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 Votes to Confirm Scott Gottlieb as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Scott Gottlieb as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration: "Congratulations to Dr. Scott Gottlieb on his successful confirmation to be our nation's next Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Gottlieb's nomination has received broad support from over 46 organizations and three former FDA Commissioners. His extensive background with CMS, the FDA, and the private sector gives him th… Continue Reading
05.10.17
Murkowski Comments on Firing of FBI Director James Comey
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after President Trump announced he fired FBI Director James Comey: "Whether or not you are a supporter of Mr. James Comey's actions as FBI Director, the timing of his firing - in the middle of an investigation into Russia's interference in our election - is serious cause for concern. The President cited that one of his reasons for firing Comey as FBI Director was that he had lost the public's trust and was unable to carry out t… Continue Reading
05.08.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Heather Wilson for Air Force Secretary
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Heather Wilson to be Secretary of the Air Force: "I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed Heather Wilson to serve as Secretary of the Air Force. Among the first female graduates of the Air Force Academy, she enjoyed a stellar career as an Air Force officer. I came to know Secretary Wilson as a member of the US House of Representatives, representing New Mexico when we worked on energy policy issues tog… Continue Reading
05.05.17
Murkowski: Threat Posed By EMP Attack a Matter of National Defense
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today convened a hearing of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to examine the threat posed by electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and policy options to protect energy infrastructure. During her opening statement, Murkowski spoke to the importance of the issue, indicating it to be even more salient today for several reasons, including the continued proliferation of nuclear technology and society's increasing reliance on electronics. "The United States has … Continue Reading
05.04.17
Murkowski: Omnibus Bill Yields Benefits for Alaska
Today the Senate passed the omnibus bill to fund the government through the end of Fiscal Year 2017. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced a series of provisions within the bill that provides resources and supports programs with significant impacts in communities throughout Southcentral Alaska. As a member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Murkowski was able to give Alaskans a strong voice in crafting the bill. "With our state in th… Continue Reading
05.04.17
Murkowski: Bill Will Bring Significant Benefits to Alaska
The Senate today is voting on the omnibus appropriations legislation to fund the federal government through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2017. As a member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was able to include provisions to address a wide range of challenges, needs, and opportunities in Alaska. "This bill provides much-needed stability, protections, and opportunities for communities all… Continue Reading
05.03.17
Murkowski Convenes SRS/PILT Hearing, Cosponsors SRS Bill
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday held an oversight hearing to examine federal payments to local governments provided through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self-Determination Act and the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. She also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced today by Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., to reauthorize the SRS program. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing explored the need for the federal government to… Continue Reading
04.28.17
Alaska Delegation Commends Executive Order on Offshore Energy Development
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today joined President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke for the signing ceremony of an Executive Order to implement an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy. The order lifts leasing withdrawals imposed on Alaska's Arctic, directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a review of the areas available for leasing, and directs a review of certain regulations governi… Continue Reading
04.27.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Alexander Acosta as Labor Secretary
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm R. Alexander Acosta as Secretary of Labor: "Mr. Acosta is well-qualified to lead the U.S. Department of Labor. He has earned a strong reputation among his former colleagues at the National Labor Relations Board and among labor leaders as experienced, fair, and open-minded-someone who understands the relationship between employers and workers and cares about the lives of average Americans. In my interac… Continue Reading
04.27.17
Murkowski Holds Hearing on CNMI Economic Expansion Act
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today held a legislative hearing to receive testimony on H.R. 339, the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act. Murkowski kicked off the hearing by highlighting the fact that for the last two years the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW) permit cap has been reached before the end of the fiscal year. The hearing provided Senators with the opportunity to better understand how this legislation will help CNMI's future economic growth beyond 2019. "It's no… Continue Reading
04.26.17
Murkowski Commends Executive Order on National Monuments
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today joined President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke for the signing ceremony of an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to conduct a review of national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act since 1996. Secretary Zinke will review onshore and marine monument designations over 100,000 acres in size, and provide recommendations to the president for changes to the scope and size of those m… Continue Reading
04.26.17
Murkowski Comments on President Trump’s Education Executive Order
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the Executive Order Enforcing Statutory Prohibitions on Federal Control of Education. "I was pleased to see that President Trump directed Education Secretary DeVos to review all regulations, guidance and documents issued by the Department to ensure they comply with the federal prohibitions against federal control of our schools. The Every Student Succeeds Act returned state and local control of our schoo… Continue Reading
04.24.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue was confirmed to be the Secretary of Agriculture by a vote of 87-11. "I congratulate Gov. Perdue on his successful confirmation to be our nation's next Secretary of Agriculture," Murkowski said. "We had a very good conversation about the many ways in which the USDA impacts Alaska, and he expressed a real willingness to work with us to improve our food security, rural economic develo… Continue Reading
04.18.17
AK Delegation Celebrates Quintillion Ribbon-Cutting in Deadhorse
Alaska Congressional Delegation attended the ribbon-cutting yesterday for the launch of Phase 1 of the Quintillion fiber system in Deadhorse, Alaska, slated to be the first intercontinental cable system. "Being connected is everything in the new economy, and it's inspiring to see how Alaskan companies have invested in the future of our state," said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "By delivering high-speed internet, companies like Quintillion are not just increasing access; they are providing the means … Continue Reading
04.12.17
Alaska Delegation Reintroduces Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act
The Alaska Congressional Delegation is continuing its efforts to provide equitable treatment to Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans by reintroducing the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act. The legislation would amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to allow approximately 2,800 Alaska Natives who served during the Vietnam era, and missed an earlier opportunity because of that service, to apply for their government-promised Native allotment. "This has always been an issue of equi… Continue Reading
04.10.17
Murkowski Reintroduces Bill to Honor Recent Veterans of Second Division
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, reintroduced S. 907, the Second Division Memorial Modification Act, to authorize the modification of the existing Second Division Memorial in Washington, D.C. The bill would allow the Second Indianhead Division Association Scholarship and Memorials Foundation (Foundation) to add commemorative elements or engravings to the existing memorial to honor the members of the Second Division who have given their lives in service to the United States but have yet to be… Continue Reading
04.07.17
Murkowski and Sullivan Introduce Bill to Restart Alaska OCS Development
U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, yesterday introduced the Offshore Production and Energizing National Security Alaska Act of 2017 (OPENS Alaska Act) to repeal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) withdrawals made at the end of the Obama administration, provide for lease sales in the Arctic OCS, and ensure Alaska receives a fair share of the revenues from oil and gas development off its coast. "After years of regulatory restrictions and burdens imposed by the Obama administrat… Continue Reading
04.07.17
Murkowski Comments on U.S. Missile Strikes in Syria
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement in response to the U.S.-launched missile strikes against the Shayrat Airfield in Syria, which is reportedly associated with the Syrian regime's chemical weapons program and directly linked to the April 4th chemical weapons attack: "This week the world witnessed a horrific attack in Syria, where evidence shows Bashar al-Assad and his regime used chemical weapons in a strike to kill their own people. President Trump has taken the… Continue Reading
04.07.17
Murkowski: JBER’s 4-25 Army Brigade Combat Team Intact
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Army announced its intent to keep the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (4/25 BCT) home-based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, intact. "Alaskans are waking up today to news we've been waiting to hear for years now - the 4/25 Army Brigade Combat Team at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson remains intact. As General Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, previously told me - it would be contr… Continue Reading
04.07.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement to cast her vote in support of Judge Neil Gorsuch to be the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court: "I was pleased that today the U.S. Senate has moved to fill Scalia's seat on the U.S. Supreme Court with bipartisan support for Judge Neil Gorsuch, an imminently qualified jurist. Judge Gorsuch checks the box on every measure of what I'm looking for in a Supreme Court nominee: intellectual capacity, experience, indepen… Continue Reading
