holds Iran accountable.

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing

Topic: “Iran Nuclear Agreement Review.”

Witnesses:

• John Kerry, Secretary of State
• Ernest Moniz, Secretary of Energy

(Click image to watch video.)
Senator Bob Corker (R-TN): Iran questions Secretary Kerry as to whether he was outmaneuvered by his counterparts.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Alaska’s Needs Addressed Through Appropriations Process

Alaskan Impact: Today the Senate Appropriations Committee will review the last of the funding bills for FY2016: the Final Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Murkowski proposed several Alaska measures for the spending bill, including: increased support for taxpayer assistance services in the state, recommendations to digitize national archives and records, and funding for broadband connectivity on tribal lands.

6:30a.m. AKDT

Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing

Topic: Full Committee markup of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act for FY2016.

Listen to the entire hearing by clicking here.

U.S. House Events

Preserving Alaska’s National Parks

Alaskan Impact: Alaska has some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, from the Sitka National Historical Park to the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. In the FY16 Interior Appropriations bill, Senator Murkowski secured needed funding for the National Park Service as part of its Centennial Initiative. Today the House Natural Resources Committee discussed innovative ideas to keep our national parks thriving for the next century.

6:00a.m. AKDT

House Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: Federal Lands Subcommittee hearing on “New and Innovative Ideas for the Next Century of Our National Parks.”

Witnesses:

• Jim Fram, President and CEO, Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
• Craig Obey, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, National Parks Conservation Association
• Derrick A. Crandall, Counselor, National Park Hospitality Association
• John L. Nau , Vice Chairman (2012 – 2013), National Park Foundation

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.