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 Votes to Confirm Small Business Administrator
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Linda McMahon as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration: "I congratulate Linda McMahon on her new position as Small Business Administrator, and I have confidence that she will work with us to support Alaska's businesses. During our meeting, Mrs. McMahon was interested in the unique dynamics of Alaskan businesses, especially in our rural areas, and assured me that she will be a strong advo… Continue Reading
02.13.17
Murkowski, Cantwell, Hirono Introduce Volcano Monitoring Bill
U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, have introduced legislation to improve the nation's volcano monitoring and early warning capabilities to help keep communities and travelers safe. The bill, S. 346, strengthens existing volcano monitoring systems, which include the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), the Cascades Volcano Observatory, and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and would unify them into a single connected system called the National… Continue Reading
02.10.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Health and Human Services Secretary
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Dr. Tom Price as the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary: "I have confidence in Dr. Tom Price's leadership given his strong work-ethic and skills needed to handle the largest budget of any of the federal agencies. His extensive background - both medical and legislative - shows he has both a deep understanding of healthcare and a commitment for doing what is best for patients. I look forward to work… Continue Reading
02.09.17
Murkowski Meets with Supreme Court Nominee
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement after meeting with Judge Neil Gorsuch, nominee to the United States Supreme Court: "I had a constructive meeting today with Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, where I had the opportunity to learn more about his background and beliefs as well as educate him on areas of concern to Alaskans. I have been impressed with Judge Neil Gorsuch from the very beginning, and I am now even more confident in h… Continue Reading
02.08.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Senator Jeff Sessions as U.S. Attorney General: "Although Senator Sessions and I have had policy differences over the years - over VAWA, immigration, voting rights - I know him to be an honorable man, someone of great integrity, one of the hardest workers in the Senate, and a person open to finding common ground. There is room to grow our relationship and his understanding of Alaska as he moves on to his… Continue Reading
02.08.17
Two Murkowski Bills Pass Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Today the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed two pieces of legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). S.91, the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017, which strengthens and reforms Public Law 102-477 (referred to as "477"), a comprehensive Native employment and training program. S.269 transfers property to both the Tanana Tribal Council and Bristol Bay Area Health to be used in connection with health and social services programs. "I … Continue Reading
02.07.17
Alaska Delegation Introduces Resolution Honoring Denali National Park and Preserve Centennial
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today introduced resolutions in their respective chambers to honor Denali National Park and Preserve's upcoming centennial. The resolution designates Feb. 26, 2017, the park's 100th anniversary, as "Denali National Park and Preserve Day." It reflects on the cultural history of the area, including traditional and Alaska Native uses before Denali was designated as a park, and traces many of the most notable de… Continue Reading
02.07.17
Klobuchar, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Vital Support to Local Law Enforcement
Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide vital support to local law enforcement. The COPS Improvement Act would provide for the hiring of more police officers and expand the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to account for developments in community policing techniques that have proven effective in preventing and fighting crime. The COPS program awards grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agenc… Continue Reading
02.07.17
Murkowski Statement on Senate’s Confirmation of Betsy DeVos
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education: "Although I did not vote in favor of Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary, now that she has been confirmed by the Senate it is important that we work together as she takes the helm at the Department of Education. We share a common goal that all children receive the best education. I will work with Mrs. DeVos on commitments she made to me during our meeting… Continue Reading
02.03.17
On National Wear Red Day, Murkowski, Hirono Lead Effort to Recognize American Heart Month
Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) led a bipartisan resolution designating February 2017 as American Heart Month, and Feb. 3, 2017 specifically as National Wear Red Day. The resolution (attached) is aimed to ensure support and commitment to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke by promoting education and awareness regarding the causes, risks, scientific research, prevention, and access to treatment and care. The resolution calls special attention to how cardiova… Continue Reading
02.03.17
Murkowski on New Iran Sanctions
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement in response to the new sanctions imposed on Iran, over the country's recent ballistic missile tests. "I applaud the administration's move to implement sanctions against organizations involved in Iran's ballistic missile program. I had contacted the previous administration with grave concerns about this program and expressed my view that it violates UN Security Council resolutions. America must remain vigilant against a nation … Continue Reading
02.03.17
Murkowski Votes to Protect Alaska’s Coal Mining Industry
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today voted in support of H.J. Res. 38, the Congressional Review Act (CRA) disapproval resolution to overturn the Obama administration's so-called "Stream Protection Rule" (SPR). The resolution passed the Senate by a vote of 54-45 and now goes to President Trump for his signature. "In drafting this regulation, the Obama administration ignored the input and recommendations of states and stakeholders, and subverted the law to meet its policy objective-keeping c… Continue Reading
02.01.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Mr. Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State: "I believe that Rex Tillerson is a strong choice to be Secretary of State, given his vast experience around the globe and his background as a highly disciplined executive. He has proven himself an effective leader of a global organization and I believe he possesses the character and strength to speak truth to President Trump. I look forward to working with him on … Continue Reading
02.01.17
Murkowski Announces She Will Vote Against Education Secretary Nominee
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that she will vote "no" when the Senate takes the final vote on the nomination of Betsy DeVos to be Secretary of Education. Senator Murkowski explained her reasoning on the Senate floor, saying: "I have serious concerns about a nominee to be Secretary of Education who has been so involved in one side of the equation - so immersed in the push for vouchers - that she may be unaware of what actually is successful in the public schools, and what i… Continue Reading
01.31.17
Murkowski Proudly Announces 2017 Military Academy Nominations
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) proudly announced the names of 34 young Alaskans who she is nominating to the U.S. military service academies for the class of 2021. "This year's selection of candidates embodies the traits and characteristics we expect from our men and women in uniform, and they truly make Alaska proud," said Senator Murkowski. "It is an honor for me to nominate such talented Alaskans to our service academies. Their willingness to dedicate themselves to our nation a… Continue Reading
01.31.17
Murkowski Statement on President Trump’s Supreme Court Nominee
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court: "I am pleased with President Trump's nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, and I look forward to meeting with him and discussing issues of importance to Alaskans. With Judge Gorsuch, western states like Alaska get an individual who understands our lives and lifestyles. He is respected by legal scholars across ideological bounda… Continue Reading
01.31.17
Murkowski Votes to Confirm Elaine Chao as Transportation Secretary
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting to confirm Ms. Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation: "I have had the opportunity to know Elaine Chao in her capacity as Secretary of Labor and have great respect for her leadership and years of experience as a public servant. I have no doubt that Ms. Chao will also succeed at addressing our country's infrastructure needs as Secretary of Transportation. I am impressed by her commitment to innovate and develop inf… Continue Reading
01.31.17
Committee Approves Nominees for Energy, Interior Secretary
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today held a business meeting to approve President Trump's nominees to be Secretary of the Interior, Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), and Secretary of Energy, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Rep. Zinke was reported favorably by a vote of 16 - 6, and Gov. Perry was reported favorably by a vote of 16 - 7. Chairman Murkowski supported both nominations, which now head to the Senate floor for confirmation. "I look forward to partnering with Congressman Z… Continue Reading
01.31.17
Murkowski Statement on Education Secretary Nominee
Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to refer Mrs. DeVos' nomination for the consideration of the full Senate. "I voted to move Betsy DeVos out of the HELP Committee because I have long held the belief that a President has the right to name their Cabinet and that the full Senate should have the opportunity to vote on those nominees. I also said that when it comes to the vote o… Continue Reading
01.30.17
Sen. Murkowski, Rep. Cheney Introduce Disapproval Resolutions for BLM Planning 2.0 Rule
Washington, D.C. - Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., today introduced disapproval resolutions in their respective chambers to overturn the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Resource Management Planning rule, which is commonly called "Planning 2.0", under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). "The Obama administration's Planning 2.0 rule makes sweeping changes to how BLM develops resource management plans, shifts decision-making authority away from the impacted states… Continue Reading
