Murkowski Morning Meeting for Tuesday, January 31, 2012

U.S. Senate – Events

Alaska’s Energy Outlook

Alaskan Impact: The Energy Information Administration delivered its long-term energy forecast to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today – including a 40 percent lower estimate of Lower 48 natural gas potential. Ranking Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski – who committed herself last week to finding a market for Alaska’s natural gas – pressed officials about the challenges facing Arctic oil and natural gas production.

6:00am AKST
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing
Topic: “U.S. and Global Energy Outlook 2012”
Testimony from:

• Dr. Howard Gruenspecht, Energy Information Administration
• Richard Jones, International Energy Agency

Murkowski questions “What the latest on an AK-to-Alberta pipeline?”
“Will the lower estimate affect exploration?”

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/yQEgYE

Fighting Security Threats Against the U.S.

Alaskan Impact: With two brigades of Alaska-based troops on the ground in Afghanistan, thousands of families are following the activities there – including ongoing government negotiations with the Taliban, and where those may lead. Today the Senate Intelligence Committee heard from CIA, FBI and National Intelligence Agency chiefs for an update.

6:00am AKST
Senate (Select) Intelligence Committee Hearing
Topic: “Worldwide Security Threats”
Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/xdJBf3

Other Capitol Hill Events

Strengthening Domestic Violence Legislation

Alaskan Impact: Two days before the Senate Judiciary Committee plans to discuss reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, a Hill briefing highlighted this epidemic. In Alaska, sexual assault rates are two and a half times the national average. Senator Murkowski has joined Alaska’s leaders to raise awareness in an effort to stop this epidemic in our state.

6:30am AKST
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Briefing
Topic: “Domestic Violence Legislation”
Participants:

• Kiersten Stewart, Futures Without Violence
• Rev. Anne Marie Hunter, Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence
• Grace Huang, Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence