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 Invests in Alaska’s Future
As Chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) unveiled legislation that makes important investments for new infrastructure in Alaska, while improving the state's existing infrastructure. The Interior Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019 was approved by the full Appropriations Committee today through a historic, unanimous vote. It will now head to the Senate floor for final consideration. "These investments tod… Continue Reading
06.14.18
Murkowski Secures Funding for Rural Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced a series of provisions within the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019 to provide resources and support to programs with significant provisions to benefit communities across rural Alaska and for Alaska Natives. As Chairman of this subcommittee, Murkowski constructed a bill that improves water and wastewater systems in rural Alaska, supports subsistence, provides resources for rural health facilities, and… Continue Reading
06.14.18
Murkowski’s Interior Bill Boosts Southeast Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chairman of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Committee, today announced a series of provisions within her Fiscal Year 2019 Interior Appropriations bill that will provide significant resources for communities throughout Southeast Alaska. The full Appropriations Committee approved the bill through a historic, unanimous vote. It will now head to the Senate floor for final consideration. "With our state budget in flux, this bill prov… Continue Reading
06.14.18
Murkowski’s Chairmanship Yields Results for Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced a series of provisions within the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019, which will invest in Alaskan communities, boost economic opportunities, and protect Alaska's lands. As Chairman of this subcommittee, Murkowski crafted a bill to ensure that federal resources are directed where Alaska needs them most. The full Appropriations Committee approved the bill through a historic, unanimous vote and will now … Continue Reading
06.12.18
Murkowski’s Chairmanship Brings Benefits to Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released her Fiscal Year 2019 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which directs resources to programs critical to Alaska. As chairman of the Subcommittee, Murkowski crafted a bill which allocates significant resources to programs to construct or improve wastewater and drinking water systems in Native villages and throughout rural Alaska and prioritizes improving the health, safety, and welfare of all Alaskans. "This Interior… Continue Reading
06.12.18
Murkowski: FERC Should Take Balanced Approach in Regulation of Energy Sector
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to conduct oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). For the first time in about a decade, all five FERC commissioners - Chairman Kevin McIntyre, Cheryl LaFleur, Neil Chatterjee, Robert Powelson, and Richard Glick - testified before the committee. Murkowski opened the hearing by noting there have been a number of significant changes in the energy sector since the last time the full Commission was before the committe… Continue Reading
06.08.18
First Session of Summer Interns Arrive in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) this week, welcomed her first group of summer interns to Washington, D.C. to assist in her office for the month. These recent Alaska high school graduates of the Class of 2018 will receive a behind-the-scenes look into the United States Senate by shadowing Murkowski throughout the workday days, providing assistance with both administrative and clerical tasks, and assisting staff with various projects. "It's a joy to have so many young and inspired Alaskans joi… Continue Reading
06.08.18
Murkowski Welcomes DOE Awards for Alaska Projects
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed the Department of Energy's (DOE) announcement that two Alaska projects will receive a total of $3.6 million to support the development of innovative marine energy technologies. The Igiugig Village Council (IVC), in partnership with the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) of Maine, will receive $2.3 million to continue work on a RivGen cross-flow river current turbine system. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) and the University of Alaska… 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
06.08.18
Senate Passes Package of Six ENR Lands Bills
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week secured the passage of six land-related bills through the U.S. Senate, all of which had been favorably reported by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Included in the package was S. 2857, the National Nordic Museum Act, which was sponsored by Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash, and co-sponsored by Murkowski. "I thank my colleagues for working together to ensure that we could pass these bills this week," Murkowski said. "While this … Continue Reading
06.08.18
Murkowski Secures Funding Critical to Meeting Transportation and Housing Needs in Alaska
The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019, which includes Alaska-specific provisions secured by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to meet Alaska's unique needs and challenges. Funding is provided to continue the Essential Air Service, a program to maintain commercial air service in approximately 60 small communities throughout Alaska as well as housing assistance for our most at-risk populatio… Continue Reading
06.06.18
Tara Sweeney Advances Toward Senate Confirmation
During a Senate Indian Affairs Committee business meeting today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in support of Tara Mac Lean Sweeney of Alaska to be Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The committee approved the nomination by voice vote. Her nomination now heads to the full Senate for consideration. If confirmed, Sweeney will be the first female Alaskan Native to serve in the position. "I was pleased to be able to support Tara Sweeney's Senate… Continue Reading
06.05.18
Harris, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Curb Workplace Harassment and Increase Transparency and Accountability
U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced the Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education and Reporting (EMPOWER) Act to address the ongoing issue of workplace harassment and the pervasive culture of fear that has resulted from those in power silencing their victims. While recent accusations and reports of sexual harassment have highlighted its pervasiveness across states and across industries, this issue impacts individuals in … Continue Reading
06.01.18
Murkowski: Optimistic Time for Alaska’s Energy Industry
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday delivered remarks at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association's (AOGA) 2018 Conference. While speaking to the need to be ready for challenges and opposition that may arise as new development proceeds, Murkowski expressed optimism about the future and highlighted the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead to refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). "It was almost exactly a year ago that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke stood here and promised that in … Continue Reading
05.31.18
Murkowski Welcomes National Labs to Alaska
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week helped kick off the first-ever Alaska National Lab Day by delivering opening remarks highlighting how Alaska's geography, climate, and people have made the state a world leader on energy innovation. The forum, which is being hosted by the University of Alaska, has brought together more than 200 Alaskans, senior leaders from the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Labs to discuss opportunities to partner on the next generation of clean, affordable… Continue Reading
05.25.18
Murkowski Works to Support Critical Nutrition Programs, Alaska’s Fisheries, and Rural Development
The Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bill, sending it to the full U.S. Senate. The funding bill contains a number of priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured for Alaska that will support Alaska's vital fishing industry and farmers, address hunger, and improve water and wastewater systems in rural Alaska. These provisions include an import ban for g… Continue Reading
05.25.18
Appropriators Approve First FY 2019 Funding Bill
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which provides funding for Department of Energy (DOE) programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured provisions to build on energy opportunities in Alaska's Arctic, address the state's unique needs, and improve energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emergency p… Continue Reading
05.24.18
Murkowski Supports Congressional Harassment Reform
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today supported passage of S.2952, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act, legislation she cosponsored that would overhaul the current reporting process for victims of harassment and discrimination, as well as require Congressional members found liable to pay settlements out of their own pocket. "While there are real policy differences amongst my colleagues in the Senate, there's one thing we should all agree on - every workplace should be sa… Continue Reading
05.24.18
Regulatory Relief Bill Signed into Law
U.S. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) applauded the President signing into law today S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. The legislation protects consumers and gives communities an economic boost, including rolling back burdensome Dodd-Frank provisions that had unintended consequences for consumers, home-buyers, and small business owners. The Senate passed the bill in March and earlier this week in the House, both with strong, bipartisan votes. The bill inclu… Continue Reading
05.24.18
Senator Murkowski Chairs Hearing On Indian Health Service Budget
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) chaired an Interior Appropriations Subcommittee hearing recently, examining the Fiscal Year 2019 budget request for the Indian Health Service (IHS). During the hearing, Senator Murkowski addressed budget priorities from opioid funding and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to maintenance backlogs and the need for staffing quarters for healthcare professionals. The hearing featured Indian Health Service Acting Director Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, Rear A… Continue Reading
