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 Applauds $3 Million Investment in Native Public Media Programming by Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement applauding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for awarding $3 million in new grants to Koahnic Broadcast Corporation (KBC). This investment will strengthen rural media capabilities, help bridge the gap for Alaska Native and Indigenous journalists, producers, and hosts, as well as support Native storytelling. The investment will also support two long… Continue Reading
12.10.25
Murkowski Lauds Passage of Secure Rural Schools Act
Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the House of Representatives’ passage of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. The House vote follows a letter Senator Murkowski and her colleagues sent to House leadership last week urging prompt action on the legislation. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program offsets lost revenue resulting from declining timber receipts and provides funding for schools, roads, and other critical municipal services in e… Continue Reading
12.04.25
Senate Votes to Overturn Biden-Era Restrictions for Resource Development on Alaska’s Coastal Plain
Washington, DC - Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted to overturn an unlawful and restrictive Record of Decision (ROD) for the Coastal Plain oil and gas program that the Biden administration imposed in December 2024. The Senate moved yesterday to begin debate on S.J. Res. 91, sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), before voting to pass H.J. Res. 131, from Congressman Nick Begich (also R-Alaska). The Senate moved the House resolution because it can go directly to t… Continue Reading
12.04.25
Senate Votes to Overturn Biden-Era Restrictions for Resource Development on Alaska’s Coastal Plain
Washington, DC - Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted to overturn an unlawful and restrictive Record of Decision (ROD) for the Coastal Plain oil and gas program that the Biden administration imposed in December 2024. The Senate moved yesterday to begin debate on S.J. Res. 91, sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), before voting to pass H.J. Res. 131, from Congressman Nick Begich (also R-Alaska). The Senate moved the House resolution because it can go directly to t… Continue Reading
12.02.25
Murkowski Welcomes LIHEAP Aid to Help Alaskans Lower Home Energy Bills
Washington, DC — As families brace for cold weather and higher utility bills, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the news that approximately $3.7 billion of the $4.025 billion in delayed federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was delivered to states and Tribes across the country, including Alaska. LIHEAP is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay th… Continue Reading
12.02.25
Murkowski, Klobuchar Celebrate Passage of Bill to Support Individuals Living with FASD
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) celebrated the signing of their legislation, the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Respect Act of 2025. With the President signing the legislation into law, the bill improves and reauthorizes programs and funding to support individuals and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. “Those affected by FASD need access to services across the board, including early intervention, medica… Continue Reading
12.01.25
Murkowski Celebrates Signing of Landmark Legislation to Address Substance Use and Mental Health
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) celebrated the signing of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 into law. This legislation expands programs to address substance use disorders and overdoses, and includes major priorities the delegation has long championed, including provisions of Bruce’s Law and the reauthorization of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program. “Four years ago, S… Continue Reading
11.21.25
Murkowski, Sullivan React to Proposed Offshore Oil and Gas Program
Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) today issued the following statement after the Department of the Interior (Interior) released its Draft Proposed Program (DPP) for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which would guide offshore oil and gas lease sales in federal waters from 2026 to 2031. “Offshore energy is an important part of our nation’s energy supply and security, and we must have a well-reasoned plan in place t… Continue Reading
11.18.25
Murkowski: “It’s past time that everyone involved in Epstein’s illegal operation be brought to justice”
Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4405, The Epstein Files Transparency Act,: “This afternoon, the House voted almost unanimously to pass H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill requires the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified records, documents, communications, and materials in the Department’s possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffe… Continue Reading
11.18.25
Murkowski and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Restore VA Employees’ Collective Bargaining Rights
Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to restore and protect Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees’ collective bargaining rights in response to the Trump Administration’s cancellation of union contracts for 80% of VA employees. “Our country made a promise to care for those who have served — and that promise is upheld by ensuring that our Veter… Continue Reading
11.17.25
Alaska Delegation Welcomes Repeal of Unlawful 2024 NPR-A Rule
Anchorage, AK—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the Department of the Interior (Interior) repealed a rule the Biden administration imposed in 2024 as it sought to halt future development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted “a thorough legal and policy review” of the 2024 NPR-A Rule earlier this year. In a new final rule that was prin… Continue Reading
11.14.25
Murkowski & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid
Washington, D.C. - The federal government shutdown is over but as heating costs continue to rise, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), and Susan Collins (R-ME) are leading 28 additional Senators in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars are available to be distribut… Continue Reading
11.13.25
Murkowski Secures Investments for Alaska in Appropriations Bills
Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured significant investments for Alaska through the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 2026. The legislation—three of the twelve annual appropriations bills needed to fund the government—passed as part of the agreement that ended the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. Highlights from the Agricultur… Continue Reading
11.13.25
Murkowski Relieved As Government Reopens Following Longest Shutdown in Nation's History
Washington, DC — Following the signing of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act into law, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement: "After 43 days, Congress has passed and the President has signed the Continuing Resolution, putting an end to the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history and one that was unnecessary. "I want to thank my colleagues who put politics aside and worked across the aisle to reopen our government. I especi… Continue Reading
11.13.25
Senator Murkowski Speaks on Aaron Peterson's Nomination for U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska
Washington, DC — United States Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement following the President's announcement of his intent to nominate Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska: “I have been informed by the White House that President Trump intends to nominate Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. Born and raised in Anchorage, Peterson has a strong r… Continue Reading
11.13.25
Murkowski Releases Statement on Nomination of Aaron Peterson to Federal Bench
Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the announcement that Aaron Peterson will be nominated to one of the vacancies on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska: “I have been informed by the White House that President Trump has nominated Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. Born and raised in Anchorage, Peterson has a strong record of practicing law her… Continue Reading
11.10.25
Murkowski Speaks on Vote to Reopen Government
Washington, DC — Following the Senate’s vote on H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement: "Tonight, I joined my Senate colleagues in voting to begin to reopen the federal government. We have agreed to a broad framework to fund government operations through January 30, pass three appropriations bills, provide back pay for federal workers, reinstate federal employees who were fired during the shutdown, and prevent … Continue Reading
11.06.25
Murkowski Votes Again to Bring War Powers Resolution to Senate Floor
Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after her vote on Senate Joint Resolution 90: “Tonight, I voted to proceed to debate on a resolution that would terminate the escalation of operations—covert, military, economic, or otherwise—against Venezuela without explicit approval from Congress. “I have been briefed multiple times and reviewed classified documents that provide insight into the administration’s factual justification for these actions. Even w… Continue Reading
11.05.25
Murkowski Speaks on Workforce Development in Alaska with Industry Leaders
Washington, DC — During a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions hearing today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) highlighted the importance of “wraparound services” in apprenticeship programs to train Alaska’s workforce. She also asked during the hearing about the versatility of workforce training across the state, and the need for a workforce that can help Alaska build out its all-of-the-above energy strategy. Click thumbnail above or here to watch Senator Murkowski’s… Continue Reading
10.30.25
Murkowski Seeks to Reassert Congressional Power over Foreign Trade and Tariffs
Washington, DC — This week, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined a majority of her colleagues in voting to reassert congressional authority over foreign trade and to terminate the President’s emergency declarations to place tariffs on Canada, Brazil, and other countries. This vote series follows Senator Murkowski joining her colleagues in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the Court to affirm lower court rulings that the President’s use of an emergency declaration i… Continue Reading