Murkowski Morning Meeting for Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Wednesday, October 12, 2011

U.S. Senate – Events

Information Sharing: “The Blocking and Tackling” of Security Agencies

Alaskan Impact: Even though Alaska is distant from lower 48 targets, we are still a target for terrorism. And yesterday’s story of an Iranian assassination plot shows that all of our intelligence-gathering must be shared to best connect the dots and keep people safe. Just last week, the Department of Homeland Security unveiled a new information-sharing plan across agencies that will be more secure and save money during a time of government budget cuts. Earlier today, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee heard whether we’re on the right track … and what more is needed.

6:30am AKDT
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee – Hearing
Topic: “Homeland Security and Information Sharing”
Testimony from:

• John McLaughlin, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
• Thomas McNamara, George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs
• Cathy Lanier, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

“Information sharing isn’t as sexy as a 60-yard touchdown pass – but it gets results” (Click video to watch)

House of Representatives – Events

Questions on Green Energy Policy

Alaskan Impact: Green jobs are an emerging opportunity in Alaska – making up about 5,000 jobs last year. But after three years of President Obama touting a green economy vision, we aren’t seeing a huge increase in green jobs. Instead we see missteps by the administration, headlined by the failed solar company Solyndra, which has led to skepticism of the Energy Department’s entire loan guarantee program. Senator Murkowski has supported green energy in an “all of the above” approach to our national energy policy that will create jobs and advance our goal of energy security. The House Oversight Committee heard testimony on the impact of these green energy gambles on the economy.

6:00am AKDT
House Oversight and Government Reform, Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee – Hearing
Topic: “Green Energy and Small Business”
Testimony from:

• David Strickland, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
• Margo Oge, Environmental Protection Agency
• Marlo Lewis, senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/n5cJLr

Off the Hill – Events

Frankenfish – Bad for Alaska, Bad for Environment

Alaskan Impact: The seafood industry in Alaska contributes millions of dollars in revenue and employs more people than oil and gas and coal combined. That’s why genetically-engineered “Frankenfish” could be disastrous for our economy and our environment. Until recently, the FDA had not evaluated the impacts Frankenfish would have on consumers. Concerned with this lack of follow through from the FDA, Senator
Murkowski introduced legislation that would put a ban on Frankenfish. Momentarily, the House Wild Salmon Caucus and the Food & Water Watch will host a briefing on the topic.

9:00am AKDT
Food & Water Watch and the House Wild Salmon Caucus Briefing
Topic: “Threats of Factory Fish Farming”
Participants:

• House Wild Salmon Caucus Co-Chairman Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska
• Dale Kelly of the Alaska Trollers Association

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