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 co-sponsors legislation to ensure fair retirement benefits for federal workers in Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, the Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance Act was introduced in Congress to ensure pay and retirement equity for federal employees in Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories. The legislation was sponsored in the Senate by Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), and Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and in the House by Representatives Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Don Young (R-Alaska) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Dele… Continue Reading
02.27.09
Murkowski introduces ANWR directional drilling legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today introduced legislation that would allow the use of advanced directional drilling to tap the vast energy potential of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain without disturbing the unique characteristics of the area. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, would allow access to the coastal plain's oil and natural gas resources through the use of underground directional drilling from state-owned lands to the … Continue Reading
02.26.09
Murkowski says administration's budget will drive energy producers overseas
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today raised concerns about the impacts of President Obama's 10-year budget blueprint on domestic conventional energy production. "President Obama and I agree that we need to do everything we can to encourage development of renewable and alternative sources of energy," Murkowski said. "Even under the most optimistic projections, however, America will continue to depend on conventional sources of energy for decades." The administ… Continue Reading
02.25.09
Alaska Delegation Urges Transportation Security Administration to Postpone Large Aircraft Security Program
Washington, D.C. - Alaska's congressional delegation today asked the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to postpone a proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) that would burden many Alaskan communities with high costs and reduced or completely eliminated aviation services. The delegation is concerned that the proposed requirements would dramatically impact many Alaskan communities that are only accessible by air. Specifically, under the proposed program, "large" aircraft wo… Continue Reading
02.25.09
SEN. MURKOWSKI INTRODUCES D.C. VOTING RIGHTS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
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02.24.09
Murkowski responds to energy comments in President Obama's address
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today vowed to work with President Obama on improving national security and reviving the economy by increasing domestic production of all forms of energy. President Obama in his national address Tuesday night called for harnessing the power of clean, renewable energy to help the United States lead the 21st century. Murkowski agrees with the president that energy is a top national priority and believes that developing a comprehens… Continue Reading
02.24.09
Murkowski warns against Endangered Species Act rider
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today called for the removal of a rider added to the spending bill that would authorize the Department of the Interior to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The omnibus appropriations bill currently before Congress includes language that would allow President Obama to rescind the current rule under the Endangered Species Act - which states that if an activity is permissible under the stricter standards imposed by the Marine Mammal P… Continue Reading
02.23.09
Murkowski Announces Fiscal Year 2009 Funding for Alaska
WASHINGTON, DC -- U. S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced funding for Alaska contained in the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY 09) Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up the legislation later this week, followed by consideration in the Senate. The FY 09 Omnibus includes the nine remaining appropriations bills that Congress failed to pass last year. The Omnibus will fund the federal government… Continue Reading
02.23.09
Murkowski raises concerns about RPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today expressed strong reservations regarding a proposed national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that would require utilities to generate as much as 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2021. "A one-size-fits-all national standard raises serious concerns about regional disparities," Murkowski said. "While some parts of our country have abundant renewable resources, others - particularly the Southeast - la… Continue Reading
02.19.09
Senator Murkowski Addresses Alaska Legislature
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today delivered her annual address to the Alaska Legislature. Following is the text of her speech, as prepared for delivery: It is wonderful to be home. It is wonderful to be home in Alaska. It is wonderful to return to this chamber. I return home today with four new and very significant responsibilities. You know about my being Senior Senator, Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and member of the Senate App… Continue Reading
02.19.09
Murkowski Proposes Directional Drilling to Tap ANWR’S Oil and Gas Reserves
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaking today during her seventh annual address to the Alaska Legislature, urged change in the way Americans approach energy production in Alaska. Murkowski said she plans to introduce legislation that will allow oil from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to be developed initially using only directional drilling techniques and no surface occupancy of ANWR. This legislation would take advantage of the vast technological i… Continue Reading
02.14.09
MURKOWSKI CRITICIZES WASTEFUL SPENDING IN STIMULUS
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02.12.09
Murkowski, Stabenow, Capps and Bono Mack Reintroduce HEART for Women Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a struggling economy that could force some women to make tough choices on healthcare, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Congresswomen Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) today reintroduced legislation that would expand access to screening and lifestyle counseling for low-income and uninsured women, including those who may have recently lost their jobs and health benefits. The Heart disease Education, Research and Analysis, and Treatment… Continue Reading
02.11.09
Murkowski will deliver Republican radio response
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, will deliver the Republican radio response to President Obama's weekly radio address on Saturday, February 14, 2009. Sen. Murkowski will speak on the economic stimulus bill that is under consideration in Congress this week. An embargoed text of Sen. Murkowski's response will be released on Friday afternoon. Audio and video of her address will be released at 6:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, February 14. The Republican Congressional leadersh… Continue Reading
02.10.09
Murkowski votes against economic stimulus plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today voted against an economic stimulus plan that she said was excessive, not sufficiently stimulative and leaves states on the hook for future spending. The bill passed the Senate 61 - 37 and now goes to a joint Senate-House conference committee where lawmakers will iron out differences in the two chambers' versions. Congress must then vote on the new measure before sending it to the White House. "Today's vote on another bailout sh… Continue Reading
02.09.09
Alaska Delegation Writes Defense Secretary Gates on Missile Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Alaska's congressional delegation today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates registering their concern about possible cuts to the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system at Fort Greely, Alaska. The letter outlines the critical role of GMD in Alaska and its part in America's national security, and asks Secretary Gates to discuss the future of the program with the delegation if there are going to be any changes to the GMD in the future. The letter com… Continue Reading
02.08.09
MURKOWSKI STATEMENT ON STIMULUS AGREEMENT
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02.05.09
MURKOWSKI SAYS NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO CUT MISSILE DEFENSE
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02.04.09
Murkowski cites concerns with $900 billion stimulus package
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today said the stimulus bill before the Senate is an attempt to satisfy all interests and questions many provisions that will not stimulate the economy. "The package as it stands is excessive and it's not in the country's best interest to be spending money we don't have for things we don't need," Murkowski said. Murkowski singled out office renovations at the U.S. Department of Commerce, research for volunteer service and millions of… Continue Reading
01.31.09
Sen. Murkowski Votes for the Children's Health Insurance Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement on Senate passage late Thursday of legislation reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP provides comprehensive health care coverage to low-income and uninsured children. "This program has been an exceptionally important means of providing the most vulnerable of our population--our children--with health care," Murkowski said. "Congress must ensure that a downturn in the eco… Continue Reading
