Senator Murkowski E-Newsletter for February 23, 2016
Hello Alaskans!
It has been a busy six weeks since we began the New Year. The Senate’s legislative agenda began early with my Energy Policy Modernization Act on the floor for debate. I have been working to craft this comprehensive energy bill for the past year, and I’m pleased to have it before the full Senate. Energy-related news was briefly eclipsed in January by serious snowfall in Washington, D.C. which shut down the Capitol—at least for some.
(Believe it or not we had to include language in an appropriations bill last year to allow kids to sled on the grounds of the Capitol. The day belonged to the kids and lots of happy sledders!)
Broad Energy Bill on Senate Floor
Helping Alaskans produce more energy, save energy, and pay less for energy are top priorities of mine as Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and I have been working to advance these through a broad, bipartisan energy bill. In Alaska, we have an abundance of resources and plenty of innovation to tap. Some of the highlights of my energy bill are provisions to boost hydropower development; harness more of Alaska’s vast geothermal, biomass, and mineral potential; and build out microgrids. We also focus on efficiency, reliability, and innovation. As we produce more of our energy resources, Alaskans will benefit significantly. New jobs will be created, new revenues will be generated for our state treasury, and local energy costs will be reduced, allowing Alaskans to keep more of their hard-earned money. My energy bill was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with broad bipartisan support, and I remain hopeful that we can achieve the same results on the Senate floor. #EnergyIsGood
(Click image to watch me explain the benefits of the energy bill for Alaska.)
Out and About in Alaska
In January, I had a fantastic trip to Nome and Unalakleet, meeting with leaders, elders, and students. While in Nome I visited Nome Beltz Jr. and Sr. High School, toured the Norton Sound Health Corporation Hospital, and attended a Nanooks vs. Unalaska boys’ basketball game. In Unalakleet, I met with community leaders, visited with students at the school, and toured the town.
(Left: With students from Nome Beltz Jr. and Sr. High who received awards. Right: Sitting with students in Unalakleet at their school assembly.)
(With construction crew members working on the Richard Foster Building in Nome.)
(Every now and again I take the time to have some fun when I’m home. Left: Tried out my new shotgun—a Benelli 12-guage—at the skeet range. Right: Great day of skiing at Alyeska, where the mountains meet the sea!)
Back to Work in Washington, D.C.
President Obama made a lot of claims in his final State of the Union address, but he seems to be out of touch with the reality that many Americans, and most Alaskans, are facing. In the last year of his presidency, President Obama has a choice to make. He can act alone to pursue policies that will move our nation backwards or he can work with Congress to advance policies that benefit every American.
(Click image to watch my response to the President’s final State of the Union address.)
(State of the Union selfie with my seatmate Senator Marco Rubio and some House photobombers.)
My Fight Against Frankenfish
I hear it from Alaskans loud and clear—‘say no to Frankenfish.’ In response to the FDA’s unfortunate decision last year to allow the sale of genetically engineered (GE) salmon for human consumption, I announced that I would place a hold of the nomination of Dr. Robert Califf to be the next FDA Commissioner. It got the attention of the Administration and an import alert has been issued by U.S. Customs prohibiting the import of GE salmon. We have also received the cooperation of the FDA to develop labeling guidelines. Americans have the right to know whether they are buying “fake fish” or the real deal—our wild Alaskan salmon.
My Fight Against Frankenfish
I hear it from Alaskans loud and clear—‘say no to Frankenfish.’ In response to the FDA’s unfortunate decision last year to allow the sale of genetically engineered (GE) salmon for human consumption, I announced that I would place a hold of the nomination of Dr. Robert Califf to be the next FDA Commissioner. It got the attention of the Administration and an import alert has been issued by U.S. Customs prohibiting the import of GE salmon. We have also received the cooperation of the FDA to develop labeling guidelines. Americans have the right to know whether they are buying “fake fish” or the real deal—our wild Alaskan salmon.
(Click image to watch my floor speech on GE salmon.)
Pollock
It’s official! In response to a provision I inserted in last year’s omnibus bill, the FDA officially changed the market name of “Alaska Pollock” to simply “pollock”. Now, only pollock caught in or near Alaska’s waters can be labeled as “Alaskan”, meaning lower-quality seafood coming from Russia’s waters can no longer be passed off as Alaskan. This is a big win for both our fisheries and consumers to protect the market name.
Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program
I thank my Senate colleagues for passing a critical piece of legislation for Alaska that Senator Dan Sullivan and I co-sponsored, extending the Medicare Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program. It is a vital program for more remote communities, helping hospitals in sparsely populated states keep their doors open.
Sturgeon
January 20th was an historic day for Alaskans—the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments presented in the Sturgeon case. A great summary on John Sturgeon’s fight to access Alaska’s lands and waters can be found here. It is history in the making for our state, and I was honored to sit in the Supreme Court chamber and witness it firsthand. The Supreme Court is expected to reach a decision in June.
(I explained the importance of John Sturgeon’s case before the Supreme Court to KTVA’s Emily Carlson. Click image to watch interview.)
Land Transfer Crosses Finish Line
I’m pleased to see that the President signed into law the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which contains a provision of mine that conveys approximately 2,500 acres of federal land at Point Spencer, Alaska, to local, state, and federal stakeholders. This is a great step towards future investment in Alaskan Arctic infrastructure.
Arctic
I am pleased that my efforts to allow Fairbanks to serve as host city for the 2017 Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting have been successful! This is an important opportunity for the world’s leaders to see firsthand both the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. Arctic. More information can be found here.
I recently spoke at the Center for Strategic and International Studies about the urgent need for the U.S. to modernize and update our icebreaker fleet. Then I headed to Seattle to reiterate that message with Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington. While in the state, I also attended the Arctic Encounter Symposium to join with other Arctic leaders to discuss this national imperative.
Alaska’s Future: Young Alaskans
Academy Nominations: It is my honor each year to nominate young, talented, and driven Alaskans to the U.S. Military Service Academies for the Class of 2020. These 47 Alaskans truly embody the traits and characteristics we look for in our future leaders.
Check out my list of nominees here.
Senate Page Program: A big congratulations to Jackson Blackwell of Soldotna, who recently graduated from the 5-month Senate Page program in the U.S. Capitol. He made Alaska proud while he was here! If you know a young Alaskan interested in the Senate Page program, click here for more information.
(As Jackson’s sponsor, I was honored to attend his page graduation ceremony and wish him well before he headed home to Alaska.)
