Murkowski Morning Meeting For Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Note to readers: The U.S. Senate is currently considering the “Every Child Achieves Act” (ECAA), which undoes many of the one-size-fits-all mandates and regulations of the No Child Left Behind Act, including Common Core and Adequate Yearly Progress. Senator Murkowski was also able to include provisions and policies that will directly improve things in Alaska’s education system. She spoke on the Senate floor to talk about the benefits to Alaska in the ECAA.

(Senator Murkowski explains the Every Child Achieves Act on Senate floor – Click for entire speech)

What DC is Reading

• Politico: Even Democrats Skeptical of Iran Deal
• Daily Caller: Every Child Achieves Act Will End Common Core
• Wall Street Journal: Federal Reserve Head Ignores Congressional Subpoena

U.S. Senate Events

Defending Alaska’s Maritime Border

Alaskan Impact: On the Fourth of July, two U.S. Air Force F-22 jets from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson intercepted Russian bombers nearing our airspace — a stark reminder about our vulnerability to protect not only our skies, but our waters as well. While Alaskans support the U.S. Coast Guard’s continuous search and rescue missions despite being spread thin, less is known about our ability to respond to foreign vessels – whether for national security or pirate fishermen costing our economy millions. Today the Homeland Security discussed all of America’s maritime borders and how different approaches are working.

10:00am

Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee

Topic: “Understanding Threats and Strategies for the Maritime Border”

Witness:

• Rear Admiral Peter J. Brown, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy, U.S. Coast Guard
• Randolph D. Alles, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Peter Edge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Watch the hearing here: hsgac.senate.gov

Protecting Young Alaskans

Alaskan Impact: Alaska Native youth are brought up with some of the highest rates of violence and abuse in the nation, which sets them back in their adolescent development and puts them at higher risk for destructive behavior. Senator Murkowski has leveraged her position as Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to help improve rural justice in Alaska. Today during the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Senator Murkowski will ask the committee their thoughts about how they might empower tribes to better serve their young people.

10:30 am (AKDT)

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “Juvenile Justice in Indian Country: Challenges and Promising Strategies”

Witness:

• The Honorable Robert Listenbee, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
• Mr. Darren Cruzan, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
• Ms. Addie C. Rolnick, Associate Professor-William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
• Ms. Carla Knapp, National Director of Native Services-Boys & Girls Club of America, Fort Myers, FL

Watch the hearing here: indian.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

Up in the Air! Vehicles for Alaska’s Future

Alaskan Impact: For Alaska, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are a tremendous technology with applications for resource development, public safety and firefighting. Senator Murkowski has introduced legislation supporting this young industry and championed UAF’s recent designation as a key institution advancing the technology. Today, the House of Representatives Committee on Small Business will discuss the economic implications of this game-changing new job sector.

10:00 am

House Small Business Committee Hearing

Topic: “Taking Flight: Small Business Utilization of Unmanned Aircraft”

Witnesses:

• Mr. Brian Wynne, President & CEO, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Arlington, VA
• Mr. Mike Gilkey, CEO and Director of Flight Operations, 3D Aerial Solutions LLC, Dayton, OH
• Mr. Brian Streem, CEO/Founder, AeroCine, Brooklyn, NY
• Dr. Tim McLain, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Watch the hearing here: smallbusiness.house.gov