Murkowski Morning Meeting For Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Note to readers: On behalf of the MMM team, welcome to the newly remodeled Murkowski Morning Meeting. Why the revamp? We’re always trying to improve how we provide Alaskans the inside scoop. So during the August work period, we visited (in no particular order) Nome news/talk radio KNOM, Galena news radio KIYU, Kenai news radio KSRM, Alaska Public Radio, Sitka news radio KCAW, Anchorage news/talk radio KFQD, Talkeetna news radio KTNA, the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch, Sitka Sentinel, Alaska Star, KTVA, ABC/Fox Alaska and KTUU – looking for insights, ideas … and just what sorts of issues and items would stand out for reporters.

Just as importantly, we met with Alaskan readers over coffee or snacks to find out what changes would work best as we move forward with the Morning Meeting, and keep you plugged in with the day’s events on Capitol Hill that have clear Alaskan impacts. You’ll see we’ve changed the ‘look’ and added a ‘What DC is reading’ component to the core elements of committee hearings and votes. If you have any ideas or suggestions or reactions, we welcome your input at MMM@Murkowski.Senate.Gov. Without further ado …

What DC is Reading:

• CNN: Syria Accepts Chemical Weapons Proposal
• Washington Post: Obama’s Message on Syria is Muddled

U.S. Senate Events

Serving Alaska and America’s Veterans

Alaskan Impact: Veterans make up 17% of Alaska’s total population, tops in the nation in terms of veteran population density. Throughout her time in the U.S. Senate, Senator Murkowski has been committed to making good on the nation’s promises to veterans across the United States, including reducing VA backlogs and transitioning to jobs in the private sector – having co-sponsored several bills to boost veteran employment numbers, most recently the Troop Talent Act of 2013. The American Legion agrees with her goals, and today the veteran advocacy group testified about several issues important to veterans and their benefits.

6:15am AKDT

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee joint hearing on “Legislative Presentation of the American Legion.”

Testimony from:

• Daniel Dellinger, National Commander of The American Legion
• Brett Reistad, Chairman of the National Legislative Commission
• Louis Celli, Director of the National Legislative Division

(Click to watch excerpt)

Dellinger: We all share in the challenge of serving our veteran population.

Watch the recorded hearing online: veterans.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

Syria: A Path Forward

Alaskan Impact: Alaskans are closely watching the discussion and debate over Syria. Tonight, President Obama will address the nation about how to deal with Syria and it’s usage of internationally-outlawed chemical weapons on civilians. Senator Murkowski has been waiting for over a week to hear him speak with more clarity and conviction on his plans for the region. Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday made an unscripted suggestion that seems to have changed the nation’s enforcement plan. Today, less than 24 hours after the Senate delayed a vote on a Syria strike, the House takes up the question of whether or not to use military force in Syria.

6:00am AKDT

House Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: Full committee hearing on “Proposed Authorization to Use Military Force in Syria.”

Testimony from:

• Secretary of State John Kerry
• Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey

View the recorded hearing online: www.armedservices.house.gov