Murkowski Morning Meeting For Wednesday, June 11, 2014

What DC is Reading

• Bloomberg News: Student Debt is a Problem, But Warren Bill Isn’t the Answer
• Politico: President Obama Approval Rating Hits All-time Low
• Defense News: Pentagon Discusses Arctic Defense

U.S. Senate Events

Fighting for Fort Greely

Alaskan Impact: With Arctic activities on the rise and military threats emerging from the west, Alaska’s strategic position has never been more valuable to the nation. Proof of this was seen in the approval of more interceptor missiles to be placed at Fort Greely. As Congress reevaluates its spending, some Lower 48 lawmakers have failed to prioritize America’s Missile Defense Agency and the need for a long range discrimination radar to detect potential threats. Earlier today, Senator Murkowski drilled down on the importance of these tools in a strong national defense system.

6:00am AKDT

Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing—Defense Subcommittee

Topic: “Proposed Budget Estimates for FY2015 for the Missile Defense Agency”

Witness:

• Vice Admiral James D. Syring, Director, Missile Defense Agency

(Click to view clip.)

Murkowski: “Encouraged” by timetable of long range discrimination radar construction in Alaska.

Protecting Americans Wisely

Alaskan Impact: In the past, Alaskans have voiced their frustration with the Transportation Security Administration. TSA has announced new programs to make the airport check-in process more stream-lined, including a “risk-based” security system to the screening of luggage, which will determine the level of scrutiny each bag requires. The Senate Judiciary Committee today discussed the oversight of all DHS agencies, including the TSA.

6:00am AKDT

Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

Topic: “Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security”

Witness:

• The Honorable Jeh Johnson, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. House Events

The Bergdahl Deal

Alaskan Impact: Though Alaskans initially welcomed news of JBER-based Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl’s release, the details that have come out since the initial announcement have raised concerns about the terms of the negotiation. Senator Murkowski has been asking why the Administration broke the law and did not consult Congress, and whether the price of five Guantanamo Bay-imprisoned Taliban leaders was too high. Today, the House Armed Services Committee Hearing asked those very questions.

6:00am AKDT

House Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “The May 31, 2014 Transfer of Five Senior Taliban Detainees”

Witnesses:

• The Honorable Chuck Hagel, Secretary, U.S. Department of Defense
• The Honorable Stephen Preston, General Counsel, U.S. Department of Defense

Click here for a news account of Hagel’s testimony.