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.

06.19.14

Murkowski: Preserve Native Languages, Don’t Fail Another Generation

Senator Lisa Murkowski today challenged the Obama Administration's Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education to aggressively advocate within the Administration, among school districts and teachers the link between Native language revitalization, increased academic achievement and well-being among our Native youth. "Those responsible for improving the education outcomes of our Native students must understand and take action knowing the moral gravity of inaction is another generat… Continue Reading


06.19.14

Murkowski J-1 Visa Amendment in Funding Bill Supports Fisheries Industry and Seafood Processors

Senator Lisa Murkowski today successfully added a key amendment to the 2015 State and Foreign Operations spending bill to restore the J-1 Visa program through Fiscal Year 2015 and help Alaska's seafood processors statewide hire needed staff - after the State Department had suspended visas due to concerns rising from Lower 48 activities. The J-1 program is an important policy that allows processing companies to recruit staff from outside the United States when their rural location and seasonal wo… Continue Reading


06.18.14

Murkowski Calls for VA Investigation, Transparency in Alaska

Senator Lisa Murkowski today called for a thorough, swift and independent investigation of alleged scheduling irregularities within the Alaska VA system and a full response to the longstanding concerns surrounding the Wasilla Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). In a letter (attached) to the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General, Murkowski is pressing them to "expedite an inquiry into two matters related to the Alaska VA Healthcare System." After a New York Times report citing … Continue Reading


06.18.14

Murkowski Committee Work Brings Alaska Infrastructure Investment, Water Projects

Senator Lisa Murkowski assured that a number of provisions in the 2015 Energy and Water Development funding bill will improve or sustain current infrastructure projects in Alaska. By virtue of her position on the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, she was able to work with colleagues to fund studies, research, port projects for small underdeveloped villages and energy innovations that will boost Alaska's economy. The bill passed through the subcommittee and heads… Continue Reading


06.18.14

Murkowski Highlights Value of Alaska’s Fisheries and Coastal Communities at International Summit

Senator Lisa Murkowski joined her Senate Oceans Caucus co-chair Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) at the Department of State's "Our Ocean" Conference to lead a discussion on America's leadership in managing fisheries on a sustainable basis. In her joint remarks, Murkowski said "We have a good thing going" with fisheries management in Alaska - citing it as a model for fisheries worldwide - while also discussing the importance of recently-passed treaties to combat pirate fishing and the continued vigilan… Continue Reading


06.17.14

Murkowski Touts Alaskan Diversity as American “Fabric of Society” Example

Senator Lisa Murkowski today gave an Alaskan welcome to immigrants from around the world becoming American citizens at a naturalization ceremony at the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of American History. (Murkowski applauds the new Americans - some waving American flags - after having spoken the Oath of Allegiance.) Joined by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Murkowski told the newest Americans from Iraq, Australia, Sierra Leone and El Salvador that their diversity w… Continue Reading


06.16.14

Murkowski Welcomes New FDA Recommendation: Eat More Fish

After delivering the keynote address at the Sustainable Seafood Seminar, Senator Lisa Murkowski today welcomed the Food and Drug Administration's revised guidance regarding the consumption of fish during pregnancy - recommending that pregnant women eat 2 to 3 servings per week, after a decade of steering them away. "We know that fish is brain food for us, and I thank the FDA for opening the door to improved cognition and neurodevelopment for the next generation of young Americans," said Murkows… Continue Reading


06.13.14

Murkowski Questions Legality of Guantanamo Release

Senator Lisa Murkowski and a number of her U.S. Senate colleagues are asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to look into the negotiations of the Department of Defense that resulted in the release of five high-ranking Taliban officials. Under the rule of law, in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense is required to consult with, or at a minimum notify, Congress at least 30 days in advance of any transfer or release of Guantanamo inmates. The 2014 NDAA … Continue Reading


06.13.14

Murkowski Vows to Keep Fighting for Alaska’s Sustainable Fisheries

Senator Lisa Murkowski today spoke before federal and commercial seafood representatives at the Sustainable Seafood Seminar - pledging to continue her support for strong federal funding for fisheries management. Additionally, she reiterated her commitment to protect the seafood industry from threats posed by genetically-engineered salmon and third-party sustainable seafood certification schemes. (Murkowski speaks to Sustainable Seafood Seminar - Click here for video) As Co-Chair of the … Continue Reading


06.12.14

Murkowski Recognized As Leader Against Surging Obesity Crisis

With a recent study indicating the United States of America is the most obese country in the world and that the nation's obesity rate has reached an all-time high, Senator Lisa Murkowski continues to support efforts to raise and maintain nutrition standards for school children - and adults - nationwide. This morning, Senator Murkowski received the Campaign to End Obesity's "Breakfast of Champions" award, recognizing her consistent dedication to championing legislation to help fight our nation's … Continue Reading


06.11.14

Alaska Anti-Missile Radar “Absolutely Vital,” MDA Head Tells Murkowski

Senator Lisa Murkowski today questioned the head of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) about a significant new advancement in the national defense: the long range discrimination radar system, which MDA has publicly implied will be built in Alaska. Given Senator Murkowski's advocacy for this project - and Alaska's ideal location (letter attached) - she sought clarity on where the process stands, given the stated ten year timetable for construction. Vice Admiral James Syring, Director of the MDA, … Continue Reading


06.11.14

Murkowski on Student Loans, Cites Need for “True Improvements that Work for Every Student”

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today shared the concerns of Alaskans about the problem of student debt, while expressing misgivings with the approach proposed by Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren - stressing the need for a bipartisan debate and her willingness to make higher education more attainable and affordable for Alaska's students. Earlier today, Senator Murkowski voted to begin debate on the bill in order to present ideas and alternatives to the Warren concept th… Continue Reading


06.11.14

Alaska Senators Congratulate Alaska Aces on ECHL Championship

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich introduced a Senate Resolution (attached) today congratulating the Alaska Aces on their win of the Kelly Cup, clinching their third East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) championship in nine years, and demonstrating once again that Alaskans are dominant on the ice. "On behalf of Alaska Aces fans, Congratulations to this year's team for winning a Championship Hat Trick, becoming only the third ECHL team to stack up three Kelly Cup titles," said Senator Lisa… Continue Reading


06.09.14

Murkowski Responds to VA Audit’s Alaska Findings

Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the Alaska results of the Department of Veterans Affairs audit: "The Anchorage findings from the VA's nationwide audit are encouraging, but it's important to note these figures only represent a single, momentary snapshot that reflects a number of proactive moves made by the Anchorage outpatient clinic to reduce a backlog that reportedly reached 900 late last year. "I am proud that the Anchorage VA leads the system in partnerships with community provide… Continue Reading


06.09.14

Murkowski Welcomes Jenna Mason to Communications Team

Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced Jenna Mason has joined her Washington, DC office as her new Press Assistant. "Jenna will be a tremendous asset to my communications team," Murkowski said, "As an Alaskan transplanted to the East Coast, she brings a unique perspective to my D.C. staff, and will help keep Alaskans up-to-date on the political issues that affect our state. The federal government has an oversized presence in our state, and Alaskans' interest in the federal government is unders… Continue Reading


06.09.14

Murkowski Responds to Tribal Voting Access Plan

Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the Department of Justice plan to increase voting access for Alaska Natives and American Indians, saying: "I welcome the commitment of the Department of Justice to engage with tribal governments to improve voting access in our Nation's tribal communities. Through better communication, obstacles to casting a ballot can be identified and addressed. The right to vote is fundamental, and all Americans must be able to exercise this right."… Continue Reading


06.06.14

Murkowski Commemorates America’s D-Day Success, Recalls Alaska’s Largely Unwritten WWII Past

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today reflected on the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day military maneuver, while reminding Alaskans of the attacks on American soil at Dutch Harbor that were also commemorated this week. (Click to watch Senator Murkowski's message for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.) "Earlier this week, Alaska remembered the 72nd anniversary of our state being attacked by Japanese planes. On June third and fourth of 1942, Japanese bombers took aim at Dutch Harbor and the Ma… Continue Reading


06.05.14

Sen. Murkowski: EPA Power Plant Rule Threatens Reliability of Electricity Grid

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today said the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) unilateral effort to bypass Congress and impose climate regulations on the economy threatens the reliability and affordability of the U.S. power system. (Click for video of Murkowski floor speech) Murkowski, the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, made her comments Thursday afternoon on the floor of the U.S. Senate. The full text of her speech is be… Continue Reading


06.05.14

Murkowski’s Work Bolstering Alaska Fisheries Sustainability and Alaska, Arctic Nautical Needs Passes Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Appropriations Committee today passed the Commerce, Justice and Science 2015 funding bill containing several provisions written by Senator Lisa Murkowski - and included by her in the final funding legislation released Monday - to improve and maintain Alaska's world class fisheries, Arctic navigation, tsunami debris and other priorities for the state's federal waters. The legislation passed today now heads to the United States Senate for final approval. "It is critic… Continue Reading


06.02.14

Murkowski Secures Funds for Alaska Fisheries Sustainability through Approps Efforts

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science has finalized its 2015 bill which includes the strong funding for fisheries management requested by Senator Lisa Murkowski. "It is critical that fisheries managers in Alaska have the resources necessary to conduct the stock assessments and surveys they need to set quotas that ensure our wild, abundant fisheries remain sustainably managed." The funding in this bill supports the North Pacific Council, the Pacific Salmon Comm… Continue Reading

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