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Murkowski Morning Meeting, 6/21/2012 -- Safer Alaskan Skies

Thursday, June 21, 2012

U.S. Senate Events 

Safer Alaskan Skies

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s skies are our highways, and we have six times the national average of pilots – so we need safe airspace. However, the nation’s air traffic control system uses WWII-era technology.  Senator Murkowski has pushed for NextGen Air Traffic Modernization to improve the technology of our navigation and safety efforts.  Earlier today, acting Federal Aviation Administration chief Michael Huerta gave an update on Capitol Hill.

6:00am AKDT

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Hearing

Topic: “Federal Aviation Administrator Nomination”

Testimony from:

·         Michael Huerta, acting FAA Administrator

 

(Click for video)

Huerta: NextGen is “the transformational aviation technology of the future”

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/KNIlYc

House of Representatives Events

Misuse of National Weather Service Funds

Alaskan Impact: Some Alaskans were worried earlier this year to hear the Weather Service may be cutting positions to save money.  But now it has come out that the NWS misused nearly $44 million dollars in bonuses and unnecessary contract extensions. This morning House members grilled officials about what happened.

5:30am AKDT

House Appropriations Committee Hearing

Topic: “Mismanagement of Appropriated Funds within the National Weather Service”

Testimony from:

·         Jane Lubchenco, NOAA Administrator

·         Kathryn Sullivan, Deputy NOAA administrator and acting chief scientist

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/MvdjjB

Welcome-home Gift for Veterans: Jobs and Housing

Alaskan Impact: Thousands of Alaskan troops currently are deployed and thousands more will be coming home in the coming year. Assisting our vets in their transition back into civilian life is important – and good for business.  The House addressed concerns about housing for soldiers and their families and future jobs outside of the military.

6:00am AKDT

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing

Topic: “Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return Home to Employment and Housing”

Testimony from:

·         Ryan M. Gallucci, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

·         Steve L. Gonzalez, National Economic Commission, The American Legion

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/MFZnF4

Off the Hill Events

Commemorating Title IX

Alaskan Impact: This Saturday marks 40 years since Title IX levelled the playing field in America, by giving girls the same advantages as their male counterparts. Senator Murkowski has joined with 35 of her Senate colleagues to mark this anniversary.

10:30am AKDT

The Center for American Progress Discussion 

Topic: “Playing Fair: Title IX Now, the 40^th Anniversary of Sports Equality”

Participants:

·         HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

·         Erin Hamlin, member of U.S. Olympic and National Luge Team