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.
Sens. Murkowski, Heinrich Announce Growing Bipartisan Support for Sportsmen’s Act
U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today announced 12 new Republican and Democratic cosponsors to the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015. The Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act, which was introduced last month, includes a broad array of bipartisan measures to enhance opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to public lands, and help boost the outdoor recreation economy. "Growing support … Continue Reading
02.27.15
Murkowski Works to Boost Food Security for Youth During Summer
Senator Lisa Murkowski today introduced bipartisan legislation to cut red tape and unnecessary federal mandates that threaten to prevent thousands of Alaskan children in need of nutritious summer meals from receiving meals that are normally provided by schools during the school year. The Summer Meals Act, co-sponsored by Murkowski and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), would make it easier for community organizations to feed children through the Summer Food Service Program, which provides free,… Continue Reading
02.26.15
Murkowski Working with Dept. of Transportation to Get Diomede Deliveries
Senator Lisa Murkowski reached out today to Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, calling his attention to the critical situation faced by the island community of Little Diomede. Mechanical and weather conditions have made the regular supply helicopters and other aircraft unable to deliver goods like food or prescription drugs - requiring Murkowski's efforts to get even a special flight there on February 13th. Photo Courtesy: U.S. Coast Guard In a letter (attached) to Secr… Continue Reading
02.25.15
Murkowski Calls for “New Leadership” at Indian Health Service
Senator Lisa Murkowski today told former Acting Director of the Indian Health Service, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, that she would not support a nomination for her to resume running the federal department that has consistently failed to deliver on the most basic federal trust obligations for America's First People. Though the Obama Administration claimed to be considering Roubideaux for I.H.S. Director, Murkowski suggested they look for "new leadership" instead that can work as partners with Alaska N… Continue Reading
02.24.15
Sen. Murkowski Statement on President Obama’s Veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today criticized President Obama's veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline Act (S.1), legislation that would approve the cross-border permit allowing for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. "Today, President Obama said no to job creation, no to new energy infrastructure, no to affordable energy, and no to greater North American energy security. With his veto of the Keystone XL pipeline, Preside… Continue Reading
02.23.15
Murkowski: Nome Port Project is Step Forward in Arctic
Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the Army Corps of Engineers' release of its feasibility report and environmental assessment for a Nome port that would boost marine traffic and infrastructure development in the region: "I commend the Corps of Engineers for its thoughtful and well-researched report identifying Nome as the site to develop an Arctic port that could mean a lot for jobs on the Seward Peninsula and the infrastructure to support our nation's Arctic future. "Though this is ju… Continue Reading
02.23.15
Murkowski Shares Thoughts on Black History Month
Senator Murkowski today shared her thoughts about the contributions of African Americans to the United States in honor of Black History Month: (Click image to watch video.) "Every February, millions of Americans come together to celebrate Black History Month. This month is an opportunity for us to honor the important role African Americans have played and continue to play in our great nation, and a chance to remember their struggles, accomplishments and contributions. "From Martin Luth… Continue Reading
02.20.15
Sen. Murkowski Comments on Interior’s Draft Arctic Regulations
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today issued the following statement on the Department of the Interior's new draft regulations for oil and natural gas activities in Alaska's Chukchi and Beaufort seas: "We're still reviewing the draft regulations released today to see what impact they could have on the economic development of our vast Arctic resources. Responsible development of our Arctic resources is important the economic future of both Alaska and the nation as a whole. Given the oppositi… Continue Reading
02.13.15
Murkowski Co-Sponsors Bill Empowering Alaska’s Craft Brewers
Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced she is co-sponsoring S.375, the Small Brewer Reinvestment and Expanding Workforce Act (The Small BREW Act), to promote local job growth, clear the way for these small businesses to expand, and level the playing field for Alaska's small breweries by restructuring the tax rates paid by small brewers. As Co-Chair of the Senate Brewers' Caucus, Senator Murkowski originally co-sponsored the bill when it was introduced back in 2013 and continues to advocate for … Continue Reading
02.13.15
Murkowski Backs Bill to “Shut the Door” on New Internet Taxes
Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced she is co-sponsoring the bipartisan Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act, a bill to ban taxes on Internet access and other forms of unnecessary e-commerce taxation that could cause pricey tax hikes on Alaskans who already pay the highest Internet access rates in the nation. Since 1998, Congress has banned taxes on Internet access through a limited moratorium, which is scheduled to expire on October 1, 2015. The Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act would permanent… Continue Reading
02.12.15
Murkowski Votes for Secretary of Defense Nominee Ashton Carter
Senator Lisa Murkowski today voted in support of Dr. Ashton Carter's nomination to be America's next Secretary of Defense, discussing her decision afterwards, saying: "When I met with Dr. Ashton Carter yesterday, two things became clear: he is an intelligent, capable candidate to oversee the Pentagon; but more importantly he understands the strategic and tactical value of Alaska to our national security. His intellectual breadth and judgment are incredibly important as we deal with a complex, v… Continue Reading
02.11.15
Murkowski Stresses Arctic Urgency, Balance with Secretary Kerry
Senator Lisa Murkowski today sat down with Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss the nation's role in the Arctic as the U.S. will assume the Chair of the Arctic Council in April. Considered the top voice on Arctic matters on Capitol Hill, Murkowski joined Secretary Kerry and the U.S. Special Representative to the Arctic, Admiral Robert J. Papp, at the State Department Headquarters. Speaking about the conversation afterwards, Murkowski saw the meeting as a positive signal that Secretary Kerry… Continue Reading
02.10.15
Murkowski and Sullivan Fight Unilateral Land and Water Blocks by Executive Branch
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan introduced the Improved National Monument Designation Process Act today, legislation that would prohibit any White House from unilaterally designating national monuments on federal lands and waters under a century-old measure called the Antiquities Act without Congressional approval and the approval of affected state's legislatures. "It is clear that this White House is more concerned with securing its environmental legacy than protecting the economic we… Continue Reading
02.09.15
Delegation Welcomes Connie McKenzie to Serve Juneau Constituents
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan today announced that Connie McKenzie has been hired as their Juneau Delegation Representative. As their representative in Juneau, Connie will act as the Senators' eyes and ears on the ground and will report back on issues important to constituents around the region. She will also be responsible for assisting constituents with specific concerns and problems with federal agencies and offices. "Connie has a sterling reputation in Juneau for her experience i… Continue Reading
02.06.15
Murkowski Backs Balanced Budget to Get Nation’s Spending Under Control
Days after President Barack Obama proposed a federal budget for 2016 that digs the nation deeper into debt while also raising taxes, Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced she is co-sponsoring S.J. Resolution 6, the Balanced Budget Amendment Act to stabilize the nation's economy and fiscal path. "With the nation sinking deeper than $18 trillion in debt, we simply need to get our fiscal house in order," said Murkowski. "That works out to having every man, woman and child in a $56,000 hole; this… Continue Reading
02.05.15
Sen. Murkowski Introduces Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Package
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today introduced the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015. The legislation would increase access to public lands in Alaska and across the West for fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting, while advancing efforts to conserve our lands and waters. Click the picture to view the video "Being from Alaska, I'm lucky. Our hunting and fishing is top-notch. We learn to love the 'great outdoors' very early … Continue Reading
02.05.15
Murkowski, Young Introduce Bicameral Bills Pushing for Safe Drone Usage
Senator Lisa Murkowski and Congressman Don Young announced companion legislation in both chambers of Congress aimed at urging the Federal Aviation Administration to create policies for safe usage of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across America's skies. Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced the bipartisan Safe Skies for Unmanned Aircraft Act of 2015 with co-sponsors Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate, and Congressman Young introduced legislation by the same name in the House … Continue Reading
02.05.15
Murkowski Bill Would Provide Permanent Protection from “Nonsensical” EPA Discharge Regs for Fishing Boats
Senator Lisa Murkowski today introduced legislation to permanently block an EPA incidental discharge regulation that poses serious threats to Alaska's fisherman and coastal communities. The flawed regulation is written so broadly that it would penalize Alaska's fisherman and more than 8,000 boats statewide simply for rinsing fish guts off their deck, or rainwater washing other materials off their decks. The bill - co-sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Maria Ca… Continue Reading
02.04.15
Murkowski, Sullivan: Denali Is ‘The Great One’s Rightful Name
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan today announced they have introduced legislation that would make "Denali" the official name of America's tallest peak - the most widely-used designation of the 20,230 foot tall mountain given by the state's Koyukon Athabascan residents (Deenaalee). The bill would reverse a century-old decision: 19th Century prospector William Dickey naming it after a President who never stepped foot in Alaska, William McKinley - and how it has since been 'officially' kno… Continue Reading
02.03.15
Murkowski Votes for Bill to Improve Veteran Mental Health Care
Senator Lisa Murkowski today was proud to cast her vote for the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, a House of Representatives-passed bill mirroring legislation she co-sponsored in the Senate (S.167), offering several critical measures to improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources for America's veterans. The bill passed the Senate today 99-0, and heads directly to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bill would require a third-party evaluation of… Continue Reading
