12.12.19

Committee Advances Legislation to Protect Vulnerable Children and Strengthen Families

Today the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced bills to the full Senate to improve how we protect vulnerable children, fund domestic violence shelters, and help families across the nation. The bills, which were reported favorably out of the HELP Committee, include legislation to strengthen programs intended to keep children safe, protect families from and prevent violence, support strong communities, increase effective interstate background checks for child car… Continue Reading

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12.12.19

Schatz, Murkowski Urge Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Full and Accurate Count

U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced a bipartisan resolution to ensure the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. "The Census is mandated by the Constitution and plays a vital role in our democracy, ensuring that every person is counted and receives the representation and services they deserve," said Sen… Continue Reading

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12.12.19

Murkowski Votes to Confirm new FDA Commissioner

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement today after voting to confirm Stephen Hahn as U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner: "As a member of the Senate HELP Committee I've had the opportunity to have constructive dialogue with the nominee and gauge his understanding of issues of importance to Alaska," said Senator Murkowski. "As a cancer researcher and noted oncologist, Dr. Hahn understands the need to do everything we can to ensure another generation … Continue Reading

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12.12.19

Senators Hirono, Sullivan, Murkowski Ask CMS to Extend ACA Enrollment Deadline to Accommodate Residents of Hawaii and Alaska

Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) wrote to Seema Verma, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), requesting that CMS extend the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment deadline for 2020 by two hours to accommodate residents of Hawaii and Alaska. This change would ensure residents in all 50 states are able to enroll in health coverage by CMS's publicly available deadline of December 15th. "As it currently sta… Continue Reading

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12.12.19

ENR Advances 19 More Bills to the Full Senate

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today held a business meeting to consider and report 19 public lands and energy-related measures to the full Senate. "This has been a remarkably productive year for the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. We will now turn to negotiating our energy package, so we can have it ready to bring it up on the floor early next year," Chairman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said. Murkowski highlighted several measures on the agenda, including legislation … Continue Reading

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12.11.19

Arctic Shipping Legislation Advances in U.S. Senate

The Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee Act, legislation to address the impacts and opportunities of increasing shipping and maritime traffic, today advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), Commerce Committee member Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Commerce Committee Ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The legislation calls for the U.S. to take advantage of emerging o… Continue Reading

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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