Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, March 26, 2015

What DC is Reading

• New York Times: Former Obama Supporter Claims He is “Burning the Constitution”
• USA Today: Vilsack, Duncan, Burwell: Keep School Lunches Healthy
• Associated Press: Republican Budget Will Erase Deficit in 10 Years

U.S. Senate Events

Cautious Care for Our Vets

Alaskan Impact: There’s been a recent epidemic at VA medical centers of doctors engaging in unsafe pain management practices in prescribing depressants and high-dose opioids to veterans. Senator Murkowski wants to ensure our veterans receive the best health care available that was promised to them, and part of that is through cautious oversight of prescriptions. Today the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee heard from health professionals on how to ensure the VA is following safe prescription practices.

(Click image to watch video.)

Sen: Thom Tillis (R-NC): Has there been any research on what a realistic number is for the long-term use of opioids?

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “VA Opioid Prescription Policy, Practice and Procedures”

Witnesses:

• Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Veterans Health Administration
• Dr. John D. Daigh, Jr., Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Dr. G. Caleb Alexander, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Dr. Carol Forster, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente
• John Gadea, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

U.S. House Events

Update on ISIS

Alaskan Impact: Alaskans are watching Russia and North Korea closely, but many are also keeping an eye on the volatility in the Middle East against ISIS. Senator Murkowski believes that before we put troops on the ground and in harm’s way, we must make sure the tactics, risks, and end game have been fully vetted and understood. Today military officials briefed the House Foreign Affairs Committee on President Obama’s current plan to defeat ISIS.

10:00 am

House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “The Administration’s Strategy to Confront ISIS.”

Witnesses:

• Retired Marie Corps Gen. John Allen, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL
• Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini, Middle East Principal Director in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
• Marine Corps Brigadier General Gregg Olson, Deputy Director for Middle East, Joint Staff Strategic Plans and Policy, U.S. Department of Defense

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.