Murkowski Morning Meeting for Thursday, March 22, 2012

U.S. Senate Events

Funding Alaska’s Fisheries

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s seafood industry creates over 78,000 jobs and is a billion dollar business. The Commerce Department oversees 842,000 nautical miles by having oversight over NOAA. Today, Senator Murkowski asked Commerce Secretary John Bryson about funding levels for stock assessments and catch share programs. Bryson also spoke of seeing “enhanced productivity” in having fisheries be moved under the jurisdiction of the Interior Department, which already oversees most freshwater activity.

6:00am AKST
Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing
Topic: “Commerce Department Budget”
Testimony from:

• Commerce Secretary John Bryson

Sen. Murkowski: Will Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska stock assessments and surveys be impacted negatively in the 2013 budget?

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

House of Representatives Events

Improving Transportation Safety on Alaska’s Highways

Alaskan Impact: On the stretch of Seward Highway between Potter Marsh and Girdwood, more than 100 people have been killed in highway accidents since 1977 – causing many Alaskans to call for a safer highway. Today the House Energy and Commerce Committee took a look at motor vehicle safety.

6:00am AKST
House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing
Topic: “Motor Vehicle Safety”
Testimony from:

• Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.
• David Strickland, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Mitch Bainwol, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

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

Other Hill Events

Giving Veterans the Care They Deserve

Alaskan Impact: Alaska is home to more than 77,000 veterans – some of who continue to struggle to receive the benefits they have earned. Today veterans testified on how we can support our veterans better when they return home.

6:00am AKST
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Senate Homeland Security Committee
Topic: “Army Military Pay Problems”
Participants:

• Lt. Col. Kirk Zecchin a member of the Army Reserves
• Asif Khan, Government Accountability Office
• Jim Watkins, Department of the Army

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