Murkowski Morning Meeting For Tuesday, January 28, 2014

What DC is Reading

• CNN “Is the NSA Spying on Your Angry Birds Game?”
• Bloomberg “Obama’s ‘Go it Alone’ Strategy Won’t Accomplish Much”
• USA Today “Wal-Mart to Keep Buying Alaska Salmon”

U.S. Senate Events

Smarter Mining Policy

Alaskan Impact: Mining is one of the most important industries in Alaska, and just about every product produced within the U.S. relies on an increasingly diverse mix of minerals. Despite this, America’s foreign mineral dependence has risen significantly, threatening our economy and security. America is ranked last in the world in permitting delays, which often halt the development of new and needed mines. Today the Energy & Natural Resources Committee discussed Senator Murkowski’s Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2013.

6:00 am AKDT

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “S.1600, the “Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2013.”

(click image for excerpt)
Senator Murkowski: Your answers seem to indicate you’re telling me you haven’t even read this bill?
Watch the entire hearing here: energy.senate.gov

Keeping Our Promise on Vets Benefits

Alaskan Impact: Over 77,000 vets make their home in Alaska, some of whom are early retirees under age 62. While Senator Lisa Murkowski was a supporter of the December budget agreement to avoid harmful future government shutdowns, she believed a cut to the early military retiree cost of living adjustment should not have been included. Since then, she has led several efforts to restore the full benefits while finding funding sources to not add a dime to the deficit. Today’s hearing will address this issue and other retirement concerns.

5:30 am AKDT

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “Recent changes to the U.S. military retirement system.”

• Honorable Christine H. Fox, Acting Deputy Secretary Of Defense
• Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., USN, Vice Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff

Watch the hearing here: armed-services.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

The Asia-Pacific Military Future

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s ‘Top of the World’ military location is key with the Asia-Pacific region becoming a national focus. From being a strategic location for the military to impacts of natural disasters on our shores, the importance of maintaining positive relationships where possible in this region is critical. American’s next “big” national security challenge is expected to be emerging threats from the West, and Alaska’s military footprint will play a major role in assisting the efforts. This hearing spoke on the importance of the region and strategic moves.

6:00 am AKDT

House Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “Rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific Region: Examining its Implementation.”

• The Honorable Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Department of Defense
• The Honorable Michael D. Lumpkin, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Department of Defense

Watch Here: armedservices.house.gov

Hacking Healthcare.gov

Alaskan Impact: Alaskans value and protect their privacy, and worry about the questions that have been raised about the ‘hackability’ of HealthCare.gov. Many efforts have been made in attempting to secure online privacy, including from potential government surveillance. But health care information is often deeply personal and private information. This hearing will address the all too real threat of a hacker.

6:00 am AKDT

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing

Topic: “A Roadmap for Hackers? – Documents Detailing HealthCare.gov Security Vulnerabilities.”

• Kevin Charest, Health and Human Services Department
• Milton Shomo, The MITRE Corporation

Watch the hearing here: oversight.house.gov