Murkowski Morning Meeting For Tuesday, April 14, 2015

What DC is Reading

• Washington Post: Obama’s Deceptions on Iran and Cuba
• Wall Street Journal: Russian Missiles for the Ayatollah
• Roll Call: Bipartisanship on Display on No Child Left Behind Replacement Effort

U.S. Senate Events

Spending Tax Dollars Smarter

Alaskan Impact: Massaging rabbits? Mountain lions on treadmills? Alaskans’ hard-earned dollars should not be going towards unnecessary federal spending. With the nation facing a record $18.2 trillion debt, the government could cut billions of dollars in spending by eliminating questionable programs – and also by streamlining how departments and agencies work together. Today the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee discussed how to reduce duplicative federal programs and ultimately save Americans money.

5:30a.m. AKDT

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “Reducing Unnecessary Duplication in Federal Programs: Billions More Could Be Saved.”

Witness:

• Eugene L. Dorado, Comptroller General of the United States, U.S. Government Accountability Office

(Click image to watch video.)
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA): “Why aren’t HHS and the VA working together on their veteran mental health programs?”

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Negotiating with Iran

Alaskan Impact: Like much of the nation, Alaskans have been keeping a close eye on the tentative Iran nuclear deal as details continue to come forward. Senator Murkowski strongly believes that any agreement reached with Iran must be presented to Congress for consideration and co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that would require President Obama to do just that. Today the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will debate that bill, the bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, which would acknowledge Congress’ legitimate role in the process and ensure that Americans’ voices are heard.

10:15 a.m. AKDT

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing

Topic: Markup of S.615, the “Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015.”

U.S. House Events

F-35 Update

Alaskan Impact: The Pentagon acknowledged recent “increasingly aggressive air operations” by Russia near the Arctic—further proof that that we should boost our military presence in Alaska—which includes locating two F-35 squadrons to Eielson Air Force Base. As Alaskans anticipate this decision, Senator Murkowski is encouraged that the military recognizes Alaska’s strategic location as well—the White House’s FY2016 budget includes an F-35 flight simulator at Eielson. Today the House Armed Services Committee received an update from Pentagon officials on the status of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.

11:30 a.m. AKDT

House Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee hearing on “Update on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program and the FY2016 Budget Request.”

Witnesses:

• Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, Program Executive Officer, F-35 Lightning 11 Joint Program Office
• Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition
• Michael Sullivan, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management Issues, Governmental Accountability Office
• Michael Gilmore, Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, Department of Defense

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.