Murkowski Morning Meeting for Wednesday, March 6, 2013

U.S. Senate Events

Reforming the Justice Department

Alaskan Impact: As many Alaskans know, the Ted Stevens trial was a prime example of the Department of Justice playing ‘hide the ball’ with evidence – resulting in two prosecutors being found guilty of reckless misconduct – and spurred Senator Murkowski to introduce the Fairness in Disclosure of Evidence Act. This is just one of many concerns surrounding work done by the Department of Justice. Today, Attorney General Eric Holder testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

5:30am AKDT
Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
Topic: “Oversight of the Department of Justice”
Testimony from:

• U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

(Click image to watch)

Senator Cornyn (R-TX): If Justice can break rules with Ted Stevens, what could they do to any American?

View a recording of the hearing here: http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=e0c4315749c10b084028087a4aa80a73

U.S. House Events

Fighting Military Suicides

Alaskan Impact: With thousands of active-duty military and retired veterans in Alaska, the rate of suicide within military ranks is something Senator Murkowski actively seeks solutions to. Back in June, she told then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta “how we deal with this reflects on who we are as a nation and our commitment to those who serve us.” Today the House of Representatives took up this issue.

10:00 am AKDT
House Armed Services Committee Hearing
Topic: Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing on “Update on Military Suicide Prevention”
Testimony from:

• Lt. Gen. Howard Bromberg, deputy chief of staff (G-1), United States Army
• Jacqueline Garrick, Defense Department’s Defense Suicide Prevention Office
• Jerry Reed Jr., director of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center

(Click to watch exchange)

Murkowski asks Secretary of Defense Panetta to address military suicides – June 2012