U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced on the Senate floor today that she will vote against President Donald Trump’s nominee for education secretary. Murkowski said she’s heard from thousands of Alaskans who are concerned that Betsy DeVos lacks public school experience, and Murkowski said she shares that concern.
Government
Senate Republicans defy Democrats’ boycott to advance Trump nominees
Republicans suspended committee rules this morning to advance the nominations for Health and Human Services and Treasury. Democrats staged another boycott over Trump’s pick for the EPA.
Juneau Human Rights Commission ‘deeply concerned’ over Trump’s executive orders on immigration
Three commissioners with input from several community members at the Tuesday meeting drafted the statement.
Who wants the state ferry Taku?
The Alaska Marine Highway wants to know whether any other government agencies want the ferry Taku. It’s another step toward selling the 350-foot-long ship.
Walker criticizes Trump’s handling of refugee issue
Walker said his experience in local government taught him to focus on the process used to reach decisions.
Sweeping criminal justice overhaul under fire — and revision
The law allowed some low-risk offenders to avoid jail time. Critics of the law have linked it to a rise in some crimes in parts of the state.
Trump’s immigration order ‘not a ban on Muslims,’ Homeland Security chief says
Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly characterized the order as a “temporary pause” as officials “assess the strengths and the weaknesses of our current system.”
Trump fires acting attorney general for refusing to defend immigration order
Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, a holdover from the Obama administration, told lawyers she is not convinced the president’s executive order is lawful. Trump’s attorney general pick, Jeff Sessions, is expected to be confirmed this week.
Idaho legislature moves to nip ‘sanctuary cities’ in the bud
The red-blue divide on immigration is on prominent display in the Northwest Monday. The state attorneys general of Washington state and Oregon are denouncing the Trump administration for its order limiting travel from seven majority-Muslim coun
Alaska congressional delegation avoids criticizing refugee ban
Sen. Lisa Murkowski issued a statement on President Donald Trump’s controversial refugee ban that avoids both endorsement and criticism. Meanwhile, Sen. Dan Sullivan said he supports the president’s order, and Rep. Don Young issued a supportive statement but did not make an outright declaration of support for Trump’s action.