Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, September 18, 2014

What DC is Reading

• New York Times: Obama at All-time Low Support Level for Terrorism Stance
• Washington Post: VA Plans Pay Boost to Attract Doctors
• Politico: A Tour of America’s Most Conservative Cities

U.S. Senate Events

Affordable Energy for Alaskans

Alaskan Impact: Home energy costs, especially in Alaska, often make up a major portion of a family’s budget. Senator Lisa Murkowski today released a report – Plenty at Stake: Indicators of American Energy Insecurity – with Senator Tim Scott, R-S.C., to provide new tools for measuring the impact of rising energy costs on American families. The Murkowski-Scott report finds that a 10-percent increase in home energy costs nationally would push 840,000 more Americans below the poverty line. The aim of the report to offer policymakers with a way to more fully evaluate public policies and other events that impact household energy prices, which includes electricity and oil and natural gas used for home heating and cooling.

Senator Murkowski leads energy cost conversation at National Press Club with Senator Tim Scott

Click the following links for coverage of this event in Washington, D.C. outlets like The Hill or Washington Examiner.

“Live Free or Die” Says Ukraine President

Alaskan Impact: As its neighbor to the east, Alaskans are intently watching the tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This morning, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko addressed a joint meeting of Congress about the current situation in his country. Senator Murkowski has suggested a boycott of Russia goods in response to it using ‘food as a weapon’ and that the U.S. strengthening energy exports to Russia are short-term actions worth considering.

6:00a.m. AKDT

Joint Meeting of Congress

Topic: Address from President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine

Watch President Poroshenko receive a warm welcome by clicking here.

U.S. House Events

Improving VA Care

Alaskan Impact: The VA held a town hall meeting in Anchorage this week to listen to stories from Alaskans about the treatment they have received through the VA. The VA recognizes that the trust between veterans and the VA is broken and these town halls were a first step to repairing the damage. Today the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee received an update from VA officials about what has been done to rectify this crisis and rebuild the trust of American’s veterans.

5:30a.m. AKDT

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “Scheduling Manipulation and Veteran Deaths in Phoenix: Examination of the OIG’s Final Report.”

Witnesses:

• Richard J. Griffin, Acting Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs
• The Honorable Robert A. McDonald, Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Lisa Thomas, PhD, Chief of Staff, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs

Watch the hearing by clicking here.