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.

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03.09.23

Murkowski, Hassan, Marshall, Rosen Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Patients with Transparent and Safe Access to Treatments

Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), along with 14 of their colleagues, introduced the Safe Step Act of 2023, a bill that places reasonable limits on the use of "step therapy," and works to improve access to safer and more transparent treatments for patients. Step therapy, also known as "fail first," occurs when a patient is required to try and fail on a lower cost drug before they are allowed to access the drug … Continue Reading


12.27.22

Murkowski Champions Mental and Behavioral Health Provisions in FY 2023 Appropriations Package

As a senior appropriator, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) played a key role in securing numerous mental and behavioral health provisions within the omnibus appropriations package that funds the federal government for the rest of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. Recognizing the need to bolster mental and behavioral health support in Alaska, Murkowski prioritized suicide prevention programs, treatment and recovery opportunities for those struggling with substance misuse, and expansion of the mental hea… Continue Reading


08.01.22

Kaine, Murkowski, Sinema, & Collins Introduce Legislation To Codify Roe V. Wade

Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Reproductive Freedom For All Act. This legislation would enact in federal law the essential holdings of Roe v. Wade and related cases, protecting abortion rights and contraception access. This would undo the damage of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and would enshrine in federal law the fundamental right to reproductive… Continue Reading


07.22.22

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Dedicated Nursing Spaces in VA Medical Centers for Mothers Who Are Veterans

This week U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, introduced the bipartisan Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act to ensure every medical center managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contains a hygienic, private space specifically designated for nursing for veterans, VA employees, and their partners. There are currently 90 VA medical centers across the country with such designated rooms, but t… Continue Reading


07.16.22

Murkowski: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is Activated in Alaska

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will go live in Alaska today, July 16, 2022. As a champion in Congress for mental and behavioral health resources, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement of support: "Unfortunately, the number of suicides in Alaska continues to rise, particularly among military members, veterans, and now young people. We must do all we can to ensure that mental health resources are more readily and easily available to those in need. As I continue m… Continue Reading


07.15.22

Murkowski Participates in Hearing on Reproductive Rights

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) this week took part in a U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing to examine access to reproductive care following a June 24 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe V. Wade. The hearing gave an opportunity to address questions surrounding what can be done to improve access now, patient confusion, and downstream impacts on access to health care. "I have heard many stories from Alaskans, most notably in these past … Continue Reading


06.24.22

Murkowski Reacts to Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court released its decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, to overturn Roe v. Wade, placing the responsibility on states to set their own abortion laws: "Today the Supreme Court went against 50 years of precedent in choosing to overturn Roe v. Wade. The rights under Roe that many women have relied on for decades-most notably a woman's right to choose-are now gone or threatened in many states. … Continue Reading


06.24.22

Senate Passes Gun Safety, Mental Health Measure

Last night, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, targeted legislation to address gaps in the law that have enabled mass shootings, including the need for additional mental health and school safety resources. The bill provides historic investments in our mental health care system, including in rural areas, more resources for school safety, and helps keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who are disqualified to possess them. The bil… Continue Reading


06.08.22

Senators Introduce Bruce’s Law to Help Combat Deadly Fentanyl Epidemic

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), joined by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), today introduced Bruce's Law. Bruce's Law - named after a young Alaskan, Robert "Bruce" Snodgrass, who passed away from a fentanyl overdose in 2021 - will bolster federal prevention and education efforts surrounding the dangers of drugs laced with fentanyl, an incredibly powerful and deadly synthetic opioid. It also authorizes new Community-Based Coalition Enhancemen… Continue Reading


05.31.22

King, Murkowski Join to Introduce Bipartisan Bill Supporting Children’s Mental Health

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today announced that they have introduced legislation to address the impact of childhood trauma on long-term health. The Improving Data Collection for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Act would authorize $7 million annually over five years to support Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research and data collection efforts to study the potential ties between childho… Continue Reading


05.11.22

Murkowski Reiterates Strong Support for Codification of Roe v. Wade

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today reiterated her strong support for the codification of abortion rights as established by Roe v. Wade (1973) and affirmed by Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). While urging the preservation of those important rights for women, Murkowski will vote against S. 4132, the Women's Health Protection Act, which has been described as codifying Roe v. Wade, but in reality goes much further-nullifying state and religious freedom laws across the country in the process… Continue Reading


04.29.22

Senators Seek to Reauthorize Bipartisan STAR Act to Combat Childhood Cancer

In an effort to help thousands of children who undergo cancer treatment each year, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act of 2022 (S.4120). This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever passed by Congress, which approved the measure unanimously in 2018. Th… Continue Reading


03.17.22

HELP Committee Considers PREVENT Pandemics Act

During a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee executive session to consider the S.3799 Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and Pandemics Act (PREVENT Pandemics Act), U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) filed amendments to the bill which addresses the nation's response to pandemics and includes reforms to improve accountability and transparency at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Murkowski's provisions prioritize improving our h… Continue Reading


01.14.22

Casey, Tillis, Smith, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Community Health Workforce

As communities across the Nation tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen the workforce of community health workers and address health disparities among underserved communities. Studies have demonstrated that community health workers can identify and address the specific health needs of their communities, promote healthy behavior and reduce hospitalization. Th… Continue Reading


01.13.22

Murkowski Welcomes Supreme Court Decision Blocking Biden’s Vaccine Sweeping Mandate for Businesses

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Biden administration from enforcing its vaccine and testing mandate for private companies with more than 100 employees. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) order for larger businesses to either require vaccines or have a masking and testing policy. "I join many Alaskans in welcoming the Supreme Court decision to … Continue Reading


12.16.21

ACT for ALS Act Unanimously Passes Senate, Heads to President Biden for His Signature

Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.). The bipartisan, bicameral bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The ACT for ALS Act would fund essential research into fast-progressing rare neurodegenerative and terminal diseases, like amyotrophic latera… Continue Reading


10.04.21

Rosen, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill Expanding Palliative Care Training for National Health Service Corps Providers

U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), both members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, announced the introduction of their Provider Training in Palliative Care Act. This bipartisan legislation would allow members of the National Health Service Corps to defer their service for up to a year to do additional training in palliative care. The Provider Training in Palliative Care Act is endorsed by key stakeholders, including AARP, American Cancer S… Continue Reading


06.25.21

Murkowski, Klobuchar, McCollum, Young Address Enduring Public Health Issue

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representatives Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Don Young (R-AK) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Advancing FASD Research, Services, and Prevention Act of 2021 (FASD Respect Act). The bill addresses prenatal substance exposure through early intervention-by providing support through programs and funding for prevention efforts and for individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASDs inclu… Continue Reading


05.25.21

Murkowski’s Maternal Health Bills Advance from Committee

Today the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced legislation led by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski to improve maternal health, address infant mortality, and support nursing mothers in the workplace. They now head to the full Senate for consideration. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO. The Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (Rural MOMS) Act, led by Senator Murkowski and Senator Tina Smith, will help ensure that new and expecting moms living in rural c… Continue Reading


05.07.21

Murkowski Works to Improve Access to Rural Health Care For New & Expecting Moms

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recently joined U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) in introducing bipartisan legislation that would help ensure that new and expecting moms living in rural communities get the care they need. More than half of rural counties nationwide lack hospitals with labor and birthing services, and the disparity in access to care and worse health outcomes disproportionally affects people of color. Rural counties with more Black residents are at greater risk of losing their l… Continue Reading

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