Murkowski Morning Meeting for Tuesday, September 17, 2013

What We’re Reading

• Wall Street Journal: “How to Create a Real Economic Stimulus”
• New York Times: “Forensic Details in U.N. Report Point to Assad’s Use of Gas”

U.S. Senate Events

Murkowski Questions Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Nominee

Alaskan Impact: Senator Murkowski today raised concerns about President Obama’s pick to lead the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Ron Binz – saying his previous statements against fossil fuels are incompatible with the independent mission of FERC. Earlier today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday took up the nomination of Binz to be the next chairman of FERC – where Murkowski said she will not be able to support his nomination.

5:30am AKDT

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: The nominations of Ronald Binz to be Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Testimony from:

• Ronald Binz

Senator Murkowski: FERC must be an independent agency (Click image to watch excerpt)

Watch the recorded meeting online: energy.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities

Alaskan Impact: Twenty-two million acres of Alaska is designated as forest land, but our state has had a rocky relationship with the U.S. Forest Service. Recent news of the USFS attempts to take back timber payments Alaska is entitled to, and incidents of federal overreach, have only ratcheted tensions higher. Murkowski gave Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell a tour of the Tongass National Forest in August and today the House looks at ways to ensure national forests and the communities they encompass, are healthy and thriving.

Senator Murkowski with Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell in Alaska in August

11:00am AKDT

House Rules Committee Meeting

Topic: “Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act”

Watch the entire meeting LIVE online: www.rules.house.gov