Murkowski Morning Meeting for Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Note To Readers: At or around1:45pm AKDT, Senator Murkowski is scheduled to speak on the U.S. Senate floor (you can watch live on C-SPAN2) to ask for action to deal with the looming threat posed by tsunami debris. She urged action from the White House in June, and will speak on behalf of Alaska and all Pacific states facing higher levels of material on our shores. She held a tsunami debris roundtable in January to assemble Alaskan experts together and define the issue. Here are some Alaskan pictures she intends to use if today’s Senate schedule remains unchanged.

U.S. Senate Events

Housing For Alaskans

Alaskan Impact: With a jobless rate on the rise and a high cost of living that may get worse with new EPA regulations, many in Alaska rely on assistance for affordable housing – from villages to our vets. Senator Murkowski has emphasized the need for increased funding of Housing and Urban Development homes in Indian Country and greater economic opportunities for Alaskans who have served. Today a Senate Committee looked at ways to make all HUD homes more accessible.

6:00am AKDT
Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Hearing
Topic: “Streamlining and Strengthening HUD’s Rental Housing Assistance Programs”
Testimony from:

• Mr. Keith Kinard, Executive Director Newark Housing Authority
• Ms. Dianne Hovdestad, Deputy Director Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission
• Mr. Howard Husock, Vice President for Policy Research Manhattan Institute

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

(Click image to watch)

Kinard: We are working on reforms to aid homeless veterans.

House of Representatives Events

Passengers’ Rights in Alaska Skies

Alaskan Impact: The Transportation Security Administration has been called one of the nation’s “most disliked agencies.” Those feelings about regulations and fee hikes are especially acute in Alaska. While the TSA is charged with keeping us safe, many legislators question where the balance is for passenger rights.

6:00am AKDT
House Homeland Security Committee Hearing
Topic: “Breach of Trust: Addressing Misconduct Among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screeners”
Testimony from:

• TSA Deputy Administrator John Halinski

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/OHVhO7