06.20.17

Murkowski Applauds Alaskan Appointed to NOAA Fisheries Role

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement congratulating Alaskan Chris Oliver on his appointment to serve as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Assistant Administrator for Fisheries. "I am thrilled Chris Oliver will be serving in this important role. It's not only good for Alaska, but for the entire nation. Chris's experience, passion, and background - including his time served as Executive Director of the North Pacific Fishery Management Coun… Continue Reading

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06.09.17

Senators Introduce Young Fishermen’s Development Act

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) yesterday introduced the Young Fishermen's Development Act, legislation to mitigate the challenges facing new entrants into the fishing industry and bolster recruiting by coordinating existing regional training opportunities and implementing a new apprenticeship program. "Fishing employs more Alaskans than any other industry in the state, but high barriers and costs remain for newer gene… Continue Reading

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04.04.17

President Trump Signs Resolution Overturning U.S. Fish and Wildlife Regulation

The Alaska Congressional Delegation today applauded President Trump's signing of H.J. Res. 69, a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to overturn an August 5, 2016 rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that seized authority away from the State of Alaska to manage fish and wildlife on federal refuge lands in Alaska: "Upholding the rule of law and protecting Alaska's authority to manage fish and game throughout our state is critically important to me - which is why I … Continue Reading

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09.09.16

Alaska Delegation Urges State Department to Focus on Transboundary Issues

The Alaska Congressional Delegation joined together to again urge Secretary of State John Kerry to address the downstream risks that mining in British Columbia may pose to Alaska and Alaskans. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young wrote a letter (attached) to Secretary Kerry, seeking his Department's engagement in their efforts to ensure that British Columbia institutes appropriate safeguards to prevent potential negative impacts to transboundary waterways and fisherie… Continue Reading

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07.07.16

Murkowski Urges Senate to Mandate Labeling of GE Salmon

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor prior to the final vote on S.764, the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Act. The legislation would allow the Agriculture Department to determine which foods qualify as genetically modified and let companies choose the method of disclosing genetically modified organism (GMO) ingredients to consumers. On the Senate floor, Murkowski voiced her opposition to the bill because it does not mandate clear, unequivocal labels on geneticall… 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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05.12.16

AK Delegation Calls for International Cooperation on Canadian Mines

Amid concerns about how the development of several hardrock mines in British Columbia could negatively affect waterways and fisheries in Southeast Alaska, Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young wrote a letter (attached) to Secretary of State John Kerry, urging for action. The Alaska Congressional Delegation called upon the Secretary to raise these issues and concerns at the international level and secure commitment from Canadian leaders to ensure that the appropriate en… Continue Reading

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04.25.16

Murkowski’s Appropriations Work Strengthens Alaska’s Communities, Fisheries

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bill, which contains several priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski secured for Alaska. As a member of this subcommittee, Murkowski included provisions to strengthen Alaska's fisheries and support justice services and law enforcement efforts throughout the state. "The funds contained in this bill support a wide array of key programs in Alaska-including components to h… Continue Reading

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04.21.16

Murkowski and Young Host Panel on Potential Dangers of GE Salmon

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK) hosted a genetically engineered salmon briefing to discuss the potential risks of the world's first FDA-approved genetically engineered animal for human consumption. This effort took steps to educate and build awareness about the inappropriate approval process taken by the FDA, the potential ecological impacts, health risks, and the dangers of not properly labeling genetically engineered (GE) salmon. The briefing also was … Continue Reading

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03.16.16

Murkowski Opposes Bill Allowing Voluntary Labeling of GE Salmon

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted against allowing S. 764, the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Act, to proceed on the Senate floor, continuing her fight to mandate labeling of genetically engineered (GE) salmon. S.764 would block states from issuing mandatory labeling laws, such as what the State of Alaska passed in regards to GE salmon, for foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMO). This is in direct contradiction to Senator Murkowski's efforts to require mandatory la… Continue Reading

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03.02.16

Murkowski Presses Secretary Jewell on Proposed Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) questioned Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on proposed regulations by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to govern hunting, trapping, and land access in Alaska's national wildlife refuges. Murkowski called the proposed rule unsettling to the people of Alaska as it contains provisions to close areas that are currently open to hunting and fishing. Senator Murkowski raised the issue with Secretary Jewell, asking: "Of course these … Continue Reading

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01.29.16

Murkowski Praises Import Ban of “Frankenfish”

Today the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an import alert on genetically engineered (GE) salmon, meaning the FDA will not allow the introduction or delivery of any food that contains GE salmon into interstate commerce. This comes as a direct result of Senator Murkowski's successful efforts to secure a provision in the omnibus bill passed last month that blocks the FDA from introducing GE salmon into the market until it publishes labeling guidelines. "This is a huge step in our figh… Continue Reading

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01.12.16

Murkowski Continues Fight Against Frankenfish, Moves to Block FDA Commissioner Nominee

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) continued her fight against genetically engineered (GE) salmon by announcing in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee that she would block confirmation proceedings of the nominee to be FDA Commissioner, Dr. Robert Califf, on the Senate floor if her concerns are not resolved. Murkowski made clear that she intends to block Dr. Califf's confirmation until she receives assurance from the FDA that it will require mandatory labeling o… Continue Reading

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12.17.15

Murkowski Works to Support Alaska’s Fisheries and Protect Consumers through Omnibus Bill

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the addition of multiple provisions she sponsored in the year-end budget bill to fund the federal government that will both protect American consumers and support Alaska's vital fishing industry. These provisions include a labelling mandate for genetically engineered (GE) salmon, a change in nomenclature of Alaska pollock to minimize consumer confusion, support for visa programs that provide much-needed workers during the busy fish processing sea… Continue Reading

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10.22.15

Senate Passes Legislation to Combat Pirate Fishing

The Senate last night unanimously passed the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015. In May, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced legislation to combat the multi-billion dollar threat posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. The legislation is the House companion to the Senate bill, which passed the House of Representatives in July. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signe… Continue Reading

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06.10.15

Murkowski’s Appropriations Work Makes Alaska Waters Safer, Fisheries More Sustainable

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) finalized its 2016 funding bill today, incorporating several policies and provisions at the urging of Senator Lisa Murkowski. The CJS bill successfully passed out of the subcommittee earlier today and will head to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for more consideration tomorrow. "Alaska's waters are our farms, and we've got to keep them safe for mariners and fishermen, but also prioritize funding the researc… Continue Reading

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03.16.15

Murkowski Fighting Federal Government For Fish, Tourism Jobs

Senator Lisa Murkowski and 13 of her U.S. Senate colleagues are urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor to resume accepting and processing H-2B visas for seasonal jobs across Alaska in the fishing, resource and visitor industries. The federal H-2B program allows businesses to hire workers from foreign countries for positions and jobs they have not succeeded at filling with local workers after a given amount of time, as well as workers crucial to Alaska's seafood… Continue Reading

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10.17.14

Murkowski Announces First $7.5M for Fishery Failure Relief

ANCHORAGE, AK - After a lengthy effort of advocacy and creating a bipartisan "Coastal Coalition" of lawmakers from states seeking relief for federally-recognized fishery disasters, Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced the first round of payments are being sent out to Alaskans beginning today totaling $7.5 million. The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, developed a "… Continue Reading

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06.02.14

Murkowski Secures Funds for Alaska Fisheries Sustainability through Approps Efforts

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science has finalized its 2015 bill which includes the strong funding for fisheries management requested by Senator Lisa Murkowski. "It is critical that fisheries managers in Alaska have the resources necessary to conduct the stock assessments and surveys they need to set quotas that ensure our wild, abundant fisheries remain sustainably managed." The funding in this bill supports the North Pacific Council, the Pacific Salmon Comm… Continue Reading

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03.21.13

Murkowski Working to Address Alaska Fisheries, Health Care in Budget Talks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the United States Senate currently considering the 2014 budget, Senator Lisa Murkowski is taking advantage of the amendment process to introduce or co-sponsor four pieces of deficit-neutral legislation to address a number of Alaskan needs. Labeling Frankenfish: Though one national grocery chain has announced they will voluntarily begin labeling all genetically-modified products, there is no national standard to build customer awareness. After building Senate momentum … Continue Reading