Murkowski: President’s Budget Features No Arctic Focus
Senator: President’s Budget Demonstrates “Cold Shoulder” as Interest Heats Up
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski today had the following response after finding the President’s budget released yesterday does not prioritize Arctic issues, in contrast to the recent public comments claiming otherwise:
“Though the administration claims it is taking America’s Arctic future seriously, time and time again it has failed to put its money where its mouth is. The President’s budget is his yearly opportunity to lay out his priorities. Unfortunately for Alaska and America, he is showing little interest in devoting the resources necessary to move forward in the Arctic, despite the United States being 14 months away from taking the Chairmanship of the Arctic Council and the world looking to us for leadership.
“In the President’s 3,000 word overview of his budget priorities, the word ‘Arctic’ is nowhere to be found. And though the word comes up a handful of times throughout the 1500 pages of budget documents released on Tuesday, Arctic matters are never featured prominently or with significant dollars attached to suggest investments are being planned or even considered.
“In my letter to the President last month, I shared my disappointment in his Arctic Implementation Plan being light on details and action. I told him that I expected to see forward-leaning leadership and resources in his 2015 budget – expectations that didn’t materialize this week. While I look forward to meeting with administration representatives as further details on the White House’s budget and its Arctic commitments are released, this first step gives a cold shoulder to the Arctic just as international attention and investment is heating up.”
