Murkowski Morning Meeting for Tuesday, March 27, 2012

U.S. Senate Events

The Cost of Saving Money at Eielson AFB

Alaskan Impact: Senator Murkowski today asked more questions about the Pentagon’s proposal to move the F-16 Aggressor Squadron from Eielson to JBER. Murkowski focused on whether the Department of Defense is trying to “end-run” BRAC rules that would require Congressional oversight, and if the added housing costs and new hangar construction would undercut the budget savings of the move.

6:00am AKST
Senate Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing
Topic: “Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Budget”
Testimony from:

• Robert Hale, Defense Undersecretary/Comptroller
• Dorothy Robyn, Deputy Defense Undersecretary for Installations and Environment
• Peter Lavoy, Principal Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for Asian/ Pacific Security Affairs

Senator Murkowski: It looks like you are trying to go around the intent of the statute.

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

House of Representatives Events

Keeping Alaska’s Ports Safe

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s ports are one more way our state is different from the Lower 48 – frequently, shipping is the primary way to transport goods. The House Homeland Security Committee took a look at legislation that would reform certain security measures at ports nationwide.

6:00am AKST
House Homeland Security Committee Markup
Topic: “Port Security Programs Reform”

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/GV9vrF

Off the Hill Events

Opportunities for Tomorrow’s Workforce

Alaskan Impact: Alaska ranks very low nationally, in terms of percentage of residents with college degrees. As the job market continues to become more competitive, how do we educate future generations to compete? Today The Atlantic hosted a discussion on opportunities for tomorrow’s workforce.

4:15am AKST
The Atlantic Forum
Topic: “Jobs and the Economy”
Participants:

• Education Secretary Arne Duncan
• Kaya Henderson, Chancellor of DC Public Schools
• Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

Watch the entire discussion online: http://bit.ly/GTenjm