Press Releases
Media Requests: Members of the media can contact the press office by emailing Joseph_Plesha@murkowski.senate.gov or by calling 206-302-8317 and asking for the press office.
Murkowski: This Is Our Chance to Modernize Our Energy Policy
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today convened the first meeting of Senate and House conferees to S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. This meeting marks the first time since 2005 that the Senate and the House have held conference on an energy bill. "Our task now is to develop a final bill that can be signed into law. That's my goal here. My goal is to update our energy policies in this country and get a conference report, a bill that can be signed into l… Continue Reading
09.07.16
Murkowski Welcomes Release of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Report
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed the release of the Long-Term Strategic Review of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which was prepared by the Department of Energy for Congress. "Our nation's strategic energy reserve is set to enter an era of unprecedented drawdowns, fundamentally transforming its nature and function," Murkowski said. "We have never before sold off so much oil, at such a pace, for such a long period of time. Both Congress and the Ad… Continue Reading
09.01.16
Alaska Delegation Congratulates Hockey Legend Scotty Gomez
ANCHORAGE, AK - Today, the Alaska Congressional Delegation congratulated Scotty Gomez on his retirement from the National Hockey League (NHL). "Scotty Gomez has had the most decorated hockey career of any Alaskan in history. Alaskans have been proud to watch one of our own achieve so much - from 16 seasons in the NHL including Rookie of the Year and two Stanley Cups to appearing in two NHL All-Star Games and even representing the U.S. in the Winter Olympics. He has captured the attention of eve… Continue Reading
08.30.16
Murkowski Addresses EpiPen Price Controversy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - After hearing from concerned constituents and reports that Alaskans are being charged upwards of $833 for Mylan EpiPens, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) called for an investigation into how and why the pharmaceutical company justifies EpiPen price increases. Murkowski asked Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT) for the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold a formal hearing on the issue in a letter (attached) that reads: "In Alaska, everything … Continue Reading
08.13.16
Murkowski to Hopper Again: Keep Alaska Sales in Next OCS Plan
Anchorage, AK - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday strongly urged Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Abigail Ross Hopper to preserve all three lease sales proposed for Alaska when it finalizes its offshore program for the years 2017 through 2022. Murkowski's request came during a face-to-face meeting yesterday afternoon in downtown Anchorage, as Hopper neared the end of a week touring Alaska. "I stressed to Director Hopper that Alaska must be allowed to develop its … Continue Reading
08.10.16
Murkowski Urges Fair Protest Period for Mammoth BLM Land Plan
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today strongly urged the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to provide Alaskans with sufficient time to review and challenge its "Proposed Regional Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement" (RMP/EIS or proposed Plan) for the Eastern Interior Planning Area of Alaska. "At more than 819,000 words, the proposed Plan is roughly 40 percent longer than the epic novel War and Peace-not to mention, far more technical and complex. Even if th… Continue Reading
08.04.16
Murkowski: FWS Rule Is Unwarranted Takeover of State’s Rights
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today slammed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for finalizing a new rule that preempts the State of Alaska's jurisdiction over wildlife management in national refuges within Alaska. The rule grants the FWS broad authority over predator control, bans science-based practices developed by the State of Alaska in consultation with the public, and will ultimately threaten wildlife populations that are vital for both subsistence and non-sub… Continue Reading
08.02.16
Alaska Delegation Praises F-35 Progress
ANCHORAGE, AK - Today the Alaska Congressional Delegation released the following statements after the U.S. Air Force announced that the first F-35A squadron capable of handling a range of combat missions, known as Initial Operating Capability (IOC), is now ready. IOC demonstrates the confidence the Air Force has in the F-35 program and their success in ensuring the first squadron is ready for combat. "This is a great step forward in our efforts to bring two squadrons of F-35s to Alaska. The IOC… Continue Reading
07.29.16
Murkowski Blasts BLM Proposal for Eastern Interior Planning Area
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today strongly criticized the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) "Proposed Regional Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement" (RMP/EIS) for the Eastern Interior Planning Area of Alaska. "While it will take time to pore through the 1,800 pages of this excessively complex and unwieldy proposal, BLM is clearly attempting to restrict economic opportunity in our eastern Interior region, and seeking to effectively withdraw over one mil… Continue Reading
07.29.16
Murkowski: Extension Ensures Alaskans Can Have a Voice in Public Lands Planning Process
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the National Park Service (NPS) agreed to extend the public comment period on its proposed Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST) Backcountry and Wilderness Stewardship Plan and General Management Plan by an additional 30 days. The Service's announcement comes after Sen. Murkowski sent a letter to the Service calling on the agency to extend the comment period. "This extension will he… Continue Reading
07.27.16
Sen. Murkowski Comments on BLM’s Decision to Take Next Step on NPR-A Development
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it will issue a Notice of Intent (NOI) to conduct an environmental review for a proposed oil and gas development project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). "I am extremely pleased BLM is taking this vital first step toward additional development in the NPR-A. The initiation of the permitting process for the GMT-2 project builds on the suc… Continue Reading
07.22.16
Murkowski to Speak at Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s “Make it Monday” Forum
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, July 25th, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski will speak at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's "Make it Monday" Forum. Senator Murkowski will provide a legislative update focusing on the delegation's work in Washington, D.C.. Murkowski will focus on the military investments coming to Alaska that will not only create thousands of new full-time jobs but prove vital to the security of our nation. She will also provide an update on the status of her broad energy bill which wi… Continue Reading
07.19.16
Murkowski Aims to Boost Prosperity in Alaska
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has introduced new legislation that will significantly increase economic growth and create thousands of new jobs in Alaska while establishing vital revenue sources for the state and local governments. The measure, entitled the Alaska Economic Development and Access to Resources Act, reflects Murkowski's continued efforts to overcome federal resistance to responsible natural resource production in her home state. "Alaska has a wide array of… Continue Reading
07.15.16
Murkowski Issues Statement on Attack in France
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski issued the following statement on the terror attack that occurred in Nice, France last night: "Our hearts are with the people of France and all those who were affected by this heinous terrorist attack. We are grieving, praying, and sending strength to everyone who lost friends and family and the injured that are still fighting for their lives. "Officials say 84 individuals have been killed, 202 people wounded, with more than 50 in critical c… Continue Reading
07.15.16
Senate Passes Murkowski Bill to Ensure Tribal Employment Program Remains Intact
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed legislation she introduced to strengthen and reform Public Law 102-477 (also known as the 477 program), a comprehensive Native employment and training program: "The 477 program has proven to be an innovative and effective tool in providing education and training opportunities aimed to improve the quality of life in every region of Alaska. I am proud the Senate has recognize… Continue Reading
07.14.16
Alaska Delegation Introduces Stand-Alone King Cove Legislation
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, this week introduced identical bills in both chambers of Congress to facilitate a life-saving road for the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska. Without the road, local residents continue to be at the mercy of high winds, dense fog, and strong storms that prevent safe and timely transportation during medical emergencies. "It has now been more than 30 months since Sec. Jewell callousl… Continue Reading
07.14.16
Senators Press NDAA Conferees to Protect Basic Allowance for Housing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Boozman (R-AR), and Jon Tester (D-MT) are leading a bipartisan effort urging Senate and House Armed Services Committee leadership to protect dual-military families, women and junior members of the Armed Forces. Boozman, Murkowski and Tester are joined by 15 Senators urging FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conferees to eliminate changes to the military's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) in the final version of the bill. The … Continue Reading
07.13.16
Senate Passes Bill Providing Tools to Fight Opioid Addiction
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the final version of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), to support community-based drug treatment programs and provide critical resources for those battling opioid addiction. CARA originally passed the Senate in March 2016 by a vote of 94-1, and went to conference committee to resolve the differences with the House version of the bill. Today's bill passed by a vote of 92-2 and now heads to the President's desk to be sig… Continue Reading
07.13.16
FAA Reauthorization Bill Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Murkowski voted for the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, legislation that strengthens security at airports, improves safety measures for airlines, and makes travel easier for passengers. The bill also includes a provision Senator Murkowski has supported, the reauthorization of six Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test sites for five years until 2022, which includes the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 89-… Continue Reading
07.12.16
Murkowski: Strong Senate Vote Sends Energy Bill to Conference
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today led the Senate's approval of a motion to proceed to a formal conference with the House of Representatives on S. 2012, her broad, bipartisan energy legislation. "This vote is a critical milestone that will allow Congress to begin the first conference on major energy legislation in more than a decade," Murkowski said. "While we have differences to resolve, I am confident we are up to the task. Our bicameral negotiations will begin immed… Continue Reading
