E-Newsletter - 8/7/09

Statement

Murkowski to Hold Town Hall Meetings on Health Care, Energy and U.S. Arctic Policy

This August promises to be a busy one for me as I travel throughout Alaska. I will be holding a series of public meetings so that I may see and hear your opinions on some key issues affecting our state.

I will be holding four health care town hall meetings in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Wasilla and Soldotna. These town hall meetings are in addition to a recent telephone town hall I held where I spent an hour taking questions and comments from Alaskans about the health care proposals currently being considered in Congress. These upcoming town hall meetings will allow me to hear from as many Alaskans as I can and get their thoughts and ideas before returning to Washington where health care will be at the top of our agenda.

In addition to health care, I will be hosting a hearing of the Senate Energy Committee on renewable energy at Chena Hot Springs. The geothermal energy at Chena Hot Springs is proof that Alaskans can make renewable energy work for themselves. Bernie Karl, owner and operator of the hot springs, will be testifying about his experience working with different renewable energy sources. This public hearing is an opportunity to continue and expand the dialogue about how Alaskans can make renewable energy work for them and their communities.

Lastly, I will also host a field hearing of the Homeland Security subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. This hearing will focus on the strategic importance of the Arctic and U.S. Arctic policy. Our Federal witness will be Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. I look forward to hearing from Admiral Allen on the important role the Arctic plays in America's national security and economic interests.

Specific information on locations and times can be found on the side bar of this newsletter and on my website.

Murkowski Discusses her Supreme Court Confirmation Vote
As a Senator, one of the most significant decisions that I will make during my career in on a President's nominee to the Supreme Court and I take my role of advice and consent very seriously. After lengthy review of Judge Sotomayor's judicial record, I was unable to support the nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

My vote was not based upon partisanship, ideology or the recommendations of any special interest groups. My vote was based on the concerns I have about the positions the Judge took in numerous speeches and the treatment she gave to important constitutional questions - specifically on the Second Amendment and on property rights.

In Alaska, we expect government to restrain itself from intruding upon the lawful choices of citizens. I do not believe that that Judge Sotomayor's record reflects that she truly appreciates, understands and respects Alaska's way of life.

If you'd like to see my speech from the Senate floor in its entirety, please visit my official YouTube page.

Funding Secured by Murkowski for Alaska Projects
As the Senate Appropriations Committee continues its work on bills for Fiscal Year 2010 spending, I wanted to update you on some projects that have been included for Alaska in three bills that have recently seen action here in the Senate.

Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee - The bill includes $200,000 for the Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) shelter in Anchorage. This funding will help AWAIC make needed structural repairs to its facility so they can continue providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. The bill also includes $1 million for bridge improvements in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and $1 million for infrastructure expansion at the Port of Bristol Bay. This bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate Appropriations Committee.

Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee - The panel included $3 million for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage for the training of dental health care workers, facilities and equipment. Also included in the bill was $1 million for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Consortium in Bethel for facilities and equipment and $1 million to City of Ketchikan for facilities and equipment at Ketchikan General Hospital. This bill now awaits consideration on the Senate floor.

Energy and Water Development Subcommittee - This bill recently passed the full Senate and includes $11.96 million for the Denali Commission's energy program. Also included in the bill is a $2 million request for structural and non-structural coastal erosion prevention programs in Alaska. This bill must now be reconciled with the House-passed version.

For more information on appropriations, you can visit my website.

Second Session Interns Complete Their Senate Service

Sen. Murkowski's second group of summer interns take a moment for a picture overlooking the U.S. Capitol. With Sen. Murkowski are, from left, front row, Cameron Henton, Anchorage; Kyle Worl, Anchorage; Kalli Kline, Ketchikan; Sharon Merritt, Goodnews Bay; Anne Bartholomew, Juneau; Dana Betts, Copper Center and Melissa Falcone, Anchorage. Rear row, from left, Miles Reader, Nome; Sam Horton, Kodiak; Ealum Howe, Fairbanks; Luke Miller, Juneau; Parker Haymans, Anchorage and Kyle Marston, Anchorage.

My second group of summer interns recently completed their internships and returned home to Alaska. This group of interns had the opportunity to experience a number of events first hand including meetings with members of the President's cabinet, press conferences, hearings and even a meeting at the White House. I greatly enjoyed both groups of my summer interns as they always bring a boost of energy and enthusiasm to my office. To both groups of my summer interns, I thank you for all your hard work this summer and wish you all the very best as you head on to college.

Places to Go, Alaskans to See

Sen. Murkowski winds up a pitch at the Alaska State Society Picnic.

Recently, the Alaska State Society held its summer picnic here in Washington. Both the weather and food were perfect and I enjoyed an afternoon visiting with fellow Alaskans who live and work here in the Washington, D.C. area. During the picnic, I was invited to take to the mound and throw out the first pitch during the softball game.

While in Wasilla recently, Sen. Murkowski stopped in to tour and visit with associates at Home Depot. The store associates presented the Sen. Murkowski with her very own Home Depot apron for the occasion.

Sen. Murkowski met with Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, who is the Commander of the Alaska Air Command headquartered at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Lt. Gen. Atkins is the senior military officer in Alaska responsible for the integration of all military activities in the Alaskan theater of operations. As Commander of Alaskan Command, General Atkins integrates the activities of more than 21,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve members from all services in Alaska. Pictured with Sen. Murkowski are, from left, Chief Robert Moore, Lt. General Atkins, Staff Sergeant Melissa Beaushaw and Captain Matthew Van Gilder.

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