Murkowski Morning Meeting for Thursday, September 22, 2011

Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Thursday, September 22, 2011

U.S. Senate – Events

Alaskans in Afghanistan – What Does the Future Hold?

Alaskan Impact: With Alaskan-based soldiers like the Arctic Wolves Stryker Brigade deployed in Afghanistan and a withdrawal plan being considered, what is the reality on the ground? The outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates assured Alaska’s military in June that a drawdown wouldn’t endanger them. Today the question was asked: Is Afghanistan close to a point they can defend themselves? And with Pentagon budget cuts looming, where is the funding going to come from in the future?

5:30am AKDT
Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing
Topic: “U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq”
Testimony from:

• Defense Secretary Leon Panetta
• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen

Sen. Reed (D-RI) “Can our progress be sustained? Who pays for Afghan security?” – http://bit.ly/qDO2dt

Questioning/Hearing: http://bit.ly/oMK5ck

The Tribal Law and Order Act – One Year Later

Alaskan Impact: A year after the Tribal Law and Order Act was signed into law, questions remain on how effective it has been in combating violent crimes in Native communities. In about an hour, the Indian Affairs Committee will hear from federal officials, national organizations and affected tribal governments on the results the Act has had in curbing rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in Native communities
across the U.S.

10:15am AKDT
Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing
Topic: “Tribal Law and Order”
Expected to Testify:

• Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli
• Assistant Interior Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk
• Pamela Hyde, administrator, HHS

Watch Live: http://1.usa.gov/neu8LR

House of Representatives – Events

Are EPA Regulations Slowing the Process of Business?

Alaskan Impact: With recent Senate testimony asserting there are $1 trillion worth of excessive regulations in America, a House of Representatives Committee invited Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to discuss regulatory planning and analysis mandated by the President. Federal regulations are a familiar aspect of life in our vast state, but as regulations get tighter, they affect American businesses from Alaska, to Texas, to Pennsylvania.

5:00am AKDT
House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing
Topic: “EPA Regulatory Planning”
Testimony from:

• Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/nvjtF5

Off the Hill – Events

What Does Asia’s Rising Energy Profile Mean for America?

Alaskan Impact: China has now surpassed the U.S. as the top energy consumers. To keep up with high energy demand, they are not just gaining access to oil and natural gas resources across the globe – they are buying an ownership stake in the means to deliver and control those resources. From pipelines to refineries to renewable projects, China is making strategic purchases to ensure its energy security in the future. Senator Murkowski spoke today on the effect this has on U.S. interests and energy security.

5:00am AKDT
National Bureau of Asian Research
Topic: “2011 Energy Security Report”

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