Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, March 6, 2014

What DC is Reading

• New York Times “Obama Contains Political Fallout, Adds New Health Care Delay”
• Washington Post “CIA Hacks into Senate Intelligence Committee Computers”
• Wall Street Journal “Obama Should Take Murkowski’s Energy Advice to Reduce Russian Influence”

U.S. Senate Events

Syria: Tipping Point for Terrorism, Russia?

Alaskan Impact: Senator Murkowski and Alaskans were outraged over the situation in Syria last August, and the lack of leadership from the President – opening up a debate this week between those who believe America’s response possibly led to Russia’s actions in the Ukraine and those who believe it didn’t play a role in Vladimir Putin’s decision. Either way, nothing has been resolved in Syria and President Al-Assad is poised to be re-elected soon.

7:00 am AKDT

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing

Topic: “Syria Spillover: The Growing Threat of Terrorism and Sectarianism in the Middle East.”

Witnesses:

• Deputy Secretary of State William Burns
• Assistant Defense Secretary for International Security Affairs Derek Chollet;
• Matthew Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center

Sen. Corker: We have created a dangerous, permissive environment globally.
Watch the hearing here: foreign.senate.gov

Railroad of the Future

Alaskan Impact: The Alaska Railroad has constantly strived for rail safety, and there may soon be new rail-dependent energy opportunities in our state that would call for an expansion of those measures. With reports coming from oil- and gas-producing states about the value of rail transport, developing a safe infrastructure and ensuring environmental standards are maintained is vital to the transportation and energy industries.

7:00 am AKDT

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Hearing

Topic: “Enhancing our Rail Safety: Current Challenges for Passenger and Freight Rail”

Witnesses:

• Joseph Szabo, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration
• Cynthia Quarterman, administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• Christopher Hart, vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board
• Geoffrey Blackwell, chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy
• Bob Greco, group director for downstream and industry operations at the American Petroleum Institute
• Ed Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads

Watch the hearing here: commerce.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

More Healthcare Problems

Alaskan Impact: News of yet another Affordable Care Act delay comes as Alaskans and the rest of the nation have already had a difficult time with the cumbersome new law. From cancelled coverage to increased rates, Alaskans have felt the blowback from this law. Now those who are self-employed are attempting to navigate the waters of Obamacare. This hearing looks to identify issues with the law and the self-employed.

6:00 am AKDT

House Small Business Committee Hearing

Topic: “Obamacare and the Self-Employed: What About Us?”

Witnesses:

• Todd McCracken, president of the National Small Business Association, Washington, D.C.
• Alan Schulman, president of Benefits and Advisors, Rockville, Md. representing the Council for Affordable Health Coverage and the National Health Underwriters Association;
• Charlie Arnold, president/owner of Arnold Powerwash, Lewes, Del., representing the National Association for the Self-Employed

Watch the hearing here: smallbusiness.house.gov