Murkowski Morning Meeting for Thursday, October 13, 2011

Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Thursday, October 13, 2011

U.S. Senate – Events

Cracking Down on Iran

This week’s big news of an Iranian assassination plot of two Ambassadors – with operatives hired from Mexico – has motivated the nation to step up our sanctions on Iran and work with European nations to build a united front. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the assassination plot “a dangerous escalation” in the tension between our countries, and vowed to hold Iran accountable. The Senate Banking Committee heard testimony on addressing further potential threats from Iran by taking away their flow of international money – and whether our actions will keep Iran from becoming a nuclear threat.

6:00am AKDT
Senate Banking Committee Hearing
Topic: “Iran Economic Sanctions”
Testimony from:

• Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman
• Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen
• Assistant Commerce Secretary for Export Enforcement David Mills

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/oL08sU
Sen. Corker – Are we on the right course to keep Iran from having a bomb?

House of Representatives – Events

Alaska’s Post Offices are Necessity, not Convenience

Alaskan Impact: Alaskans across the state have been voicing their concerns over the proposed postal closures since the U.S. Postal Service’s initial announcement in July. Since then, 31 of the 36 post offices have been taken off the list for closure. Senator Murkowski continues to stress the importance of Alaska’s post offices and has introduced legislation to protect rural post offices, as two Congressmen attempt to defund Alaska’s bypass mail – a major economic engine and vital service for the state.

6:30am AKDT
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing
Topic: “Postal Reform Act of 2011″

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/pEPDcn

Off the Hill – Events

Protecting Alaska’s Military During Fiscal Cuts

Alaskan Impact: The News-Miner Tuesday editorial spelled it out: “As troop draw-down begins, Alaska deployments increase.” This reality also happens as budget cuts loom for defense spending. The Defense Department has to leverage fewer resources while facing new threats and challenges. Though Senator Murkowski has successfully placed funding into the military’s budget for Alaska projects, in the big picture the Army has been told to “get creative” with declining budgets. The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted a discussion today about these challenges and future capabilities.

7:30am AKDT
Center for Strategic and International Studies Discussion
Topic: “Challenges of National Defense”
Participants:

• Retired Marine Corps Gen. John Sheehan
• Kim Wincup, senior adviser at CSIS

For more information on what’s happening in Washington,
D.C. or to find out Senator Murkowski’s view on these issues – contact the
Communications Office at 202-224-9301.
www.murkowski.senate.gov