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 Responds to President Obama’s Budget Request
Today Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) responded to President Obama's budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017, which serves as a suggestion for Congress' appropriations process: "This summer we saw Alaska be used as the backdrop for President Obama's climate change agenda. And that's still the case today, quite literally-the cover of the President's $4 trillion budget request shows a picture of Denali. While the President's budget may be massive like Denali, that's not necessarily a good thing. "The… Continue Reading
02.09.16
Bill to Spur Point Spencer Development Signed Into Law
Today U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after President Obama signed into law the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which contains a provision to convey approximately 2,500 acres of federal land at Point Spencer, Alaska to local, state, and federal stakeholders: "This is a great step towards future investment in Alaska's Arctic, giving Alaskans the ability to speed up the timetable for economic investment in the Arctic region. The bill empowers Alaskans to be a mor… Continue Reading
02.04.16
Murkowski Comments on President Obama’s Latest Proposed Tax Hike
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement on President Obama's proposal to put a new $10 per barrel tax on oil. The tax will reportedly be part of the President's budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. "After years of imposing new restrictions on access in federal areas in Alaska and throughout the country, the President is now apparently proposing yet another way to damage our nation's oil production," Murkowski said. "This is disappointing, but not surp… Continue Reading
02.02.16
Rabbi Yosef Greenberg of Alaska to Open Senate with Prayer
Rabbi Yosef Greenberg of the Lubavitch Jewish Center of Alaska in Anchorage has been designated as Guest Chaplain of the United States Senate for Wednesday, February 3rd. Rabbi Greenberg will deliver the daily prayer at the opening of Wednesday's session of the U.S. Senate. Rabbi Greenberg was nominated for this honor by Senator Lisa Murkowski, and is the first Rabbi from Alaska to serve as Guest Chaplain for the U.S. Senate. The prayer will be televised live on C-SPAN2 (GCI Cable: Channel 17) … Continue Reading
02.02.16
Sen. Murkowski Promotes Use of Hydropower as Senate Considers Bipartisan Energy Bill
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today spoke in support of hydropower as the Senate resumed consideration of her broad, bipartisan energy bill. Murkowski highlighted the bill's provisions and amendments offered by her Senate colleagues to advance the use of hydropower - a clean, renewable baseload energy resource - in her home state of Alaska and across the country. "Hydropower harnesses the force of flowing water to generate electricity, and has many virtues as an energy resource. It is n… Continue Reading
02.01.16
Murkowski Touts Benefits For Alaska in Bipartisan Energy Bill
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today advanced debate on her broad, bipartisan energy bill by providing a synopsis of how it will benefit her home state of Alaska. She focused on how the bill will help the state produce more energy and help consumers use less energy, creating new opportunities and lowering costs, especially in rural areas. Click picture to view video "The broad, bipartisan energy bill we are considering will help Alaskans produce more energy and more minerals. It w… Continue Reading
01.29.16
Murkowski Praises Import Ban of “Frankenfish”
Today the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an import alert on genetically engineered (GE) salmon, meaning the FDA will not allow the introduction or delivery of any food that contains GE salmon into interstate commerce. This comes as a direct result of Senator Murkowski's successful efforts to secure a provision in the omnibus bill passed last month that blocks the FDA from introducing GE salmon into the market until it publishes labeling guidelines. "This is a huge step in our figh… Continue Reading
01.27.16
Sen. Murkowski Leads Senate Consideration of Broad, Bipartisan Energy Bill
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today commenced debate on the Senate floor of S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. During her remarks, Murkowski highlighted the benefits of this broad, bipartisan energy bill and the bipartisan process surrounding the bill. Click picture to view video Murkowski, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivered the following remarks as prepared for delivery. "Mr. President, I have come to the Floor to begin the Sena… Continue Reading
01.26.16
Sen. Murkowski to Hold Field Hearing in Bethel on Alaska’s Leadership, Opportunities in Energy Innovation
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, will host a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee field hearing on Monday, February 15, 2016 in Bethel, Alaska. The hearing will examine opportunities for energy innovation and technology deployment in high-cost areas in Alaska and around the country. Murkowski will use this hearing to highlight the innovative work being done in remote communities in Alaska - and to examine challenges that remain to ensure that rural Alaskans have access to affordable … Continue Reading
01.25.16
Murkowski Praises News Fairbanks Will Host Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, celebrated today's news that Fairbanks will be the host of the 2017 Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting, saying: "I am thrilled that Admiral Papp has announced Fairbanks as the host city for this prestigious event, where leaders from across the globe will come together to discuss Arctic issues. I have long advocated that Alaska not only host the Arctic Ministerial Meeting, but that it be held as close to the U.S. Arctic region as possible," said Murkowski. … Continue Reading
01.22.16
Murkowski Comments on Interior’s Proposed Methane Gas Venting Rule
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, released the following statement on the Department of the Interior's proposed rule on methane and gas flaring from energy production on public and American Indian lands. "The flaring and venting of natural gas is a serious challenge that requires serious solutions, and we can start by reforming the permitting process for natural gas pipelines and gathering lines that are critical to moving this important resource to market. In my home state of Alaska, o… Continue Reading
01.22.16
Murkowski Proudly Announces 2016 Military Academy Nominations
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) proudly announced the names of 47 young Alaskans whom she is nominating to the U.S. Military Service Academies for the class of 2020. "This year's selection of candidates embody the traits and characteristics we see in our men and women in uniform. They have demonstrated leadership and a willingness to protect our freedoms," said Murkowski. "It is always an honor for me to nominate such talented Alaskans to serve our country. Young men and women such as… Continue Reading
01.21.16
Murkowski Announces Several Promotions Within D.C. Office
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced several promotions within her Washington, D.C. office at the beginning of the second session of the 114th Congress. These movements in her personal office include Michael Pawlowski, Nathan Bergerbest, Garrett Boyle, and Karina Petersen. "Michael, Nathan, Garrett, and Karina bring both experience and Alaskan perspectives to the office, and I'm excited to promote these dedicated individuals to join my leadership team," said Murkowski. "All of them have… Continue Reading
01.21.16
Bill to Support Hospitals in Smaller Communities Passes Senate
Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski today thanked their colleagues for passing S. 607, a bill they cosponsored that was introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which extends the Medicare Rural Community Hospital (RCH) Demonstration Program. "This Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program provides vital care for many Alaskans in more remote communities where the next closest hospital may be 100 or more miles away," said Senator Murkowski. "This program has helped hospitals in spar… Continue Reading
01.21.16
Murkowski Secures Official Name Change of Alaska Pollock
Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its list of acceptable market names for seafood as a direct result of Senator Murkowski's successful efforts to include a provision in the year-end budget bill to allow only pollock caught in Alaskan waters to be marketed as "Alaska Pollock". This change is effective immediately. "I have long fought to resolve this issue, and I am thrilled that this change has been made to protect both our fisheries and consumers," said Murkowski. "Alaska is t… Continue Reading
01.18.16
Murkowski Reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Today Senator Lisa Murkowski shared her thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a holiday of inspiration. As we are all "Reconnecting with the Dream," let us remember the good that Dr. Martin Luther King Junior brought to our nation through his vision of service, community empowerment, and tireless advocacy for equality. "This is a day where we come together to recognize and celebrate the diverse communities across our towns, our cities, and our nation. We… Continue Reading
01.17.16
Murkowski Comments on Release of Americans Wrongfully Imprisoned in Iran and Lifting of International Sanctions
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) issued the following statement on the release of five American prisoners being held in Iran and the lifting of sanctions as part of the Iran nuclear deal: "Alaskans awoke Sunday to the good news that five Americans who had been held by Iran have been freed. Those released includes journalist Jason Rezaian, Marine veteran Amir Hekmati, Pastor Saeed Abedini, Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, and student Matthew Trevithick. I thank all Alaskans who prayed with m… Continue Reading
01.15.16
Murkowski: Admin.’s Coal Plan is Manifestation of a Misguided ‘Keep-it-in-the-Ground’ Policy
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the Department of the Interior announced an immediate halt to new coal leasing on federal lands: "If there were any lingering questions about whether the Obama administration is intent on decimating America's coal industry, this should answer them. An indefinite moratorium on domestic coal leasing is neither necessary at this time nor the best way to ensure that taxpayers receive a fair return on resource produc… Continue Reading
01.13.16
Murkowski Reacts to President Obama’s Final State of the Union Address
Tonight U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, responded to President Obama's final State of the Union address, saying: "The President claims to have unleashed our energy sector. To the contrary he's placed a stranglehold on American resource production while unleashing the Iranian energy sector. Our President should be focused on increasing the domestic energy production that has created the jobs, greenhouse gas reductions, and low gasoline prices he trumpeted. In Alaska, we have seen the fed… Continue Reading
01.12.16
Murkowski Continues Fight Against Frankenfish, Moves to Block FDA Commissioner Nominee
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) continued her fight against genetically engineered (GE) salmon by announcing in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee that she would block confirmation proceedings of the nominee to be FDA Commissioner, Dr. Robert Califf, on the Senate floor if her concerns are not resolved. Murkowski made clear that she intends to block Dr. Califf's confirmation until she receives assurance from the FDA that it will require mandatory labeling o… Continue Reading