Press Releases
Media Requests: Members of the media can contact the press office by emailing karina_petersen@murkowski.senate.gov or by calling 202-224-6665 and asking for the press office.
Hatch, 12 Republican Senators Call on Justice Department to Pause Family Separations While Congress Works on Legislative Fix
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) led a group of senators in sending a letter to US Attorney General Jeff Sessions calling for a halt to the practice of separating families who have illegally crossed the US-Mexico border. The letter petitions the administration to delay enforcement of this policy until Congress can pass legislation to keep families together. The letter has also been signed by Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bob Corker (R-TN… Continue Reading
06.19.18
Defense Bill Passes Senate
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, legislation which supports our troops through the biggest pay raise in nearly ten years and provides our military with the resources needed to face emerging threats and protect Americans at home and abroad. The bill passed in a 85-10 vote. "It is imperative that we support our troops with the resources, equipment, and training they need to do their jobs and kee… Continue Reading
06.18.18
Murkowski Statement on Family Separation
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement on the practice of separating children and parents at the U.S. border. "The time is now for the White House to end the cruel, tragic separations of families. They are not consistent with our values. The thousands of children taken from their parents and families must be reunited as quickly as possible and be treated humanely while immigration proceedings are pending. I am troubled that those seeking asylum are being turne… Continue Reading
06.18.18
Murkowski Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement thanking the U.S. Supreme Court for agreeing to hear, for the second time, the case of John Sturgeon, an Alaskan who sued the National Park Service after being forced off of the Nation River in 2007 for using a hovercraft to hunt moose, as he had been doing for decades. "I respect and agree with the Supreme Court's decision to hear Mr. Sturgeon's case for a second time," Murkowski said. "Alaskans needed the Supreme Court… Continue Reading
06.15.18
Murkowski Supports a Safer and More Prosperous Alaska
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently approved the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations bill, which contains several priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski secured for Alaska. As a member of this subcommittee, Murkowski included provisions to strengthen Alaska's world-class fisheries, protect Alaskan ocean wildlife, improve Arctic infrastructure and research, and support other significant programs such as the National Sea Grant Program. In … Continue Reading
06.15.18
Murkowski’s Work Protects People and Lands
Through her Chairmanship of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) worked to fund initiatives for Alaska through the Fiscal Year 2019 Interior Appropriations bill. Murkowski's bill provides the resources necessary to combat wildfires and prioritizes responsible management of Alaska's lands. The bill also includes support for the ailing timber industry in Southeast Alaska, directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to clean… Continue Reading
06.14.18
Murkowski Invests in Alaska’s Future
As Chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) unveiled legislation that makes important investments for new infrastructure in Alaska, while improving the state's existing infrastructure. The Interior Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019 was approved by the full Appropriations Committee today through a historic, unanimous vote. It will now head to the Senate floor for final consideration. "These investments tod… Continue Reading
06.14.18
Murkowski Secures Funding for Rural Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced a series of provisions within the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019 to provide resources and support to programs with significant provisions to benefit communities across rural Alaska and for Alaska Natives. As Chairman of this subcommittee, Murkowski constructed a bill that improves water and wastewater systems in rural Alaska, supports subsistence, provides resources for rural health facilities, and… Continue Reading
06.14.18
Murkowski’s Interior Bill Boosts Southeast Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chairman of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Committee, today announced a series of provisions within her Fiscal Year 2019 Interior Appropriations bill that will provide significant resources for communities throughout Southeast Alaska. The full Appropriations Committee approved the bill through a historic, unanimous vote. It will now head to the Senate floor for final consideration. "With our state budget in flux, this bill prov… Continue Reading
06.14.18
Murkowski’s Chairmanship Yields Results for Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced a series of provisions within the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019, which will invest in Alaskan communities, boost economic opportunities, and protect Alaska's lands. As Chairman of this subcommittee, Murkowski crafted a bill to ensure that federal resources are directed where Alaska needs them most. The full Appropriations Committee approved the bill through a historic, unanimous vote and will now … Continue Reading
06.12.18
Murkowski’s Chairmanship Brings Benefits to Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released her Fiscal Year 2019 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which directs resources to programs critical to Alaska. As chairman of the Subcommittee, Murkowski crafted a bill which allocates significant resources to programs to construct or improve wastewater and drinking water systems in Native villages and throughout rural Alaska and prioritizes improving the health, safety, and welfare of all Alaskans. "This Interior… Continue Reading
06.12.18
Murkowski: FERC Should Take Balanced Approach in Regulation of Energy Sector
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to conduct oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). For the first time in about a decade, all five FERC commissioners - Chairman Kevin McIntyre, Cheryl LaFleur, Neil Chatterjee, Robert Powelson, and Richard Glick - testified before the committee. Murkowski opened the hearing by noting there have been a number of significant changes in the energy sector since the last time the full Commission was before the committe… Continue Reading
06.08.18
First Session of Summer Interns Arrive in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) this week, welcomed her first group of summer interns to Washington, D.C. to assist in her office for the month. These recent Alaska high school graduates of the Class of 2018 will receive a behind-the-scenes look into the United States Senate by shadowing Murkowski throughout the workday days, providing assistance with both administrative and clerical tasks, and assisting staff with various projects. "It's a joy to have so many young and inspired Alaskans joi… Continue Reading
06.08.18
Murkowski Welcomes DOE Awards for Alaska Projects
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed the Department of Energy's (DOE) announcement that two Alaska projects will receive a total of $3.6 million to support the development of innovative marine energy technologies. The Igiugig Village Council (IVC), in partnership with the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) of Maine, will receive $2.3 million to continue work on a RivGen cross-flow river current turbine system. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) and the University of Alaska… Continue Reading
06.08.18
Murkowski Supports Funding for Military Construction and VA
The Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019. The bill contains several priorities championed by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to help further develop Alaska's strategic military presence and improve health services for veterans. "Alaska has the highest veteran population per capita in the country. I remain committed to equipping our veterans with the support the… Continue Reading
06.08.18
Senate Passes Package of Six ENR Lands Bills
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week secured the passage of six land-related bills through the U.S. Senate, all of which had been favorably reported by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Included in the package was S. 2857, the National Nordic Museum Act, which was sponsored by Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash, and co-sponsored by Murkowski. "I thank my colleagues for working together to ensure that we could pass these bills this week," Murkowski said. "While this … Continue Reading
06.08.18
Murkowski Secures Funding Critical to Meeting Transportation and Housing Needs in Alaska
The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019, which includes Alaska-specific provisions secured by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to meet Alaska's unique needs and challenges. Funding is provided to continue the Essential Air Service, a program to maintain commercial air service in approximately 60 small communities throughout Alaska as well as housing assistance for our most at-risk populatio… Continue Reading
06.06.18
Tara Sweeney Advances Toward Senate Confirmation
During a Senate Indian Affairs Committee business meeting today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in support of Tara Mac Lean Sweeney of Alaska to be Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The committee approved the nomination by voice vote. Her nomination now heads to the full Senate for consideration. If confirmed, Sweeney will be the first female Alaskan Native to serve in the position. "I was pleased to be able to support Tara Sweeney's Senate… Continue Reading
06.05.18
Harris, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Curb Workplace Harassment and Increase Transparency and Accountability
U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced the Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education and Reporting (EMPOWER) Act to address the ongoing issue of workplace harassment and the pervasive culture of fear that has resulted from those in power silencing their victims. While recent accusations and reports of sexual harassment have highlighted its pervasiveness across states and across industries, this issue impacts individuals in … Continue Reading
06.01.18
Murkowski: Optimistic Time for Alaska’s Energy Industry
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday delivered remarks at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association's (AOGA) 2018 Conference. While speaking to the need to be ready for challenges and opposition that may arise as new development proceeds, Murkowski expressed optimism about the future and highlighted the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead to refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). "It was almost exactly a year ago that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke stood here and promised that in … Continue Reading
