Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, September 12, 2013

What DC is Reading:

• USA Today: Putin Writes Syria Opinion Piece for New York Times
• CNN: Putin’s comments on American Exceptionalism, Syria Cause a Fuss

U.S. Senate Events

“Massive and Unprecedented Intrusion” into Freedom of the Press?

Alaskan Impact: Free speech and freedom of the press is protected under our constitution, and Alaskans are wary of any infringements on the First Amendment. When the Department of Justice went after journalists’ email and phone records a few months ago, Senator Murkowski expressed her concern that the administration had achieved a new level of federal overreach. She wasn’t alone. Earlier today, the Senate considered the Free Flow of Information Act of 2013 to protect journalists from such unprecedented intrusions.

6:00am AKDT

Senate Judiciary Committee Markup

Topic: “Free Flow of Information Act of 2013”; S.357

(Click image to watch excerpt)

Watch the entire hearing online: judiciary.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives Events

Defending America via the Ocean

Alaskan Impact: Last year, a Russian submarine entered American waters undetected – stirring a debate about improving our defenses along the coastline. At a time when international tensions remain high and the United States is considering actions against Syria, the House of Representatives looked at how to protect Alaskans through ‘undersea warfare’ methods.

5:00am AKDT

House Armed Services Committee Hearing

Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee hearing on “Undersea Warfare Capabilities and Challenges”

Testimony from:

• United States Navy Rear Adm. Richard Breckenridge, Director of the Undersea Warfare Division
• U.S. Navy Rear Adm. David Johnson, Program Executive Officer for Submarines at the Defense Department

Watch the entire meeting online: www.armedservices.house.gov