Murkowski Morning Meeting for Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

U.S. Senate – Events

“Super Committee, We’ve Got Your Back”

Alaskan Impact: Hundreds of Alaskans heard the reality facing the nation during Senator Murkowski’s four town halls over the last month, when it comes to the “Super Committee” – which is tasked with finding over a trillion dollars in cuts over the next decade. Today marks the one-week mark until the committee’s November 23 deadline. In September, 36 Senators, including Senator Murkowski, encouraged the Super Committee to go big with more cuts. Today, Senator Murkowski joined over 150 lawmakers from both parties again urging the Super Committee to find a deal that comprehensively deals with America’s nearly fifteen trillion dollar debt.

Watching for the Next Big Storm

Alaskan Impact: The weather system that hit Western Alaska last week was a storm of “epic proportions.” But with budget cuts proposed in the House that would cut funding for weather research, can NOAA ensure there are no gaps in weather forecasting and predication? Today, the Senate Commerce Committee examined if current NOAA weather and climate programs are meeting the needs of the U.S. NASA recently launched a satellite that will help track our changing weather and climate on Earth.

5:30am AKST
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Hearing
Topic: “Weather Forecasting and Prediction Innovation”
Testimony from:

• Mary Glackin, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Todd Zinser, inspector general of the Commerce Department
• David Trimble, Government Accountability Office

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/uWCpPS

Off the Hill – Events

Is the TSA Keeping Americans Safe?

Alaskan Impact: Two new body scanners are heading to the airports in Fairbanks and Anchorage, but Alaskans have mixed feelings about the Transportation Safety Administration – mirroring the thoughts of most Americans, who feel that TSA security measures have gone too far. Today the U.S. Travel Association and the House Transportation Committee Chairman both released “report cards” showing majorities of Americans are still frustrated at safety procedures.

7:30am AKST
House Transportation and Infrastructure News Conference
Topic: “TSA Reform”
Participants:

• House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica, R-Fla.

For more information on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. or to find out Senator Murkowski’s view on these issues – contact the Communications Office at 202-224-9301.
www.murkowski.senate.gov