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.
New Legislation Would Provide Greater Fiscal Stability for the University of Alaska
U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, last week introduced new legislation, the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act, in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The legislation is supported by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, also R-Alaska, and would resolve the University of Alaska's (University) unfulfilled land grant to help it generate revenues that support its students and operations. The University currently has one of the smallest land endo… Continue Reading
09.26.20
Murkowski Comments on U.S. Supreme Court Nominee
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after President Trump nominated U.S. Circuit Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court: "For weeks I have stated that I do not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to an election. But today the President exercised his constitutional authority to nominate an individual to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I welcome the opportunity to… Continue Reading
09.25.20
Alaska Delegation Criticizes Circuit Court Ruling Against Native Corporations
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today commented on a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit determining Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) are ineligible for tribal assistance appropriated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The ruling overturns an earlier June 26 ruling by a U.S. District Court that concluded ANCs are eligible for the aid. "We strongly disagree with the D.C. Circuit Court'… Continue Reading
09.25.20
Murkowski Welcomes Court Ruling Moving 2020 Census Deadline Back to Late October
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Judge Lucy H. Koh issued a preliminary injunction which prevents the Trump administration from ending the 2020 Census count by Sept. 30, a month before the previously scheduled completion date of Oct. 31. Judge Koh also bars officials from delivering completed population data to the White House on Dec. 31 versus the April 2021 delivery date earlier requested by the … Continue Reading
09.25.20
Delegation Welcomes Next Step on Rulemaking to Help Southeast Alaska Build a More Sustainable Economy
U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) published the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Tongass-specific Roadless Rule. The final EIS includes six alternatives, with a full exemption selected as the preferred alternative. "The Tongass is home to Alaskans who want what most Americans take for granted-the opportunity to live, work, and play in the communities i… Continue Reading
09.24.20
White House COVID-19 Task Force Provides an Update on the Federal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
As communities in Alaska and across the country work to address the health and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) participated in a Senate HELP Committee hearing focused on the COVID-19 federal response. The hearing included information on testing, data collection and vaccine development, and how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has used funding provided by Congress to support state, territorial, tribal, and local public health capacit… Continue Reading
09.22.20
Murkowski Convenes Hearing on Offshore Energy Technologies
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to examine the development of emerging offshore energy technologies, including renewable resources such as offshore wind and marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy. "When most people hear the phrase 'offshore energy,' they think of offshore oil and gas, which make a substantial contribution to our economy and energy security. But there are numerous other ways to produce energy in the ocean," Murkowski said. "Coastal states have the oppor… Continue Reading
09.22.20
Murkowski’s Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous People Advance
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded the unanimous House passage of two of her bills to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Indigenous people. The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, are both led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and aim to combat the epidemic by improving the federal government's response through increased coordination, development of best practices, and creation of an advisory committee on violent crime. Both … Continue Reading
09.22.20
Murkowski, Cortez Masto Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous People Advances
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) applauded the unanimous House passage of two bills to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Indigenous people (MMIP). The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, are both led by Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto and aim to combat the MMIP epidemic by improving the federal government's response through increased coordination, development of best practices, and creation of an advisory committee on violent… Continue Reading
09.20.20
Murkowski Statement on Supreme Court Vacancy
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement on the United States Supreme Court vacancy: "For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed. I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia. We are now even closer to the 2020 ele… Continue Reading
09.18.20
Murkowski Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) tonight made the following statement after hearing of the passing of Justice of United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Tonight America lost a true leader and pioneer. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second female Supreme Court Justice to sit on the bench. She has been a champion and crusader for equal justice and civil liberties and has made an enduring mark on history. Her life's story is a reminder of how far women have come in the fig… Continue Reading
09.18.20
Murkowski Joins Colleagues in Examining Ways to Simplify the FAFSA
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) took part in a Senate HELP Committee hearing focused on fixing the burdensome and complicated Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA), which students utilize to apply for federal student financial aid to help pay for college. The hearing explored legislative solutions to simplify and shorten the FAFSA, including making it easier for low-income families to qualify for federal Pell Grants. "We must do a better job of not only communicating to high school student… Continue Reading
09.18.20
Murkowski and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Military Families
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) as an original cosponsor of the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, legislation that would give military spouses with valid professional licenses in one state, reciprocity in the state where their spouse is currently serving on military orders. "Military families consistently rate Utah as a top destination to serve, and a big reason why is the work our state has done to make sure professional military spouses licensed in o… Continue Reading
09.17.20
Murkowski Welcomes Re-Establishment of Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the Department of Energy (the Department) formally announced it has re-established its Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks, Alaska. "The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, and the re-establishment of the Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks will ensure greater collaboration between our state's innovators and the Department of Energy's cutting-edge researchers," Murkowski said. "I have prioritized this … Continue Reading
09.16.20
Murkowski Speaks About Western Wildfires, Bill to Assist Alaska Native Elders
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today attended and briefly spoke at a subcommittee hearing held by the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining (PLFM). Murkowski spoke about the western wildfire crisis and S. 2533, a bill she introduced to help ensure Alaska Native elders are not disqualified from receiving food assistance and other federal benefits. "I want to share my thoughts, prayers, and sincere hopes for rain and recovery for so many who are facin… Continue Reading
09.16.20
Murkowski Chairs FERC Nominations Hearing
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to consider the nominations of Mark Christie and Allison Clements to be Members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). "Decisions that FERC Commissioners make matter-not only to the energy sector but to the nation," Murkowski said. "Approving the siting of natural gas pipelines, investigating energy markets, and licensing hydroelectric projects are just a few of the Commission's duties. FERC's economic reach has been estim… Continue Reading
09.16.20
Manchin, Murkowski Request Information On Covid-19 Impact On Homeless Families And Youth
U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) requested information from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted families and children. The Senators also asked if the ACF had the resources needed to help those in need during the pandemic and if the Emergency Family Stabilization Act (EFSA), introduced by Senators Manchin and Murkowski, would provide the necessary resources. The Senators said in part, "As our nation continues to g… Continue Reading
09.15.20
Young, Murkowski, Sullivan Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Fair and Accurate Census Count
Congressman Don Young and U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (all R-Alaska) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation, the 2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act, alongside Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to provide for additional time to complete the 2020 Census. The bill extends the Census operations of nonresponse follow-up and self-response to October 31, 2020 as well as extends the Census statutory reporting deadlines for apportionment and re… Continue Reading
09.14.20
Alaska Delegation Welcomes $21 Million BUILD Grant for Anchorage International Airport
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today thanked Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao for awarding a $21 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to the Alaska Energy Authority to construct a 190,000 square foot climate-controlled cold storage facility at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (TSAIA). The Alaska congressional delegation wrote a letter to Secretary Chao in May advocating for TSAIA to re… Continue Reading
09.11.20
U.S. Senators Smith, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Tribes Combat COVID-19, Other Public Health Crises
Today U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Tribes access public health data and address health disparities that hit American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities especially hard. The Tribal Health Data Improvement Act would strengthen data sharing between Tribes, Tribal Epidemiology Centers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so Tribes can more effectively address public health challenges. Tribes … Continue Reading
