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.
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
01.13.20
Murphy, Murkowski Applaud Senate Passage Of Save Our Seas 2.0
U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on Monday applauded U.S. Senate passage of the bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0, legislation to combat marine debris. Murphy and Murkowski are both cosponsors of the bill. The legislation includes a Murphy-Murkowski drafted provision to fund a Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovation to be given out for the development of projects to replace single use plastic and innovations that remove and prevent plastic waste. "This is a huge victory… Continue Reading
01.09.20
Alaska and Hawaii Delegation Introduce Bill to Improve Economic Prosperity of Tribes
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) today introduced the Inspiring Nationally Vibrant Economies Sustaining Tribes (INVEST) Act. This legislation aims to make significant improvements to the existing New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program to more effectively reach Native American communities, such as those in Alaska and Hawaii. For the full text of the bill, click here. "Despite the impressive record of the New Market Tax Credit … Continue Reading
01.09.20
Senator Murkowski Addresses Death of Qasem Soleimani
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement after joining a resolution honoring the members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the successful mission that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) and a designated terrorist. "I am pleased to support Senator Cruz's resolution commending the President and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and intelligence community for the successful… Continue Reading
01.09.20
Murkowski Welcomes NEPA Modernization Effort
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed President Trump's decision to propose a modernization of federal environmental review and permitting processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1970. "While I am still reviewing the details of this proposal, antiquated federal regulations often stand in the way of critical infrastructure and other important projects that can create jobs, improve our standard of living and energy security, and yet still fully protect the env… Continue Reading
01.09.20
Merkley, Murkowski, Duckworth, Booker Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Breastfeeding Protections At Work
Today, Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), joined by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to provide salaried employees in traditional office environments-a group of approximately 13.5 million executive, administrative, and professional women-with reasonable break time and a private place to pump breastmilk. Their bill, the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, wo… Continue Reading
12.31.19
ICYMI: Murkowski Bill Honoring Unrecognized Heroes of the Greatest Generation Passes Senate
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded Senate passage of her bill, the Merchant Marines of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, to honor the Merchant Mariners who protected our nation during World War II. The bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the WWII mariners in recognition of their dedicated and vital service. The House successfully passed the companion bill in September, sponsored by Representative John Garamendi (D-CA). The Senate version of the bill now heads to the… Continue Reading
12.23.19
Congressional Delegation Applauds Grant to Assist Young Victims of Sex Trafficking Awarded to Covenant House Alaska
Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $950,000 in grant funding to Covenant House Alaska to assist minor victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. "Human trafficking is undoubtedly one of the most horrific crimes and is unfortunately happening in all corners of the state. It's the second fastest growing crime on Alaska soil-happening in plain sight," said Senator Murkowski… Continue Reading
12.23.19
Sullivan, Murkowski & King Introduce Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019
U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced S. 3080, the Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019, legislation directing the federal government to recognize the importance of the Arctic region to our country's national and economic security interests, and to put forward a strategy for the U.S. fleet's ability to operate in the Arctic and respond to challenges. "As new sea lanes emerge and maritime traffic rapidly increases in the Arctic, the c… Continue Reading