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 Asks PACAF Commander: Is Eielson Downsizing Plan Continuing?
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today sent a welcome letter to the incoming Commander of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), while taking the opportunity to lay out serious concerns about whether the Air Force is proceeding with plans to relocate the F-16 Aggressor Squadron away from Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks. Despite the Alaska Congressional Delegation being told on June 26th that the proposed relocation - and the considerable downsizing that would result from the staff shift to J… Continue Reading
09.04.12
Murkowski Sharing Alaskan Ideas at Arctic Parliamentarian Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski is participating in the 10th Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region this week, being held in Reykjavik, Iceland - including a presentation focused on "Economic Opportunities in the Arctic." In addition to hearing of the trends and latest approaches being used by other Arctic nations, Murkowski will use this occasion to educate the representatives about emerging opportunities in resource development, cargo shipping and tourism for Alaskans and th… Continue Reading
08.30.12
Sen. Murkowski Welcomes Decision Allowing Shell to Start Preparatory Work in Chukchi Sea
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following comment regarding the decision by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to allow Shell to conduct preparatory work in the Chukchi Sea this summer. "Today's decision is a positive step that will allow Shell to begin necessary preparatory work, while maintaining the highest environmental standards to ensure the protection of the Arctic," Murkowski said. "While we would all like to see a disc… Continue Reading
08.27.12
Senators Murkowski, Wyden Wrap Up Energy Tour of Alaska
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators Lisa Murkowski and Ron Wyden (D-OR) wrapped up a wide-ranging, bipartisan tour of Alaska's energy resources today, as part of an ongoing study of energy-producing regions of the United States. Senator Wyden made the trip at the invitation of Senator Murkowski, the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Depending on how the 2012 elections impact the political balance of the Senate, either Murkowski or Wyden is poised to be the committee's ne… Continue Reading
08.22.12
Alaska Delegation Backs Parnell Request For Federal Fisheries Disaster Declaration on Upper Cook Inlet Salmon Runs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Concerned with low Chinook salmon returns throughout the state, the Alaska Congressional delegation today wrote to Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank in support of Alaska Governor Sean Parnell's request for a disaster declaration for the Upper Cook Inlet region. This letter (attached) of support comes after Governor Parnell requested federal assistance to address the immediate needs of fishermen and businesses that depend on the fisheries in the Kenai, Susitna and oth… Continue Reading
08.22.12
Alaska Delegation Protests Administration Decision to Lockup 11.8 Million Acres of Petroleum Reserve
WASHINGTON,D.C. - U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) today sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar protesting a proposed land management plan for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) that represents the largest land withdrawal by the federal government in decades. If allowed to stand, the Interior Department's decision to place half of the 23.5 million acre petroleum reserve under special protection status would block ac… Continue Reading
08.22.12
Murkowski Commemorates 70th Anniversary of Attu Invasion, Village Sacrifice
WASHINGTON,D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski this week traveled with U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Thomas Ostebo to Alaska's Aleutian Islands - including to Attu - to dedicate apermanent memorial that honors the sacrifice of the Attu villagers on the 70th anniversary of Attu being invaded by Japanese troops. Sen. Murkowski with Rear Admiral Thomas Ostebo at the Attu Village 70th Anniversary Memorial (Click image or HERE for video of the dedication, click HERE for photo gallery) On Sunday, Jun… Continue Reading
08.21.12
Sen. Wyden to Tour Alaska Energy Facilities at Invitation of Sen. Murkowski
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) will spend the weekend showing Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) around Interior and Southcentral Alaska to discuss energy and public lands policies with her colleague on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The senators will hold media availabilities in Chena, Kenai and Anchorage while they are in Alaska. The visit, which begins in Fairbanks on Saturday, is an opportunity for Sen. Murkowski to acquaint Sen. Wyden with Alaska's vast and var… Continue Reading
08.16.12
Murkowski Honors New Generation of Heroes with ‘Veteran Spotlight’ on National Airborne Day
In honor of National Airborne Day, Senator Lisa Murkowski today released the Veteran Spotlight of Paul Shirey, an Army infantry veteran living in Eagle River, Alaska who was inspired to join the Army after 9/11 and did tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. In a compelling and honest Veteran Spotlight interview, Paul recounts his experiences while serving with the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Richardson. Paul served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanist… Continue Reading
08.14.12
Murkowski to Hold an “Alaskan Bottom Line of Health Care Reform” Event
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski is holding an "Alaskan Bottom Line of Health Care Reform" in Anchorage tomorrow, August 15th 2012, and will live web-stream the event to all Alaskans at www.Murkowski.Senate.Gov . The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 28th,2012, with the justices ruling the controversial individual mandated was only legal as a tax. According to research by one of the nation's largest health insurance providers, the ACA imposes more t… Continue Reading
08.13.12
Sen. Murkowski Criticizes Administration’s Decision to Lock Up Millions of Acres of Petroleum Reserve
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following comment regarding the Obama administration's decision to unilaterally ban oil and natural gas exploration in half of the 23.5 million acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. "Today, The Obama administration picked the most restrictive management plan possible," Murkowski said. "The environmentally sensitive Teshekpuk Lake area was already under a 10-year deferral for additional study, but this alternative goes vas… Continue Reading
08.13.12
Murkowski Mourns the Death of Al Adams
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski was saddened today to hear of the death of former Alaskalegislator Al Adams. Adams, 70, passed away this morning at his home surrounded by his family. "Throughout his career, Al was a leader in the Alaska Native community, in the Alaska State Legislature and as an Alaskan statesman," said Sen. Murkowski. "Al will be remembered for his many accomplishments but also for his quick wit, keen insights and unyielding commitment to working for what was best f… Continue Reading
08.11.12
Murkowski Responds to Romney’s Selection of Rep. Paul Ryan as Running Mate
WASHINGTON, DC - Mitt Romney today announced he has selected Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) as his vice presidential running mate. Senator Lisa Murkowski had the following reaction to the news: "America needs bold and intelligent problem solvers to put our nation on a sound path for the future and restore the people's trust. "With an accomplished background as one of the brightest and most visionary economic minds on Capitol Hill, Governor Romney's selection of Representative Paul Ryan is a … Continue Reading
08.10.12
Murkowski Encouraged by Increased Tribal Consultation Announcement
Just weeks after Senator Murkowski urged the Obama Administration to follow through on the federal government's commitments and fulfill the expectations surrounding tribal consultation - as well as the need for promises to Alaska's First People to be kept - she welcomed the news that the Department of Interior is revising its consultation framework, providing a greater role for Alaska Native Corporations to be involved in federal decisions affecting them and their Native shareholders. Senator M… Continue Reading
08.10.12
Murkowski to Visit Ketchikan, Introduce Sonia Henrick on Friday
Senator Murkowski will host an open house at her Ketchikan office this Friday to meet with Alaskans and also introduce Sonia Henrick - her recently hired Southeast Alaska Representative. Senator Murkowski is spending much of August visiting many areas to spend time with Alaskans and hear their concerns. "As a born-and-raised Ketchikan resident, Sonia's network of friends and contacts in Ketchikan is extensive," said Murkowski. "But I want everyone in the First City to come and to see first-ha… Continue Reading
08.08.12
Murkowski to Share the “Alaskan Bottom Line of the Health Care Law”
Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced she will hold an "Alaskan Bottom Line of Health Care Law" panel discussion in Anchorage next Wednesday morning. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 28th, 2012, with the justices ruling the controversial individual mandate is legal - but only as a tax. According to research by one of the nation's largest health insurance providers, the ACA imposes more than $340 million in new taxes on Alaskans including a "Cadillac t… Continue Reading
08.07.12
Senators Tour Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf
U.S. Senators Mark Begich (D-AK) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert Papp, for a tour in Cold Bay today of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf. The Bertholf is part of the Coast Guard's Arctic Shield operation which will be in full operation as Shell moves toward drilling in the Arctic this summer. "Touring the Bertholf… Continue Reading
08.06.12
Murkowski Brings U.S. Senate Hearing to Kodiak Hangar
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a U.S. Senate field hearing at U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Mary Landrieu (D-LA) discussed the imperative needs of the Coast Guard in northern waters with four witnesses and an audience gathered at Base Support Unit Hanger 3. Senator Murkowski opened by highlighting the commitment level of the Coast Guard, who are continuously asked to guard more of Alaska's waters as ice recedes and wi… Continue Reading
08.06.12
Murkowski, Hoeven Tout Benefits of Alaska Energy Production
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) this weekend inspected the nation's third-largest oil producing region during a two-day tour of northern Alaska. Murkowski, the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Hoeven, one of the committee's most active members, viewed North Slope facilities on state-owned land responsible for producing 13 percent of the nation's oil. "As the Arctic becomes more accessible and world… Continue Reading
08.02.12
Sen. Murkowski: Process Matters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of allowing a full and open amendment process when considering legislation to improve the nation's cybersecurity defenses. The Senate on Thursday voted against advancing the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, after the Majority Leader refused to allow members to offer amendments. Instead, Murkowski and a number of other Senate ranking members have introduced the SECURE IT Act, which takes a more … Continue Reading
