04.09.13

Murkowski Responds to Grounding of Eielson F-16s

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the news the F-16 Aggressor Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base has been grounded as part of a nationwide "stand down" effort connected to federal spending cuts, saying: "Congress should replace automatic spending cuts, known as "sequestration," with a comprehensive approach of targeted spending cuts, mandatory spending changes, and tax reform. "Among the services, the Air Force has been hit disproportionately hard by sequestration.… Continue Reading

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04.09.13

Murkowski Questions DOE Nominee Moniz on Support for LNG Exports

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today challenged Ernest Moniz, President Obama's nominee to lead the Department of Energy, to be, if confirmed, a strong voice within the administration for policies that are clearly and unambiguously working to keep energy abundant, affordable, clean, diverse and secure. (Click for video of Murkowski's opening statement) Murkowski questioned the Energy Department nominee on his support for exporting natural gas, efforts to expand the u… Continue Reading

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04.08.13

Murkowski: Suspension Reversal Ruling Shows Oversight “Remains a Mess”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the news that an administrative judge has overturned the suspensions of two prosecutors in the ethics case against Senator Ted Stevens - deciding that the Department of Justice had gone against internal procedure in its punishment of the two attorneys in question, by saying: "The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) decision to overturn the suspensions of prosecutors' misconduct in Senator Ted Stevens' case teaches us nothing we didn… Continue Reading

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04.05.13

Alaska Delegation United for Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With negotiations over comprehensive immigration reform continuing over the Easter state work period, Alaska's Congressional Delegation is weighing in on the matter in a letter (attached) to leaders in both chambers, citing Alaska's historic commitment to diversity and inclusion as the spirit to be kept in mind as the process moves forward. Leading with an allusion to Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich's successful fight for equality during the 1940s, and pointing out that Alask… Continue Reading

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03.28.13

Capitol Hill Chooses Respect in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Though Alaska's Washington, D.C. delegation is back home for the Easter work period, Alaskans on Capitol Hill held a rally today to participate in Alaska Governor Sean Parnell's "Choose Respect" movement along with over a hundred other communities within the state. (Alaskans in Washington, DC participated in the "Choose Respect" campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault. Click HERE to view video of the event.) Where Murkowski and Young will be today: Senator … Continue Reading

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03.27.13

Murkowski Honors U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski released her tenth Veteran Spotlight installment today, showcasing Jim Vance - a United States Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served in Vietnam. An active member of Alaska's veteran community, Vance shared his incredible story of facing sniper fire during the war, which led to a life-changing moment on the morning of April 30th, 1970 - a firefight he still remembers today as when "all hell broke loose." Born in 1950, Vance knew he wa… Continue Reading

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03.25.13

Murkowski to Hold Subsistence Public Meetings in Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced she is holding two public meetings in Alaska on the topic of subsistence. The sessions will provide a forum for Alaskans to be heard on this important cultural and food security issue, and to have their testimony taken back to Congress. The first public meeting will be held in Bethel on April 2nd and will be live-streamed on the Senator's website for all interested in watching. The second subsistence meeting will be held in the Ahtna reg… Continue Reading

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03.25.13

UPDATED - Murkowski Announces Public Schedule for Easter Work Period

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced a revised schedule for her upcoming visits to Ketchikan, Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright and Bethel during the two-week Easter Work Period - and will be available for media opportunities at several events. The Senator will now only hold public events in Ketchikan tomorrow, and will host a media availability directly after her speech to the CER Chamber of Commerce in Eagle River at the Bear Mount… Continue Reading

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03.23.13

Murkowski Statement on Budget Votes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the United States Senate considered different budget approaches, Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against the proposal from Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), releasing the following statement afterwards: "This week in the Senate, what was debated were two competing visions for our nation's fiscal future. Not exact spreadsheet budgets with dollars and cents details, but blueprints to help map out the road ahead. "On one hand, you had Senator Patty Murray's approach which did not a… Continue Reading

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03.22.13

MEDIA ADVISORY: Murkowski Announces Schedule for Upcoming Easter Work Period

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced she will be visiting Ketchikan, Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright and Bethel during the two-week Easter Work Period - and will be available for media opportunities at several events. Following are details of media availabilities: Ketchikan WHEN: Monday, March 25, 2013; 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. WHAT: Lunch - Ketchikan Young Professionals Network WHERE: Best Western Landing H… Continue Reading

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03.21.13

Murkowski Working to Address Alaska Fisheries, Health Care in Budget Talks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the United States Senate currently considering the 2014 budget, Senator Lisa Murkowski is taking advantage of the amendment process to introduce or co-sponsor four pieces of deficit-neutral legislation to address a number of Alaskan needs. Labeling Frankenfish: Though one national grocery chain has announced they will voluntarily begin labeling all genetically-modified products, there is no national standard to build customer awareness. After building Senate momentum … Continue Reading

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03.21.13

Murkowski Comments on Release of NOAA Arctic EIS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today made the following statement in response to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's release of a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) for oil and natural gas activities in the Arctic Ocean. "While I appreciate NOAA's decision to take a second look at the EIS, I continue to believe it's unnecessary for the agency to conduct this review. Environmental reviews are already required at each step of the offs… Continue Reading

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03.21.13

Murkowski Reaches Agreement with Secretary Salazar on King Cove Road

"Sally Jewell will have the privilege of going to King Cove and I will be right there with her. We'll have to find a time when the weather is best suited for travel - we may have to fly into Cold Bay and walk to King Cove." - Sen. Lisa Murkowski at Thursday's Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee markup of Jewell's nomination to be the next Secretary of the Interior. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced an agreement with the Department of the Interior to review the… Continue Reading

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03.20.13

Continuing Resolution Delivers for Alaska’s Rural, Military Needs

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today cast her vote for H.R. 933, the Continuing Appropriations Act, which would fund the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30th. Included in the bill are key Alaska funding priorities, many of which were directly included by Murkowski in her role as the top Republican on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. Murkowski's determination to provide basic and essential medical needs to Alaska's First People was s… Continue Reading

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03.20.13

Murkowski Unveils Offshore Revenue Sharing Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced major bipartisan legislation today with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) to ensure that all states receive a fair and equitable share of the revenues from energy production on federal lands and waters. The Fixing America's Inequities with Revenues (FAIR) Actwould give 27.5 percent of revenue from offshore energy development, including oil, gas, wind and other renewable energy sources, to coastal states, plus another 10 percent if the state create… Continue Reading

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03.19.13

Murkowski: New Alaska VA Director Has the Tools for “Outside In” Progress in Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today welcomed news that the Department of Veterans Affairs has named Susan Yeager to be the new Director of the VA Alaska Health Care System. Yeager currently serves the VA as Alaska's Rural Health Program Manager, and has been a hands-on advocate for improving rural care for Alaska's veterans. Murkowski was quick to note, though, that Yeager's momentum in providing rural care must be continued and sustained to address Alaska's veteran community in ur… Continue Reading

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03.19.13

Murkowski Introducing Federal Offshore Revenue Sharing Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) tomorrow will introduce the Fixing America's Inequality with Revenues(FAIR) Act - designed to ensure all energy-producing states receive a fair share of the revenues they help produce while also encouraging investments in clean energy and conservation. "The federal treasury benefits from the royalties and taxes on production in federally owned waters off Alaska's coast. Providing a portion of that money to Alaska would help the… Continue Reading

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03.19.13

Murkowski Welcomes “About Face” on Drone Medal Status

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today welcomed news that Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is reviewing the status level for the new "Distinguished Warfare Medal" - an award with the potential to regard drone pilots higher than Purple Heart or Bronze Star recipients. The news comes soon after Murkowski reached out to the Pentagon about this imbalance and her co-sponsorship of legislation to prohibit the medal's prominence. Secretary Hagel announced a review by Chairman of the Joint Chi… Continue Reading

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03.18.13

Senators Call for Proper Labeling of Genetically Modified Salmon

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, today announced their next step in protecting Americans from potentially harmful and invasive "Frankenfish" by filing an amendment to the Continuing Resolution being debated on the Senate floor that would require clear and unquestionable labeling of GE salmon when sold to consumers. The amendment would ensure millions of Americans know the difference between natural salmon cultivated in our streams and oceans rather than in science lab… Continue Reading

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03.18.13

Murkowski Leads Effort to Prevent Sexual Assault in the Military

Washington, DC - Senators Lisa Murkowski and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have announced they are lead co-sponsors of bipartisan legislation to help fight sexual assault in the military. The Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 2013 would prevent sexual offenders from serving in the military, improve tracking and review of sexual assault claims in the military, and help ensure victims can get the justice they deserve. "Our men and women in uniform put their blood, sweat and tears into defending A… Continue Reading