Murkowski Morning Meeting for Tuesday, June 4, 2013

U.S. Senate Events

Better Wildfire Management

Alaskan Impact: Wildfire has become a central theme in land management in the United States, particularly in Alaska and other western states. The accumulation of dead trees, dense underbrush and other fuels; widespread and persistent drought; the spread of invasive species; insect and disease and changes in climate have all combined to increase the number and severity of wildfires.

6:00am AKDT
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing
Topic: Full committee hearing on exploring ways to improve federal wildland fire management.
Testimony From:

• U.S. Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell
• Chris Topik, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Va.
• Kim Thorse, Deputy Assistant Interior Secretary
• Lynn Jungwirth, The Watershed Research and Training Center, Hayfork, Calif.

Senator Murkowski’s opening statement (Click to watch)

“More than Talk” Needed Against Military Sexual Assault

Alaskan Impact: Years before the recent Pentagon reports came out on sexual assault in the military, Senator Murkowski strove to raise awareness on the issue – and has introduced or co-sponsored four current Senate bills to help stop the epidemic. An outspoken advocate of changing the system, she believes “business as usual is not acceptable.” Today, the Senate Armed Services Committee examined the positive impacts the differing bills would have.

5:30am AKDT
Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing
Topic: Full committee hearing on pending legislation regarding sexual assaults in the military.
Testimony From:

• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey
• Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond Odierno
• Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert; Commandant of the Marine Corps
• Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark Welsh III
• Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Robert Papp Jr.

Senator Fischer (R-NE): “This is not a gender problem. This is a violence problem.”

VIEW the recorded hearing online: www.armed-services.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

Investigating the IRS

Alaskan Impact: Just a day after the new IRS chief testified about the current state of the IRS and the investigations into its practices, Alaskans are still demanding answers over an internal IRS report showing the agency inappropriately targeted conservative groups applying for tax exempt status. Senator Murkowski is outraged by the IRS targeting – with colleagues on both sides of the aisle – and has vowed to work to protect all Alaskans from any further “political profiling.” Today, the House Ways and Means Committee tries to get answers.

6:00am AKDT
House Ways and Means Committee Hearing
Topic: Full committee hearing on “Organizations Targeted by Internal Revenue Service for Their Personal Beliefs.”
Testimony from:

• John Eastman, Chairman of the National Organization for Marriage
• Diane Besom of the Laurens County Tea Party
• Becky Gerritson of the Wetumpka Tea Party
• Karen Kenny of San Fernando Valley Patriots

Watch the entire hearing online: waysandmeans.house.gov