Tag: Washington DC
Begich Returns From Afghanistan Trip
Alaska Senator Mark Begich says his confidence in the possible success of the war in Afghanistan is higher after a brief, intense trip to the country. He spoke with reporters Monday after returning.
Justice Department Looking Into Allen Plea Deal
The US Justice department now says it will look further into the plea deal prosecutors made with former VECO owner Bill Allen. Senator Lisa Murkowski called on Attorney General Eric Holder to say more about the department's decision not to charge Allen with having an affair with a 15-year-old girl.
Alaska Gas Line Passes Hurdle With Filed Reports While Federal Coordinator Office Has Layoffs
After stalling and delays last month, TransCanada and Exxon Mobil have filed draft resource reports on their proposed Alaska natural gas pipeline to the Lower 48.
President Obama Proposes Moving NOAA to Department of Interior
President Obama announced Friday a plan to shake up and streamline federal departments and agencies. As part of that, he wants to move the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA from under the Commerce Department to Interior.
Judge Rules Justice Department Can’t Withhold Young Investigation Files
The Justice Department cannot categorically keep sealed its criminal investigation files on Congressman Don Young, according to a federal judge in Washington, DC. U.S. District Court Judge Gladys Kessler ruled Tuesday that the Justice Department was in the wrong when it refused to turn over any of its files to an anti-corruption watchdog group.
TransCanada, Exxon Mobil Hold Off On Filing Resource Reports
TransCanada and Exxon Mobil are deferring filing the next step in paperwork to get a natural gas pipeline built to the Lower 48, and they’re assigning responsibility for that to Governor Sean Parnell.
Ethics Committee Clears Rep. Young Of Alleged Violations
The House Ethics Committee has cleared Congressman Don Young of violations, but it’s changing the rules to prevent the type of fundraising he did.
US House Republicans Plan To Reject Payroll Tax Cut Extension
Republicans in the U.S. House are rejecting a plan to extend the popular payroll tax cut Americans are now getting.
Senate Confirms Judge Morgan Christen
The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Morgan Christen on Thursday to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The tally was 95-3.
Spending Bill Proposes Pipeline Office Cuts
The Federal Office that’s coordinating plans for an Alaska natural gas pipeline project takes a huge hit in a spending bill unveiled by the U.S. House over night.
Congress Wrestles With Payroll Tax Holiday Funding
Democrats and Republicans are wrestling over how to pay for continuing the payroll tax holiday that’s been in affect this year.
Congress Works To Keep Government Funded As Latest Continuing Resolution Ends
Congress is scheduled to adjourn for the holidays within the week, but there’s a hefty to-do list remaining before they can leave Washington.
Court Upholds Contempt Of Court Citation In Stevens Case
Federal prosecutors who tried US Senator Ted Stevens in 2008 have lost an appeal against a contempt of court citation.
Waivers Available for No Child Left Behind Act
States can now get waivers from the requirements of No Child Left Behind, the Bush-era education law. In exchange they’ll have to come up with ways on the state level to boost student achievement and close gaps in performance.
Short Term Spending Bill Shot Down in House
The U.S. government again faces threat of a shutdown because of Congressional disagreements. The House failed to pass a short term spending bill Wednesday night that would keep government running past Sept. 30. Its defeat was a surprise blow to House GOP leadership. Despite Speaker John Boehner’s entreaties four dozen Republicans defected and voted against the bill.
Alaska Delegation Reacts to President’s Jobs Speech
Alaska’s Congressional delegation is giving the President’s speech Thursday night on creating jobs and boosting the economy mixed reviews along party lines. Before a rarely-convened joint session of Congress, President Obama laid out a plan he’s calling the American Jobs Act.
Obama’s Jobs Speech Receives Mixed Reviews
Alaska’s Congressional delegation is giving the President’s speech Thursday on jobs mixed reviews, mostly along party lines. President Obama laid out a plan he’s calling the American Jobs Act.
Murkowski Answers Questions on ‘Talk of Alaska’
Jane Lubchenco interrupted the meeting in Anchorage this morning to announce there had been an earthquake in Washington DC.
Partial FAA Shutdown Will Continue Through Congressional Recess
Congress wrapped up its summer work Tuesday without passing legislation to keep the Federal Aviation Administration open. Political bickering has partially shut it down – and may continue to until after Labor Day when Congress returns from its August recess.
Obama Signs Debt Deal Legislation into Law
President Obama has signed into law a deal to raise the debt ceiling, fending off a national default, which he warned could roil the markets and leave the U.S. without enough money to pay its bills.