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 Announces Fiscal Year 2009 Funding for Alaska
WASHINGTON, DC -- U. S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced funding for Alaska contained in the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY 09) Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up the legislation later this week, followed by consideration in the Senate. The FY 09 Omnibus includes the nine remaining appropriations bills that Congress failed to pass last year. The Omnibus will fund the federal government… Continue Reading
02.23.09
Murkowski raises concerns about RPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today expressed strong reservations regarding a proposed national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that would require utilities to generate as much as 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2021. "A one-size-fits-all national standard raises serious concerns about regional disparities," Murkowski said. "While some parts of our country have abundant renewable resources, others - particularly the Southeast - la… Continue Reading
02.19.09
Senator Murkowski Addresses Alaska Legislature
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today delivered her annual address to the Alaska Legislature. Following is the text of her speech, as prepared for delivery: It is wonderful to be home. It is wonderful to be home in Alaska. It is wonderful to return to this chamber. I return home today with four new and very significant responsibilities. You know about my being Senior Senator, Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and member of the Senate App… Continue Reading
02.19.09
Murkowski Proposes Directional Drilling to Tap ANWR’S Oil and Gas Reserves
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaking today during her seventh annual address to the Alaska Legislature, urged change in the way Americans approach energy production in Alaska. Murkowski said she plans to introduce legislation that will allow oil from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to be developed initially using only directional drilling techniques and no surface occupancy of ANWR. This legislation would take advantage of the vast technological i… Continue Reading
02.14.09
MURKOWSKI CRITICIZES WASTEFUL SPENDING IN STIMULUS
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt;… Continue Reading
02.12.09
Murkowski, Stabenow, Capps and Bono Mack Reintroduce HEART for Women Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a struggling economy that could force some women to make tough choices on healthcare, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Congresswomen Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) today reintroduced legislation that would expand access to screening and lifestyle counseling for low-income and uninsured women, including those who may have recently lost their jobs and health benefits. The Heart disease Education, Research and Analysis, and Treatment… Continue Reading
02.11.09
Murkowski will deliver Republican radio response
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, will deliver the Republican radio response to President Obama's weekly radio address on Saturday, February 14, 2009. Sen. Murkowski will speak on the economic stimulus bill that is under consideration in Congress this week. An embargoed text of Sen. Murkowski's response will be released on Friday afternoon. Audio and video of her address will be released at 6:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, February 14. The Republican Congressional leadersh… Continue Reading
02.10.09
Murkowski votes against economic stimulus plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today voted against an economic stimulus plan that she said was excessive, not sufficiently stimulative and leaves states on the hook for future spending. The bill passed the Senate 61 - 37 and now goes to a joint Senate-House conference committee where lawmakers will iron out differences in the two chambers' versions. Congress must then vote on the new measure before sending it to the White House. "Today's vote on another bailout sh… Continue Reading
02.09.09
Alaska Delegation Writes Defense Secretary Gates on Missile Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Alaska's congressional delegation today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates registering their concern about possible cuts to the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system at Fort Greely, Alaska. The letter outlines the critical role of GMD in Alaska and its part in America's national security, and asks Secretary Gates to discuss the future of the program with the delegation if there are going to be any changes to the GMD in the future. The letter com… Continue Reading
02.08.09
MURKOWSKI STATEMENT ON STIMULUS AGREEMENT
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calib… Continue Reading
02.05.09
MURKOWSKI SAYS NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO CUT MISSILE DEFENSE
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} WASHINGTON, D.C. - … Continue Reading
02.04.09
Murkowski cites concerns with $900 billion stimulus package
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today said the stimulus bill before the Senate is an attempt to satisfy all interests and questions many provisions that will not stimulate the economy. "The package as it stands is excessive and it's not in the country's best interest to be spending money we don't have for things we don't need," Murkowski said. Murkowski singled out office renovations at the U.S. Department of Commerce, research for volunteer service and millions of… Continue Reading
01.31.09
Sen. Murkowski Votes for the Children's Health Insurance Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement on Senate passage late Thursday of legislation reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP provides comprehensive health care coverage to low-income and uninsured children. "This program has been an exceptionally important means of providing the most vulnerable of our population--our children--with health care," Murkowski said. "Congress must ensure that a downturn in the eco… Continue Reading
01.29.09
MURKOWSKI IS APPOINTED TO SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP TEAM
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calib… Continue Reading
01.29.09
Sec. of Army Authorizes Emergency Payments to Alaska’s ATG
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; … Continue Reading
01.29.09
MURKOWSKI QUESTIONS DIRECTION OF SENATE STIMULUS PLAN
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calib… Continue Reading
01.27.09
MURKOWSKI NAMED TOP REPUBLICAN ON ENERGY PANEL
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Republican members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee have unanimously selected U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, to be the ranking Republican on the committee. Murkowski assumes the top post after serving six years on the committee. Murkowski, who replaces retiring Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico, will play a pivotal role in shaping a new energy bill early in the 111th Congress - legislation President Obama has identified as one of his top priorities.… Continue Reading
01.26.09
Murkowski votes against confirmation of Timothy Geithner to be Secretary of the Treasury
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today voted against confirmation of Timothy Geithner to be the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. "I am most concerned with Mr. Geithner's decision-making role in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)," Murkowski said. "The program has gone from one failed policy of bailing out banks to another, with no clear answers from Mr. Geithner on how to free up credit for consumer and business lending. I am also troubled by his failure to pay per… Continue Reading
01.26.09
Senator Murkowski applauds FAA action on Iditarod Air Force
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said today that the Federal Aviation Administration has issued an exemption to allow the Iditarod Air Force to fly in support of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The all-volunteer Iditarod Air Force has been flying in support of the race for more than 20 years but has struggled to win FAA approval to continue. FAA regulations prohibit volunteer pilots from accepting any cost deferments such as fuel, accommodations and food. Senator … Continue Reading
01.22.09
Senator Murkowski votes for the Fair Pay Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today voted for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which passed the Senate 61 to 36. The Fair Pay Act is in response to a case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in which Lilly Ledbetter was found not to be entitled to compensation for wage discrimination because she did not file her claim within 180 days of the first discriminatory paycheck. This legislation clarifies Americans' ability to seek compensation for wage discrimination by stating … Continue Reading
