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: Steller Sea Lion Decision Validates Push for Science-Based Policy
Senator Lisa Murkowski today welcomed the news from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that it has determined that Aleutian Island groundfish fisheries do not pose harm to the western population of Steller sea lion or its habitat. The new Biological Opinion (BiOp) incorporates recent scientific date that shows that commercial fishing was not jeopardizing the western populations of Steller sea lions. Murkowski has urged NOAA for years to consider external reviews from the Center… Continue Reading
04.01.14
Sen. Murkowski: Fifth Coast Guard Medevac of the Year in King Cove
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today spoke on Senate floor about the latest U.S. Coast Guard medevac out of King Cove, Alaska, and the continued need for an access road to link the remote Alaska Peninsula community with reliable medical care in an emergency. (Click to play video of Sen. Murkowski's floor speech) The Coast Guard on Monday was called once again to King Cove to medevac a 58-year-old Seattle fisherman, who was injured onboard the Seattle-based processor,… Continue Reading
04.01.14
Murkowski Seeks to Empower Medical Volunteers During Disasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today introduced the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act four days after the 50th anniversary of Alaska's Good Friday earthquake - to protect volunteer health care providers assisting in disaster areas from civil liability when providing care outside their home community to victims. The bill would allow health professionals to use their medical liability insurance across state lines when volunteering after a serious disaster. "In Alaska, there is a … Continue Reading
04.01.14
Murkowski Making Progress Keeping Alaskan Historical Documents in Alaska
Senator Lisa Murkowski's ongoing conversations with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) about their proposal to shut down the Anchorage Archives and take the records to Seattle are beginning to reap results for concerned Alaskans. Though the federal records in question were presumed to be required to stay in NARA's physical custody and be moved to the Lower 48 site, the Archivist of the United States tells Senator Murkowski he is willing to explore alternatives. In response… Continue Reading
03.31.14
“All American Citizens Have A Duty To Our Country”
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Lisa Murkowski today is releasing her 22nd Veteran Spotlight interview, focusing on the military service of Soldotna resident Gary Turner, a highly decorated retired U.S. Air Force Captain. During his fifteen year career, Turner earned a number of honors including the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and Outstanding Airman of the Year. Now Director and CEO of University of Alaska Kenai Peninsula College, Turner is continuing his… Continue Reading
03.31.14
Murkowski Honors William H. Seward on Seward’s Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In celebration of Seward's Day in Alaska, Senator Murkowski shared these comments: "On behalf of grateful Alaskans, I would like to thank William H. Seward for appreciating the value and potential that our state represents. Seward saw what the land and location could offer America, even before our rich resources were discovered. His prescience is seen today through our vital military position on the globe as we face foreign threats to the West. "Though Seward was labeled as… Continue Reading
03.28.14
Murkowski Raises Alaskan Priorities with NOAA Administrator
Senator Lisa Murkowski met with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration head Dr. Kathy Sullivan for the first time since Sullivan was confirmed by the Senate earlier this month. Murkowski took this opportunity to run Dr. Sullivan through a line-up of Alaskan concerns including the Chinese Shellfish ban, electronic monitoring on small fishing boats and the potential of radiation from the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami entering Alaska waters. "I was glad I had the chance to raise concer… Continue Reading
03.27.14
FBI Agent in Stevens Investigation “Severely Disciplined,” Director Tells Murkowski
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today pushed the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James B. Comey, Jr. for answers about the agency's investigation into improper and unethical activities by FBI agents that overshadowed the fraud-laden federal investigation of Senator Ted Stevens. Years after the Stevens verdict was thrown out of court by Attorney General Eric Holder, Murkowski is still seeking closure for Alaskans upset at the lack of information surrounding the efforts that ha… Continue Reading
03.26.14
Murkowski Questions Interior Secretary on Arctic Commitment
WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) responsible for advancing five key aspects of the nation's Arctic agenda, Senator Lisa Murkowski today questioned the Interior Secretary about how much attention - and funding - the administration is giving its Arctic plans, as nations around the world are investing billions in the region. The administration's recent Arctic Implementation Plan identified the DOI as tasked with overseeing development of non-renewable energy resour… Continue Reading
03.26.14
Sen. Murkowski Presses Interior Secretary Jewell on Need for Lifesaving Road
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today confronted Interior Secretary Sally Jewell over her rejection of a lifesaving road for the Alaska community of King Cove. Murkowski called on the secretary to reopen the record of decision and reconsider the Christmas-time rejection of the project. (Click for Sen. Murkowski's comments to Secretary Jewell on King Cove) "I need you to carry the message to this administration that this road is nonnegotiable; that the health and saf… Continue Reading
03.25.14
Murkowski Meets with Coast Guard Commandant Nominee Paul Zukunft
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today met with Vice Admiral Paul F. Zukunft of the United States Coast Guard to discuss America's Arctic future, icebreakers and his pending nomination to be the 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard. Zukunft is the current Pacific Area Commander for the United States Coast Guard and made the visit to Murkowski's Capitol Hill office given her lead role in Arctic issues and committed advocate for the Coast Guard. "It was great to meet with Vice Admiral Zuku… Continue Reading
03.24.14
Murkowski Welcomes Rural Water Funding for Alaska
Senator Lisa Murkowski - as Ranking Republican on the Interior Appropriations Committee - today shared news with Alaskans that $10 million in funds she successfully was able to include in the FY2014 Interior Appropriations Bill for the EPA's Alaska Native Villages program was released by the agency to provide grants to implement critical wastewater and drinking water projects for Alaska Natives. "When I work with my Senate colleagues from the lower 48 on basic infrastructure needs, they are env… Continue Reading
03.24.14
Murkowski Applauds Admiral Tom Ostebo’s Nomination to Key Nat’l Position
Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the White House nomination of Rear Admiral Tom Ostebo to be the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support of the United States Coast Guard, saying: "Rear Admiral Ostebo's nomination is great news for the United States and our national Arctic agenda. Knowing Tom well, I am sure he will step into the role of Deputy Commandant for Mission Control with a depth of knowledge after spending three years in Alaska's tough conditions. It's reassuring that his passion… Continue Reading
03.19.14
Murkowski Announces New Rural Outreach Coordinator
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced the addition of Deborah Vo to be her Rural Outreach Coordinator. In her new capacity, Vo will engage with rural Alaskans to assist them with the challenges facing them from a federal perspective and advise Senator Murkowski's policy team in Washington, DC. "Rural Alaska has a unique set of possibilities and issues, and I welcome an experienced woman like Deborah to help contribute to my work for Alaskans," said Senator Murkowski. "Debo… Continue Reading
03.14.14
Murkowski Makes Push to Improve Accountability, Transparency at Justice Department
Senator Lisa Murkowski joined her colleagues Mike Lee (R-UT) and John Tester (D-MT) to introduce legislation to boost transparency and accountability within the Department of Justice. The Inspector General Empowerment Act would make an important internal change within the DOJ: currently, allegations of attorney misconduct are investigated by an agency that reports directly to the Attorney General rather than the autonomous Office of the Inspector General. The bill would remove this obvious c… Continue Reading
03.13.14
Murkowski: Flood Insurance Bill Gets Rid of “Sticker Shock”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - After years of Senator Lisa Murkowski pushing back against the federal government's fuzzy math and "bizarre" property risk decisions - with some Alaskan homes abruptly re-classified as 'high' risk based on flawed or outdated data and maps - she was happy to vote for the H.R. 3370, The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act today, that rolls back risk-based flood insurance premiums for many Alaska homeowners. H.R. 3370 allows many homeowners with flood insurance policies … Continue Reading
03.13.14
Three Murkowski Amendments Help to Alaskanize Child Care Block Grant Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today proudly cast her vote for S.1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act - a critical bill that will improve how states and tribes use federal block grants to assist low-income parents who are working or going to school - which included three bipartisan amendments introduced by Murkowski to provide customized solutions for states like Alaska. "This bill walks the fine line between asking states, tribes, and providers to take a 21st Century… Continue Reading
03.13.14
Murkowski Urges FDA Involvement in Lifting China Shellfish Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today took the opportunity of the Food and Drug Administration Director's appearance on Capitol Hill to get answers for Alaskans about FDA's role in resolving China's ban on West Coast shellfish imports. Her focus was on an upcoming meeting with officials in China that will be the next important step towards lifting the ban. The China trip - which Senator Murkowski urged federal agencies to schedule quickly - was confirmed by the National Oceanic and A… Continue Reading
03.13.14
Murkowski Takes Frankenfish Fight to FDA in Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today took the opportunity of the Food and Drug Administration Director's appearance on Capitol Hill to remind the FDA of Alaskans' deep concerns over genetically-engineered salmon, urging her repeatedly to not approve Frankenfish and to look critically at the wide range of threats it poses. After Murkowski's remarks and questioning, the FDA Director committed to her that unless safety can be guaranteed, then approval will not be granted. (Senator… Continue Reading
03.13.14
Sen. Murkowski: Leak of Sensitive Energy Infrastructure Data Dangerous and Irresponsible
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today released the following statement in response to the leak of internal Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) information on potential vulnerabilities of the nation's electric grid: "I have grave concerns about the dangerous and irresponsible release of information apparently based upon a single analysis of potential vulnerabilities of our nation's critical energy infrastructure. The information could provide a road map to those wh… Continue Reading
