Murkowski Morning Meeting For Wednesday, July 29, 2015

What DC is Reading

• Wall Street Journal (Paywall): Small Businesses Concerned About Ex-Im Shutdown
• New York Times: After Lapses, T.S.A. Will Target Screening in Overhaul
• Politico: Health Care Spending Again Accelerating

U.S. Senate Events

True Impacts of Iran Nuclear Deal

Alaskan Impact: Whether it’s our military community charged with defending America or the civilian population watching events play out, Alaskans have been skeptical of the Iran nuclear deal since it was announced – with Senator Murkowski sharing her concerns with Alaskans last Thursday. It is clear that the goals of ‘dismantling’ Iran’s nuclear programs and ‘anytime, anywhere’ inspections were not reached in the administration’s negotiation, and that more questions are still emerging. Today the Armed Services Committee questioned the Secretaries of Defense, State and Energy on the merits of the deal.

5:45a.m. AKDT

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “Impacts of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JPCOA) on U.S. Interests and the Military Balance in the Middle East.”

Witnesses:

• John Kerry, Secretary of State
• Jack Lew, Secretary of Treasury
• Ashton Carter, Secretary of Defense
• Ernest Moniz, Secretary of Energy
• General Martin Dempsey, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

(Click image to watch video.)
Senator John McCain asks about the side agreements made by other participants, and whether Congress will ever be informed of the details.

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Keeping our College Students Safe

Alaskan Impact: Accusations against Universities of sweeping sexual assault complaints under the rug prompted the federal government to launch a large scale investigation to look into how universities have handled allegations of sexual violence and harassment. This spring Senator Murkowski convened a roundtable with students at UAA, one of the universities reviewing how it handles sexual assault and safety on campus. Today the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee met to discuss the steps need to be taken to combat sexual assault on college campuses.

5:00a.m. AKDT

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Hearing

Topic: “Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Combating Campus Sexual Assault.”

Witnesses:

• Janet Napolitano, Former Secretary of Homeland Security and President, University of California System
• Dana Bolger, Co-founder, Know Your IX
• Dolores Stafford, Executive Director, National Association of Clery Compliance Officers & Professionals
• Mollie Benz Flounlacker, Associate Vice President for Federal Relations, Association of American Universities

Watch the entire hearing by clicking here.

Fighting Substance Abuse

Alaskan Impact: In Alaska, we hear from law enforcement that cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs have been identified as the primary substances of abuse. Senator Murkowski remains committed to fighting Alaska’s substance abuse epidemic—whether through legislation, funding, or working with top enforcement officials. Today the Senate Indian Affairs Committee will receive testimony regarding the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and how to improve prevention and treatment services.

10:15a.m. AKDT

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “Examining the True Costs of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Native Communities.”

Witnesses:

• Robert G. McSwain, Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Mirtha Beadle, Director, Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Melanie Benjamin, Chief Executive, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
• John P. Walters, Chief Operating Officer, Hudson Institute
• Sunny Goggles, Director, White Buffalo Recovery Program, Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation

Watch the hearing by clicking here.