Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, September 17, 2015

What DC is Reading

• New York Times: Few U.S.-Trained Syrians Still Fight ISIS, Senators Are Told
• Wall Street Journal (Paywall): U.N. Sends Experts to Iran to Discuss Past Nuclear Work
• Indianz: Obama Settles Long-Running Tribal Contract Support Costs Cases

U.S. Senate Events

Recreation on Federal Lands

Alaskan Impact: At the end of last year, the Forest Service announced that it will be charging a fee at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center—not just to use the center’s facilities, but simply to hike on some of Alaska’s world-class trails. Senator Murkowski understands the necessity of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), which gives the National Park Service the authority to collect these kinds of fees to be used for maintenance and upkeep, but is worried that excessive fees can make our national parks seem “uninviting.” Today Senator Murkowski chaired a Senate Energy Committee hearing on FLREA, highlighting the need to streamline permitting for outfitters and guides and instill greater transparency in how fees are collected and used.

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act.”

Witnesses:

• Peggy O’Dell, Deputy Director, National Park Service
• Mary Wagner, Associate Chief, U.S. Forest Service
• Kitty Benzar, President, Western Slope No-Fee Coalition
• David Brown, President, America Outdoors Association

(Click image to watch video.)

Sen. Murkowski: “Recreation fees and increases should be used appropriately for maintaining and improving public sites.”

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Maritime National Security

Alaskan Impact: Just weeks ago, Chinese naval ships were spotted 12 nautical miles off of Alaska’s coast and last week, a Russian intelligence ship was seen near Shell’s oil vessel in the Chukchi Sea. Senator Murkowski is a strong supporter of our military and has advocated for increased military presence in Alaska due to our strategic location, especially in light of the emerging threat presented by Russia, China, and North Korea. Today the Senate Armed Services Committee heard from military officials on America’s maritime security strategy in the volatile Asia-Pacific Region.

6:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “Maritime Security Strategy in the Asia-Pacific Region.”

Witnesses:

• Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., United States Navy, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
• Ambassador David B. Shear, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.