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.
Sen. Murkowski’s Comments on Energy Innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today gave the following remarks at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on a report produced by the American Energy Innovation Council entitled "Catalyzing American Ingenuity: The Role of Government in Energy Innovation." (Click picture for video) "Good morning, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to thank you for scheduling this hearing, and extend a warm welcome to our witnesses. "Mr. Augustine's work on a report about competitive… Continue Reading
05.21.12
Murkowski Meets With U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, Stresses Questions Remain on F-16s
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski today sat down with United States Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz and bore down on the proposed move of the F-16 Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. During their conversation, General Schwartz noted that Eielson remains important to the military due to the Administration's focus on the Asia-Pacific region and acknowledged that variables remain in the Air Force's proposal to move the F-16 Agg… Continue Reading
05.21.12
Murkowski to Kick Off Summer by Reading to Alaskan Children
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Murkowski will read to children at libraries across Alaska via video-teleconference from her Washington, D.C. office later this week, in an effort to promote good reading habits even when school is not in session. She has chosen the book "Ten Rowdy Ravens" by Susan Ewing. To showcase the Alaska library system's "Online with Libraries" (OWL System), the Kenai Community Library invited Senator Murkowski to read to children during their lunchtime on Wednesday, May 23, … Continue Reading
05.21.12
Murkowski Comment on NRC Chairman Jaczko’s Resignation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following reaction to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Gregory Jaczko's resignation. "Chairman Jaczko's resignation is essential to restoring the NRC's reputation and effectiveness. Given the Inspector General's previous findings, the unprecedented letter of concern about his management style and treatment of career employees by the entire bipartisan commission, and the fact that a second report from the Insp… Continue Reading
05.18.12
Sen. Murkowski Comment on EPA Watershed Study
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today commented on the Environmental Protection Agency's watershed assessment of Alaska's Bristol Bay area, and her communication with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on the issue. "I have consistently been clear about two things concerning the Pebble project: I will not trade fish for gold, but I oppose a preemptive veto prior to proper evaluation of an application and actual project description. I want to see the NEPA process work as it is… Continue Reading
05.17.12
Murkowski: FERC Policy Shows need for Statutory Reliability Safety Valve
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following comment in response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) issuance of a policy statement on the commission's role regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) mercury and air toxics standards: "Today's policy statement by FERC makes obvious that the commission needs clear statutory authority to protect electric grid reliability in the face of new EPA environmental rules," Murkowski said.… Continue Reading
05.17.12
Murkowski Takes Frankenfish Fight to Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski today filed an amendment to require a comprehensive analysis of the environmental and economic impacts of genetically-engineered fish by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The legislation would mean the same NOAA analysis and standards in place for federal fisheries would be required before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves genetically-modified salmon. The FDA is presently evaluating the scientific and biological … Continue Reading
05.17.12
Murkowski Opening Statement at Clean Energy Standard Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today gave the following opening statement at a hearing on legislation to create a Clean Energy Standard (CES) before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: (Click photo to view video) "One of the wonderful things about this committee is the quality of feedback we receive, and the role it plays in informing our decision-making. "Some of the issues that we consider are quite complicated, and require considerable though… Continue Reading
05.16.12
General Odierno Commits to “Alaska Future” With Murkowski
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski today met with United States Army Chief of Staff General Raymond T. Odierno, discussing Alaska's unique advantages that will benefit the U.S. Army as the Pentagon moves forward with an Asia-Pacific focus. During the meeting, Odierno emphasized the pivotal role Alaska plays - from a geographic perspective, as well as a training ground - and said that he will put together an "Alaska Future" team to work with her on the path forward. General Odierno said … Continue Reading
05.16.12
Murkowski Statement on Senate Budget Proposals
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Senate voted on five separate budget proposals this afternoon: those submitted by the President, Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT). None of the bills passed the threshold necessary to proceed - and President Obama's received zero votes for the second year in a row. Senator Murkowski cast 'yes' votes for Senator Toomey's and Congressman Ryan's budget plans - sharing this statemen… Continue Reading
05.16.12
Murkowski to EPA: Alaskans Concerned over "Reputation for Abuse"
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski today took the opportunity of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson's Senate committee appearance to share the concerns of many Alaskans over federal overreach. Jackson fielded questions about the EPA's 2013 budget before the U.S. Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittee, where Murkowski is the ranking Republican. "A Reputation for Abuse" - Washington Post Senator Murkowski opened her remarks by pointing out a recent edit… Continue Reading
05.16.12
Murkowski Questions EPA’s Expansion of Fracking Study
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today questioned EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson about the agency's expansion of a study of hydraulic fracturing beyond what was authorized by Congress. (Click photo to view video) Murkowski asked Administrator Jackson if the agency was prejudging the findings of the study. The question was prompted in part by a previous case in which EPA seemed to blame the process of hydraulic fracturing in natural gas production for water contamination. "T… Continue Reading
05.15.12
Murkowski: Interior Report Flawed for Second Year in a Row
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following comment regarding the Department of the Interior's report attempting to show that millions of acres of oil and gas leases are not being developed in a timely manner. "The administration claims that just 3 percent of leases in Alaska are producing, without acknowledging that the federal bureaucracy is largely to blame for that dismal percentage," Murkowski said. "Companies are doing everything in their power … Continue Reading
05.15.12
Murkowski’s Committee Work Delivers Veterans Care, Military Construction
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Lisa Murkowski today secured a number of provisions in the FY2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill that will deliver significant advancements in "Care Closer to Home" for Alaska's veterans community - including internal reviews of improvements needed to better deliver medical care in state. Funding secured by Senator Murkowski will result in over $18 million for firing range construction work at both Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort… Continue Reading
05.09.12
Murkowski Comments On Rural Post Office Hour Changes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski had the following reaction to today's announcement from the United States Postal Service that - rather than enact targeted closures to rural post offices nationwide - it has determined that cutting business hours would save more money and do less harm to smaller communities: "I have always said that I would fight any cut from any government service that hurt Alaska disproportionately -- and it appears the USPS is attempting to address its tough financia… Continue Reading
05.09.12
Murkowski to PACOM Head: “Location, Location, Location”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski today met Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, U.S. Navy, Commander of the Pacific Command (PACOM) on the eve of a classified briefing before the U.S. Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee on which Murkowski sits. The two shared their opinions on the dangers facing the United States from the Pacific-Asia region, with the Senator stressing Alaska's geographic advantage in dealing with the Pentagon's new priority area. "I was pleased to have a few moment… Continue Reading
05.09.12
Coast Guard: U.S. Should Have 3 Heavy, 3 Medium Icebreakers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The funding priorities and needs of the United States Coast Guard took center stage today at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee held at Senator Murkowski's request. Spurred on by USCG Commandant Admiral Robert Papp's recent comments that the U.S. is "behind the power curve regarding the Arctic," Murkowski drilled down into multiple issues critical to Alaska. During testimony, Papp informed Murkowski and the committee that Alaska "lucke… Continue Reading
05.09.12
Murkowski Urges NOAA to Help Alaska’s Fishermen Deal With Debris
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hearing tsunami debris concerns rising among Alaska's fishermen, Senator Lisa Murkowski reached out to NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, pushing for information on the status of ongoing prevention and monitoring efforts. "Alaska is already experiencing higher levels of debris than typical, particularly off Montague and Kayak Islands in the Prince Williams Sound area," Murkowski notified Lubchenco in a letter (attached). "I respectfully request that the National Oceanic and … Continue Reading
05.08.12
Murkowski: Senate Should Swiftly Take Up Svinicki Nomination
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following comment on the White House's nomination of Kristine Svinicki to a second term on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Svinicki's current term expires June 30. "Kristine Svinicki's leadership on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has earned her the admiration of members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle. She's an experienced and fair-minded regulator who deserves to be swiftly reconfirmed to … Continue Reading
05.08.12
Murkowski and Young Salute USCGC Healy Captain and Crew
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Don Young today welcomed the Commanding Officer of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Healy to a U.S. Capitol briefing they requested. The officer shared information surrounding the ship's emergency January mission when it cut a path for fuel delivery through miles of sea ice to Nome. Though the presentation's tone was positive, both Murkowski and Young used it as an illustration of the nation's need for a more robust Arctic fleet.… Continue Reading
