Peter Granitz, NPR- Washington DC
pgranitz (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | 202.488.1961 | About Peter
Congress Passes Defense Authorization Act
Congress has however--once again passed the National Defense Authorization Act. It’s the annual defense policy bill.
Congress Recesses Until After Christmas
Congress is recessing until after Christmas without an agreement on staving off the fiscal cliff. Senator Mark Begich is not optimistic. Late Thursday night Speaker John Boehner canceled a vote on his alternative to President Barack Obama’s plan to prevent tax increases and spending cuts January second. That proposal, called Plan B, would have raised taxes on people making more than one million dollars per year.
House Puts Off Vote On Tax Hike Bill
It was anticipated that the U.S. House would vote on a so called Plan B on Thursday that would have raised taxes on those who make a million dollars per year. The President had forwarded an idea to raise taxes on those who make $400,000 per year. The House has now put off the vote because of a lack of support to pass it. APRN’s Peter Granitz tells us the hold up in Congress is not unusual.
Salazar Releases Details Of NPR-A Plan
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is one step closer to finalizing a management plan for the National Petroleum Reserve on Alaska’s North Slope. Salazar signed off today on the preferred alternative for the reserve and released the full details on what’s included in the plan.
Alaska Provisions In Relief Bill Under Scrutiny
Alaska provisions in a relief bill for states affected by Hurricane Sandy are coming under scrutiny. Some senior Republican senators want to strip aid for the fishery disaster.
Pro-Gun Democrats Branch Out, Begich Stays Put
Members of Congress are renewing calls for gun control after Friday's mass shooting in Newtown, CT. Regardless of what a gun-control bill would do, or how effective it may be, voting on such a contentious political measure will not be easy for U.S. Senator Mark Begich.
Senate Considers Disaster Bill That Includes Alaska Aid
The Senate is green lighting a disaster relief bill to the floor. It could come up for a vote as early as Monday. It has two key provisions for Alaska – federal aid for the fishery disaster and money for marine debris research and clean up. As APRN’s Peter Granitz reports, the bill has ballooned in size, and it’s unclear whether it will pass as is.
Energy Dept. Might Speed Up Terminal Approvals
There’s buzz in Washington that a recent report commissioned by the Department of Energy could speed up approval of export terminals for liquefied natural gas in the Lower 48. Some energy experts say the effect will be minimal on Alaska. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a market for Alaska’s gas.
Violence Against Women Act Nearing Expiration
Negations are reportedly on-going between House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Vice President Joe Biden about reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Key provisions for Alaska are at stake.
Congress Divided Over Possibility Of LNG Exports
There’s a rift in Congress over whether the country should export its glut of natural gas. A new report released by the U.S. Department of Energy is bolstering the hopes of those who want to see more exports.
Alaska Native Leaders Attend White House Tribal Nations Conference
Alaska Native leaders are in Washington D.C. for the White House Tribal Nations Conference. They’re using the time to voice concern over federal mismanagement.
Mead Treadwell Considering U.S. Senate Run
U.S. Senator Mark Begich is shrugging off Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell’s announcement he may run against the incumbent in two years. Lieutenant Governor Treadwell said last week he’s considering forming an exploratory committee. That’s the first step to officially entering a race. It gives him a chance to feel out public opinion and see which donors are willing to come forward.
Senate Passes Bill That Could Delay Eielson AFB Closure
The U.S. Senate passed a bill today outlining the nation’s defense policy for the year. The bill could potentially delay the closure of Eielson Air Force Base. Despite bipartisan calls for reigning in federal spending, there’s zero appetite in Congress for closing military bases.
ASRC Joins Business Lobby, Tax Fight Looming
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation is partnering with the nation’s largest business lobby. ASRC is launching the Native American Enterprise Initiative with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Lawmakers Talking About Sweeping Tax Reforms
The fiscal cliff – that much-reported-on combination of tax increases and government spending cuts – is less than five weeks away. But, most lawmakers are talking about sweeping tax reforms, something unlikely to happen before the end of the year.
EPA Suspends BP From Future Government Contracts
Just weeks after BP accepted blame for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico; the federal government is announcing more punishment for the company. The Environmental Protection Agency is suspending BP from future government contracts.
Health Care Providers Push Governor Parnell to Expand Medicaid
A coalition of health care providers and advocates in the state is urging Governor Sean Parnell to expand Alaska’s Medicaid rolls under the Affordable Care Act.
Tens of thousands of Alaskans could qualify for Medicaid if Governor Parnell chooses to open the rolls, and many medical providers could stand to make millions of dollars.
Oil Tax Reform May Play Big Role In National Debt Discussions
It’s been a slow week on Capitol Hill with lawmakers out for Thanksgiving. But talks are ongoing between Congressional leaders and the White House about working to stave off the fiscal cliff and establishing the frame work for a deficit reduction package. Tax reform could play a significant part of the debt package, and the oil and gas industry is making sure it keeps its tax breaks.
State Mulling Medicaid Expansion
With the election come and gone, the consensus in Washington is that the healthcare overhaul will remain law. The Supreme Court decision over the summer granted states the choice to expand their Medicaid roles or not. Alaska still needs to decide whether it will.
Alaska Native Inspires “Champions for Change”
A think tank in Washington D.C. is launching a program to elevate Native youth who show promise for shaping future Native policy. The Center For Native American Youth is looking to an Alaska Native for inspiration.