Hierarchy. Reporter he blames strict adherence to ideology for the decline, but says that can change. What do you think it would change for the Catholic Church to be able to reconnect with americans . They need to meet americans where they are. We are a very secular society. And so if the church can figure out a way to help people understand how a spiritual journey and a Faith Community can really make ones life more rich and meaningful, that i think is also part of the story. And Nikki Battiste joins us now. Nikki, so many of the people we spoke with thought that pope francis has been much more inclusive. What did you learn . Reporter the feeling is very much the same here in the u. S. Pope francis has made a concerted effort to soften the message of the Catholic Church. Its a church that has angerered some of more conservative followers, but its part of a plan to make all feel welcome. Norah . We also asked him about those conservative bishops. Youll hear than later. Nikki battiste,
Existing fan on gas and oil leasing and republicans and democratic senator john manchin voted in favor of the bill while the rest of the committees democrats voted against it. Alaskas senator Lisa Murkowski chairs the committee. [inaudible conversations] good morning everyone. The committee will come to order. Before we begin this mornings marked up i would like to send a special welcome to some of the folks that are here this morning, there come a long way. Several alaskans have flown down from the north slope to be with us. Recognizing that this is their home. I think it is important that they are here with us today so we welcome them. I would also like to add just a farewell at the same time that we acknowledge a welcome. I do not see angela but she is over there. Angela who has been staff director i understand is moving back to the west coast. And this is perhaps your last day on the committee or last week on committee and i just, i want to acknowledge the work that you have done.
Thank you. I think this is a big point of departure. Very difference of opinion by Legal Counsel which can happen. Again, very important part of this realty issue. There is great concern about how this is managed in the future and the concept of what royalties and revenues will be there and what sleightofhand could be used to change that dynamic as opposed to what were doing is a legislative perspective. Madam chair, i suggest we go to amendments. That answers a lot of our questions. Definitely answers the premise of our concerns about the chairmans mark both on the fact that it does change existing on a significant way. Depending on how you want to perceive we can call up and amendment. It appears all the amendments members seek to have brought forward today for discussion appeared to be on your side. I will defer to as to which we take up first. Cassidy 16 is not going to be considered . We dont believe so. Lets go to cantwell number three which is the chairmans mark adds new purpose
Before we begin the markup, id like to extend a special welcome. Recognizing that this is their home, i think its important theyre with us here today, so we welcome them. Id also like to add just a farewell at the same time we acknowledge a welcome. I dont see angela, but shes over there. But Angela Becker dipman who has been senator cantwells staff director i understand is moving back to the west coast and that this is perhaps your last day on the committee or last week on the committee. And i just i want to acknowledge the work that you have done. I think that certainly the staffs on our side have enjoyed the working relationship weve had with you through some interesting and challenging issues, and your leadership has been greatly appreciated. So know were going to miss you here. So thank you. [applause] so lets get to work here. We are here to markup legislation to allow responsible Energy Development in a small portion of the nonwilderness 1002 area in northeast alaska. Were repor
Government officials testified about the infrastructure needs at recent senate hearing. Good morning. I call this hearing to order. Today we are holding a hearing to highlight the importance of passing a new Water Resource Development act or werda during the 1 is 5th congress. It authorizes funding for the army corps of engineers Water Works Program which need past wedder today provisions. Prior congresses have too additionally passed werda on biannual basis going back to 1986. Unlike other contentious issues, historically, republican and democratic members of this Senate Environmental Public Works Committee, have been able to pass werda legislation. This is legislation that moves. Regardless of Party Affiliation we understand these kinds of investment are par too important to the community to fall to partisan politics. This represents a did i veers group of communities with different needs. Our committee has members that represent baltimore, maryland, anchorage, alaska. Wyoming and wi