Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, July 24, 2014

What DC is Reading

• Politico: Latest Senate Jobs Bill a Replay of Failed 2012 Bill
• New York Times: America Should Rescind the Ban on Crude-Oil Exports
• Washington Post: White House, Senators Near Deal on Surveillance Reform

U.S. Senate Events

Iraqi Turmoil Hitting Home

Alaskan Impact: Many Alaska-based soldiers have been deployed to Iraq and bravely served, and share Senator Murkowski’s frustration as our progress in the region unravels. With Islamic militants surging through the country and the Iraqi military folding, the situation there is extremely fragile. Today the Foreign Relations Committee explored what America’s role should be as the turmoil in Iraq continues.

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing

Topic: “Iraq at a Crossroads: Options for U.S. Policy.”

Witnesses:

• Brett McGurk, Deputy Assistant Secretary Of State For Iraq And Iran
• Elissa Slotkin, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Defense For International Security Affairs
• James F. Jeffrey, Philip Solondz Distinguished Visiting Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
• Lieutenant General Michael D. Barbero, U.S. Army
• Dr. Kenneth M. Pollack, Senior Fellow, Saban Center For Middle East Policy, Brookings Institute

(Click to watch excerpt)
Senator Corker (R-TN): Can you fight something with almost nothing?

(Click to watch excerpt)
Senator Rubio (R-FL): The crisis in Iraq hits the international energy marketplace.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Improving Alaska’s Energy Prospects

Alaskan Impact: Energy issues that matter greatly to Alaskans like hydro-kinetic energy, the Arctic, renewables, fossil fuels, and energy exports are all in the portfolio of the Deputy Secretary of Energy. Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee debated the nomination of Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall for the position. During questions and answers, Senator Murkowski was able to secure a commitment from Dr. Sherwood-Randall that, if confirmed, she would make sure DOE will “ensure there are no untoward delays in review of proposals for export of LNG.”

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “Nomination of Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to be Deputy Secretary of the Energy Department.

(Click to view excerpt from hearing)
Sen. Murkowski: Energy is truly a source of national security. We can help our allies and our country from a jobs perspective.

Watch the hearing by clicking here.

U.S. House Events

Balancing the Budget: A National Priority

Alaskan Impact: Alaskans know that the current fiscal path of our country is simply unmanageable. Senator Murkowski has repeatedly shared her concerns about the country’s continued budgetary problems and the pressing need for comprehensive tax reform, and today the House Judiciary Committee debated how to put the nation back on a sustainable fiscal path.

6:00a.m. AKDT

House Judiciary Committee Hearing

Topic: “Constitutional Solutions to Our Escalating National Debt: Examining Balanced Budget Amendments.”

Witnesses:

• Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
• Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO)
• Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI)
• Congressman Robert C. Scott (D-VA)
• Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ)
• Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, President, American Action Forum
• Dr. Henry J. Aaron, The Brookings Institute
• Dr. David Primo, Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor, University of Rochester

Watch the hearing here by clicking here.