Patrick Davis Consulting

Weekly Clips from November 24, 2011 through December 8, 2011

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-AK., and Joe Miller (U.S. Senate candidate in 2010)

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-AK.

President Names Alaskan Teressa Baldwin “Champion of Change”

November 29: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “All Alaskans can be proud of Teressa Baldwin and her work to inspire young people across Alaska to fight suicide by seeking help and offering a hand to friends in trouble.

“Even though she’s still a senior in high school, Teressa has transformed the tragedy in her own life into a positive message to be shared with other Alaskans. Her organization, Hope4Alaska, is a powerful tool in our collective fight against suicide and provides countless young people with the power they need to help themselves and others.

“President Obama has made Alaska proud by recognizing Teressa as a ‘Champion of Change’ and bringing her message and story to the national stage.

“All of Alaska’s elected officials, community leaders and youth advocates should join hands with Teressa and work together to fight one of Alaska’s most notorious problems. As Teressa tells groups across the state, small words and acts of encouragement can go a long way. We should all keep this in mind every day.”

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Delegation Wants Equal Treatment for Alaska’s Fisheries

November 29: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “You have made commitments to fund observers in other regions while they transition to catch share programs,” wrote the delegation.  “We are concerned funding observers in these regions might jeopardize your ability to provide start up funds for the restructured North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program.  Meanwhile, the burden imposed on fishermen in Alaska’s small boats and 60 –foot to 125-foot vessel fleets would be unwarranted.” More…

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Begich Amendments to Defense Authorization Help Alaska

November 30: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: Begich’s amendment, the National Guard, Reserve “Gray Area” Retiree and Surviving Spouse Space-Available Travel Equity Act, gives National Guard members, Reservists and their families the same space-available travel privileges on Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft as active duty service members. Currently, members and retirees of the reserve component have limited space-available travel opportunities on DoD aircraft.

“Travel is such a big part of life in Alaska, we need to make sure it is easy and economical for our National Guard and Reserve members,” Begich said. “These men and women serve shoulder-to-shoulder with our active duty members. I just attended a deployment ceremony and shook the hands of 150 of our Alaska Guard members deploying to Afghanistan. They certainly deserve equal benefits for themselves and their families.” More…

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Defense Bill Brings Nearly $400 M in Facility Investment to Alaska

December 1: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “With nearly 9,000 Alaska-based troops serving in Afghanistan by the end of this year, this bill provides the funding necessary to make sure our service members are supported at home and overseas while eliminating wasteful Pentagon spending,” Begich said. “The military investments authorized in the bill keep our forces strong and ready to serve, while also supporting the economy with jobs and construction dollars.” More…

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Begich Pleased with Alaska Native Education Initiative

December 3: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today released the following statement after President Obama announced he is establishing an initiative to help expand educational opportunities for Alaska Native and American Indian students. An Executive Order called The Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities Initiative was announced as part of Obama’s third White House Tribal Nations Conference.

“This is welcome news as we know we must do more to improve educational outcomes for Alaska Natives students. This initiative sets the tone for policies Congress must pursue in an overhaul of No Child Left Behind.

“Any new law must respect and embrace Alaska Native cultures and languages, as well as give educators the tools needed to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields. I am pleased to see a focus on improving educational outcomes and career opportunities.” More…

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Begich Applauds FAA Decision to Protect Pilot Privacy

December 2: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “I am very pleased to see the FAA take swift action to comply with the Congressional directive to restore the BARR program. We recognized this as an unnecessary invasion of privacy and have been working to make sure the BARR program stays intact,” Begich said. “Americans are not entitled to any less privacy because they are flying an airplane.” More…

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Begich Applauds Progress on CD-5

December 5: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement today after the Department of Interior (DOI) announced the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency have reached an agreement in principle with ConocoPhillips regarding the company’s proposed Alpine Satellite Development Plan (CD-5) in the National Petroleum Reserve –Alaska (NPRA).

According to the DOI, the agreement in principle confirms construction of a pipeline and bridge over the Colville River will move forward:

“This is a great way to ring in the holiday season at a time when Alaska’s oil and gas industry needs to hear some good news on the development front.

“It’s been a long and sometimes frustrating process to get to this decision. I commend ConocoPhillips and the Interior Department for sticking with it. This foothold into the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska will bring new jobs and millions of barrels of oil to help fill the pipeline.” More…

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Sen. Begich Statement on 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

December 6: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Today, 70 years later the ‘date that will live in infamy’ continues to remind each of us of the great sacrifices that our men and women in the military make for our country.

“We will soon have more than 9,000 Alaska-based service men and women deployed to Afghanistan, where the 1st Stryker Brigade, the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team and members of the Alaska Army National Guard are taking the fight to those who would seek to do our nation harm. There are also 550 remaining Alaska-based service members in Iraq.

“As we prepare to enjoy our holiday season, let us keep them, their families, and all the other men and women serving in uniform, in our thoughts and prayers.

“Our freedom and democracy are not free and, just as we saw on December 7, 1941 and throughout our nation’s history, it will always require brave Americans willing to risk all for this great nation and our way of life.”

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The ‘Taxpayers Right to Know Act’ Introduced in Both Chambers of Congress Today

December 7: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Taxpayers have a right to know where every penny of their money is being spent,” Senator Begich said. “At this time of a staggering national deficit and debt, we need to increase transparency and accountability for how federal dollars are spent and this helps moves us down that path.” More…

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Begich Statement on BLM Lease Sale

December 7: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Today’s bids to develop additional North Slope oil are more good news for Alaska. Combined with recent steps forward on offshore permitting and today’s state lease sale, we’re finally making progress opening federal lands and waters in Alaska’s Arctic for responsible oil and gas development. I’m pleased to see the industry respond positively.

“With nearly 900 million barrels of conventional, undiscovered oil and 53 trillion cubic feet of gas within NPRA and adjacent state lands, the NPR-A can be an important source of oil to bridge the gap between declining North Slope production and development of the resources in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.” More…

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Begich: military cuts expected in future

Juneau Empire: November 30: Sen. Mark Begich said the state’s military installations can expect significant budget cuts in coming years as the federal government moves ahead with reducing the deficit.

Begich, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he will make sure Alaska is treated fairly, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (http://bit.ly/tH4ADh ) reported Tuesday.

“Do we worry about cuts? Yes,” Begich said. “Do we worry about unfair cuts? That’s what we want to watch out for.”

The inability of the congressional “supercommittee” to reach a deficit-reducing compromise this month will trigger a $1.2 trillion package of automatic cuts in the decade ahead. About half of that is supposed to come from military spending, with the first cuts scheduled for early 2013.

Begich, D-Alaska, predicted Congress will enter the debate about military cuts before the automatic reductions take effect in 2013. He said his priority will be protecting the pay and benefits of service members.  More…

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Pac Northwest fishing interests pushing against CDQs

Alaska Journal of Commerce: December 1: Alaska heavy?

McCarty, who also sits on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Council, a body that offers advice to the Secretary of Commerce, talked about the success of CDQs at a February 2010 meeting in Honolulu — chaired by Balsiger —to discuss the federal draft catch share policy.

“Frankly I can’t think of very much that is wrong with it,” McCarty said, according to transcripts. “The main thing that is wrong with it is that people envy it. And there is a lot of hostility in the rest of the fisheries toward the CDQ program. And some people consider it social engineering, which indeed it is, and it is hugely successful for these communities and people resent the program.

“And it comes out in testimony at the council. It comes out on radios at the fishing grounds. ‘Oh, you are a CDQ group, you can buy anything you want. You can pay your crew anything you want. We can’t compete with you because you are so successful,’ and that is really what the net effect has been of the CDQ program because it has been so successful.”

Alaska Sen. Mark Begich said the ideas from the Pacific Northwest are going nowhere.

“As chairman of the Senate Oceans Subcommittee, I will work to make sure this proposal never sees the light of day,” Begich said in September when the Poulsen letter surfaced.

Larry Cotter, executive director of CDQ group Aleutians Pribilof Island Community Development Association, said the Poulsen letter was “full of factual errors and revisionist history.”

“This is a group of individuals who are upset that the days when Alaska was a colony are gone, and are incredibly asking their delegations to do whatever they can do to make Alaska a colony once again,” Cotter said.

Begich was specifically mentioned in the letter from the Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union as being “known to show support for the halibut charter industry, an industry that has looked only toward shortsighted economic gains.”

The letter from DSFU asks Cantwell to retake her chairmanship of the Senate Oceans subcommittee, which she held until Begich took over at the beginning of the 2011 Congress.

“Senator Begich’s powerful and influential position as chairman … is great for Alaska but bad for the rest of us who expect a federally managed fishery,” McManus wrote, calling it “the fox guarding the henhouse.” More…

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New missile defense contract should be awarded soon, Begich says

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: November 28:  The slow-moving process to award a huge new contract for part of the U.S. missile defense system should be completed by the end of the year, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich said Monday.

Begich, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he’s “very confident” the contract will be awarded sometime next month. Two rival teams of defense contractors, led by Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Corporation, respectively, are battling for the contract. It includes most work at the missile defense site at the former Fort Greely Army post near Delta Junction, with oversight of roughly 150 employees there.

The award was supposed to be awarded in early summer, but has been delayed twice. Begich said it’s simply taken more time than expected to sort through the complicated bids, which he said are “very different but offer the same end result.”

“The process is a little more complex than they’d anticipated,” Begich said. More…

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Begich on DOJ; Deficit Super Committee

KTVA: November 30: Senator Mark Begich talks about the Department of Justice’s failure to prosecute Bill Allen on sex crimes, as well as the controversial “Fast and Furious” operation which put American guns in the hands of Mexican cartel members.

Sen. Begich also addresses the failure of the debt super committee, and why congress is so concerned with the extension of a payroll tax break. Watch… More…

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Senate panel weighs congressional insider-trading ban

Washington Post: December 1: “If someone wants to cheat, they will find a way,” said Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska). “The thing is disclosure, disclosure, disclosure. . . . It should all be available anytime online and in a searchable database.” More…

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Senate proves we should fear ourselves

Alaska Daily News: December 3: On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to simultaneously shred the centuries-old Posse Comitatus Act, which prevents the use of American soldiers to enforce domestic laws, and habeas corpus, our fundamental right to challenge our detention by the government. I could hear the echoing empty cries of the founding fathers’ declaration of independence:

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury

During the most heated parts of the Senate debate, Sens. Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski were nowhere to be seen. They were back in Alaska, engaged in dueling photo ops.

On Tuesday, yet another military deployment ceremony took place here. The 4th Brigade Combat Team was preparing to leave for a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.

Thirty-five hundred souls were headed back into combat to fight for our freedom while our two senators missed three days of a genuine attack on our freedom: the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012.

The Twitter feeds of our senators broadcast their activities: Begich rang a bell for the Salvation Army. Murkowski went to a play. Both senators spoke and posed for pictures at the deployment ceremony.

I would find it ironic, if it weren’t so nauseating. More…

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New oil and gas companies snatch up federal tracts, too

Alaska Dispatch: December 7: The Bureau of Land Management, holding an oil and gas lease offering a few hours after the state’s sale, received $3.6 million for 20 tracts covering 141,000 acres in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

BLM had offered 283 tracts totaling 3 million acres and received bids on just 17 tracts – or about 6 percent.

Some companies seemed interested in leasing federal tracts adjacent to those offered by the state near the Colville River, said Artealia Gilliard, a spokeswoman for the BLM in Alaska.

“That was the rule of the day,” she said.

The state Natural Resources department had hoped companies would lease adjacent state and federal tracts during the bid openings in downtown Anchorage on Wednesday.

The three successful bidders in the federal sale — ConocoPhillips and newcomers Woodstone Resources LLC, with offices in Texas, and Colorado-based 70 & 148 LLC — also successfully bid in the state sale, Gilliard said. It was too early to know if the companies leased adjacent state and federal land, she said.

The highest bid for a single tract was for $500,000, she said. That tract near the Colville River cost 70 & 148 LLC about $100 per acre.

BLM currently manages 169 leases covering 1.3 million acres in the northeast and northwest planning areas of NPR-A, the company said in a release.

In the northeast region, BLM has approved the Greater Mooses Tooth and the Bear Tooth unit, both operated by ConocoPhillips.

Alaska Sen. Mark Begich called the sale good news. ”Combined with recent steps forward on offshore permitting and today’s state lease sale, we’re finally making progress opening federal lands and waters in Alaska’s Arctic for responsible oil and gas development,” he said in a written statement. More…

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Joe Miller (U.S. Senate candidate in 2010)

Spokesman: Miller tweet not hint at political plans to challenge Young but options open

The Republic: December 1: A Joe Miller tweet about a possible ethics investigation of Rep. Don Young isn’t a hint that Miller is considering challenging Young next year, a spokesman said.

But Miller’s spokesman, Bill Peck, repeated what Miller has said: that all options remain open.

Miller became a household name in Alaska during his unsuccessful U.S. Senate run against fellow Republican Lisa Murkowski. He has since become chairman of a conservative political action committee and formed his own Alaska PAC.

Peck says the tweet was referencing concern for the political climate of Alaska and Washington, D.C., and corruption.

Peck says the tweet was referencing concern for the political climate of Alaska and Washington, D.C., and corruption.

This week, the U.S. House Ethics Committee said it’s considering whether to investigate Young, following an inquiry into whether donations to the Republican’s legal defense fund exceeded the contribution limit.

Young has said the rules regarding such things are vague but that the trustee would return any funds the committee may determine in violation of the contribution limit. More…

Weekly Clips from October 27, 2011 through November 10, 2011

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-AK., and Joe Miller (U.S. Senate candidate in 2010)

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-AK.

Frankenfish a Consumer Trick that’s No Treat

October 31: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: Using Halloween to raise awareness of the risks posed by genetically-engineered (GE) fish, known as Frankenfish, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich and his staff delivered “No Frankenfish” buttons to every Senate office on Capitol Hill today.

“Turning the genes of salmon into a genetic super-growth formula sounds like a plot for the next Deep Blue Sea, Jaws or some other horror movie,” said Sen. Begich. “Wild caught, well managed salmon is one of our nation’s richest resources and best foods. There’s no need to create fake Frankenfish to try and replace it.”

The buttons came attached with a “scary note” about the dangers of Frankenfish. Begich is using the buttons to get the attention of Senators who have not heard of the FDA’s possible approval of genetically-engineered fish for distribution and consumption.

“I’ll continue to fight against Frankenfish because the biggest scare families get on Halloween night could come from their dinner plate, not the trick-or-treaters on the front porch,” said Sen. Begich.  More…

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Begich Pleased Alaska Priorities Supported in Minibus

November 1: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “I am pleased to see that programs essential for safety and quality of life in Alaska were protected with today’s passage of the minibus spending bill,” Sen. Begich said. “Even as we continue to focus on reducing the debt and the deficit, we must look out for Alaska’s critical needs. These wise investments will pay dividends as we focus on creating jobs, growing our economy and keeping our communities safe.” More…

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Universal Service Fund Reform Protects Alaska

November 2: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “I was pleased to host FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in Alaska this summer so he could see first-hand the challenges we have in bringing rural Alaska into the modern world in terms of broadband, Internet and all of the important communications technology we need to stay competitive,” Begich said. “As we continue to build out our telecommunications infrastructure, we need sustained investment to make sure all of our communities have broadband capabilities like the rest of the country enjoys.” More…

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New Post Office Reform Bill Protects Alaska Priorities

November 2: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The importance of Alaska’s post offices can’t be understated and I’m glad to see post office reform legislation that addresses the USPS’ financial concerns while respecting Alaska’s needs.

“This legislation protects bypass mail because it is a critical part of life in rural Alaska and helps communities receive the same universal service the rest of the country gets. I will continue to work with the USPS and my Senate colleagues to protect and improve delivery services in Alaska’s urban and rural areas.”

Bypass mail is a program that allows mail delivery in remote parts of Alaska. Because of this remote delivery, Alaska families also benefit from more affordable transportation of people and goods.

“Also, I’m pleased the legislation includes the ability for the USPS to expand their services to non-postal goods and update their business model, something I’ve advocated for on a regular basis.”

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Begich’s Coast Guard Bill Advances in Commerce Committee

November 2: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The Coast Guard performs a number of critical missions to the nation such as ensuring marine safety, search and rescue, oil spill response, fishery enforcement and patrols and drug interdiction,” Begich said. “The Coast Guard is one of the most critical agencies for Alaska and I am pleased to see support for its continued strength.” More…

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Delegation Questions Air Force on Civilian Personnel Decreases at Alaska Bases

November 3: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: The letter expresses concern with the decision to find budget cuts by arbitrarily laying off Alaskans and calls on the Air Force to help these Alaskans find new employment.

“We are extremely concerned about workers impacted by this decision. We have to keep in mind these are real people and this bad news piles on to an already bleak outlook on jobs. More than 50 Alaskans will be dealing with the financial and emotional realities of losing their job during the holiday season. We urge you to work directly with displaced works and provide every opportunity for training and assistance to transition them into vacancies at the installation.”

“We were not provided detailed justification for reductions in civilian personnel at JBER and Eielson. We understand budget constraints demand better business practices and civilian personnel decreases totaling 9,000 are now occurring at Air Force installations across the county. However, information provided to our offices to date provides no substantial evidence the Civilian Personnel Restructuring was executed in a thoughtful and concise manner to achieve savings and efficiencies.” More…

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Begich, Thune Lead Bipartisan Letter to Administration

November 4: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: U.S. Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today spearheaded a bipartisan letter signed by 58 of their colleagues to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Acting Director Edward DeMarco and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner objecting to the recent news that nearly $13 million in bonus pay was approved for 10 executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

“I was floored to hear of these bonuses being doled out at this time under these circumstances,” Begich said. “When working families across this country are worrying day to day about keeping their jobs and staying in their homes, excessive executive bonuses like these are beyond the pale.” More…

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BOXER, ISRAEL, BEGICH & MERKLEY INTRODUCE BILL TO HELP END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

November 4: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “By making one small addition to our tax forms we can make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of veterans across the country,” Senator Begich said, “In Alaska the Pick. Click. Give. program has proven this is an effective way to better our communities. No veteran should ever have to spend a cold night in the street, they’ve served our country and defended our freedom and they deserve better.” More…

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Delegation Welcomes Cook Inlet Natural Gas Discovery by Escopeta

November 5: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: The Alaska congressional delegation today welcomed Escopeta Oil’s discovery of an estimated 3.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in Cook Inlet as a critical step in exploring Cook Inlet and vindication of the congressional delegation’s efforts to address Jones Act issues related to the company’s use of a foreign-flagged vessel to deliver a specialized drilling rig to Alaska.

The discovery is good news for Southcentral residents, who face rising utility bills because of declining gas supplies, and explains why the delegation fought so hard with the Obama administration and its agencies to overcome Jones Act issues that threatened to keep Escopeta from drilling in Cook Inlet this summer.

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Mark Begich, D-Alaska, and Congressman Don Young, R-Alaska, worked with the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to challenge objections to Escopeta’s use of a foreign-owned vessel to deliver a specialized jack-up drilling rig to Cook Inlet. The delegation believes that a Jones Act waiver was warranted because no U.S.-flagged vessel was capable of transporting a rig of that size in time to allow exploration this summer. As DHS deliberates a fine, the unique factors involved in this case should be understood as mitigating circumstances, and Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano should use her discretion in light of the facts.

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Begich Legislation Boosts Support for Gasline

November 7: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “As the state continues debating which route to go down, this bill will jumpstart the crucial part of any plan and helps ensure we get the critical first segment of the gasline built from the North Slope to Fairbanks,” Begich said. More…

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Proposed Five-Year OCS Lease Program Highlights Alaska’s Promise

November 8: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “For nearly three years, my message to the Obama Administration is that as America’s energy storehouse, our state can and should responsibly supply a significant portion of our country’s energy needs.  I’m pleased they are hearing our message.

“The steady progress of approvals for exploring existing leases in the Beaufort and Chukchi has been encouraging, and the lease sales in the next five-year program announced today build on that progress.

“The energy and the jobs this development will produce won’t happen overnight. I’ll remain aggressive in pushing the administration to do the right thing – to expedite Alaska energy development.”

The schedule includes a special interest sale in Cook Inlet’s federal waters in 2013 provided there is sufficient interest.  It has one lease sale in the Beaufort Sea scheduled for 2015 and a Chukchi Sea sale in 2016.

“As part of my continuing effort to fight for Alaska development, I’m meeting this afternoon with BOEM Director Tommy Beaudreau.  I hope to learn more the lease sale schedule and will continue to press the case for responsible development in Alaska’s waters,” Begich added. More…

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Senators Introduce Legislation Empowering States to Protect Consumers from Abusive Lending

November 8: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “At a time when Alaskans and all Americans are watching their spending and doing what they can to make ends meet, the last thing we need is big banks making more money off of high-interest credit cards and other gimmicks,” Begich said.  “We need to close some of these loopholes and level the playing field for the consumer.” More…

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Begich Asks FEMA to Keep Him Updated on Bering Sea Storm – Ensure Resources Available

November 8: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “We know when storms with hurricane force winds and 10 foot storm surges hit anywhere in the lower 48, it is a major news event with all eyes on potentially-impacted communities. I realize we are in a remote part of the country, but many people and communities are in harm’s way,” Begich said while releasing the letter. “I will continue to receive updates and do whatever I can to make sure Alaskans have what they need before, during and after the storm.” More…

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Begich Fights Off Attempt to Breakdown Bypass Mail

November 9: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Post offices in rural Alaska are the lifeblood of our villages, handling everything from basic food products to medicines and building materials,” Begich said. “Our communities, businesses and families need some predictability and accountability in this process and today’s progress will give us the time to help make sure the Postal Service understands that.” More…

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Delegation Announces Grants and Contracts to Alaska Programs

November 10: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: U.S. Department of Agriculture:

$3,500,000 to Gwitchyaa Zhee Utility Company to construct a new Combined Heat and Power facility.

$1,000,000 to Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA) to reduce high energy costs for low-income families living in THRHA housing in three rural communities.

$443,779 to Alaska Village Initiatives to install two hydrogen generation systems in five villages.

$50,000 to the Sea Lion Corporation for Wind Project.

U.S. Department of Transportation:

$120,000 to the Municipality of Anchorage for a set of mobile smartphone applications to simplify access to transit information without a web connection.

$232,321 to the Alaska Highway Safety Office to support state highway safety programs.

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Alaska programs survive in US Senate spending bill

Anchorage Daily News: November 1: Subsidies for rural Alaska air travel and farmers in the 49th state survived in the $182 billion spending bill the U.S. Senate passed on Tuesday.

It’s the first appropriations measure to pass the Senate since the debt limit deal enacted in August under which lawmakers have to cut. Tea Party Republicans argued that reductions in discretionary spending in the bill did not go nearly far enough. But challenges to programs including rural air subsidies and the Rural Development Agency failed.

The bill, which passed the Senate 69 to 30, provides funding for agriculture, transportation, housing, commerce, justice and science departments. Alaska Democratic Sen. Mark Begich and Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski both voted for it. The vote sets up negotiations with the Republican-controlled House, where there has been more appetite for cuts.

Murkowski and Begich sent out statements Tuesday, with Begich saying that “even as we continue to focus on reducing the debt and the deficit, we must look out for Alaska’s critical needs.” Murkowski struck a similar theme, with a statement saying that “many Alaskan imperatives have been addressed through the appropriations process.”

Both Murkowski and Begich pointed to money for rural air service. The “Essential Air Service” program received a $13 million boost, for a total of $143 million. A portion of that money has gone to subsidize flights into 44 Alaska communities airlines say could be too expensive to serve otherwise, from Yakutat in the Southeast Peninsula to Atka in the Aleutians. More…

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Doesn’t pass the smell test

Homer News: November 3: I have been asking different politicians around the state why on earth would the governor want to give $2 billion a year of the state’s money to the oil companies with no strings attached, not even the Alaska hire clause in the bill. There must be a reason. I mean, it doesn’t pass the smell test. Something is seriously wrong here. What could it be?

The answer I got was that if you deliver the state’s billions of dollars to the oil companies now, then when you run against Sen. Mark Begich for his Senate seat, the oil companies will richly reward you with campaign contributions. It is a pay-to-play scheme that is good for you, but at a terrible cost for the state. What say you on this?

John Suter

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Interior drilling plan takes fire from Republicans, greens

The Hill: e2 Wire: Ben Geman: November 8: The Obama administration’s proposed offshore oil-and-gas leasing plan is drawing immediate attacks from Republicans who call it too modest and green groups who allege it courts environmental disaster.

The Interior Department’s draft 2012-2017 plan envisions a dozen lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and includes tracts in Arctic waters off Alaska’s northern coast.

“For nearly three years, my message to the Obama Administration is that as America’s energy storehouse, our state can and should responsibly supply a significant portion of our country’s energy needs. I’m pleased they are hearing our message,” said Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska). More…

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Alaska debates seeking waiver from No Child Left Behind

Anchorage Daily News: November 9: Alaska’s U.S. senators have criticized the law as a one-size-fits-all approach to education that doesn’t fit Alaska’s needs. Sen. Mark Begich has called for the state to seek waivers; Sen. Lisa Murkowski wants changes to the law. More…

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Joe Miller (U.S. Senate candidate in 2010)

Alaska: Poster state for crony capitalism

Joe Miller – Restoring Liberty: October 31: Crony capitalism thrives in Alaska, center stage held by the Alaska Native Corporations (ANC).

From the pending shakedown of taxpayers through a wholesale land grab (S.730 and H.R.1408) to recent arrests of four people in one of the “most brazen federal contracting scandals in our nation’s history,” there seems to be no end to the scams, a consequence of an ANC system run amok.

It’s not enough that over $29 billion of taxpayer money has been transferred to the ANCs under the 8(a) minority no-bid federal contracting scheme. The state’s seemingly permanent political class has recently orchestrated sister bills in each chamber of Congress (S.730 and H.R.1408) to extend the literal reach of a single, billion-dollar ANC – Sealaska. Anyone concerned with the rampant growth of corporate giveaways in D.C. should be outraged over this land-grab legislation.

Lisa Murkowski, beneficiary of millions from ANCs for her write-in campaign last fall, sponsored S.730 that was introduced barely four months after her improbable write-in victory was finalized. This bill has just one co-sponsor (besides Alaska’s junior senator), and the House version, voted out of committee in July, has just five voting co-sponsors. More…

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A look ahead to the key races in the West in 2012

USA Today: October 31: Alaska: The state’s at-large representative, Republican Don Young, has been in office since 1973. Young may be challenged by Tea Party-backed Republican Joe Miller. In 2010, Miller ran for Senate and won the Republican nomination against Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Murkowski won the general election, however, with 39% of the vote through write-ins compared with Miller’s 35%. Democrat Doug Urquidi of Eagle River is also seeking the congressional seat.

Nineteen of Alaska’s 20 state senators will be up for re-election in what promises to be a scramble for power — the Senate is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.

State Senate elections normally are staggered, with 10 senators elected every two years. However, after redistricting, all but one state senator must face voters in 2012. More…

Weekly Clips from November 10 , 2011 through November 24, 2011

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-AK., and Joe Miller (U.S. Senate candidate in 2010)

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-AK.

Begich Highlights Alaska Safe Families and Villages Act

November 10: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “I hear from Alaska’s tribal leaders every day about the need for more resources to address suicide, substance abuse and domestic violence. So I worked with tribal leaders for a solution that gives them more resources, is culturally relevant and addresses the public safety concerns in remote villages,” Begich said. More…

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Alaska Program Recognized for Education Innovation

November 10: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “I’m thrilled, but not surprised, that an Alaska organization was selected in this competition to help expand professional development and improve retention of high-quality teachers,” Begich said.  “We know one of the best ways to improve education is to support and expand innovative ideas coming from local educators who know their communities and students best.” More…

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Begich Supports Hiring Veterans, Providing Job Training

November 10: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Fully honoring our commitment to our veterans means both while they are serving abroad and when they return home – and putting our veterans back to work is a critical part of that promise,” Begich said. “Helping small businesses hire unemployed veterans is just common sense. It eases our veterans’ transition back to civilian life, helps our small businesses, and grows our economy.” More…

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Begich Launches Alaska Heroes Hub for Veterans’ Day

November 10: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “It has been my great privilege for nearly three years now to work to help our veterans by serving on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and working each day to get them health care, jobs, and the many benefits we promised them for serving,” Begich said. “The Alaska Heroes Hub is just one more tool to get information quickly and efficiently to veterans. It also gives all of us a chance to learn the stories of Alaska’s heroes who have served or are serving.”  More…

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U.S. Sen. Mark Begich and his wife, Deborah Bonito, attended the Veterans’ Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

November 11: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: After the official ceremony, Sen. Begich and Deborah laid a wreath at the gravesite of an Alaskan who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. More…

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U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

November 15: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Without quick progress on Shell Exploration and Production Company’s Plan of Exploration for the Chukchi Sea in 2012, promises of future lease sales will ring hollow to Alaskans,” Begich writes.

“I urge you to quickly release a review schedule with hard deadlines so Shell and many of the other companies involved can mobilize resources in time to make 2012 Chukchi exploration a reality.” More…

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Begich Welcomes Senate Approval of Judge Sharon Gleason

November 15: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Her confirmation will make Judge Gleason the first female judge appointed to the federal bench in Alaska history. It is truly momentous for our state, and long overdue.” More…

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Begich Statement on Release of 30-day Public Review of Shell Exploration Plan for Chukchi Sea

November 16: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “I am pleased to see us take another step closer to offshore exploration in the Arctic next year. Today’s announcement will bring a little more holiday cheer around Alaska as we look for ways to expand our oil and gas production and create jobs.

“Alaskans know better than anyone the enormous energy resources we hold in the Arctic, and I look forward to continued good news coming out of the Obama Administration when it comes to domestic energy production in Alaska.” More…

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Begich Fights to Eliminate Wasteful DoD Spending

November 16: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The MEADS project is really a drain on taxpayers and it has no potential future use,” Begich said. “We need to be mindful of how we are spending our money and the Department of Defense has already said it has no use for this program now or in the future. Let’s give our military members the resources and compensation necessary to meet our global commitments.”  More…

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Begich Calls for Funding for Accurate Weather Forecasting

November 16: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Last week Western Alaska experienced a once-in-a-lifetime storm that would have stretched from Southern California to Washington state if it was in the lower 48,” said Sen. Begich. “While the full damage is still being assessed, it is clear that it could have been far worse if we did not have the benefit of clear warnings from NOAA days in advance. This storm coupled with the hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and droughts causing damage throughout the country prove the critical value of NOAA’s services and programs.” More…

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Begich Pushes for Development in ANWR

November 16: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “This annual short-sighted and predictable effort to lock up the Arctic Refuge may score some points from environmental groups but does nothing to create jobs for unemployed Americans or assure a steady source of affordable energy for American families,” Begich said. “Instead of erecting a stop sign to responsible energy development, we should be green-lighting more domestic energy production and the thousands of jobs for Americans it creates.” More…

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Pirate Fishing Boats Belong at the Bottom of the Sea

November 17: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Pirate fishermen use illegal fishing techniques that could devastate Alaska fisheries.  We will not allow them to destroy the livelihoods of honest hard-working fishermen.” Sen. Begich said. “We want pirate fishermen to know that, if they fish illegally, their boat will be blown up, used for law enforcement, or turned into scrap metal.” More…

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Alaska Priorities Secured in Funding Bill

November 17: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “Alaska has unique needs, from accurate weather forecasting to safe aviation for our rural communities, and I’m pleased we successfully fought to fund them in this legislation,” Sen. Begich said. “These critical investments in Alaska’s ferries, airports and communities will provide businesses the access and resources needed to create jobs and promote efforts to revitalize our economy.” More…

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Delegation Announces Grants and Contracts to Alaska Programs

November 18: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: U.S. Department of Agriculture:

$448,366 to Alaskan Brewing LLC, of Juneau, to create biofuel from waste grain.

U.S. Department of Energy:

$898,772 to Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority to reduce high energy costs for low-income multifamily housing.

$717,844 to Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to upgrade the primary sanitation utility and improve overall energy efficiency of the water treatment and distribution in Selawik.

$51,165 to the Native Village of Unalakleet to perform a Feasibility Study for the retrofit of a multi-family building.

$200,000 to the Sea Lion Corporation to create jobs and provide training.

$285, 866 to The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska to reduce energy costs for buildings housing tribal program.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

$1,889, 600 to Fairbanks Resource Agency to serve very low-income developmentally disabled residents of Totem Park.

$1,889, 600 to Kenai Peninsula Housing Initiatives, Inc. to serve very low-income mentally ill and developmentally disabled residents of Tyree Court.

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Begich Statement on Failure of Super Committee

November 21: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: “The last thing I or the American people want is to watch committee members point fingers on the TV talk shows. We need to work together and that will continue to be my focus in the days and weeks ahead.” More…

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Sen. Begich Launches “Operation Yellow Ribbon”

November 22: Mark Begich–U.S. Senator: Pressroom: In an effort to remember the sacrifice of Alaska’s military men and women serving overseas during the next year, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, the Armed Services YMCA and Alaska SUBWAY® Restaurants are launching “Operation Yellow Ribbon” this week.

Beginning Wednesday, November 23, Alaskans can pick up a yellow ribbon in any SUBWAY® restaurant in Anchorage, Fairbanks or the Mat-Su Valley and display it proudly to show the troops we are thinking of them and appreciate their service.

“As we all sit down to enjoy Thanksgiving, thousands of Alaska-based military members are celebrating the holiday in Afghanistan and Iraq,” Begich said. “And with 3,500 more members leaving for Afghanistan just after Thanksgiving, this is a small way for us to say we’re thinking of you, your families and will await your safe return.” More…

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Quiet in Nome

KTVA: November 10: In Washington, D.C., Sen. Mark Begich appeared on The Weather Channel.  When asked how large the storm really was, he replied, “This storm, if it was on the west coast, is the equivalent of reaching from Mexico to Washington state.”

 

Begich said he’s been in constant contact with residents along Alaska’s west coast. “We’re watching it carefully here and, if necessary, we’ll go back to see the damage.” More…

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Begich optimistic committee will reach debt deal, wants to see long-term investments

The Republic: November 14: U.S. Mark Begich said Monday he’s optimistic a bipartisan congressional committee will meet the deadline for agreeing on a deficit-reduction plan of at least $1.2 trillion over the next decade.

The supercommittee, which has been split on whether to raise taxes and cut benefit programs, faces a Nov. 23 deadline. And whatever deal it may come up with will face an up-or-down vote in Congress.

Begich told reporters in a conference call from Washington, D.C., that any plan will need a “balanced approach,” with spending cuts, additional revenues and long-term investments in areas like energy, education and infrastructure. Begich, D-Alaska, said the nation’s long-term growth potential will be hurt if Congress loses sight of those investment needs.

“You cannot cut your way out of this problem but you cannot tax your way out of this problem,” he said. “And so it’s a combination of things that has to occur here.” More…

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Senate confirms two judicial nominees

The Hill: November 15: “It is truly momentous for our state, and long overdue,” said Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) prior to the vote. “I’m honored to have been a part of the process that led us to this important day.” More…

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Land bills approved

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: November 10: The Kantishna land exchange bill, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, authorizes the park service to swap 10 acres of land with Doyon, Limited, a Fairbanks-based regional Native corporation that owns Kantishna Roadhouse, so a small hydroelectric power plant can be built. The idea is reduce by half the amount of diesel fuel used by the roadhouse. Murkowski called it a “win-win” for Doyon and the park service.  More…

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Alaska Ear

Alaska Daily News: Sheila Toomey: November 17: BLOW ‘EM ALL UP . . . Yes! Do it baby! Remember last month when Sen. Mark “Blow ‘em Up” Begich urged the Coast Guard to blast that rat-infested pirate ship that was seized off the coast of Unalaska? It didn’t happen. The feds came up with weenie excuses for not doing it, like safety, the threat of environmental disaster, etc.

Well, Mark has now introduced a law that gives NOAA and the Coast Guard official “options” for disposing of future pirate ships including “sinking them in live-fire training exercises.”

In other words, blowing ‘em up!

The legislation is so damn-the-torpedoes, so weirdly Alaskan that Don Young signed on as co-sponsor. (He’s of a different political persuasion, you know.)

“Even though it is the 21st century, pirates are still a threat to our way of life,” a press release quotes Don saying.

A threat to our way of life? Who knew?

The press release continues: “With this legislation we are letting these thieves know that their ships will be blown into oblivion if they try and steal our fish.”

Pirates, blown into oblivion. That’s an Alaskan solution.

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More fishery observers mean better data on fish

Alaska Daily News: November 20: Alaska opinions

A statewide poll of 802 Alaska voters last month asked opinions of various public figures, industries and issues. The poll was done by research powerhouse Strategies 360 for the Bristol Bay Native Corp. and included voters from all demographics and regions.

A sampler: 54 percent said they believe Alaska is heading in the right direction; 27 percent said the economy and jobs is the most important issue facing Alaska today.

The fishing industry got the highest favorable rating at 79 percent, followed by the Alaska gas pipeline at 75 percent, and the oil and gas industry at 66 percent.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski had a 61 percent favorable rating, Gov. Sean Parnell was at 52 percent, Rep. Don Young at 51 percent and Sen. Mark Begich at 48 percent. The Alaska Legislature had a 45 percent favorable rating by voters.

See the voter survey at www.bbnc.net/images/stories/newfolder/release_toplines.pdf

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Supercommittee failure: Lawmakers vow to work against defense cuts

Washington Post: 2Chambers: Felicia Sonmez: November 21: “This is not the end of the discussion,” Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) said in a statement. “The automatic cuts Congress called for in case the Super Committee couldn’t reach agreement don’t go into effect until January of 2013 which gives us time. As I’ve said all along, we need the right mix of cuts, tax reform and smart investments to get the economy going and reduce the national deficit.” More…

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Senators’ Thanksgiving meal picks: No apple pie for Klobuchar, McCain wants a fried bird

The Hill: November 21: But Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) seems happy to fly home from D.C. to feast with his family, saying with a laugh, “I’ve seen plenty of turkeys around here, but now I get to go have some and eat some.”

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Supercommittee Failure Disappoints Alaska Delegation

KTUU: November 21: Sen. Begich said he’ll keep an eye on what areas of the state may be affected and by how much.

He calls the lack of compromise disappointing.

“The end result is the committee has failed, not because they don’t have the ideas, it’s because they can’t figure out how to compromise and move this country forward and it’s very, very frustrating.” Begich said. More…

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State wants U.S. to assert Arctic control

Peninsula Clarion: November 24: A U.S. Senate subcommittee on oceans will take a fresh look at the Law of the Sea Treaty early next year, said Sen. Mark Begich, chairman of the Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on the topic.

The treaty was negotiated and signed by the United States decades ago, but has yet to go into effect here because it hasn’t been ratified by the United States Senate.

“It’s irresponsible for us to not be a party to the Law of the Sea,” Begich told the Empire last week.

“This is an important treaty that has huge opportunities for us, from Alaska’s perspective,” he said. More…

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Joe Miller (U.S. Senate candidate in 2010)

FEC rejects Miller’s Senate race complaint

Alaska Daily News: November 12: Miller accused Alaskans Standing Together and the 11 Native regional corporations that donated to the group of breaking laws that forbid federal contractors from contributing to any political party, committee or candidate for federal office.

The FEC ruling, sent to those involved in the case Thursday, said eight of the companies involved have no federal government contracts. It made a distinction between the corporations and the federal contracts of their subsidiaries.

“Although they each have subsidiaries that hold federal contracts, those subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities from them, and the parent companies have sufficiently demonstrated that they made their contributions (to Alaskans Standing Together) with revenue sources other than the federal-contract-holding subsidiaries,” the Federal Election Commission ruled.

“Therefore, they are not government contractors as defined by the Act and the Commission’s regulations,” the FEC concluded.

Miller said he’s deeply disappointed in the ruling. He characterized it as the FEC blessing “crony capitalism” — giving corporations that are government contractors a pass and letting others hide behind subsidiaries.

“Allowing corporations to hide behind their subsidiaries in order to conceal funding derived from federal taxpayers ensures that future U.S. elections will be tainted. Incumbents will continue to direct federal funds to cronies who will, in turn, use their subsidiaries to flood the airwaves with anything necessary to defeat any challenger,” Miller said in a written statement. More….