Murkowski Morning Meeting For Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Note to readers: Happy 2014, Alaska, from the MMM team. We respect your time, so as the Senate ramped up operations this year, there hasn’t been too much Alaska-related committee activity to keep you updated about. But with things picking up, we wanted to reconnect and share some information with you. We appreciate your readership and are always open to suggestions or observations about how we can improve, so reach out to MMM@Murkowski.Senate.Gov

What DC is Reading

• Washington Post – “Alaska Native Health Facilities to Receive Full Funding”
• Politico — “Senate Report: Benghazi Attack Was Preventable”
• Wall Street Journal – “Lawmakers Debate Overhauls to N.S.A Surveillance” (Paywall)

U.S. Senate Events

Keeping a Promise to Our Veterans / No Blank Checks on Benefits

With the United States Senate debating an extension of long-term unemployment benefits this week, a coalition of Republican Senators negotiated a proposal to have the bill also restore full early retirement benefits to America’s veterans and not add to the nation’s deficit. Senator Lisa Murkowski was one of the negotiators pressing for a reasonable solution that incorporated Democratic ideas, and shared her disappointment that the Senate Majority refused to consider it.

(Senator Murkowski and her Republican colleagues explain their proposal to restore veterans benefits and extend unemployment benefits – Click to watch.)

Alaska – The Frontier for Drones?

Alaskan Impact: Many believe that the future of drones lies in Alaska, so the policy decisions made today about these programs will impact the Last Frontier for decades ahead. In December, the FAA announced that Alaska was to be one of six new test sites for unmanned aerial aircrafts. While unmanned drones can do great things – like aiding the efforts to get fuel to Nome two years ago – but the need for oversight to ensure privacy rights is vital. The hearing today will examine the future on this developing technology.

10:30 am AKDT

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Hearing

Topic: “The Future of Unmanned Aviation in the U.S. Economy: Safety and Privacy Considerations.”

• The Honorable Michael Huerta, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
• Dr. Missy Cummings, Director, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University
• Mr. Henio Arcangeli, Vice President, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
• Mr. Chris Calabrese, Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Watch the entire meeting online: commerce.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

Making Government More Efficient

Alaskan Impact Over 70,000 Alaskans are employed by the federal government. With such a large federal presence in Alaska – and as one of our state’s top employers – we are acutely aware of federal government operations and provide critical feedback for better work. After the disaster in Galena, Alaskan complaints about FEMA helped show the federal government how to improve. Inspector Generals within agencies are key to reforming operations, and today the House of Representatives looked at their work.

5:30 am AKDT

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing

Topic: “Empowering Agency Oversight: Views from the Inspectors General Community.”

• The Honorable Peggy E. Gustafson, Inspector General, Small Business Administration
• The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice, Member, CIGIE Legislative Committee
• Ms. Kathy A. Buller, Inspector General, Peace Corps, Member, CIGIE Legislative Committee

Watch the entire meeting online: oversight.house.gov