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.

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07.27.18

Murkowski Questions Administration on Impacts of Seafood Tariffs

During a Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee hearing recently, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) questioned Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, U.S. Trade Representative, on the administration's plans to ensure our trade policy allows seafood producers to thrive, citing China's recently announced 25 percent tariff on American seafood imports. "It has clearly rattled my state. Our seafood industry is the number one private industry in terms of the jobs and the economic… Continue Reading


06.20.18

Alaska Delegation Welcomes $56 Million in Disaster Relief for Alaska Fisheries

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, (all R-Alaska), today welcomed a funding allocation announcement by the Secretary of Commerce for states and territories affected by recent fishery disasters. Alaska is receiving $56,361,332 in disaster funding, which will support compensation, recovery, and relief for fishermen, communities, and stakeholders affected by the 2016 Gulf of Alaska pink salmon fishery disaster. "The news of this disaster relief funding for Alaska is incre… Continue Reading


06.15.18

Murkowski Supports a Safer and More Prosperous Alaska

The Senate Appropriations Committee recently approved the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations bill, which contains several priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski secured for Alaska. As a member of this subcommittee, Murkowski included provisions to strengthen Alaska's world-class fisheries, protect Alaskan ocean wildlife, improve Arctic infrastructure and research, and support other significant programs such as the National Sea Grant Program. In … Continue Reading


05.01.18

Murkowski Statement on New U.S. Genetically Engineered Salmon Facility

Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the application for an AquaBounty Salmon Facility in Indiana last week. AquaBounty Technologies has been developing genetically engineered (GE) salmon since 1996 and received an FDA approval in 2015 to sell it for human consumption. Due to Senator Murkowski's efforts, an import alert for GE salmon remains in place preventing U.S. production. "While AquaBounty continues… Continue Reading


09.19.17

September Designated “Alaska Wild Salmon Month”

The Senate passed U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski's resolution recognizing September as "Alaska Wild Salmon Month," which was cosponsored by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan. The resolution celebrates and raises awareness of the sustainable Alaska wild salmon industry and its contributions to the health and economy of the nation. "Alaskans are tremendously proud of our wild salmon. This bountiful resource has helped sustain our entire state for thousands of years. Alaska's fisheries remain the most abund… Continue Reading


08.01.17

Murkowski’s Appropriations Work Strengthens Alaska’s Communities, Fisheries

The Senate Appropriations Committee recently approved the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations bill, which contains several priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski secured for Alaska. As a member of this subcommittee, Murkowski included provisions to strengthen Alaska's world class fisheries, improve Arctic navigation and infrastructure, and support for critical initiatives such as the National Sea Grant Program. "The funds contained in this bill includ… Continue Reading


06.20.17

Murkowski Applauds Alaskan Appointed to NOAA Fisheries Role

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement congratulating Alaskan Chris Oliver on his appointment to serve as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Assistant Administrator for Fisheries. "I am thrilled Chris Oliver will be serving in this important role. It's not only good for Alaska, but for the entire nation. Chris's experience, passion, and background - including his time served as Executive Director of the North Pacific Fishery Management Coun… Continue Reading


06.09.17

Senators Introduce Young Fishermen’s Development Act

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) yesterday introduced the Young Fishermen's Development Act, legislation to mitigate the challenges facing new entrants into the fishing industry and bolster recruiting by coordinating existing regional training opportunities and implementing a new apprenticeship program. "Fishing employs more Alaskans than any other industry in the state, but high barriers and costs remain for newer gene… Continue Reading


09.09.16

Alaska Delegation Urges State Department to Focus on Transboundary Issues

The Alaska Congressional Delegation joined together to again urge Secretary of State John Kerry to address the downstream risks that mining in British Columbia may pose to Alaska and Alaskans. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young wrote a letter (attached) to Secretary Kerry, seeking his Department's engagement in their efforts to ensure that British Columbia institutes appropriate safeguards to prevent potential negative impacts to transboundary waterways and fisherie… Continue Reading


07.07.16

Murkowski Urges Senate to Mandate Labeling of GE Salmon

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor prior to the final vote on S.764, the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Act. The legislation would allow the Agriculture Department to determine which foods qualify as genetically modified and let companies choose the method of disclosing genetically modified organism (GMO) ingredients to consumers. On the Senate floor, Murkowski voiced her opposition to the bill because it does not mandate clear, unequivocal labels on geneticall… Continue Reading


05.20.16

Murkowski Works to Support Alaska’s Fisheries and Critical Nutrition Programs

The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bill, sending it to the full Senate for consideration. The bill contains a number of priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured for Alaska, including provisions that will both protect American consumers and support Alaska's vital fishing industry. These provisions include a labeling mandate for genetically engin… Continue Reading


05.12.16

AK Delegation Calls for International Cooperation on Canadian Mines

Amid concerns about how the development of several hardrock mines in British Columbia could negatively affect waterways and fisheries in Southeast Alaska, Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young wrote a letter (attached) to Secretary of State John Kerry, urging for action. The Alaska Congressional Delegation called upon the Secretary to raise these issues and concerns at the international level and secure commitment from Canadian leaders to ensure that the appropriate en… Continue Reading


04.25.16

Murkowski’s Appropriations Work Strengthens Alaska’s Communities, Fisheries

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bill, which contains several priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski secured for Alaska. As a member of this subcommittee, Murkowski included provisions to strengthen Alaska's fisheries and support justice services and law enforcement efforts throughout the state. "The funds contained in this bill support a wide array of key programs in Alaska-including components to h… Continue Reading


04.21.16

Murkowski and Young Host Panel on Potential Dangers of GE Salmon

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK) hosted a genetically engineered salmon briefing to discuss the potential risks of the world's first FDA-approved genetically engineered animal for human consumption. This effort took steps to educate and build awareness about the inappropriate approval process taken by the FDA, the potential ecological impacts, health risks, and the dangers of not properly labeling genetically engineered (GE) salmon. The briefing also was … Continue Reading


03.16.16

Murkowski Opposes Bill Allowing Voluntary Labeling of GE Salmon

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted against allowing S. 764, the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Act, to proceed on the Senate floor, continuing her fight to mandate labeling of genetically engineered (GE) salmon. S.764 would block states from issuing mandatory labeling laws, such as what the State of Alaska passed in regards to GE salmon, for foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMO). This is in direct contradiction to Senator Murkowski's efforts to require mandatory la… Continue Reading

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