Murkowski Morning Meeting for Wednesday,October 5, 2011

Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

U.S. Senate – Events

Why the Deficit Matters

Alaskan Impact: The debt is a big number ($14.8 trillion) getting bigger, to the point where it averages out to more than $47,000 per citizen – leading to higher student/car loan rates and higher mortgage payments all the way down the line. News released yesterday shows the deficit would be a full third lower if the economy was at full
potential. Getting us out of this hole is going to be an example of leaders practicing the “art of the possible” – what sorts of solutions can get bipartisan support and get the economy moving again. The President’s American Jobs Act is having great difficulties getting his party’s support – since it resembles another stimulus – so other approaches are being considered.

6:00am AKDT
Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Hearing
Topic: “Federal Budget Deficit”
Testimony from:

• Maya MacGuineas, president of the Center for a Responsible Federal Budget
• Douglas Holtz-Eakin, President, American Action Forum
• Roger Altman, chairman of Evercore Partners
• William Johnstone, president and CEO of Davidson Companies

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/oNgL6R

Holtz-Eakin: The 2009 stimulus bill was “unrealistic” and the shovel ready plans “flawed”

House of Representatives – Events

Small Businesses Can Grow If Given the Chance

Alaskan Impact: There are 16,000 small businesses in Alaska, and 27 million nationwide – all trying to find certainty, many looking for funding. There is legislation
out there to allow small businesses to grow their workforce, if they can only find the investment dollars to help them build their business. Today the House Financial Services Committee explored the options gaining momentum from both parties to help America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

6:00am AKDT
House Financial Services Committee Hearing
Topic: “Small Business Growth”

Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/okgT4S

Off the Hill – Events

Alaska’s Minerals and the State Economy

Alaskan Impact: Last week in Fairbanks, there was an event highlighting the importance of critical minerals to our state’s economy. The economic potential of developing our minerals supply chain is vital – they are literally the building blocks
of our economy. Yesterday, Senator Murkowski introduced an amendment to the Currency Exchange Rate Reform Bill to create jobs and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign suppliers in order to be more competitive.

3:00pm AKDT
U.S. Geological Survey – Lecture
Topic: “Minerals”
Expected to participate:

• Jeff Doebrich, acting Mineral Resources Program Coordinator at USGS

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