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 Welcomes Introduction of Keystone XL Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would have Congress authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline project under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which gives Congress authority over commerce with foreign states. The bill (S.2041) was introduced today by Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), and David Vitter (R-La.). Murkowski is among the bipartisan group of 44 cosponsors of the … Continue Reading
01.27.12
Murkowski Receives Inaugural Technology Neutrality Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, was honored by the U.S. Coalition for Advanced Diesel Cars as the inaugural Champion for Technology Neutrality. The award recognizes leaders who support outcome-based federal automotive policy that fosters innovation and achieves real-world results. "I'm honored to receive this award," Murkowski said. "Improving fuel efficiency is an important cause, and I strongly believe we must remain open to explore all of the options availabl… Continue Reading
01.26.12
Alaska Delegation & Governor Parnell Stand Together - Oppose BRAC
The Alaska Congressional Delegation and Alaska Governor Sean Parnell issued a united set of statements defending Alaska's military bases and expressing their importance to military operations and national security. The show of support follows an announcement from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to seek two new rounds of Base Closure and Realignment Commissions (BRAC). The last round of BRAC took place in 2005 and changes were completed in fall of 2011. Alaska's military constitutes more than 13 … Continue Reading
01.26.12
“We’ve Got a Few More Big Miracles to Brag About”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to laud the recent work of the United States Coast Guard and the Alaska National Guard - the USCG for the Icebreaker Healy's successful mission to cut a path hundreds of miles through ice to Nome, and the AK National Guard for the troops who shoveled out the community of Cordova earlier this month after their enormous snowfall. (Click boxes for excerpts) Here are few selected e… Continue Reading
01.26.12
Murkowski Welcomes Secure Rural Schools Payments
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today announced that the U.S. Forest Service is distributing more than $18.1 million to Alaska communities for improvements to public schools, roads and stewardship projects under the Secure Rural Schools program. The Secure Rural Schools program, which officially expired at the end of last fiscal year, has historically shared revenue from Forest Service timber sales with local governments and schools, including communities in the Tongass a… Continue Reading
01.26.12
Murkowski Comments on Blue Ribbon Commission Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today commented on the release of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future's final report on managing the nation's spent nuclear fuel. "I've been working with Sens. Feinstein, Alexander and Bingaman to find a plan to deal with our nation's spent nuclear fuel. We have a lot of issues to address - not just the need for a long-term repository, but also transportation safety issues, the federal government's contractual liability … Continue Reading
01.26.12
Murkowski Disapproves of Debt Ceiling Raise
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her disapproval of the nation's rising debt in today's Senate vote. "I voted for today's disapproval resolution to join the millions of Americans - across the political spectrum - who agree that we need to rein in our nation's finances. Earlier this month, America hit a dubious distinction - our national debt is now as big as the entire United States economy. In other words, our yearly financial product in terms of goods and services now mat… Continue Reading
01.25.12
Murkowski Lauds School Breakfast, Lunch Standard Updates
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture updated nutrition standards for public school breakfasts and lunches in Alaska and nationwide for the first time in fifteen years. This is the first step in a series of policy moves. Within months, the USDA plans to implement a proposal sponsored by Senator Murkowski and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that raises standards for foods and beverages sold outside of cafeterias during the school day, like vend… Continue Reading
01.24.12
Murkowski Responds to the President’s State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski tonight attended President Obama's State of the Union address and shared the following reaction with Alaskans afterwards: (Click to view) Some key excerpts: Overall: "There were aspects of his address that I was pleasantly surprised at. I had assumed there would be more of a campaign tone and campaign pitch, but I think he took a pointed effort to make sure that he was spelling out what he hoped to see in this next year. Somewhat aggressive propo… Continue Reading
01.24.12
Murkowski Encourages Bipartisan Seating at State of the Union
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today appeared on MSNBC with Democratic Senator Mark Udall of Colorado to discuss their bipartisan seating arrangement for President Obama's State of the Union address tonight. Sens. Murkowski and Udall have led the effort to permanently end partisan seating during the State of the Union address. As of 9:40am (AKST), 202 federal lawmakers have agreed to sit with members of the other party at the President's speech. (Click to watch) ###… Continue Reading
01.23.12
Murkowski Announces 2012 Service Academy Nominees
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced that she has nominated 37 young Alaskans for appointment to the U.S. military service academies for the class of 2016. "This year's nominees are stellar candidates who embody the leadership capabilities and strong characters we expect from our men and women in uniform," Murkowski said. "It is a privilege to nominate such accomplished Alaskans for admission to our service academies." Nominees were selected based on their academic reco… Continue Reading
01.19.12
Delegation Supports Gov. Parnell Disaster Declaration for Kenai Peninsula
Washington, D.C. - The Alaska delegation today sent a letter to President Obama in support of Alaska Governor Sean Parnell's request for a federal disaster declaration for the Kenai Peninsula Borough - battered by severe wind storms in November 2011. They urged the Obama Administration to act expeditiously on the request and approve FEMA support for the region."This winter has been exceptionally challenging to Alaska's emergency management community," the delegation wrote. "From November 1 thr… Continue Reading
01.18.12
Murkowski Speaks Against Protect Internet Protocol Act (PIPA) Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - With a Senate vote scheduled for next week on the Protect Internet Protocol Act (PIPA) - that would prohibit U.S. Internet users from accessing foreign websites that don't respect U.S. intellectual property laws - Senator Murkowski today spoke of her intentions: "PIPA was envisioned as a way to fight intellectual property theft online, but the bill raises serious concerns about our civil liberties. That's why next week I plan to oppose the current PIPA bill." ###… Continue Reading
01.18.12
Murkowski: President’s Decision on Keystone XL is a Step Backward for American Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement in response to President Obama's decision to reject a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline: "Yesterday the President's Jobs Council called for an 'all-in' energy policy, including increased production of oil and natural gas, and construction of pipelines to deliver that energy to market. Today, however, election-year politics have trumped good policy, with the American people as the losers. "Given th… Continue Reading
01.17.12
Murkowski to Hold Tsunami Debris Fact-Finding Roundtable
Senator Murkowski today announced she is holding a roundtable discussion this Friday on the Alaskan impacts of last year's tsunami in Japan - exploring what debris has been found and informing the public discussion on moving forward. "It has been nearly a year since the earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a tragic loss of life and property, and Alaskans know that our coastlines are the frontlines in terms of dealing with some of the effects," said Murkowski. "Alaskans need to hear what is b… Continue Reading
01.16.12
Murkowski Remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today offered the following reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: (Click video to watch) "I would like to take a moment with you to salute the life and teachings of Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would be his 83rd birthday. "Now it's said that the national holiday celebrating the life of the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. should be regarded as a "day on," and "not a day off." I subscribe to that philosophy. This Nation o… Continue Reading
01.15.12
Murkowski Flying to Nome to Welcome Healy Crew
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today is joining United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Thomas Ostebo on a flight to Nome in order to personally thank everyone involved in the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy's mission to aid the community's winter fuel needs. Nome Mayor Denise Michels will join them aboard the ship to visit with the crew that extended their time on the sea through the holiday season to fulfill the mission. "Alaskans have a close relationship with the United States Coast Gu… Continue Reading
01.13.12
Murkowski Responds to White House Restructuring Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Obama today proposed a restructuring of the federal government, including many trade- and commerce-related agencies. One of the suggested changes would transfer the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration from the Commerce Department to the Department of the Interior. Senator Murkowski had the following reaction to the news: "Now more than ever, any proposal to move towards a smaller government needs to be welcomed for review. However, there are a lot o… Continue Reading
01.13.12
DoJ Tells Murkowski Preliminary Inquiry Launched Into Allen Case
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Professional Responsibility informed Senator Lisa Murkowski that an internal investigation regarding the Bill Allen case has been initiated in response to her November request. This action comes after nearly a year and a half of questioning by Murkowski into the DOJ's decision-making process in the form of letters, phone calls and Senate hearing testimony. The acting counsel for the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility responded… Continue Reading
01.12.12
Murkowski: “To Heck With Politics,” Leads Call for Permanent End to Party Seating at State of Union
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Murkowski today joined her colleague Senator Mark Udall of Colorado in suggesting that bipartisan seating at the president's State of the Union address become a permanent practice. The Senators pioneered the concept last year and today circulated a letter on Capitol Hill encouraging Senators and Representatives to participate. "There is a phrase that means a lot to many Alaskans, and that's 'The heck with politics, let's do what's right for Alaska,'" said Murkowski. … Continue Reading
