12.11.19

Senators Introduce Legislation to Help Prevent Suicide

In an effort to curb the rising suicide rate in the country, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2019. The legislation establishes a grant program to improve suicide screening and prevention practices in emergency departments with a focus on increasing identification, assessment, and treatment of patients who are at risk for suicide. Senators Gardner (R… Continue Reading

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12.10.19

Murkowski Convenes Hearing on IMO 2020

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to examine the implementation of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) new global sulfur standard for marine fuels - known as "IMO 2020" - which will formally take effect on January 1, 2020. In her opening remarks, Murkowski highlighted the global health benefits that will result from the new standard. "Its purpose is to reduce air pollution from shipping around the world," Murko… Continue Reading

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12.10.19

Shaheen, Murkowski Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Communities & Companies for Critical Water Infrastructure Investments

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) unveiled new, bipartisan legislation that would reduce taxes on critical water infrastructure investments in New Hampshire, Alaska, and across the nation. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made adjustments to the Contribution In Aid of Construction (CIAC) tax. Previously, water and wastewater utilities were exempted from this tax; however, the TCJA reinstated the CIAC tax on these entities, which will either have to be covered by state… Continue Reading

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12.09.19

IN THE PIPELINE: 18 Billionth Barrel of Alaskan Crude for TAPS

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the operator of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), announced the 18-billionth barrel of oil entered Pump Station 1 of the 800-mile pipeline-more than double what was originally projected. "TAPS is not just a pipeline, it is Alaska's economic lifeline. From day one, Alaska's pipeline has helped us build our state while also strengtheni… Continue Reading

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12.06.19

Murkowski Highlights Global Importance of Energy Efficiency

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week attended the inaugural meeting of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency (Commission) in Paris, France. Murkowski, an honorary member of the Commission, spoke to the importance of efficiency in saving energy, reducing energy bills, promoting economic growth, and addressing climate change. She also highlighted a number of successful U.S. initiatives, including the Federal Energy Management Pro… Continue Reading

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12.04.19

Alaska Congressional Welcomes Grant for Earthquake Long-Term Disaster Recovery

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, today welcomed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant announcement that the State of Alaska is set to receive $35,856,000 to support long-term disaster recovery efforts from the November 30, 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake and nearly 8,000 subsequent aftershocks impacted the Municipality of Anchorage, Mat-Su Borough, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, causing wide… Continue Reading

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12.02.19

Murkowski Welcomes Confirmation of Secretary Brouillette

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after voting to confirm Dan Brouillette to be Secretary of Energy. The Senate confirmed Brouillette, who will replace departing Secretary Rick Perry, through a bipartisan vote of 70-15. "I congratulate Dan on his confirmation to be Secretary of Energy and look forward to working with him even more closely to build on his strong record as Deputy Secretary. From energy security to technological innovation, Dan's leadership… Continue Reading

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11.26.19

Murkowski Applauds Executive Order on MMIW Crisis

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order to create a task force to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The executive order follows a recent Department of Justice announcement launching a nationwide strategy to respond to the crisis. "From legislative efforts such as my bills Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act to securing significant funding through my role on the Senate Appropriat… Continue Reading

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11.25.19

Delegation Applauds Presidential Memo on Alaska Mapping

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to map the shoreline and nearshore of Alaska and the United States exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "This is an important step for Alaska, especially for the Arctic as we are woefully behind in developing up-to-date maps for the region," Senator Murkowski said. "The Arctic is crucial to our nation's geopolitical, economic, and envi… Continue Reading

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11.22.19

Murkowski Applauds Administration’s Focus to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis

Today U.S. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Barr announced the Department of Justice is launching a national strategy to address the crisis of missing an murdered indigenous persons: "Addressing the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered Indigenous women has been a high priority of mine in the Senate. I applaud the administration for this announcement and for making proactive, directed initiatives to improve the federal response to this ep… Continue Reading

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11.22.19

Murkowski Raises Alaska Interests with FDA Commissioner Nominee

The nominee to serve as the next U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, Dr. Stephen M. Hahn is moving through the vetting process in the U.S. Senate, with a nomination hearing today in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. During the Senate HELP Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski raised a range of Alaska interests with Dr. Hahn, including the epidemic of e-cigarettes and vaping, ALS research, FDA seafood advice, and labeling requirements f… Continue Reading

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11.21.19

Delegation Welcomes Draft Environmental Impact Statement on NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan

U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for an updated Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). A Notice of Availability will appear in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 60-day public comment period that ends on January 21, 2020. "This is a significant step toward a new plan… Continue Reading

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11.21.19

Murkowski: Decline in Timber Revenue Means Increased Reliance on Federal Programs

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to examine federal payments to local governments provided through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs. As part of the hearing, the committee also received testimony on three bills: S. 430, a bill from Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000; S. 1643, Sen. Ron Wyden's (D-Ore.) Forest… Continue Reading

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11.21.19

Senators Hassan, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Seniors and People with Disabilities Struggling with Eating Disorders

Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to care for seniors and people living with disabilities who struggle with eating disorders. While often not discussed, eating disorders affect 3-4 percent of the senior population. Eating disorders also affect 6 percent of females and 3 percent of males who experience disabilities. The bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act would expand access to medical care for Medicare beneficiaries with… Continue Reading

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11.21.19

Senators’ Legislation to Address Crisis of Missing, Murdered and Trafficked Native Women Advances in Senate

Legislation addressing the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Native women, passed out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee with strong, bipartisan support-heading to the full Senate for consideration. The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, are both led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and aim to combat the epidemic by improving the federal government's response to the crisis. CLICK HERE for video of Senator Murkowski's remarks. Sav… Continue Reading

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11.19.19

Murkowski, Klobuchar Combat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Prenatal Substance Abuse

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) recently reintroduced S.2879, the Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act, which would authorize programs and funding to individuals and families effected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), and related conditions. Specifically, the bill would create an Interagency Coordinating Committee to combat FASD as well as reestablish the Center of Excellence on FASD and related conditions. Fo… Continue Reading

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11.19.19

Murkowski, Sinema Bill Improves Workplace Safety for Social Workers and Health Professionals

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen workplace protections for social workers and behavioral and home health professionals. The Senators' bipartisan Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act of 2019 establishes a grant program to fund workplace safety programs for social workers and health professionals, ensuring these public servants can continue doing their jobs safely. … Continue Reading

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11.19.19

ENR Advances Key Nominees, 15 Bills to Full Senate

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today held a business meeting to report three nominations and 15 energy and lands-related measures to the full Senate, including legislation focused on offshore revenue sharing and the deferred maintenance backlog at the National Park Service. The nominees advanced to the full Senate for confirmation votes are: Mr. Dan Brouillette to be Secretary of the Department of Energy; Mr. James Danly to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory… Continue Reading

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11.19.19

Murkowski Stresses Need to Equip DoD With Tools to Support Arctic Defense Strategy

In honor of what would have been U.S. Senator Ted Stevens' ninety-sixth birthday, U.S. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) raised attention to an issue that was significant to him-the importance of the Arctic and a strong national defense to Alaska and the nation. Senator Murkowski highlighted her legislation she introduced with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to create a new Department of Defense (DoD) Regional Center for Security Studies for the Arctic, which would be named in Senator Stevens' honor. T… Continue Reading

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11.18.19

Alaska Congressional Delegation Tours F-35 Plant in Texas

Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, alongside military and community leaders from Interior Alaska, toured Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant and were shown the first F-35As that will eventually be stationed at Eielson Air Force Base beginning in the spring of 2020. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the overall F-35 program and its capabilities, toured the production line to get a firsthand look at the U.S. Air Force's lates… Continue Reading