News from the Hill

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

by Eric Bushnell

U.S. Senate – Events

Alaska’s Historic Day in the Senate --

Alaskan Impact: Today in an overwhelming 87-8 vote, Sharon Gleason became the first woman to be nominated as a federal District Court judge in Alaska – where she will serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Prior to the vote, Senator Murkowski spoke of Gleason’s excellent qualifications:

(Click box to watch)

America’s Energy Update

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing this morning on the Quadrennial Energy Review Act (S. 1703), which Sen. Murkowski has co-sponsored. The legislation would require the Department of Energy to conduct a review every four years to help develop a coordinated, government-wide energy policy. Currently, there is no regular, high-level assessment of whether our policies are effective – and whether they can be consolidated, improved or repealed. Given the energy challenges we are facing today, it is appropriate to require something similar to the quadrennial review conducted by the Department of Defense.

6:00am AKDT

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing

Topic: “Energy’s Quadrennial Technology Review”

Testimony from:

Energy Undersecretary for Science Steven Koonin
Ernest Moniz, director of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Energy Initiative

U.S. Troops Leaving Iraq. What next?

Alaskan Impact: 550 Alaska-based soldiers will be leaving Iraq next month – but a debate in Washington, DC is asking whether Iran will publicize this as a victory for their “unified resistance.” Today, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Iran question was asked, along with if we’re leaving enough troops in Iraq to defend our accomplishments.

5:30am AKDT

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing

Topic: “Iraq Security Issues”

Testimony from:

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Question to Secretary of Defense: Is our withdrawal “a propaganda victory” for Iran?

(Click on box to watch)

House of Representatives – Events

Adapting U.S. Defense for a Frugal Era

Alaskan Impact: Within months, approximately 10 percent of America’s forces on the ground in Afghanistan will be Alaska-based, making it imperative to focus on Pentagon research and development of new technologies to keep Americans safe – especially with looming defense budget cuts. Unmanned Drones developed for Afghanistan have already been employed to help border patrol agents in California and Texas, with plans for more to be added to protect our forces around the world.

6:00am AKDT

House Homeland Security Committee Hearing

Topic: “Using Defense Technology for Border Security”

Testimony from: