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.
As Shutdown Continues, Portman, Senate Colleagues Introduce Bill to Permanently End Government Shutdowns
U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mike Enzi (R-WY), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced legislation - the End Government Shutdowns Act - that will permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down, ensuring that essential government services aren't disrupted and protecting taxpayers who must bear the resulting cost. The measure will create an automatic co… Continue Reading
01.09.19
Murkowski Selected as Chairman of ENR
The Republican members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee yesterday chose Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, to serve as the panel's chairman for the 116th Congress. "Our committee has a great history of accomplishment, and I will do everything I can to keep that tradition going in this new Congress," Murkowski said. "I'm grateful to my colleagues for this continued honor and have my sights set on another productive Congress." The Republican Caucus ratified committee chairs at a confere… Continue Reading
01.09.19
Murkowski: Lands Package Addresses Alaska Priorities
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday reintroduced a bipartisan package of more than 100 public lands, natural resources, and water bills. Murkowski, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and one of the four primary negotiators for the package, ensured it reflects a wide range of Alaska priorities. "While we weren't able to pass this bipartisan package at the end of the last Congress, its provisions remain important, and we will have an opportunity to take … Continue Reading
01.09.19
Murkowski, Cantwell Reintroduce Bipartisan Lands Package
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and outgoing committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., yesterday reintroduced a bipartisan package of more than 100 public lands, natural resources, and water bills they negotiated last year with the chairman and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee. "While we are disappointed that this package could not pass last year, we remain committed to its provisions and the sp… Continue Reading
01.08.19
Alaska Congressional Delegation Backs Governor’s Request for Federal Aid
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, sent a letter urging President Donald Trump to act promptly and approve Alaska Governor Michael Dunleavy's (R-AK) request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. This declaration would provide federal assistance for the State of Alaska to address the major earthquake that occurred on November 30, 2018, as well as impacts caused by subsequent aftershocks. In their letter, the Alaska Congressional Delegati… Continue Reading
01.04.19
Delegation Applauds Secretary of the Navy’s Decision to Name Future Destroyer After Senator Ted Stevens
The Alaska Congressional Delegation today proudly announced that Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has named a future Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in honor of the late U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, who served as Alaska's Senator from 1968-2009. (image courtesy of U.S. Navy) "It is an honor to help Secretary Spencer announce the naming of the USS Ted Stevens today," said Senator Sullivan. "As an Army Air Corps officer, a civil servant, and a historic U.S. Senator from our g… Continue Reading
01.03.19
Murkowski Statement on the Passing of FERC Commissioner Kevin McIntyre
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the passing of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Kevin McIntyre. McIntyre served as chairman of FERC beginning in December 2017, before stepping down to become a commissioner in October 2018. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Commissioner McIntyre. As a lawyer, a commissioner, and as FERC's chairman, he always had the utmost respect for the agency and its mission. He was as warm and engaging… Continue Reading
12.23.18
Murkowski Statement on Partial Government Shutdown
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement on the current partial government shutdown: "Shutting down the government, even partially, is no way to govern. It is disruptive, harmful, wasteful, and could leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees and contractors without paychecks over Christmas," Senator Murkowski said. "This year we worked hard to return to regular order in the appropriations process, voting bills out of committee and the Senate with strong bipartisan s… Continue Reading
12.22.18
Going into Partial Government Shutdown
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to proceed to legislation to fund the remaining appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2019, including an announcement from Senate Majority Leader McConnell on a commitment to working with the White House on an agreement that can pass both houses of Congress and receive the president's signature: "I'm disappointed we could not reach an agreement tonight. Funding the government is a fundamental part of our respo… Continue Reading
12.21.18
Murkowski Responds to Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Syria
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement in reaction to an announcement that the United States will remove all U.S. troops from Syria, including 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. Senator Murkowski's statement also follows the announcement of the resignation of James N. Mattis as Secretary of Defense: "Secretary Mattis is a strong, respected leader with a wealth of knowledge about the issues and challenges facing our national security. He has consistently been forwa… Continue Reading
12.20.18
Alaska Congressional Delegation Applauds Land Transfer for Being Signed into Law
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young (all R-AK) today commended President Trump for signing S. 825, the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium land Transfer Act, into law. This legislation transfers to Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) a parcel of federal land in Sitka, Alaska, allowing the organization to further improve health care services for the region. "I'm encouraged to know that this legislation will allow SEARHC to renovate one of the o… Continue Reading
12.20.18
Carper, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Help Americans Transition to More Efficient Wood Heaters, Reduce Air Pollution
Earlier this week, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), top Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), introduced a bill (S. 3779) that would establish a grant program at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to incentivize the removal and replacement of old, inefficient residential wood heaters with efficient, clean-burning heaters. The Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act (WH… Continue Reading
12.20.18
Alaska Delegation Commends Milestone for Responsible Energy Development on the Coastal Plain
U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Rep. Don Young, and Gov. Michael J. Dunleavy (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). "One year ago, Congress directed the Department of the Interior to open the Coastal Plain for responsible energy development, and today marks a major step f… Continue Reading
12.20.18
Quantum Science Legislation Heads to the President’s Desk
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6227, the National Quantum Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill to accelerate research in the field of quantum science. "The possibilities of quantum information science are tremendous, with the potential to transform the speed and scale at which we process data, allowing for breakthroughs in almost every facet of our lives," Murkowski said. "A National Quantum Initiative will … Continue Reading
12.19.18
Murkowski Votes Against FIRST STEP
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after voting no on the final version of the FIRST STEP Act, criminal justice reform to American's prison and sentencing system. "I supported amendments that defended victims' rights and would have tightened-up exclusions that unfortunately were not included in the final version of the bill," said Senator Murkowski. "Reforming our nation's criminal justice system is no small task and one that needs to be fully thought out and vett… Continue Reading
12.18.18
Senate Passes Murkowski, Udall Legislation Honoring Native Women
The Senate recently passed S.Res.444, legislation recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced this legislation to celebrate the accomplishments and call attention to the interests of indigenous women across the nation. "It's important that we specifically recognize Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian women for their uniq… Continue Reading
12.18.18
Senate Passes Schatz-Murkowski Legislation to Expand AMBER Alert System to All U.S. Territories, Help Find Missing Children
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawai'i, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, that will expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories. The national AMBER Alert network distributes alerts on highway billboards, TVs, radio, and cellular phones to mobilize the public when a child is missing or abducted. It has helped rescue more than 900 children. "The AMBER Alert system has saved hundreds of children over the past 15 years, which is why it… Continue Reading
12.15.18
Murkowski Committed to Protections for Pre-existing Conditions and Access to Care
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas Judge Reed O'Connor ruled in favor of Texas and its partner states, deeming the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional: "In Alaska and across the nation healthcare remains a priority and concern. I have heard that loud and clear," said Senator Murkowski. "This ruling has no immediate impact, and I am confident higher courts will review the decision. Regardless, we must p… Continue Reading
12.15.18
Murkowski Comments on Zinke’s Departure
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement about Secretary Ryan Zinke, who will step down from the Department of the Interior at the end of the year. "I was disappointed to learn that Secretary Zinke is stepping down. He has been a strong partner for western states and for Alaska, in particular. After years of frustration with the Department, he came in and took a very different approach - he listened to us, built a great team, and worked with us to advance our p… Continue Reading
12.14.18
Murkowski Supports Congressional Harassment Policy Reform
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the Senate and House unanimously passed the Congressional Accountability Act Reform Act, legislation to overhaul how Congress handles sexual harassment claims, sending to the President's desk to be signed into law. "If we as members of Congress are going to change the culture of harassment nationwide, we must lead by example. I have continued to push for action on comprehensive reform, because I have been appalled at the cu… Continue Reading
