Press Releases
Media Requests: Members of the media can contact the press office by emailing hannah_ray@murkowski.senate.gov or by calling 202-224-6665 and asking for the press office.
Murkowski Supports Legislation to Restore Voting Rights Act
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she is co-sponsoring S. 561, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, as the lead Republican on the bill. Sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the legislation improves certain provisions of the original, bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965, which were determined to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013. Murkowski co-sponsored this same legislation in both the 115th and 114th Congress. "There is nothing more fundamental than the right to vote, wh… Continue Reading
02.11.20
ENR Advances Two Interior Nominees
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) today held a business meeting to advance the following nominees to the full Senate for confirmation: Ms. Katharine MacGregor to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior, and Mr. Lanny Erdos to be Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement at the Department of the Interior. "Ms. MacGregor and Mr. Erdos are both well-qualified and have bipartisan support. I hope we can move swiftly to confirm b… Continue Reading
02.10.20
Murkowski Statement on President’s Budget Request
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after President Trump unveiled a budget blueprint for Fiscal Year 2021: "The President's request marks the start of the budget process and clearly outlines the administration's priorities. Those of us in Congress will take those requests under consideration as we work to determine what programs to fund and at what levels. As an Appropriator, I look forward to moving through the Fiscal Year 2021 process in a manner that addresses … Continue Reading
02.06.20
Sens. Coons, Braun announce founding members of bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus
U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) announced the founding members of the bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus: U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Martha McSally (R-Ariz.). "I'm excited to join Senator Braun in announcing 12 n… Continue Reading
02.03.20
Senator Murkowski Speaks on Impeachment Trial
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today spoke on the Senate floor on the current court of impeachment of President Donald J. Trump and the upcoming Senate votes on the articles of impeachment. Full video and speech text are included below. VIDEO: CLICK HERE TO WATCH SPEECH. SPEECH TEXT: "I rise to address the trial of Donald John Trump. The founders gave this body the sole power to try all impeachments, and exercising that power is a weighty responsibility. "This was only the third time … Continue Reading
02.03.20
Senator Murkowski Announces 2020 Military Academy Nominations
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) proudly announced the names of 30 young Alaskans she nominated to the U.S. military service academies for the class of 2024. "It's an honor to nominate these exceptional young men and women to attend our military service academies. These bright and determined Alaskans have worked hard to excel in all areas, and I deeply appreciate their willingness to serve," said Senator Murkowski. "I wish each of the nominees well as their application process continues… Continue Reading
01.31.20
House Companion of Shaheen, Murkowski Bipartisan Bill to Improve Girls’ Access to School Worldwide Clears House of Representatives
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded the passage of the House companion legislation to their bipartisan bill - the Keeping Girls in School Act - which cleared the House of Representatives this afternoon. The bipartisan legislation would help address unique barriers adolescent girls in developing countries face in accessing an education. Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) led the effort in the House of Representatives with Representatives Susan Brooks (IN-05) a… Continue Reading
01.31.20
Murkowski’s Statement on Senate Impeachment Process Vote
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement on the Senate vote regarding additional evidence for the court of impeachment: "I worked for a fair, honest, and transparent process, modeled after the Clinton trial, to provide ample time for both sides to present their cases, ask thoughtful questions, and determine whether we need more. "The House chose to send articles of impeachment that are rushed and flawed. I carefully considered the need for additional witnesses … Continue Reading
01.30.20
Klobuchar, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Promote Enforcement of the Federal Hate Crimes Law
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation to combat the rise of hate crimes. According to the FBI, attacks motivated by bias or prejudice reached a 16-year high in 2018. The Justice for Victims of Hate Crimes Act ensures that federal prosecutors can effectively enforce the federal hate crimes law. "As a former prosecutor, I've seen firsthand the trauma that hate crimes can inflict not only on victims, but also on entire communities. We must stand togeth… Continue Reading
01.29.20
Cardin, Murkowski Applaud Virginia’s Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement following Virginia's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). "With Virginia's historic ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, the state officially becomes the 38th and final state required to make the ERA part of the U.S. Constitution. This decades-long effort is now one step closer to victory and proving that there is no time limit on equality. "We urge the Archivist to complete the ERA's… Continue Reading
01.28.20
Senate Resolution Supports National Trafficking, Modern Slavery Prevention Month
U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced a resolution in support of National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month. The resolution works to raise awareness by highlighting how prevalent cases are in the U.S. as well as identifying solutions to combat human trafficking. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is an original cosponsor. [The full text of the resolution can be found here.] "Human trafficking and modern-day slavery are scourges on our society… Continue Reading
01.23.20
Murkowski: Revised WOTUS Rule Will Provide Clarity and Ease Regulatory Burden
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army announced their final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. "I have worked for years to try to prevent federal agencies from massively expanding the definition of the 'Waters of the United States,' and I appreciate this administration's efforts to return to a more reasonable regulation that does not block private construction or harm econo… Continue Reading
01.22.20
Shaheen, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Bill to Hold E-Cigarette Companies Accountable for the Youth Vaping Crisis
This week, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect children from the dangers of e-cigarettes. The Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act would require that e-cigarette manufacturers pay user fees to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help to fund more activity at FDA to conduct stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry and increase a… Continue Reading
01.20.20
Murkowski Reflects on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In light of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) shared the following statement: (Click here for video of Senator Murkowski.) "Today, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we pause in remembrance and celebration of a civil rights hero whose commitment to justice and equality continue to inspire. "While Dr. King's dream was central to the African-American struggle for equality in the face of persistent racial discrimination, it was also a call to action for each of us, re… Continue Reading
01.17.20
Murkowski Joins Coons, Braun in Bipartisan Senate ALS Caucus
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recently joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Mike Braun (R-IN) as one of the original members of the first Senate Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Caucus. The ALS Caucus will bring together Senators from both sides of the aisle to work collaboratively to advocate on behalf of those living with ALS and their families. "For years I've been working with advocates of those living with ALS, their families, support groups, healthcare professionals, and ot… Continue Reading
01.17.20
Murkowski Commends ‘Phase One’ Trade Deal with China
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement in support of the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement, which the President signed Wednesday: "As the major air cargo hub serving Asia, Ted Stevens International Airport puts Alaska right at the center of U.S. and China trade relations. China is our state's top trade partner. In fact, about 60 percent of our seafood-$800 million worth-has been exported there," said Senator Murkowski. "President Trump's phase 1 deal is a signifi… Continue Reading
01.16.20
USMCA Passes Senate
In 2018 alone, Alaska exported $680 million of goods to Canada and Mexico. Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in support of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (USMCA), a trade pact which modernizes the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The measure passed 89-10 and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. "As an economy that depends on exporting our rich natural resources to global markets and leveraging our geostrategi… Continue Reading
01.15.20
Rosen, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Health Care Access in Rural and Underserved Areas
Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), both members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, introduced the Improving Access to Health Care in Rural and Underserved Areas Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide additional support for primary care providers in rural and underserved areas through accredited continuing medical education and clinical support. "With our current doctor shortage, the health needs of many Nevadans are often un… Continue Reading
01.15.20
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Gaynor as New FEMA Administrator
The Senate confirmed Mr. Peter Gaynor to serve as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator by a vote of 81-8. In support of his confirmation, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement: "Alaska is no stranger to natural hazards and disasters. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake and the wildfires that we faced in 2019 alone are an example of why having strong leadership in place at FEMA is so important for our state. Mr. Gaynor has significant experience in emergency m… Continue Reading
01.13.20
Murkowski Announces Senior Staff Promotions
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today announced two staff promotions on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR): Brianne Miller to be Deputy Staff Director of Energy and Lucy Murfitt to be Deputy Staff Director of Natural Resources. "I greatly appreciate the work that Brianne and Lucy have accomplished on the committee on behalf of Alaskans and individuals and communities across the nation," Murkowski said. "These promotions are well-deserved and I'm confident they will help… Continue Reading
