02.03.26

Murkowski Highlights Wide-Ranging Wins for Alaska in Appropriations Package

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) celebrated major Alaska priorities she successfully secured in the final appropriations “minibus” bill that completes five of the final six spending bills to fully fund the government. H.R. 7148 includes the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) appropriations bill; the FY26 Defense appropriations bill; the FY26 Transportation, Housing, Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill; the FY26 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill; and the FY26 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations bill.

“I’m very proud of the hard, bipartisan work that went into the package that will help Alaska and Americans across the country— everything from aviation safety and workforce development to addressing substance abuse, rural suicide prevention, and support for our military,” said Murkowski. “We tackled a wide range of issues that will make a real impact in the everyday lives of Alaskans.”

The Senate could not reach consensus on the final appropriations bill of FY26, Homeland Security (DHS), which funds various agencies including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Coast Guard, and FEMA. Instead, these and related agencies are included in H.R. 7148, a short-term continuing resolution for DHS. The continuing resolution funds these agencies and departments through February 13, 2026, while Congress deliberates on a path forward.

 

FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) Appropriations Highlights

Senator Murkowski secured strong investments for Alaska and the nation in the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The final conference agreement reflected bipartisan compromise and protected many of Murkowski’s long-standing priorities across health care, workforce development, education, and family services.

The bill safeguards or increases funding for critical programs serving Alaska’s rural, Tribal, and underserved communities, including medical research; mental health and substance use treatment; funding for schools, childcare and afterschool care; heating assistance; Native programs; and veterans’ services.

Advancing Medical Research and Public Health
The FY26 LHHS bill makes significant investments in medical research and public health, with particular attention to conditions that disproportionately impact servicemembers, rural populations, and Alaska Native communities.

Key investments include:

  • $48.716 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $1.5 billion for Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
  • $90 million for Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS, a $15 million increase to advance new treatments, diagnostics, biomarkers, and quality-of-care research
  • $538.4 million for the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, including targeted support to improve Native American cancer outcomes
  • $106 million for the Office of Research on Women’s Health, a $30 million increase
  • $9.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including continued funding for the ALS Registry, which gives patients with ALS the opportunity to become involved in research to help defeat this deadly disease

Strengthening Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicide Prevention Services
Senator Murkowski prioritized investments to address Alaska’s mental health crisis, substance use disorders, and suicide rates—especially in rural and Tribal communities.

The bill provides $7.4 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), including:

  • A $15 million increase for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, bringing total funding to $534.6 million
  • Dedicated funding for Specialized Services for Youth within the 988 Lifeline
  • $1.6 billion for the State Opioid Response Grant, which has been vital in providing resources to increase access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use, and for supporting prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services
  • Increased funding for the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, including targeted resources for American Indian and Alaska Native populations
  • $1.9 billion for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant
  • Continued support for maternal mental health programs, including the Maternal Mental Health Hotline and screening and treatment initiatives

Supporting Families, Children, and Rural Communities
The bill strengthens the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which delivers essential services to Alaska families facing high costs, energy insecurity, and limited access to care.

Notable provisions include:

  • $4.05 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Alaskans afford heating bills during the cold winter months
  • Increases for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start
  • $245 million for Family Violence Prevention and Services, including continued funding for culturally specific domestic violence services
  • Maintained funding for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

The accompanying report language directs additional oversight of LIHEAP staffing and administration to ensure timely and accurate delivery of assistance to states like Alaska.

Investing in Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity
In order for Alaska to reach its full potential, a strong local workforce is essential to meeting growing job demands. This bill continues robust support for workforce development programs, including:

  • $62.5 million for Native American employment and training programs, exceeding enacted levels. This will help ensure that there is a greater local workforce for rural projects in states like Alaska
  • Continued funding for Job Corps and Veterans’ Employment and Training programs
  • Long-standing H-2B visa provisions that support Alaska’s seafood industry, including extended filing timelines for seafood processors and prevailing wage protections

Strengthening Education and Alaska Native Student Programs
It was a priority for Senator Murkowski that the Department of Education portion of the bill preserved funding for programs that support students, educators, and schools—particularly in rural and federally impacted areas.

Key highlights include:

  • Increased funding for Impact Aid
  • Continued support for the Alaska Native Education Equity Program (ANEP),with longstanding bill language ensuring competitive grants, construction eligibility, and reasonable administrative cost flexibility
  • Maintained funding for Indian Education grants, Native Language Immersion, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, including a $2 million increase for Tribal colleges
  • Protected funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, TRIO Programs, and English Language Acquisition
  • A $2 million increase for Special Olympics Education Programs
  • Biweekly briefings on any actions the U.S. Department of Education (USED) is taking to implement the Interagency Agreements to transfer USED programs to other agencies.

Preserving Cultural and Community Institutions
The bill provides $291.8 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supporting access to educational and cultural resources nationwide.

The conference agreement did not include funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) or Public Broadcasting Interconnection, despite Murkowski’s advocacy to maintain enacted funding levels—posing challenges for public media access in rural and remote Alaska communities. She will continue to look for other opportunities to support Alaska’s public media.

In addition to programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments for projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:

  • Anchorage: $450,000 for Project Next Step through the Coalition to End Homelessness, supporting services and housing stability.
  • Anchorage: $550,000 for the Alaska Medical Examiner’s Office to purchase and install new equipment.
  • Anchorage: $1,000,000 to fund workplace opportunities in rural Alaska by supporting the Pacific Northwest Ironworkers and Employers Apprenticeship and Training Trust.
  • Anchorage: $600,000 for Bean’s Cafe: Motley Crew, supporting employment training and job readiness programs for individuals facing barriers to work.
  • Anchorage: $1,950,000 for Anchorage Community Mental Health Services to expand their facilities.
  • Anchorage: $1,090,000 for Anchorage Fire Department, First Responder PPE Decontamination, ensuring safety and readiness for emergency personnel.
  • Anchorage: $730,000 for the Renewable Energy Alaska Project to deliver training to rural utility staff.
  • Copper River: $291,000 to provide emergency health service upgrades for the region.
  • Cordova: $3,000,000 for the Cordova Community Medical Center, improving healthcare infrastructure and access to essential medical services.
  • Fairbanks: $2,500,000 for Training Alaskans for Pipeline Work through the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center Trust, providing technical skills and workforce preparation as Alaska looks to develop the Natural Gas Pipeline.
  • Fairbanks: $728,000 for Fairbanks Ambulance services, supporting emergency medical response and community health.
  • Fairbanks: $111,000 for Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Cultivating a Culture of Student Growth: District-Wide Teacher Training
  • Fairbanks: $300,000 for Fairbanks North Star Borough School District to purchase and install school access control upgrades
  • Fairbanks: $3,000,000 for the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation to construct a child psychiatric unit.
  • Hooper Bay: $339,000 for Learning Point Alaska, to expand a high-impact, in-school tutoring model piloted in Hooper Bay Charter school.
  • Ketchikan: $160,000 for Ketchikan Maritime Workforce Development and Education Initiative through University of Alaska Southeast, preparing residents for careers in the maritime industry.
  • Juneau: $500,000 for Cultural Tourism Workforce Development at Sealaska Heritage Institute, supporting Indigenous-led training and career opportunities in arts and tourism.
  • Juneau: $500,000 for the AYEC-SEA Childcare Apprenticeship Program, expanding opportunities for training and workforce development in early childhood education.
  • Ketchikan: $347,000 for Ketchikan Gateway Borough to purchase an ambulance to support emergency response services.
  • Kodiak: $300,000 for HVAC system upgrades at Kodiak Island Health Care Foundation, ensuring safe and reliable healthcare facilities.
  • Naknek: $3,000,000 for construction and equipment for the Camai Community Health Center, which will enhance healthcare services for the community.
  • North Slope: $500,000 for North Slope Borough School District’s program Let’s Live Being Iniupiaq!, which supports cultural education and youth engagement.
  • North Slope: $500,000 for Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, Rebuilding Inupiaq Systems of Education - Qargi Academy, supporting Indigenous education and cultural programs.
  • Seldovia: $332,000 for Seldovia Community Health Center, improving local healthcare services and facilities.
  • Southeast Alaska: $100,000 for Haa Yaitx’u Saiani Kinship Navigator Project, helping families build and maintain healthy relationships that keep children in safe environments.
  • Unalaska: $2,705,000 for equipment and renovation of the Iliuliuk Family and Health Services, which will improve the local healthcare facilities.
  • University of Alaska Anchorage: $1,000,000 for Aviation Maintenance Program Expansion, building technical skills and career pathways in aviation.
  • University of Alaska Anchorage: $315,000 for Supporting ANSEP Students with Workforce Development, enhancing STEM and career readiness opportunities.
  • University of Alaska Anchorage: $725,000 for Rural Health Simulation Equipment Expansion, improving training for healthcare providers across remote regions.
  • University of Alaska Southeast: $855,000 for Southeast Alaska Behavioral Workforce Development, strengthening mental health and social services capacity.
  • Utqiagvik: $250,000 for Workforce Development at I?isagvik?College, supporting vocational training programs in the North Slope.
  • Utqiagvik: $191,000 for Science Expansion and Development at I?isagvik?College, enhancing STEM learning and hands-on educational opportunities.
  • Wasilla: $1,000,000 for Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust, which will provide apprenticeship training for broadband and energy infrastructure.
  • Statewide: $1,095,000 for Transitioning Veterans to Employment and Apprenticeships, supporting career pathways for returning service members.
  • Statewide: $1,264,000 for Childcare Workforce Development in Rural Alaska, expanding access to early childhood education and training.
  • Statewide: $500,000 for childcare workforce training programs at Thread, preparing educators and staff to meet growing community needs.
  • Statewide: $100,000 for Alaska Christian College to purchase two heavy equipment simulators for a new CTE program
  • Soldotna: $100,000 for Alaska Christian College, Indigenous Student Pre-College Preparation Camp, supporting college readiness and leadership skills.
  • Statewide: $1,500,000 for Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Perioperative Bay Construction, with the aim of improving healthcare access and surgical capacity.
  • Statewide: $2,000,000 for Alaska Primary Care Association to establish a Graduate Medical Education Council to expand medical education and workforce development.
  • Statewide: $938,000 for JAMHI Health and Wellness HVAC Repairs, maintaining safe and reliable health services.
  • Statewide: $50,000 for Alaska Resource Education to expand K-12 Natural Resources STEM Education, promoting hands-on science learning in schools.
  • Statewide: $30,000 for Bright Lights Book Project, Books to Villages Summer Reading, expanding literacy and reading programs statewide.
  • Statewide: $200,000 for Alaska Council of School Administrators, Building Alaska’s Pre-K-12 Leadership Pipeline, developing future school leaders.
  • Statewide: $1,623,000 for Educating for Leadership, Alaska Safe Communities and Schools, supporting safe and effective learning environments.
  • Statewide: $250,000 for Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance, Building Eating Disorder Awareness, promoting mental health and education initiatives.
  • Statewide: $1,000,000 for Catholic Social Services, Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Persons Experiencing Homelessness, expanding recovery and support programs.

 

FY26 Defense Appropriations Highlights


Senator Murkowski prioritized the allocation of resources that directly support servicemembers stationed in Alaska, where distance, cost of travel, and harsh conditions place unique burdens on military families. As a longtime champion of the program, first introducing it through her Arctic Warrior Act in 202, she ensured that the FY26 Defense bill included significant increases for the Alaska Flyback Program across every service branch, which helps offset the high cost of travel for servicemembers assigned to Alaska duty stations.

The bill provides:

• $10.5 million for the Army Alaska Flyback Program
• $9 million for the Air Force Alaska Flyback Program
• $2 million for the Coast Guard Alaska Flyback Program
• $75,000 for the Navy Alaska Flyback Program
• $20,000 for the Marine Corps Alaska Flyback Program
• $15,000 for the Space Force Alaska Flyback Program

These investments ensure greater parity for Alaska-based servicemembers and strengthen morale, readiness, and retention.

Strengthening Arctic Readiness and Cold Weather Operations
As the United States faces increasing strategic competition in the Arctic, Senator Murkowski worked to secure robust investments that ensure U.S. forces are equipped to operate effectively in extreme cold-weather environments.

Key Arctic and cold-weather priorities include:

  • $40 million increase for the Arctic Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) program
  • $7 million for the Cold Weather Layering System to improve protection and survivability in extreme climates
  • $1.2 million for ruggedized snowmobiles to support Naval Special Warfare Arctic mobility
  • $5 million for specialized indoor storage systems to enhance Arctic logistics and equipment readiness
  • $7 million to advance the development of a command-and-control and casualty evacuation platform for the Arctic.

Advancing Alaska’s Role in Space and Missile Defense
Alaska remains pivotal to U.S. missile defense, space launch, and testing infrastructure. Senator Murkowski secured major investments to maintain and modernize these strategic assets.

Highlights include:

  • Up to $45.5 million for improvements at the Pacific Spaceport Complex–Alaska, expanding state space launch capabilities
  • $6 million for Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) investments, including a modern threat simulator
  • Continued support for hypersonic testing through report language backing the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic-Test Bed (MACH-TB)
  • $4 million for equipment upgrades at Poker Flat Research Range, supporting missile defense and space testing capabilities

Enhancing Cybersecurity and Installation Resilience
Recognizing the growing cyber threat landscape, Senator Murkowski ensured increased funding for cyber resiliency and base infrastructure protection.

The bill includes:

  • $7.5 million for Cyber Operations for Base Resilient Architecture (COBRA)
  • $8 million to enhance F-22 cyber capability and resiliency
  • $10 million across two accounts for the Alaska–Kentucky Cyber Operational Readiness Project, improving automated cyber readiness assessments

Investing in Military Energy Security and Innovation
To bolster energy resilience and reduce vulnerabilities at military installations, the bill advances next-generation energy technologies critical to Arctic and remote operations.

Key investments include:

  • $41 million increase for Project Pele, supporting the development of a nuclear micro-reactor for resilient military power generation
  • Continued congressional support to transition Project Pele toward a program of record once milestones are met

Supporting Medical Research, Public Safety, and National Guard Missions
Senator Murkowski secured strong funding for medical research, emergency response, and National Guard operations that benefit both servicemembers and civilian communities.

Notable provisions include:

  • $40 million for peer-reviewed ALS research, recognizing the elevated risk faced by servicemembers
  • $10 million for Precision Container Aerial Delivery Systems to support aerial firefighting and emergency response
  • $189.9 million for the National Guard Counterdrug Program, which provides trained professionals from the Guard to work side-by-side with local law enforcement to better target drugs in our communities
  • $20 million addition for Impact Aid for children with disabilities connected to military families
  • $58 million for the Civil Air Patrol Operation and Maintenance to support readiness, counter-drug missions, and youth programs

Strengthening Partnerships, Workforce, and Environmental Readiness
The bill reinforces Senator Murkowski’s long-standing commitments to Tribal engagement, workforce development, and environmental compatibility around military installations.

These efforts include:

  • $17 million for the Indian Incentive Program to expand contracting opportunities for Native-owned businesses
  • $178 million to the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, with added oversight to ensure effective implementation
  • Continued support for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, strengthening defense cooperation and Arctic leadership

FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Highlights


Senator Murkowski helped advance a bipartisan FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) funding bill that supports Alaska’s unique transportation needs, strengthens maritime and aviation safety, and expands access to affordable housing and homelessness services—particularly in rural and Tribal communities.

The bill also includes safeguards to prevent gaps in grant funding by authorizing automatic renewals if new awards are delayed—an important protection for Alaska communities that rely on consistent federal support.

Ensuring Reliable Air Service and Aviation Safety in Alaska
With 82% of our communities off the road system, no state relies on a strong aviation system more than Alaska. Senator Murkowski prioritized funding for essential air connectivity and aviation safety programs that keep rural communities connected year-round.

Key aviation investments include:

  • $688 million for Essential Air Service (EAS), fully covering current contract needs in Alaska. During the longest shutdown in federal government history, we saw how vital EAS is to communities across the state, and ensuring the program was fully funded in Alaska was non-negotiable for the Senator.
  • $279.2 million for FAA Contract Towers nationwide
  • $25 million for the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (DYAASI), maintaining authorized funding levels to improve aviation safety across the state. This program is helping invest in critical upgrades to our aviation weather reporting systems, a critical step in making aviation safer for Alaskans.

Supporting Maritime Infrastructure and Alaska’s Coastal Economy
The THUD bill strengthens Alaska’s maritime economy by investing in ports, shipyards, and national maritime readiness—critical to supply chains, fisheries, and national security.

The bill includes:

  • $38.6 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)
  • $35 million for Small Shipyards grants, significantly above prior enacted levels
  • $390 million for the Maritime Security Program, which maintains a fleet of commercially viable and militarily ready merchant ships active in international trade.
  • $50 million for capital improvements at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Advancing Rural Infrastructure Through the Denali Commission
Senator Murkowski protected funding and secured flexible bill language for the Denali Commission, ensuring continued investment in rural transportation and infrastructure projects across Alaska.

Key Denali Commission provisions include:

  • $15 million for the Denali Access System Program, above FY24 enacted levels. These proposed projects are aimed at enhancing the resiliency of existing infrastructure and expanding regional connectivity, all in a way that leverages community partnerships
  • $5 million for the Denali Commission’s multi-regional transportation work
  • Bill language allowing extended availability of funds, higher federal cost shares, and reduced administrative barriers for rural communities

Expanding Housing Access and Preventing Homelessness
The bill strengthens core housing and homelessness programs that are especially critical for Alaska’s high-cost and remote communities.

Key housing investments include:

  • $4.417 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, an increase of $316 million,
  • Auto-renewal authority to prevent disruptions in housing and homelessness assistance if continuum of care grant awards are delayed
  • $34.9 billion for tenant-based rental assistance, including the housing choice voucher
  • $601 million was included for tenant protection vouchers, with accompanying language allowing Public Housing authorities to use these funds to transition families from Emergency Housing Vouchers.

Supporting Tribal Housing and Capacity Building
Recognizing capacity challenges in rural and Tribal communities, Senator Murkowski secured report language directing HUD to streamline environmental reviews and expand technical assistance for Tribal housing programs.

The bill includes:

  • $100 million for Indian Community Development Block Grants, a $25 million increase
  • $1.111 billion for Indian Housing Block Grants, with $125 million for competitive grants
  • $10 million for Tribal HUD-VASH vouchers, which supports permanent housing, rental assistance, and case management to Native veterans
  • $7 million for Tribal training and technical assistance
  • A directive for targeted capacity-building investments benefiting Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian communities
  • Flexibility to ensure Tribal housing projects can move forward without unnecessary federal delays

 

In addition to programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments for projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:

  • Anchorage: $287,000 for fire alarm system upgrades through Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services, enhancing safety in residential housing and community facilities.
  • Anchorage: $750,000 for repairs to the Nonprofit Hub & Service Center through Anchorage Community Land Trust, ensuring essential services for vulnerable populations continue uninterrupted.
  • Anchorage: $1,600,000 for Dena’ina House (operated in partnership with Covenant House Alaska) improvements, providing safe shelter and supportive services for youth.
  • Anchorage: $320,000 to improve accessibility and egress at the Catholic Social Services’ Shelter.
  • Angoon: $2,000,000 for harbor access improvements, improving marine transportation and supporting local fishing and maritime operations.
  • Cordova: $750,000 for shelter improvements at the Cordova Family Resource Center, providing safe spaces for individuals and families in need.
  • Craig: $900,000 for a domestic violence shelter to support survivors of abuse.
  • Diomede: $1,500,000 for teacher housing renovations, helping recruit and retain educators in remote communities.
  • Emmonak: $4,000,000 for a women’s shelter through the Denali Commission, enhancing community support for victims of domestic violence.
  • Fairbanks: $5,000,000 for road reconstruction projects, improving transportation safety and access across the region.
  • Fairbanks: $2,000,000 to rehabilitate senior housing through the North Star Council on Aging.
  • Fairbanks: $1,000,000 for Cowles Street affordable housing through Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services, expanding safe and stable housing opportunities.
  • Fairbanks: $700,000 to build transitional housing for youth at risk of homelessness.
  • Haines: $1,000,000 for the Early Childhood Education building, supporting educational infrastructure for local children.
  • Homer: $250,000 for a critical harbor float replacement to enhance infrastructure safety and reliability.
  • Kake: $2,000,000 for dock replacement through Kake Tribal Corporation, ensuring reliable harbor infrastructure for local residents and fisheries.
  • Ketchikan: $2,000,000 for the S’eenáa Hit Navigation Center through Ketchikan Indian Community.
  • Ketchikan: $1,000,000 for the Southeast Alaska Disability Resource Center to renovate a facility for community services to seniors and Alaskans with disabilities.
  • Minto: $608,000 for teacher housing renovations through the Yukon Koyukuk School District, improving recruitment and retention of educators in rural areas.
  • Nome: $4,000,000 for rural teacher and police housing projects, providing safe, reliable accommodations for essential personnel.
  • Northwest Alaska: $330,000 for the construction and renovation of teacher housing for Buckland, Noatak, and Kivalina.
  • Nulato Village: $4,000,000 for port infrastructure improvements.
  • Ouzinkie: $1,100,000 for harbor modernization to expand protected moorage areas for local and commercial fishing vessels.
  • Petersburg: $2,000,000 for Banana Point breakwater improvements, protecting vessels and infrastructure from harsh weather and wave action.
  • Saint Paul: $1,000,000 for renovations and construction of a fire station for the city of Saint Paul.
  • Seldovia: $482,000 to replace the Jakolof Bay Dock, enhancing access for maritime and commercial activities.
  • Sitka: $1,000,000 for a domestic violence shelter (Sitkans Against Family Violence), ensuring critical support for survivors of abuse.
  • Soldotna: $2,387,000 to reconstruct a portion of Marydale Avenue.
  • Southeast Alaska: $2,500,000 for Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes Village Public Safety Officer Quarters, enhancing community policing and public safety infrastructure.
  • Southeast Alaska: $1,575,000 for lifesaving equipment upgrades for the Inter-Island Ferry Authority, improving safety for ferry operations across Southeast Alaska.
  • Naknek: $2,000,000 for affordable housing construction, expanding access to safe and stable homes for residents.
  • Talkeetna: $4,500,000 for a new childcare facility, supporting early childhood education and working families.
  • Thorne Bay: $1,574,000 for EMS hall improvements, supporting emergency medical services and first responders.
  • Unalakleet: $255,000 for housing for victims of violent crimes, providing safe shelter for individuals in need.
  • Wasilla: $3,000,000 for runway improvements at the Wasilla Airport, improving safety and reliability for air transportation.
  • Yakutat: $2,000,000 for the Forest Highway housing project, expanding safe and affordable housing options.

 

FY26 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Highlights


Senator Murkowski helped advance the bipartisan FY26 Financial Services and General Government funding bill, which supports essential government operations at agencies such as the Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, IRS, National Archives and Records Administration, federal courts, and more. The bill includes programmatic funding and report language that advance Alaska priorities—from Native community development to election security and public records access.

Promoting American Agriculture and Alaska Seafood
Senator Murkowski secured report language encouraging the White House to adopt policies that highlight domestic products.

Key provisions include:

  • Report language encouraging the Executive Residence to source American-grown flowers for official events
  • Report language promoting the use of domestic seafood, including wild-caught Alaska seafood, at State Dinners and other official White House functions

Combatting Substance Use and Protecting Communities
Recognizing the ongoing challenges posed by addiction and fentanyl, the bill provides robust support for federal drug prevention and recovery programs, including:

  • $5.2 million for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), with report language directing Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to support community-led coalitions raising awareness of fentanyl contamination in illegal drugs
  • $109 million for the Drug Free Communities Program, maintaining level funding
  • $298.6 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA), supporting federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement to combat fentanyl trafficking and other illicit drug threats
  • Directives to ONDCP to prioritize resources to states with the highest overdose death rates and provide enhanced technical assistance for applicants seeking HIDTA designation

Supporting Alaska Native and Tribal Communities
The FSGG bill invests in Native communities and ensures ongoing access to federal programs and technical assistance.

Murkowski was key in including:

  • Not less than $28 million through the Native American CDFI Assistance Program (NACA) for financial support, training, and outreach benefiting Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Native American communities
  • Report language maintaining the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs within the Treasury Department, which carries out treaty and trust responsibilities and supports program funding in Indian Country

Protecting Public Records and Archives
Senator Murkowski successfully secured protections and funding for Alaska records and archival projects.

These include:

  • Report language directing the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to report to Congress on continued consultations and progress made to digitize and post online Alaskan records held by NARA
  • $3 million for repairs at the Sand Point NARA facility near Seattle and $30 million for future replacement, with continued consultation with Tribes, Alaska Native organizations, state agencies, and researchers
  • Report language prohibiting the sale of the Sand Point facility until all records are digitized, available online, or relocated to another facility in the Seattle region

Ensuring Taxpayer Services and Oversight
Senator Murkowski prioritized funding to strengthen IRS taxpayer services while restraining aggressive enforcement.

Key investments include:

  • $3.036 billion for IRS taxpayer services, including $271.2 million for the Taxpayer Advocate Service and dedicated support for low-income and Tribal taxpayers
  • Funding allocations for Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC), and VITA Matching Grants, supporting taxpayer education and access
  • Oversight provisions preventing unauthorized fund transfers or reprogramming, safeguarding transparency and accountability across federal agencies

Supporting Small Businesses and Economic Development
The bill advances Alaska’s small business and economic priorities, particularly for Native-owned and minority-owned enterprises.

These include:

  • Report language directing the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program to carefully consider the practicality of the “Place of Business” requirement, addressing concerns of Native and minority-owned firms
  • Protected funding for SBA SCORE and CDFI Fund, supporting technical assistance, community lending, and small business growth nationwide

Securing Election Integrity and Federal Defender Resources
Senator Murkowski was insistent on ensuring that this bill enhanced public confidence in our elections while ensuring Alaska’s federal public defenders have the resources to provide justice.

Highlights include:

  • $45 million for Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Election Security Grants, supporting technology upgrades and security improvements for federal elections
  • $1.766 billion for Defender Services, helping to ensure that federal public defenders and private attorneys contracted by the Federal Public Defender are timely paid, supporting the successful administration of justice in Alaska
  • $416.1 million for the Federal Communications Commission and $80.9 million for the Federal Election Commission, maintaining funding to support communications and election oversight nationwide

 

In addition to programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski was able to secure investments for projects that have been requested and prioritized by local governments and organizations:

  • Anchorage: $200,000 for Set Up Shop: Empowering Entrepreneurs through Anchorage Community Land Trust, supporting small business development and fostering entrepreneurship in urban and rural communities.
  • Anchorage: $2.5 million to repair the roof of the U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Anchorage
  • Juneau: $2.232 million for Federal Building repairs, maintaining critical federal infrastructure in Alaska’s capital and preserving access to essential government services.
  • Wrangell: $130,000 for Voices of Our Ancestors: Preserving Elders’ Knowledge through the Wrangell Cooperative Association, supporting documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage from Alaska Native Elders.
  • Statewide: $400,000 for AK Fentanyl Response Project – Prevention and Awareness Expansion through the Alaska Fentanyl Response Project, funding community-based initiatives to raise awareness of fentanyl contamination and reduce overdose risks.
  • Statewide: $100,000 for the Arctic Digital Library Project via the Alaska Library Network, preserving Alaska’s unique cultural and historical records in digital format for public access.
  • Statewide: $285,000 for Voices Across Generations: A Native Alaska Audio Preservation Project through the Alaska Music Archives, safeguarding Alaska Native music, oral histories, and storytelling for future generations.

 

FY26 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Appropriations Highlights


Senator Murkowski helped advance the FY26 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill, which prioritizes core national security functions, supports key foreign policy initiatives, sustains critical global health programs, and advances multilateral commitments.

Supporting Arctic Diplomacy and Indigenous Engagement
Recognizing Alaska’s strategic role in the Arctic, Senator Murkowski was key in helping sustain core Arctic programs and international collaboration.

Key highlights include:

  • $2 million for the Office of the Arctic Ambassador, supporting U.S. Arctic policy and international engagement. The lead champion for the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs position, her advocacy led to the State Department establishing the position in 2022, before she was able to include language in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act that officially codified the position in law
  • Not less than $100,000 to promote cooperation between Arctic nations at the municipal and community levels, including support for the Arctic Mayors Forum
  • $750,000 for the Arctic Exchange Program, which facilitates educational and cultural exchanges in the circumpolar region by bringing together Indigenous community leaders for exchanges across Canada, Greenland, and Alaska
  • Not less than $100,000 to support the next Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region hosted by the United States, ensuring U.S. participation in shaping Arctic governance
  • Funding levels directed to support the Arctic Youth Ambassadors program, fostering the next generation of leaders in Arctic and Indigenous communities.

Advancing Global Health and Humanitarian Assistance
At a time when the federal government has been slashing global health programs, Senator Murkowski used the SFOPS bill to help sustain funding for these essential programs that protect global health, strengthen public health systems, and respond to international crises.

Provisions in the bill include:

  • $9.416 billion for Global Health Programs, including $5.9 billion for HIV/AIDS initiatives
  • The Global Fund received $1.25 billion, the first installment of the United States’ pledge for the eighth replenishment
  • $5.4 billion for International Humanitarian Assistance, supporting lifesaving aid in crisis situations
  • Key lifesaving programs were protected, with funding for malaria, maternal and child health, nutrition and family planning and reproductive health all maintained at FY25 levels, ensuring continuity of care and impact.
  • $410.5 million for the Peace Corps, continuing support for American volunteers serving in communities abroad
  • $52 million for international debt restructuring, improving fiscal stability in partner countries

Supporting International Security and Counter-Narcotics Efforts
Senator Murkowski prioritized funding for international security programs and multilateral cooperation, which will protect Americans at home by stemming the trafficking of narcotics into the country, disrupt human trafficking efforts, and protect key allies abroad.

Notable provisions include:

  • $1.4 billion for International Narcotics Control programs, including efforts to combat human trafficking and counter fentanyl and synthetic drug threats
  • $335.5 million for Peacekeeping Operations, supporting U.S. contributions to global stability
  • Foreign Military Financing includes $3.3 billion for Israel, $300 million for Taiwan, $37 million for Colombia, $425 million for Jordan, and $3 million for Mongolia, strengthening defense partnerships worldwide
  • Burden-sharing report requirements direct the Secretary of State to identify opportunities for strategic collaboration with allies, enhancing deterrence and interoperability

Maintaining Multilateral Commitments and Sustainable Fisheries
The bill provides robust funding for multilateral institutions and international fisheries management.

Included in the bill:

  • $1.29 billion for World Bank Group programs, supporting global development initiatives
  • $68.57 million for International Fisheries Commissions, including Pacific Salmon Commission and International Pacific Halibut Commission programs
  • Directives to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness and address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, including enforcement of EO 14068 sanctions on Russian seafood
  • Coordination with Canadian officials to resolve fisheries disputes, ensuring U.S. conservation priorities are upheld

Protecting Accountability and Transparency in Federal Programs Abroad
The SFOPS appropriations bill includes oversight measures to safeguard federal investments and program integrity.

Key highlights include:

  • Comprehensive reporting requirements for the transition of PEPFAR-supported programs to country-led management, including monitoring, benchmarking, and data protection
  • Directives for the Department of State to report on global health compacts, bilateral agreements, and use of resources to ensure effective, accountable implementation
  • Provisions for the prompt reporting of destruction of commodities purchased with U.S. funds, safeguarding resources and promoting efficient use of taxpayer dollars

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