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 Continues Building Arctic Partnership with Iceland
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today met with Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson to continue advancing a thoughtful and productive conversation among Arctic nations. Sveinsson, whose position is comparable to the U.S. Secretary of State, came to Senator Murkowski's office to discuss diplomatic relations among Arctic countries and update her on Iceland's recent work and initiatives. Murkowski is committed to pushing the U.S. government to demonstrate greater… Continue Reading
04.10.14
Sen. Murkowski Calls for Redoubling Efforts to Improve Grid Security, Reliability
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today called for greater focus on the potential impacts of a range of threats facing the nation's electric grid, including physical and cyber security dangers, and risks posed by an expanding list of federal environmental regulations. (Click here for video of Sen. Murkowski's opening statement.) "It has been apparent for some time that we may need to empower the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to protect the grid from our own fede… Continue Reading
04.09.14
Murkowski: “Those Susceptible to This Horrible Disease Need More”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today pushed the Department of Defense for answers on its research and progress in fighting ALS, or "Lou Gehrig's" disease - reminding Pentagon leadership that the military and veteran population are two-times as likely to be affected with this devastating disease. Senator Murkowski asked U.S. Army Surgeon General Patricia Horoho how Congress could help them research ALS, making the point that costs are going to rise as more military members are diagnos… Continue Reading
04.09.14
Murkowski to EPA: Alaskans Concerned by “Regulatory Onslaught”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today questioned Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy about the potential economic impact of several proposed rules, including a recent rulemaking to "clarify" a statutory definition that appears to significantly expand the agency's control over lands and waters in Alaska. (Click to play video) "I am concerned that EPA continues to regulate without appropriate coordination with other agencies and impacted industries. I think th… Continue Reading
04.08.14
Murkowski Co-Sponsors Effort to Hire Veterans, Help Alaskan Businesses Deal With Employer Mandate
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski is co-sponsoring S.2190, The Hire More Heroes Act - a bill incentivizing companies to hire more American veterans by exempting those employees with health coverage through TRICARE or the VA from being counted as part of the 50 employee requirement under the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate. "This legislation is a positive step forward in assuring that onerous burdens are not placed on employers to provide health care coverage for those who already … Continue Reading
04.07.14
Murkowski: “U.S. Can’t Afford to Sit on the Sideline” with Arctic Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski - seen as the leader on Arctic issues in Congress - today spoke on the Senate floor, urging the White House and federal government to seize the opportunities opening up in the Arctic and invest in an Arctic future like the international community is. After months of seeking answers and action from the administration, Murkowski laid out her frustrations with its "National Strategy" - which she called a "glorified memo" - and its "Implementation Plan" - w… Continue Reading
04.07.14
Murkowski Votes for Bipartisan Bill to Reform Unemployment, Extend Long-Term Benefits
Senator Lisa Murkowski today voted in favor of H.R.3979 that would make structural changes to the unemployment benefits process to aid long-term jobless Americans suffering in the nation's weak economic recovery, and provide benefits through next month, saying: "We don't truly address our long-term unemployment problems by merely extending the ineffective program - what we need is structural reforms that get people back to work. This bill is a first step that represents a rational, reasonable … Continue Reading
04.03.14
Murkowski Brings Alaska’s “Devastating” Synthetic Drug Problem to Attorney General’s Attention
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski today discussed rural Alaska's battle against synthetic drug abuse and trafficking with Attorney General Eric Holder -spotlighting the fact that these drugs are increasingly being delivered through the United States Postal Service. Though the Postal Service's role in disseminating illegal drugs has received scant national attention, Murkowski has already initiated efforts to crack down on distribution in high-risk Alaska regions. In a Senate Appropriati… Continue Reading
04.03.14
Murkowski Facilitates Senate Approval of Treaties that Help Alaska’s Fisheries
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the first U.S. Senate approval of international treaties since December of 2010, Senator Lisa Murkowski today lauded two much-needed nautical treaties being approved weeks after she testified on the nation's need for them before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs: the Port State Measures Agreement and the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean. Both of these treaties will protect Alaska's fishing… Continue Reading
04.03.14
Murkowski to AG Holder: “Is this Really Harsh Discipline?”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On the heels of Senator Lisa Murkowski's questioning of FBI Director Comey last week on the punishment meted out to an agent who broke the law during the Ted Stevens investigation, she picked up this line of questioning again today with Attorney General Eric Holder. In a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murkowski asked Holder what disciplinary actions have been taken against the FBI agent or the Justice Department prosecutors involved in the "miserable prosecut… Continue Reading
04.03.14
Senator Murkowski: Coast Guard Cost Estimate is Further Proof Road is Only Viable Option
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) yesterday wrote her fourth letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell since the rejection of a lifesaving road for the people of King Cove, Alaska. This new letter was in response to a suggestion from Jewell that the U.S. Coast Guard could establish a permanent air station on the Alaska Peninsula to satisfy the emergency medical access needs of King Cove. Murkowski sent the letter to Jewell after receiving cost estimates for such an air station from the Coast … Continue Reading
04.02.14
Murkowski Calls for “Action Plan” from Bureau of Indian Affairs to Fund Tribal Courts
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today strenuously advocated that the Bureau of Indian Affairs properly fund tribal courts in Alaska to support their development and advancement - seeking firm estimates and information from tribes and BIA officials to determine what funding levels should be requested. She reminded the BIA that tribal courts exist in Alaska and they are operating, but not every village in Alaska operates tribal courts and the BIA needs to formally invest in training and… Continue Reading
04.02.14
Murkowski Stresses “Ideal” Alaska Air Force Position, Advocates for F-35s
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski today questioned U.S. Air Force officials about the state's increasingly-vital role in the nation's defense, as well as the potential placement of F-35s in Alaska - as Alaska's two Air Force Bases are still in the running to house the planes. Murkowski also took the opportunity with several members of Air Force leadership appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee to inquire how the Air Force and National Guard are addressing the military sexual… Continue Reading
04.02.14
Murkowski: Steller Sea Lion Decision Validates Push for Science-Based Policy
Senator Lisa Murkowski today welcomed the news from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that it has determined that Aleutian Island groundfish fisheries do not pose harm to the western population of Steller sea lion or its habitat. The new Biological Opinion (BiOp) incorporates recent scientific date that shows that commercial fishing was not jeopardizing the western populations of Steller sea lions. Murkowski has urged NOAA for years to consider external reviews from the Center… Continue Reading
04.01.14
Sen. Murkowski: Fifth Coast Guard Medevac of the Year in King Cove
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today spoke on Senate floor about the latest U.S. Coast Guard medevac out of King Cove, Alaska, and the continued need for an access road to link the remote Alaska Peninsula community with reliable medical care in an emergency. (Click to play video of Sen. Murkowski's floor speech) The Coast Guard on Monday was called once again to King Cove to medevac a 58-year-old Seattle fisherman, who was injured onboard the Seattle-based processor,… Continue Reading
04.01.14
Murkowski Seeks to Empower Medical Volunteers During Disasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today introduced the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act four days after the 50th anniversary of Alaska's Good Friday earthquake - to protect volunteer health care providers assisting in disaster areas from civil liability when providing care outside their home community to victims. The bill would allow health professionals to use their medical liability insurance across state lines when volunteering after a serious disaster. "In Alaska, there is a … Continue Reading
04.01.14
Murkowski Making Progress Keeping Alaskan Historical Documents in Alaska
Senator Lisa Murkowski's ongoing conversations with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) about their proposal to shut down the Anchorage Archives and take the records to Seattle are beginning to reap results for concerned Alaskans. Though the federal records in question were presumed to be required to stay in NARA's physical custody and be moved to the Lower 48 site, the Archivist of the United States tells Senator Murkowski he is willing to explore alternatives. In response… Continue Reading
03.31.14
“All American Citizens Have A Duty To Our Country”
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today is releasing her 22nd Veteran Spotlight interview, focusing on the military service of Soldotna resident Gary Turner, a highly decorated retired U.S. Air Force Captain. During his fifteen year career, Turner earned a number of honors including the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and Outstanding Airman of the Year. Now Director and CEO of University of Alaska Kenai Peninsula College, Turner is continuing his… Continue Reading
03.31.14
Murkowski Honors William H. Seward on Seward’s Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In celebration of Seward's Day in Alaska, Senator Murkowski shared these comments: "On behalf of grateful Alaskans, I would like to thank William H. Seward for appreciating the value and potential that our state represents. Seward saw what the land and location could offer America, even before our rich resources were discovered. His prescience is seen today through our vital military position on the globe as we face foreign threats to the West. "Though Seward was labeled as… Continue Reading
03.28.14
Murkowski Raises Alaskan Priorities with NOAA Administrator
Senator Lisa Murkowski met with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration head Dr. Kathy Sullivan for the first time since Sullivan was confirmed by the Senate earlier this month. Murkowski took this opportunity to run Dr. Sullivan through a line-up of Alaskan concerns including the Chinese Shellfish ban, electronic monitoring on small fishing boats and the potential of radiation from the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami entering Alaska waters. "I was glad I had the chance to raise concer… Continue Reading
