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.
Murkowski, Feinstein Show Their Support for America’s Flower Farmers
Led by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the U.S. Senate passed a resolution supporting the American farmers and small business owners who engage in the American cut flower industry. The resolution designates July as "American Grown Flower Month" and also encourages Americans to support the farmers and small businesses that generate tens of thousands of jobs and nearly $42 million in economic impact each day. "While most Americans do not immediately think of Alas… Continue Reading
08.04.17
Murkowski, Sullivan Help Increase Treatment Options for Terminally Ill
The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK), that gives terminally ill patients an alternative route to treatment, providing such patients options to access investigational agents not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Trickett Wendler Right to Try Act, improves care for patients through providing access to more individualized treatment from medical professionals, without undermining the FDA… Continue Reading
08.03.17
Murkowski: Fire Season Highlights Need for Legislative Solution for Wildfire Funding and Forest Management Reforms
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to conduct oversight of the nation's wildfire management programs and the use of emerging technologies to mitigate wildfire risk. She also reiterated her call for Congress to pass legislation that both ends fire borrowing and makes long-overdue forest management reforms. "Wildfires continue to be a growing crisis and are destroying lands across our country," Murkowski said. "As of August 1, nearly 39,000 fires had burned almost 5.5 mi… Continue Reading
08.03.17
Senate Restores FERC Quorum, Confirms Deputy Secretary of Energy
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Dan Brouillette to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy, and Neil Chatterjee and Robert Powelson to be Members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). "After six months, we have finally restored a working quorum to FERC," Murkowski said. "Mr. Chatterjee and Mr. Powelson certainly have their work cut out for them, but I'm confident they will work to quickly get this indepe… Continue Reading
08.02.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm New FBI Director
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Christopher Wray as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation: "Christopher Wray has distinguished himself both as an outstanding federal prosecutor and a preeminent criminal defense attorney. He was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan vote of 20-0, a level of support that reflects the confidence that Senators have in his skill and integrity. The 92-5 confirmation vo… 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
07.31.17
Murkowski Secures Funding Critical to Meeting Transportation and Housing Needs in Alaska
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently approved the Transportation, House, and Urban Development (T-HUD) appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2018, which includes several Alaska-specific provisions secured by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) such as the Essential Air Service, a vital program serving rural communities across Alaska. "Alaska's transportation needs are unique and diverse, and despite being ripe with opportunity, we have many needs that must be addressed such as a lack of in… Continue Reading
07.28.17
Murkowski Secures Funding for Excursion Inlet Bridge
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week announced that an agreement has been reached to pave the way for repairs of a key bridge at Excursion Inlet, which is necessary to help maintain operations of the salmon cannery at Excursion Inlet. The U.S. Forest Service was able to source bridge components currently in stock from the Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest and will arrange to barge them to Southeast to facilitate repair of the bridge in an expedited manner. "I thank the Haines Bo… Continue Reading
07.28.17
Murkowski Statement on Healthcare Vote
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement: "I voted no on the healthcare proposal last night because both sides must do better on process and substance. The Affordable Care Act remains a flawed law that I am committed to reforming with a structure that works better for all Americans. But to do that, the Senate must fully devote itself to an effort to improve the healthcare system in this country, reduce costs, increase access, and deliver the quality of care that our… Continue Reading
07.26.17
36 Senators Send Letter to Secretary Zinke in Support of New OCS Five-Year Leasing Program
A robust group of 36 Republican Senators today sent a letter to Secretary Ryan Zinke in support of the Department of the Interior's new Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Five-Year Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024. The plan promises to increase offshore access and development, which will in turn boost our economy, keep energy affordable, and reinforce the United States' position as an energy dominant superpower. "Pursuing a new Five-Year Program will provide a meaningful review to guarantee… Continue Reading
07.25.17
Murkowski Statement on Motion to Proceed Vote
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement today about the Senate's vote to begin debate on a healthcare bill. "I have repeatedly said that healthcare reform, and especially major entitlement reform, should go through the committee process where stakeholders can weigh in and ideas can be vetted in a bipartisan forum. "I voted 'no' today to give the Senate another chance to take this to the committee process. "I still believe that's the best route, but we will now have… Continue Reading
07.24.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm New Interior Deputy Secretary
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after voting to confirm David Bernhardt to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior. The Senate confirmed Bernhardt through a bipartisan vote of 53-43. "Mr. Bernhardt is an excellent choice for Deputy Secretary," Murkowski said. "His extensive experience and knowledge of issues that are important to Alaskans and western states will enable him to be a great asset to the Department. He will be a very capable s… Continue Reading
07.24.17
Young Alaskan Faces Working in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski welcomed her second group of summer interns to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Fresh out of high school, these interns are assisting the Senator's office by helping with administrative and clerical tasks, and assisting staff with day-to-day projects, guiding U.S. Capitol tours, in addition to shadowing her throughout the day. "When I interned right after high school for Senator Ted Stevens, it was my first time east of the Seattle-Tacoma airport, and so I know f… Continue Reading
07.21.17
Annual Defense Bill Heading to President’s Desk
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the final version of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation which supports our troops through the biggest pay raise in nearly ten years and provides our military with the resources needed to face emerging threats and protect Americans at home and abroad. The bill passed by a 87-10 vote, sending it to the President for his signature. "Our national security must always remain a top priority. And with tensions … Continue Reading
07.21.17
Murkowski Works to Support Food Security, Alaska’s Fisheries, and Rural Development
The Senate Appropriations Committee this week unanimously approved the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2018 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 genetic… Continue Reading
07.21.17
Committee Reviews Key Interior and Energy Nominees
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday chaired a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to consider six of President Trump's nominees for key positions at the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). The nominees were Brenda Burman to be Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation at DOI; Susan Combs to be Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at DOI; Paul Dabbar to be Under Secretary for Science at DOE; Douglas Domenech to be Ass… Continue Reading
07.21.17
Murkowski Secures Funding for Energy Innovation
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee recently passed the Fiscal Year 2018 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, sending it to the full Senate for consideration. The measure will provide funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured several provisions to address Alaska's unique infrastructure needs and to promote an in… Continue Reading
07.21.17
Senators Commend US Attorney Nominee Bryan Schroder
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) issued the following statements after the White House announced President Trump's intent to nominate Bryan Schroder to serve as United States Attorney for Alaska: "Bryan Schroder has devoted his career to public service, first as a Coast Guard line officer, then as a Coast Guard JAG. Upon retirement from the Coast Guard, with the rank of Captain, he chose to join the Alaska US Attorney's Office, rather than enter the private sector," sai… Continue Reading
07.21.17
Appropriators Approve First FY 2019 Funding Bill
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which provides funding for Department of Energy (DOE) programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured provisions to build on energy opportunities in Alaska's Arctic, address the state's unique needs, and improve energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emergency p… Continue Reading
07.20.17
Murkowski, Sullivan Commend House Passage of King Cove Legislation
U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 218, legislation to authorize a land exchange needed to construct a short road between the isolated communities of King Cove and Cold Bay, Alaska. H.R. 218 was introduced and championed by Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, and passed the House with bipartisan support from 248 members. "I commend Congressman Young for his leadership and for bringing a life… Continue Reading