Press Releases
Media Requests: Members of the media can contact the press office by emailing hannah_ray@murkowski.senate.gov or by calling 202-224-6665 and asking for the press office.
Murkowski Votes For Greater Scrutiny of Government Surveillance
Senator Lisa Murkowski today voted against final passage of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Authorization (FISA) Extension bill H.R. 5949, which would extend for five years the ability of federal intelligence agencies to engage in warrantless wiretapping practices. Murkowski's long-standing and deep-seated concerns about unchecked government encroachment have gained urgency lately, with the possibility of U.S. citizens being wiretapped during surveillance of international calls. Despite … Continue Reading
12.27.12
Murkowski and Wyden Unveil Bipartisan Campaign Finance Disclosure Blueprint
Senator Lisa Murkowski today unveiled a blueprint for campaign finance disclosure reform she drafted with her colleague Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). In an opinion piece that will be featured in the Washington Post print edition tomorrow morning, Murkowski makes the point that the rest of the nation would be better served by following Alaska's example - which has been lauded by watchdogs nationwide for the high bar it raises for real-time transparency. Wyden and Murkowski's plan (attached below) … Continue Reading
12.21.12
Murkowski Concerned by “Troubling” FDA Advancement on Frankenfish
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] environmental assessment decision to move forward into the public comment period on genetically-modified fish against her warnings and those of hundreds of watchdogs: (Murkowski: FDA ignoring the opposition of fishing groups, 300 organizations.) "I am concerned with the recent news that FDA is moving forward with the approval of genetically modified fish. This is especially troubling as the age… Continue Reading
12.21.12
Murkowski Eielson Delay Emerges in Final Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski was proud to vote for the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act that includes numerous priorities she advocated for to support Alaska's military servicemen and communities - most notably, the added time she pushed for blocking any equipment or aircraft movement nationwide until 2014 from an Air Force Commission's findings. The final "Conference Report" - the product of both House of Representatives and Senate negotiators - also include… Continue Reading
12.21.12
Murkowski Responds to John Kerry’s Nomination for Secretary of State
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to President Barack Obama's nomination of Senator John Kerry to be the next Secretary of State with the following statement: "The global picture as we look to 2013 is tremendously complicated, and I know Senator John Kerry has a deep understanding of all the variables at play right now in the most unstable areas. Anyone who has worked with Senator Kerry knows his hard work ethic and his expertise on foreign relations. His solid understand… Continue Reading
12.21.12
Murkowski Proud to Modernize NOAA Officers Program
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski is proud the bipartisan bill she co-sponsored, S. 2388, the NOAA Commissioned Officers Corps Amendment Act, passed the United States Senate unanimously tonight - assuring that present and future NOAA Corps members operating ships and aircraft receive the same benefits and conditions granted to those who serve in the other six uniformed service of the United States. "The men and women who make up the NOAA Corps are our eyes and ears on Alaska's key front… Continue Reading
12.21.12
Murkowski: Maniilaq Land Transfer Means Health Care Gains in Kotzebue
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today was proud to see her U.S. Senate colleagues unanimously approve HR 443, which transfers the deed for several acres of property in Kotzebue from the Indian Health Service (I.H.S.) to the Maniilaq Association and gives them "unencumbered ownership" so they can fully develop and expand their health care facilities autonomously. The bill passed includes Senator Murkowski's substitute amendment, which strengthens the bill's ability to deliver on its prom… Continue Reading
12.20.12
Murkowski to Akaka: We Work in the ‘Aloha Spirit’
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today took to the United States Senate floor to compliment and honor the departing Hawaiian Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), standing 20 feet away from her friend and colleague to thank him, express her appreciation - and give him a hug afterwards. (Senator Murkowski discusses the Hawaii/Alaska connection. CLICK to watch.) "As neighbors in the Pacific, Hawaii and Alaska have always shared a special bond, not only because of our geography, not only because… Continue Reading
12.19.12
Murkowski: Benghazi Investigation “Confirms My Worst Concerns”
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to an independent review of the September attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that finds the security there to have been grossly inadequate in addition to systemic failures in communication and leadership - and which has led to the resignation of three State Department officials: "The release of today's independent investigation into the September 11th attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya unfortunately confirms my … Continue Reading
12.19.12
Senator Murkowski Announces 2013 Service Academy Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today proudly announced the names of 33 Alaska high school seniors she is nominating for appointment to the U.S. military service academies for the class of 2017. "This year's group of highly motivated men and women embody the strength of character and depth of knowledge we expect to see in our future leaders - both in the armed forces and in our communities," Murkowski said. "Each and every year, I am honored to nominate such accomplished Alaskans to o… Continue Reading
12.18.12
Murkowski Pays Tribute to “Alaska’s Third Senator” Daniel Inouye
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today spoke on the United States Senate floor, paying her respects to longtime Hawaiian Senator and legendary lawmaker Daniel K. Inouye on behalf of Alaskans who feel as if they've lost a member of the family - saying of his legacy that "a big tree has fallen" and "He never let us down." If you would like to watch the speech in its entirety, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUjtY7TAa2M&feature=youtu.be Below are three selected excerpts, c… Continue Reading
12.18.12
Murkowski Honors “New Veteran,” Student Advocate Nichole Tovar
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski is releasing her 7th Veteran Spotlight installment today, featuring Nichole Tovar, a U.S. Army veteran who served as a nurse in the Baghdad Green Zone and continues her service in the U.S. Army Reserves, as well as being a proud advocate and representative for young veterans of our current conflicts. Nichole Tovar grew up in Palmer, Alaska, and joined the Army as soon as she turned 18. During her Veteran Spotlight interview she recalls a powerful draw to… Continue Reading
12.17.12
Murkowski Comment on Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today reacted to the news that Hawaiian Senator Daniel Inouye, a longtime ally to the state of Alaska, passed away at the age of 88: "I am deeply saddened to hear that we lost Senator Daniel Inouye today. Senator Inouye was a soldier, a hero, a statesman, a patriot, a gentleman and a true friend to all Alaskans. His loyalty was as solid as a rock, and his commitment to his principles and his country was something you could bank on." "Senator Inouye e… Continue Reading
12.17.12
Murkowski Hires New Fisheries, Economics Policy Experts
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced the hiring of Jay Sterne to advise her as she shapes effective federal fisheries policies for the nation - and the hundreds of thousands of square nautical miles off Alaska's shores that fall under federal jurisdiction. Sterne, a twenty year veteran of fisheries and Arctic policy discussions, brings intellectual heft to a key position for a state where the fishing industry and emerging Arctic possibilities represent a growing economic engin… Continue Reading
12.17.12
Murkowski: Federal Worker Retirement Wave in Alaska Presents Local Hire Opportunity
WASHINGTON, D.C. - With up to 10 percent of Alaska's federal workforce retiring in two weeks because of financial incentives, Senator Lisa Murkowski is urging federal hiring managers in Alaska to take advantage of the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA) local hire program that she restored in the 2012 Department of the Interior spending bill. Local hire job postings, like the recent ones at Kenai Fjords National Park, give preferred employment status to Alaskans because of Mu… Continue Reading
12.13.12
Murkowski Proudly Votes for First Filipino-American Federal Judge
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Senate today voted 91-0 today to confirm Lorna G. Schofield to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York - becoming the first Filipino American to serve on the federal bench. Senator Murkowski cast her vote in support of the confirmation and had the following comment afterwards: "It's expected that in about a decade, one out of every four Alaskans will be of Filipino heritage - and today's vote is a historic force not only for our nation… Continue Reading
12.12.12
Murkowski’s Priorities for Alaska Included in Coast Guard Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Senate today unanimously passed the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, and Senator Lisa Murkowski was pleased to see the final legislation reflected a number of needs she highlighted with key Congressional colleagues earlier this year - from avoiding onerous regulations for small craft owners to a needlessly-long process for renewing maritime security badges to serious infrastructure consideration of an Arctic port as northern waters open up new opportunities a… Continue Reading
12.12.12
Murkowski’s Committee Work Helps Bring Relief to Alaska for Tsunami Debris, Salmon Disaster
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the United States Senate takes efforts to aid states impacted by Hurricane Sandy and other recent disasters nationwide, Senator Lisa Murkowski - a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee - was able to address a number of Alaska-specific concerns stemming from this season's salmon shortfall and the rising threat of debris from last year's earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The Senate Appropriations Committee today released a Hurricane Sandy Supplemental Funding bill, i… Continue Reading
12.12.12
Murkowski Statement on North Korea Long-Range Rocket Launch
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today expressed grave concern at the recent rocket launch by North Korea, against international warnings from the United States and several other countries: "This test-run is a clear example of chest-thumping aggression from North Korea, defying the United Nations, international community - and even earning criticism from its nearest neighbors China and Russia. "North Korea's act marks a clear, threatening step forward for that rogue nation's nucle… Continue Reading
12.10.12
Delegation to Commerce: Observer Program Unfair to Alaska Fishermen
Small vessels in Alaska's fishing fleet are being subjected to an expensive and poorly devised program for monitoring their take of groundfish and a delay in implementation is needed, according to a letter sent by Alaska's Congressional delegation today to Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank of the Department of Commerce. The letter outlined issues with what is known as the observer program. Plans to implement the program were recently published as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration… Continue Reading
