Libby Casey, APRN
lcasey (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | About Libby
Top Veterans Affairs Official Visiting Alaska
The top U.S. official who oversees veterans’ issues will be in Alaska on Memorial Day. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki will be with Senator Mark Begich in Anchorage on Monday at Memorial Day events. They’ll also travel out to rural Alaska that afternoon, which Begich says will give Shinseki insight into what Alaskan veterans face when trying to get services.
Congress Approves Patriot Act Provisions Extension
The U.S. Congress voted this week to extend controversial provisions of the Patriot Act, but not with the help of Alaska’s delegation.
The bill lets federal officials continue for four more years conducting surveillance of suspected terrorists. Alaska’s Congressman Don Young, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Mark Begich say it goes too far, and infringes on civil liberties.
Murkowski Votes Against Budget Plan Passed by House
Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski was one of only five Republicans to vote against a GOP budget plan to privatize Medicare. It failed last night on a vote of 40 to 57, with no Democratic support. The plan, crafted by Wisconsin Republican Representative Paul Ryan, previously passed the House on GOP support.
Sealaska Debate Heats Up in DC
Congressman Don Young is known for his hot temper, but at a hearing Thursday on the Sealaska Lands Bill, his words were directed at a visiting Alaskan.
The controversial bill would let the Sealaska Native Corporation select lands from within the Tongass National Forest in Southeast.
Murkowski Votes Against House Budget Plan
Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski was one of five Republicans Senators to vote last night against the budget plan the House passed. Murkowski cited concerns about how the scheme dealt with Medicare.
Sealaska Raises Land Selection Issue in Washington DC
The Sealaska Native Corporation was in Washington Wednesday making its case to select lands in the Tongass National Forest. It’s a fight that’s been going on for years, and one that’s caused intense controversy in southeast Alaska.