Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, May 14, 2015

What DC is Reading

• New York Times: House Passes USA Freedom Act to Rein In Surveillance
• Politico: ABC Host/Anchor Gave $50K to Clinton Foundation
• Wall Street Journal: Senate Agrees How to Proceed on Trade Deal

U.S. Senate Events

Double-Standard for Delays in Alaska Development

Alaskan Impact: 62% of Alaska land is managed by the federal government; as a result, the process for permitting vital infrastructure projects is continuously drawn out. Alaska’s pipeline corridor through Denali was delayed nearly 4 years just to receive a permit before construction of this vital project could begin – more than double what it took a pipeline project in New York City. At a Senate Energy Committee hearing today, Chairman Murkowski noted how this delay has negatively impacted Alaskans access to our resources and the need for reform.

6:00a.m. AKST

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “Energy Infrastructure Legislation.”

Witnesses:

• Erica Bowman, America’s Natural Gas Alliance
• Jonathan M. Weisgall, Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Berkshire Hathaway Energy
• Amy Ericson, President, Alstom Inc.
• Greg Dotson, Vice President of Energy Policy, Center for American Progress
• Jim Hunter, Utility Department Director, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO, CLC
• Dr. Brian P. Kalk, Commissioner, North Dakota Public Service Commission

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

(Click to watch excerpt)
Murkowski: What is the permitting and authority process in Alaska like, compared to other states?

Fighting for Older Alaskans’ Care

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s seniors oftentimes face serious hurdles when it comes to accessing affordable healthcare, or even just finding a doctor who will see them under the Medicare program. A positive step occurred recently when the Senate passed a bill to fix problems with reimbursement rates for doctors. Senator Murkowski has also historically supported efforts like the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act, allowing seniors to see the physician of their choice, including physical and occupational therapy. Today the U.S. Senate Finance Committee discussed how to improve care for all Medicare patients—especially those with chronic health conditions.

6:00a.m. AKST

Senate Finance Committee Hearing

Topic: “A Pathway to Improving Care for Medicare Patients with Chronic Conditions.”

Witnesses:

• Patrick Conway, Acting Principal Deputy Administrator, Deputy Administrator for Innovation and Quality, and Chief Medical Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore
• Mark Miller, executive director of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

U.S. House Events

Making Good Trade Better

Alaskan Impact: Alaska exports an average of $1.6 billion annually in goods to markets in the Asia-Pacific rim, representing a third of all of our state’s exports. The U.S. Senate is currently considering legislation that will update trade laws and provide a template to guide future international trade pacts—expanding trade with some of Alaska’s closest neighbors. Today the House Foreign Affairs Committee discussed what needs to be done to advance U.S. economic interests in Asia.

10:00 am

House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “Advancing U.S. Economic Interests in Asia.”

Witnesses:

• Daniel R. Russel, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• Charles H. Rivkin, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.