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.

03.14.12

Murkowski Continues Questioning Air Force on “Problematic” Eielson Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today questioned Secretary of the United States Air Force Michael Donley and USAF Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz on the reasoning behind their proposed move of the F-16 Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. Calling the proposal "problematic," Senator Murkowski asked General Schwartz, "We've currently got about 400 soldiers at J-BER already in temporary barracks. By relocatin… Continue Reading


03.14.12

Murkowski Spotlights Legacy Well Double Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today questioned Interior Department officials over the agency's failure to properly plug and clean up more than 100 abandoned federally-drilled oil wells in Northern Alaska. At a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Interior Subcommittee, Sen. Murkowski asked Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey why it's taking the agency so long to remediate an estimated 137 abandoned wells that were drilled by the federal government, between 1944 to 1981, in … Continue Reading


03.14.12

Murkowski Transportation Fight Reaps Results for Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today cast her vote for S.1813, MAP-21 (the Surface Transportation Bill), and came out of the process pleased that Alaska's needs were addressed after several rounds of negotiations with her Senate colleagues. Under this legislation, Alaskans will see: Funding of over $500M per year for highway programs; Unnecessary duplicative programs consolidated; Project delivery times improved by streamlining the environmental review process; Continued federal fin… Continue Reading


03.14.12

Statistics "Speak for Themselves"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today questioned Interior Department officials about the decline in oil production from federal lands and waters - despite the President's claims that production is up. President Obama has said that "under my administration, America is producing more oil today than at any time in the last eight years," but the Department of the Interior's own data indicates that oil production is actually down 14 on federal lands and down 17 percent from fe… Continue Reading


03.13.12

Murkowski Congratulates Dallas Seavey on Iditarod Victory

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today congratulated Dallas Seavey and his team on winning their first Iditarod Sled Dog Trail Race: "I congratulate Dallas and his team on their remarkable victory in this year's Iditarod sled dog race, becoming the youngest musher to ever win, at age 25. He has skills and a determination beyond his years. His win today continues what is already a busy 2012 for his family - with his 15-year old brother Conway winning the Junior Iditarod in February. … Continue Reading


03.13.12

Murkowski Welcomes Home First of the 1st Stryker, 25th Infantry Division

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today personally shared a "Welcome Home" message with roughly 200 soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division that returned home to Fort Wainwright after a year-long deployment: "I want to join all your friends, all your family in welcoming you home, to our brave Arctic warriors. Know that you have done a phenomenal job serving us as you have been over in Afghanistan this past year. We are proud of you as a Nation, we are certa… Continue Reading


03.13.12

Murkowski Expresses Disappointment in BLM-OSM Merger Analysis

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today responded to an analysis released by the Interior Department related to its plan to merge the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) into the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). "While I appreciate Interior's commitment to avoid violations of its statutory responsibilities, this analysis fails to quantify how the proposed merger will actually generate savings and efficiencies," Murkowski said. "We asked for a clear summary of the costs and bene… Continue Reading


03.13.12

Murkowski: President Should Look Closer to Home for Critical Minerals

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement in response to President Obama's announcement that the administration was filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's policy of restricting export of its rare earth minerals: "The president wants to sue the Chinese for something that we could - and should - be producing for ourselves. Instead of settling for Chinese imports, the president should be taking steps to jumpstart develop… Continue Reading


03.13.12

Murkowski: Implementation of DOE Loan Programs Requires Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today expressed a willingness to reform the Department of Energy's loan programs but said that if she had to grade DOE's handling of the programs it would "not receive a passing grade." Her comments came during the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's long-awaited oversight hearing, which was scheduled only after completion of an audit by former Fannie Mae CEO Herb Allison. Murkowski had been calling for a hearing on DOE loan p… Continue Reading


03.13.12

Murkowski Delivers Keynote Address at TREM Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today delivered the keynote address at the Technology and Rare Earth Metals (TREM) Center's 12th Annual Conference. The Senator's remarks highlighted the importance of domestic mineral production and the urgent need to update federal policies in this area. "There is no question that a stable and affordable supply of minerals is critical to America's future competitiveness. And yet - despite that - our mineral-related capabilities have … Continue Reading


03.12.12

Murkowski Addresses Int’l Boston Seafood Show: Alaska Seafood Feeds the Nation, is Economic Engine for State

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski attended the 2012 International Boston Seafood Show over the weekend, kicking off a roundtable discussion on the seafood industry's importance to the United States - highlighting the crucial role Alaska plays in the industry with the panel of industry leaders, government officials and seafood enthusiasts. "Alaska accounts for just over half of the entire U.S. seafood harvest, directly employing more than 50,000 workers as fishermen and processors - plu… Continue Reading


03.11.12

Senator Murkowski Responds To Shooting in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today had the following response to the reports coming out of Afghanistan indicating a U.S. soldier shooting Afghan civilians: "Alaskans have a close bond with our men and women in uniform - and we are all shocked and disturbed by the developing reports coming out of the Panjwai district of Kandahar Province. "America offers the families of the victims our deepest condolences, and we stress to everyone around the globe that this is not indicative … Continue Reading


03.08.12

Murkowski Vents Alaskans’ “Anxieties” with TSA Travel Fees

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano about many Alaskans' air travel concerns, reminding her that "because 80 percent of our communities are not connected by roads," the proposed increases to security fees for flying affect Alaskans disproportionately. (Click to Watch) Senator Murkowski first confirmed with Secretary Napolitano that passenger security fees are not stacked on Alaskans for each leg of their trip. "So … Continue Reading


03.08.12

Murkowski Questions DHS Whether Icebreaker Is A True Priority

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today asked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano whether the $8 million requested for opening work on a new United States Coast Guard icebreaker truly indicates support for Alaska's and America's needs as an Arctic Nation, given the $860 million total price tag for an icebreaker. After pointing out her concern about the relatively small initial down payment on the project, Senator Murkowski asked the Secretary "My question is whether o… Continue Reading


03.08.12

Attorney General: "Magnitude of Errors" in Stevens Case Warrant Release of Independent Investigation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today pressed United States Attorney General Eric Holder on whether members of the prosecutorial team in the Ted Stevens trial - accused by an independent court appointed investigative counsel of "significant, widespread and at times intentional misconduct" - is using taxpayer dollars to block public release of the independent counsel's report. The prosecution team has spent $1.8 million defending themselves from contempt charges in the Stevens case, most re… Continue Reading


03.07.12

Alaska Leaders Urge Air Force to Conduct Rigorous Eielson Visit

WASHINGTON, DC - Alaska's Washington, DC delegation and Governor Sean Parnell today sent a letter (attached) to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and United States Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz, encouraging the USAF to take a complete and comprehensive look at the proposed move of the F-16 Aggressor squadron from Eielson Air Force Base. In the letter, they express concern that the proposal is based on a "tabletop exercise," in the words of General Schwartz. They also… Continue Reading


03.07.12

Murkowski Discusses “Road Map to the Arctic” With U.S. Navy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today asked Secretary of the United States Navy Ray Mabus whether the Navy is fully considering Alaska's evolving Arctic opportunities in its future plans - particularly with the shifting focus towards Asia and the Pacific. "We've got 5,580 miles of coastline that touch the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. As we all know, this coastline is becoming more accessible - which presents opportunities, but challenges as well," said Murkowski. "Can you inform me what the… Continue Reading


03.06.12

Murkowski Decries Forest Services' 'Restoration to Poverty' Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today pressed U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell on the lack of timber sales in the Tongass National Forest, which are crucial to the economy of Southeast Alaska. Murkowski called the agency's preference for stewardship contracts over timber sales insufficient to meet the economic needs of Southeast communities. Murkowski was also critical of the Forest Service's new policy, as described by Tidwell, of not pursuing any program that mig… Continue Reading


03.02.12

Murkowski, Hastings Call on EIA to Clarify, Re-Release Federal Energy Production Data

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Washington, today sent a letter to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) urging expedited corrections to any potential errors in its data for oil and natural gas production on federal lands. Murkowski and Hastings believe it is incumbent on statistical agencies to provide auditable numbers so the debate can focus on policy, instead of the accuracy of production-related facts. On Jan. 26, EIA rescinded th… Continue Reading


03.02.12

Murkowski: Iditarod Is “National Educational Tool”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Less than 24 hours before the Iditarod's ceremonial start, Senator Lisa Murkowski is spotlighting teachers nationwide who use 'The Last Great Race' as a learning tool - opening up children's minds to Arctic issues and Alaska's unique role in the United States. Across the country, there is an effort to teach science, geography, language arts and other subjects through the Iditarod in elementary schools. Throughout the race, Senator Murkowski will be utilizing social media to sh… Continue Reading

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Page 152 Page 153 Page 154 Page 155 Page 156 Page 157 Page 158 Page 159 Page 160 Page 161 Page 162 Page 163 Page 164 Page 165 Page 166 Page 167 Page 168 Page 169 Page 170 Page 171 Page 172 Page 173 Page 174 Page 175 Page 176 Page 177 Page 178 Page 179 Page 180 Page 181 Page 182 Page 183 Page 184 Page 185 Page 186 Page 187 Page 188 Page 189 Page 190 Page 191 Page 192 Page 193 Page 194 Page 195 Page 196 Page 197 Page 198 Page 199 Page 200 Page 201 Page 202 Page 203 Page 204 Page 205 Page 206 Page 207 Page 208 Page 209 Page 210 Page 211 Page 212 Page 213 Page 214 Page 215 Page 216 Page 217 Page 218 Page 219 Page 220 Page 221 Page 222 Page 223 Page 224 Page 225 Page 226 Page 227 Page 228 Page 229 Page 230
Showing page   of 230