07.22.11

Murkowski Presses For FAA Extension, Essential Air Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski joined Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) - a fellow member and Chair of the U.S. Senate Essential Air Service Caucus - in sending the attached letter to their Senate colleagues this morning urging support for a clean extension of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization, otherwise set to expire today. "For the past several months I have worked with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to preserve the Essential Air Service Program," Murkows… Continue Reading

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07.22.11

Murkowski Expects Shell, ConocoPhillips Plans to Move Forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency released two new draft air quality permits for Shell and ConocoPhillips' exploration plans for Alaska's outer continental shelf (OCS): "Permitting has been the greatest obstacle to our being able to discover and develop new oil prospects in Alaska, so any progress on that front is welcomed," Murkowski said. "Far too often, however, we have seen the permitting … Continue Reading

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07.22.11

Alaskans Shine as “Families of the Year” by Uniformed Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski is pleased to honor two deserving Alaskan families chosen by their Uniformed Service as a "2011 Family of the Year." Yesterday at a Washington, D.C. ceremony, the two families were among only seven nationwide to be named outstanding: the Henley family of Sitka, and Thompson family of Eagle River. "It's statistically amazing that two of the seven Families of the Year were from Alaska, but not surprising when you consider the close bonds our Alaskan commu… Continue Reading

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07.22.11

Murkowski: “He Built Alaska. Ted Was Alaska”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Lisa Murkowski spoke to Alaskans today to commemorate tomorrow's first celebration of Ted Stevens Day in Alaska. Here is a transcript of her thoughts: "Happy Ted Stevens Day, Alaska! "I hope that every single one of you is enjoying a beautiful Alaska Summer weekend the way that Senator Stevens would have wanted: in an active, fun way - embracing Alaska's great outdoors. The Stevens family said today's motto should be "Get Out And Play" because of Ted's love of h… Continue Reading

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07.22.11

Murkowski: Cut, Cap and Balance Agenda Not “Back Burner” Issue

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski voted to press forward with the "Cut, Cap and Balance" agenda this morning in a U.S. Senate vote to proceed with debate or table the legislation, and gave the following statement after the measure was blocked on a 51-46 count: "I voted to allow the Senate to debate the Cut, Cap and Balance Act because the federal government needs to cut current spending levels, cap future spending levels, and balance the budget. I worry that putting off these issues onto th… Continue Reading

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07.21.11

@LisaMurkowski’s “Brown Bag Town Hall” Goes Overtime

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski conducted her first "Brown Bag Town Hall" discussion with Alaskans using social media, and needed extra time to answer the flow of questions submitted via Twitter. "While some of my Senate colleagues can jump on a train or drive home to keep in touch with friends back home, Alaskans - as usual - have to be more resourceful," said Murkowski. "I was happy to share my thoughts and answer questions 4,000 miles away - and had fun doing it." The Twitter conversa… Continue Reading

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07.21.11

Murkowski: Safety, Production, Revenue Sharing must be Addressed

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today expressed optimism that the Energy Committee would soon reach agreement on a proposal to allow coastal states to retain a responsible share of federal offshore energy revenues, and simultaneously advance legislation on better safety and increased energy production. "We must recognize the importance of putting safety and the nation's need for greater energy production together," Murkowski said. "Our shared goal is to have safe produc… Continue Reading

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07.20.11

Murkowski Votes for Military Construction, VA Improvements

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Moments ago, Senator Murkowski cast a vote for the FY12 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (H.R. 2055) that passed out of an appropriations subcommittee she serves on last month. Senate passage will give a degree of certainty to contractors in Alaska and help make certain that there are no lapses in Alaska Veteran care. "Alaska's construction seasons are short, and it was important this bill be passed so the contracting process for critical future… Continue Reading

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07.20.11

Murkowski Sends Books To Vandalized Togiak Public Library

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today informed the staff of the Togiak Public Library that she has donated 191 books to the library in an effort to help replace materials that were lost to recent vandalism that destroyed books and caused $2,500 in damage. "Reading is the fundamental element and cornerstone of developing young minds and preparing them for rigorous challenges," said Murkowski. "I wasn't going to let the children who rely on the Togiak Public Library be denied the chance to b… Continue Reading

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07.19.11

Murkowski Announces Secretary Salazar, Senator Reed Alaska Visit

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski today announced that she has invited Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to Alaska for an August visit - making the following statement: "Sometimes when Alaskan issues are discussed on Capitol Hill, things get lost in translation because policymakers simply don't know enough about our state. "It's important that national leaders fully understand Alaska's potential - and t… Continue Reading

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07.19.11

Murkowski “Encouraged” By Bipartisan Deficit Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This morning, Senator Murkowski was one of more than 40 Senators to be briefed by the so-called "Gang of Six" Senators attempting to develop a plan to reduce the national deficit - and gave the following statement afterwards: "I am pleased with and supportive of my colleagues' efforts to create a comprehensive solution for America's deficit problem that has something truly unique in Washington, D.C.: bipartisan support. I am studying their approach and am encouraged, as it … Continue Reading

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07.19.11

Murkowski: Did Administration Violate Iran Sanctions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today made the following comment on media reports that Vitol, a Dutch-Swiss energy trading company and the second largest purchaser of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) sale last month, has signed an agreement to resume trading with Iran: "Vitol's involvement in the SPR sale raises two serious questions. The first is whether this administration violated its own sanctions against doing business with companies involved with Iran. T… Continue Reading

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07.19.11

Murkowski: Expanding Natural Gas Use Good for Alaska, Nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today delivered the following opening statement at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on a new MIT study on U.S. natural gas supplies: "I appreciate the chance to learn more about MIT's recent study, and being able to spend some time thinking about the future of one of our nation's most promising resources. Natural gas is clean-burning and abundant; it's well understood and scalable; and it's clearly in our best inter… Continue Reading

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07.18.11

@LisaMurkowski Holding“Brown Bag Town Hall” This Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski announced today she will be holding an Alaska "Brown Bag Town Hall" this Thursday to engage directly with her constituents statewide on all the topics they are concerned about. "There are so many issues coming to a head in Washington, D.C. that have huge impacts on Alaska," said Murkowski. "Budget questions, military operations, Arctic issues and energy legislation - those are just a few of the subjects Alaskans ask me about, and social media gives me … Continue Reading

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07.15.11

Alaska Senators Fight Against "Devastating" Genetically-Engineered Fish

U.S. Senators Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski joined six other Senators in a letter to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today, warning the agency not to dismiss the clear congressional opinion opposing the approval of genetically modified salmon. The agency is considering an application by Aqua Bounty, Inc. to grow genetically-engineered salmon in Panama for importation into the United States, with plans to eventually grow the fish in the U.S. The genetically-altered fish would … Continue Reading

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07.14.11

Murkowski “Shines A Light” on Native Sex Trafficking

Senator Lisa Murkowski today seized the opportunity of a U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing to call attention to the "staggering" and "unacceptable" epidemic of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking among Alaska Natives and American Indians nationwide - and to get answers from federal officials about efforts underway to address the problems. "The statistics on violence and assault are staggering, and whether it's one in three or one in four, any act of violence is u… Continue Reading

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07.14.11

Murkowski Leads Bipartisan Effort to Boost Afterschool Programs

Senator Lisa Murkowski today introduced the bipartisan Afterschool for America's Children Act, to help children and families by investing in high quality afterschool programs across the country. The bill is co-sponsored by her Senate colleagues in the Senate Afterschool Caucus: Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Patty Murray (D-WA). "Studies have shown the effectiveness of after school programs not only in giving children a well-rounded education, but also in reducing crime, increasing parental… Continue Reading

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07.13.11

Alaska’s Senators Share Historic Day with Judicial Nominees

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a historic Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich today introduced and spoke to the qualifications of two Alaskan judicial nominees; Justice Morgan Christen nominee to the 9th Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals, and Judge Sharon Gleason, nominee to U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Justice Morgan Christen has clerked in the Alaska Superior Court, practiced law in the private sector, and was appointed to the… Continue Reading

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07.13.11

Alaska Delegation Introduces Legislation Repealing Roadless Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mark Begich and Congressman Don Young today introduced legislation to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule in Alaska's National Forests. Senator Lisa Murkowski co-sponsored the Senate measure. "This cookie-cutter rule is a bad fit for Alaska," Begich said. "With high unemployment and high energy costs in Southeast Alaska, the Forest Service needs greater flexibility to address these issues. Repealing the rule will help keep the few existing mills alive and allow for th… Continue Reading

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07.12.11

Murkowski Voices Support for Geothermal Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today made the following comments on the Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act (S. 1142) during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. "Geothermal is one of our most promising sources of renewable energy," Murkowski said. "This bill will spur investment in geothermal, further expanding its market share to allow the United States to remain a world leader in development of geothermal technology." The Senate Energy and… Continue Reading