Murkowski Morning Meeting for Thursday, March 1, 2012

U.S. Senate Events

Tourism Boost in Alaska

Alaskan Impact: Tourism makes up approximately 35,000 jobs in Alaska, but the Costa Concordia cruise ship crash damaged consumer confidence. With Alaska expecting an additional 50,000 cruise passengers this season, the Senate Commerce and Transportation Committee discussed industry safety.

6:00am AKST
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Hearing
Topic: “Cruise Industry Oversight”
Testimony from:

• Vice Adm. Brian Salerno, Deputy Coast Guard Commandant for Operations
• Bill Johnson, seaport director of the Port of Miami
• Capt. William Doherty, director of maritime relations, NEXUS Consulting Corp

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/AD1tmq

House of Representatives Events

Pacific Ties, Alaska’s Position

Alaskan Impact: The Pentagon’s new focus on Asia underscores Alaska’s military importance and could also improve relations in the region. The commander of the U.S. Pacific command testified before the House on the Defense Department’s shifting Asia-Pacific strategy.

6:00am AKST
House Armed Services Committee Hearing
Topic: “U.S. Pacific Command Budget”
Testimony from:

• Navy Adm. Robert Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command

Watch the entire hearing online: http://bit.ly/zO4RP1

Off the Hill Events

Curbing Domestic Violence

Alaskan Impact: One in three women around the world will suffer some form of abuse. In Alaska, the rates are epidemic: almost 75% of Alaskans have been exposed to violence. Today Women Thrive Worldwide hosted a discussion in honor of International Women’s Day to raise awareness.

4:15am AKST
Women Thrive Worldwide Discussion
Topic: “Violence Against Women”
Participants:

• Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas
• Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill.
• Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn.

Pain at the Pump

While the Lower 48 is making much of gas prices averaging $3.72 (and rising), Alaskans face prices that start over $4.00 and go up from there. Yesterday, Senator Murkowski joined three of her Senate colleagues saying that the President “isn’t getting it,” when it comes to following through on an all-of-the-above energy strategy.