06.09.16

Murkowski Secures Investments to Strengthen Alaska’s Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2017. Referred to as Labor-H, it contains a number of provisions secured by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) that will strengthen Alaska's communities. As a member of the committee, Murkowski focused her efforts on funding programs that support Alaskan families, jobs, economic development, health, and safet… Continue Reading

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06.09.16

Murkowski Releases New CRS Report Putting Obama’s $319 Billion Tax in Perspective

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released a new report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) summarizing historical increases in the federal gasoline excise tax rate, currently set at 18.4 cents per gallon. Analysts estimate that the President's proposed $10.25-per-barrel oil tax or "fee" would raise gasoline prices by between 20 and 25 cents per gallon. "The resulting price increase is greater than the current federal tax on gasoline," Murkowski said. "The adm… Continue Reading

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06.08.16

Murkowski Urges Senate Colleagues to Stop Cuts to Military Basic Allowance for Housing

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor today about an amendment she introduced to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would halt a provision currently contained in the NDAA - called Section 604 - that makes cuts and sweeping changes to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) paid to active duty military families. Background on Senator Murkowski's amendment can be found by clicking here. Senator Murkowski began by explaining the impacts the changes to BAH wo… Continue Reading

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06.08.16

Murkowski Commends Indian Prime Minister’s Address to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski today welcomed the address that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, delivered to a joint session of Congress. "It was a privilege to attend a joint session today to listen to Prime Minister Modi and hear his warm, humorous, and insightful words. As he said, India and America have a strong bond and mutual goals that help bring peace, prosperity, and stability to the world. From our common love of democracy to the fact India trades with the U… Continue Reading

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06.08.16

Senate Passes Bill to Protect Americans from Dangerous Chemicals

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), to overhaul the outdated Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). This new bill, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, updates regulations on chemicals used to make everything from cleaning products to fertilizer and car parts, keeping pace with scientific advancements to ensure that chemical products are safe for intended use. The bill previously passed the Ho… Continue Reading

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06.03.16

First Group of Summer Interns Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Senator Lisa Murkowski announced the names of her first session of summer interns, who arrived in Washington, D.C. to assist in her office for three weeks. These recent high school graduates of the Class of 2016 will get a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of a U.S. Senate office by shadowing Murkowski throughout the day, helping with administrative and clerical tasks, and assisting staff with research projects. "These young Alaskans arrive in Washington, D.C. full of energy, ideas, … Continue Reading

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06.02.16

Murkowski Fights to Protect Basic Allowance for Housing for Military Members

As the U.S. Senate debates the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced an amendment which would stop cuts and sweeping changes to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) paid to active duty military families. The current Senate version of the NDAA would limit the BAH payment to actual housing costs plus an allowance for utilities based on average utility costs in the community up to a capped amount. These changes would take effect in 2018 if the … Continue Reading

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06.01.16

Murkowski: Federal Government’s Failure on Forest Management is Hurting Alaska

Kenai, AK - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, held a field hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Kenai to examine the challenges and impacts of federal regulations and wildfire management on outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing opportunities, and tourism on public lands on the Kenai Peninsula. Tuesday's hearing follows Murkowski's release of draft legislation that would end the destructive practice of fire-borrowing and promote better management of Alaska's nationa… Continue Reading

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05.27.16

Senator Murkowski’s Memorial Day Message

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today offered the following statement in observance of Memorial Day: (Click image to watch video.) "This weekend is the unofficial start of summer-although in some parts of the state it already feels like we're there. But let us keep in mind what this weekend is really all about. "Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on the dedication of our fallen servicemembers, and truly what has been sacrificed for our country. Many left American soil to go f… Continue Reading

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05.27.16

Murkowski Introduces Bill to Honor Unsung Heroes of WWII

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced S.2989, the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, in honor and appreciation of the Merchant Mariners who served during World War II. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is a co-sponsor. "Merchant Mariners were instrumental during World War II-providing valuable support transporting troops and vast quantities of war material needed to fight and win that war," said Senator Murkowski. "Their dedication and vital service to our nation … Continue Reading

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05.27.16

Murkowski Calls for Fixes to Flawed VA Choice Act Program

On the eve of Memorial Day weekend, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor to further describe the failings of the VA Choice Card Program in Alaska and outlined what steps need to be taken to ensure that Alaska veterans have access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live. (Click image to view Senator Murkowski's floor speech.) Murkowski opened her remarks by explaining that prior to the Choice Act being implemented, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had dev… Continue Reading

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05.27.16

Murkowski Presses Interior on Mismanaged Efforts to Clean-up NPR-A Legacy Wells

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell asking for more information surrounding mistakes reportedly made by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the cleanup of legacy wells in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). In her letter, Murkowski cites specific incidents where BLM's actions and lax oversight have threatened human safety and further environmental damage. "I have received reports that BLM has not been requiring it… Continue Reading

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05.26.16

Murkowski Introduces Three New Bills to Boost Alaska

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today introduced three targeted pieces of legislation that would improve the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA), assist the Alaska Mental Health Trust, and reconstitute the Alaska Land Use Council. These bills reflect Murkowski's continued efforts to protect and advance her home state's priorities. "The legislation I introduced today will help Alaska Native communities, improve the management of our federal lands, and facilitate a … Continue Reading

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05.26.16

Murkowski Welcomes Next Step in Energy Bill Process

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed action by the House of Representatives to appoint conferees and go to conference on S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act. The House's action today is the latest in the legislative process for Murkowski's energy bill, which passed the Senate in April by a bipartisan vote of 85 to 12. "Today's naming of conferees by the House is an important milestone in our efforts to craft a broad, bipartisan bill - and a critical ste… Continue Reading

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05.26.16

Murkowski Secures Major Investments for Military in Alaska

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today announced a series of significant victories for Alaska in the Fiscal Year 2017 Defense and Homeland Security appropriations bills, which were unanimously approved this morning by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Through her position on the Appropriations Committee, including both the Defense and Homeland Security Subcommittees, Murkowski advocated for and secured full funding for a new Polar icebreaker, new investments in the Coast Guard that will inc… Continue Reading

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05.25.16

Sens. Murkowski, Cantwell, Wyden, Crapo, Risch Work to Improve Forest Management and Wildfire Budgeting

Today, U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.; Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; and Jim Risch, R-Idaho released draft legislation aimed at improving forest management and wildfire budgeting. The bipartisan discussion draft reflects the work of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to examine and find solutions for these issues over the past two congresses. The bill uses a cap adjustment to end the practice of fire borrowing similar to the bipartisan Wildf… Continue Reading

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05.25.16

Murkowski: Proposed BLM Rule Would Significantly Disadvantage Alaskans

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, sent a letter to Neil Kornze, Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), calling on the agency to drop its proposed Resource Management Planning (RMP) rule. In her letter sent Tuesday, Murkowski raises substantive and procedural concerns about the rule, which could weaken Alaska's voice in land management decisions made by the federal government. "[The proposed rule] abdicates responsibility of the agency to keep apprised of local lan… Continue Reading

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05.24.16

Murkowski’s Campaign to Construct a New Polar Icebreaker Moves Closer to Reality

Today the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, of which U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is a member, added $1 billion to fully fund construction of the first U.S. Polar Icebreaker in over 25 years. "This is a significant victory in my decade-long fight to turn our nation's focus to the Arctic and embrace our role as an Arctic nation. This is the first tangible demonstration that we are committed to fulfilling the responsibilities associated with our strategic geography. I have long fo… Continue Reading

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05.20.16

Murkowski Works to Support Alaska’s Fisheries and Critical Nutrition Programs

The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2017 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 genetically engin… Continue Reading

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05.19.16

Military Construction, VA, and Transportation Funding Bill Passes the Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 2577, the THUD/MILCON-VA Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2017, by a vote of 89-8. The bill contains numerous Alaska-specific provisions secured by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), including $561 million to support crucial defense projects in the state. It also addresses critical healthcare issues in the Alaska VA, and includes support for transportation programs that provide vital services for many Alaskans. Military Construction: Mur… Continue Reading