Press Releases
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Currently showing results related to Defense
Annual Defense Bill Heading to President’s Desk
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the final version of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation which supports our troops through the biggest pay raise in nearly ten years and provides our military with the resources needed to face emerging threats and protect Americans at home and abroad. The bill passed by a 87-10 vote, sending it to the President for his signature. "Our national security must always remain a top priority. And with tensions … Continue Reading
06.26.18
Senate Passes First Fiscal Year 2019 Funding Package
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recently voted in favor of a funding package, which combines the Energy and Water; Military Construction-Veterans Affairs; and Legislative Branch Appropriations bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. The bill, also known as a "minibus," provides funding to further develop Alaska's strategic military presence, improve health services for veterans, support critical infrastructure projects, and promote energy innovation and investments in renewable energy. As a member o… Continue Reading
06.19.18
Defense Bill Passes Senate
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, legislation which supports our troops through the biggest pay raise in nearly ten years and provides our military with the resources needed to face emerging threats and protect Americans at home and abroad. The bill passed in a 85-10 vote. "It is imperative that we support our troops with the resources, equipment, and training they need to do their jobs and kee… Continue Reading
06.08.18
Murkowski Supports Funding for Military Construction and VA
The Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019. The bill contains several priorities championed by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to help further develop Alaska's strategic military presence and improve health services for veterans. "Alaska has the highest veteran population per capita in the country. I remain committed to equipping our veterans with the support the… Continue Reading
03.23.18
Murkowski: Big Impacts for Alaska in Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Early today, the Senate passed a bill that sets federal funding levels for the remainder of the fiscal year, providing the biggest defense spending increase in fifteen years and the largest pay increase for our troops in close to a decade. In addition, it makes significant investments in addressing school safety, fighting the opioid epidemic, and combatting substance abuse. As Chairman of the Interior Appropriations subcommittee and member of the Appropriations Committee, U.S.… Continue Reading
03.02.18
Duckworth, Murkowski & Udall Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Ensure Servicemembers Don’t Go Hungry
U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Lisa Murkowksi (R-AK) and Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced bipartisan legislation this week to help prevent troops and military families from going hungry so that no one willing to serve this nation in uniform struggles to feed their families. The Military Hunger Prevention Act fixes a quirk in federal law and eliminates inconsistencies that prevent many low-income servicemembers from accessing federal food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assi… Continue Reading
11.07.17
AK Delegation Applauds Major Missile Defense Increase in Trump Administration’s Budget Request
The Alaska Congressional delegation today applauded the Trump administration's FY18 budget amendment for the Department of Defense, which requests $4 billion for missile defeat and defense upgrades to counter increasing threat from North Korea. This action includes $2.1 billion for missile defense, including $200 million in military construction for a new missile field at Fort Greely, AK, and 20 missile interceptors required to operationalize the field. "For the past year, I have been sounding … Continue Reading
09.18.17
Murkowski Supports Bill to Reinvest in Our State and National Defense
U.S. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) today cast her vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) - legislation that authorizes the appropriation of $700 billion to the United States military. The bill boosts our nation's defense capabilities and ensures that our military have the resources and tools needed to protect our nation. The NDAA passed the Senate by a vote of 89-8. "The defense bill is one of the most significant bills we consider every year. Through this bill, we are enabli… Continue Reading
07.21.17
Annual Defense Bill Heading to President’s Desk
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the final version of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation which supports our troops through the biggest pay raise in nearly ten years and provides our military with the resources needed to face emerging threats and protect Americans at home and abroad. The bill passed by a 87-10 vote, sending it to the President for his signature. "Our national security must always remain a top priority. And with tensions … Continue Reading
07.13.17
Murkowski on Military Construction and VA Funding for Alaska
The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Bill, which contains several priorities championed by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to support growth in Alaska's military presence and improve health services to our veterans. The bill supports critical infrastructure for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. "This bill is critical to providing the resources that we need to gro… Continue Reading
01.23.17
Murkowski Releases Statement on President Trump’s National Security Team
Today Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the nominees for Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director were confirmed by the Senate with overwhelmingly bipartisan support: "The Senate is back to work, confirming three members of the new administration's national security team - Secretary of Defense Mattis, Secretary of Homeland Security Kelly, and CIA Director Pompeo - with more to come. It is a critical r… Continue Reading
01.20.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm General James Mattis as Defense Secretary
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting in favor of Retired General James N. Mattis as Secretary of Defense: "Every indication suggests that General Mattis will make an outstanding Secretary of Defense. His leadership style is revered among our troops and veterans, and he is very knowledgeable about the issues and challenges facing our national security. He appreciates the strategic importance of the Arctic and the need to improve our ability to pr… Continue Reading
12.08.16
Major Defense Bill Heading to President
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) cast her vote in support of the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation designed to keep our nation safe from enemies and provide support for our troops and their families. The bill passed in a vote of 92-7 and now heads to the President's desk. "With the countless threats facing our nation from all corners of the globe, this is one of the most crucial pieces of legislation for Congress to pass. Our national security m… Continue Reading
12.01.16
Long-Term Sanctions for Iran Heading to President’s Desk
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extensions Act, a ten-year extension of existing sanctions against Iran. The bill lays out powerful restrictions related to energy, defense, and Iran's nuclear and missile activities. It works to deny Iran the resources to support terrorism and develop weapons of mass destruction. The legislation passed in a vote of 99-0, and now heads to the President to be signed into law. "Iran's actions continue to warrant extrem… Continue Reading
09.28.16
Senate Passes Continuing Resolution, Funds Military Construction Programs for Alaska
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting for the continuing resolution (H.R. 5325) that passed the Senate, 72-26: "By passing the continuing resolution today, we have avoided an unnecessary government shutdown, which would have harmed individuals, families, and businesses across the nation. And we provided funding to combat the public threat from the Zika virus, as well as address the heroin and opioid epidemic. "This bill is gr… Continue Reading
09.20.16
Murkowski Shares Alaskans’ Concerns Over Northern Edge with U.S. Navy
In response to hearing the concerns of coastal Alaskans about the timing and potential impacts of the Navy's involvement in the Northern Edge 2017 joint military exercise, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wrote a letter (attached) to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus urging the Navy to connect with concerned Alaskan communities moving forward. Murkowski cited a recent lack of transparency from the Navy, such as not discussing proposed mitigation and avoidance techniques with stakeholder communit… Continue Reading
08.02.16
Alaska Delegation Praises F-35 Progress
ANCHORAGE, AK - Today the Alaska Congressional Delegation released the following statements after the U.S. Air Force announced that the first F-35A squadron capable of handling a range of combat missions, known as Initial Operating Capability (IOC), is now ready. IOC demonstrates the confidence the Air Force has in the F-35 program and their success in ensuring the first squadron is ready for combat. "This is a great step forward in our efforts to bring two squadrons of F-35s to Alaska. The IOC… Continue Reading
07.22.16
Murkowski to Speak at Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s “Make it Monday” Forum
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, July 25th, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski will speak at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's "Make it Monday" Forum. Senator Murkowski will provide a legislative update focusing on the delegation's work in Washington, D.C.. Murkowski will focus on the military investments coming to Alaska that will not only create thousands of new full-time jobs but prove vital to the security of our nation. She will also provide an update on the status of her broad energy bill which wi… Continue Reading
06.14.16
Murkowski Applauds Final Passage of Major Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), was passed by the Senate in a vote of 85-13. This legislation outlines defense priorities to defend our homeland, and support our troops and their families around the world. "With the very real threats around the world, this is one of the most important bills the Senate will take up this year. Not only does it provide the resources to support those who serve, it also contains numerous Arctic and Alaska-specific prov… Continue Reading
06.09.16
Murkowski Appointed to Military Construction, VA, and Transportation Conference Committee
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was selected to serve on the Conference Committee tasked to reconcile the differences between the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the funding bills for military construction, Veterans Affairs, and transportation. The legislation provides resources to support military construction, veterans' benefits and programs, and transportation projects critical to Alaska. The legislation also includes funding to combat the Zika virus. Click here to view th… Continue Reading
