Speeches
FLOOR SPEECH: Every Child Achieves Act
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to vitiate the quorum call. I rise today to speak about the Every Child Achieves Act-the bill we have all been waiting for, for nearly fifteen years, to fix the flawed, one-size-fits-all No Child Left Behind Act. I would like to begin by praising Senator Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and Senator Murray, the Ranking Member, for the way they have managed this legislation from the very beginning. Senat… Continue Reading
07.14.15
SPEECH: Symposium on the Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval and Maritime Operations
Good morning and thank you for inviting me to be with you again to talk about the impact of reduced Arctic sea-ice on naval and maritime operations. More open water in the Arctic means more maritime traffic - no secret there. The Navy believes that between 2012 and 2025, vessel activity in the Bering Strait will more than double - from 483 to 1,000 - and that the number of vessels transiting the Northern Sea Route will grow ten-fold - from 45 transits in 2012 to 450 by 2025. So, more open wa… Continue Reading
06.30.15
SPEECH: Resource Development Council's Annual Meeting
Good afternoon, everyone. Ralph, thank you for that warm introduction. And thank you all for the invitation to be here today. Let me start off by congratulating RDC on its 40th anniversary. For forty outstanding years, this organization has been a strong voice for Alaska's core industries. That's quite a feat, and our State has benefitted greatly from your work. How about another round of applause for Senator Sullivan, as well? He's only been in office for six months, but he's already … Continue Reading
06.01.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Kawerak/Rural Providers' Conference
Good morning everyone, Senator Lisa Murkowski here. I am honored to welcome you to the 2015 Rural Providers Conference - this year joined with the Kawerak Regional Conference. Each year I have an opportunity to address a number of meetings convened by our Native community. The Rural Providers Conference occupies a special place in my heart and let me tell you why. This is not a conference dominated by politics, politicians and policy. Nor is it a conference about managing and funding Native pro… Continue Reading
05.15.15
SPEECH: Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Amy, thanks for your kind introduction. Thank you all for that warm Washington welcome. And thank you all for being here, early on a beautiful Friday morning. I actually fly through Seattle most weekends on my way back home, it's usually just lunch at Beecher's or breakfast in the Board Room on Friday and Monday. I'm certainly not alone among the Alaskans who regularly find themselves in Seattle. We probably have quite a few here with us today. This isn't just a midpoint or a layover in o… Continue Reading
05.13.15
SPEECH: Nuclear Energy Institute
Thank you, Marv, for that kind introduction. And thank you all for the opportunity to speak here at the Nuclear Energy Assembly this morning. It is great to be invited to address this group again. My goal today is to provide a policymaker's perspective on the future of U.S. energy policy and what I see as nuclear energy's crucial role within it. I am a natural optimist - I believe energy is good, and that we should make our energy increasingly abundant, affordable, clean, diverse, and secure… Continue Reading
05.02.15
SPEECH: Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, now in its 18th season, has become a remarkable kickoff to the summer flying season. Seeing the success of this event, I am happy to be a part of its continuation. We really have come a long way from the days of duct tape and wire hangers - seriously, these booths represent the latest in equipment and technology to keep our aircraft and airways safe. And what impressive aircraft are being shown today! As… Continue Reading
05.01.15
SPEECH: Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Dinner
I am so honored to join with all of you this evening, in the presence of Governor Walker, our new Adjutant General Laurie Hummel, and the distinguished military leaders who join me here on the dais. This evening we are also honored by the presence of Senator Dan Sullivan. Four months into his Senate career, Dan Sullivan is making his mark on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator Sullivan has been designated by his committee chairman, John McCain, as lead Senator for matters inv… Continue Reading
04.30.15
SPEECH: Victims for Justice Annual Awards Ceremony
Thirty years ago Victims for Justice was founded with the mission of ensuring that victims of violent crime and survivors of homicide can access the resources they need to recover from the horrible ordeals with which they have been burdened. Tonight we come together to honor Victims for Justice, to support its work and to recognize those who have provided outstanding service to victims of crime in the State of Alaska. I am honored to join with you this evening as we share our love and support f… Continue Reading
04.29.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Prince of Wales Island-Wide Mining
Hello from Washington, DC. I apologize I couldn't join you in person, but rest assured, I'd much rather be on beautiful Prince of Wales Island, discussing the future of mining in Southeast Alaska. I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you, and thank you for your interest in mining issues. Certainly, as you examine the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, you'll have a lot to talk about over the next couple of days. Alaska has a world-class mineral base, and Southeast is no exce… Continue Reading
04.28.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Alaska Native Village Corp. Association Annual Conference
Good day, and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you at your 7th annual meeting of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association. I would rather be in Anchorage with you today, but given the Senate's schedule, unfortunately that isn't possible. So let me give you a quick update from DC. Last year, the Senate had a number of achievements. We fully funded Contract Support Costs for tribally-run federal programs, adding $70 million a year for IHS hospitals and Joint Ventures in Alaska. … Continue Reading
04.27.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Joint Ocean Commission Initiative Alaska Arctic Roundtable
Hello and thank you for this opportunity to participate in the Alaska Arctic Ocean Leadership Roundtable via video message. Let me first compliment the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative for making the effort to travel to Alaska and seek out the views of Alaska's Arctic stakeholders. This past Friday, the United States assumed the chair of the Arctic Council at the Ministerial Meeting in Iqaluit, Canada. The eyes of the world are now on the United States to demonstrate its leadership in the Ar… Continue Reading
04.23.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Statewide Trails Conference
Thank you for allowing me to speaking with you today and I am sorry I cannot be with you in person. I hope you are making the most of your time in Wasilla, having a little fun where you can, and working together to find resolution to keep our trails alive and well across our beautiful state. Our trails are a constant opportunity to access more and more of the great beauty of Alaska, particularly as spring entices more and more of us to get outdoors. Trails are a vital part of the fabric of Al… Continue Reading
03.19.15
SPEECH: Edison Electric Institute
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking time to be in Washington. This is an important meeting, and I'm honored to again be part of it. Your engagement on public policy makes a difference. Although there are clear divisions among voters that are reflected in Congress, you are a credible voice on energy issues to nearly all of its members. In the "real world" you and your teams consistently meet difficult obligations. You generate and deliver electric service, you ensure that service is… Continue Reading
03.16.15
SPEECH: Tanana Chiefs Conference Annual Convention
I am so happy to join you during this very special week in Fairbanks. The week that begins with the TCC Annual Meeting, includes the annual Fairbanks Native Association gatherings and concludes with the Doyon Annual Meeting and the Open North American Sled Dog Race. Officially spring begins on Friday. I know it's hard to get your mind into spring until breakup but for me this wonderful week in Fairbanks has always signified the end of winter and the count down to the summer. Seeing the days grow… Continue Reading
03.04.15
FLOOR SPEECH: Introduction of Senate Arctic Caucus
Mr. President, I have come to the Floor today to invite each member of the Senate to join me in embracing a new opportunity before our nation - our Arctic Opportunity. On April 25, 2015, the United States will assume the chair of the Arctic Council - the intergovernmental forum for the eight nations with territory inside the Arctic Circle. Those are Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and by virtue of Alaska, us - the United States. The Arctic Council also in… Continue Reading
03.03.15
SPEECH: PNWER "North American Arctic Leaders Forum"
Good afternoon and thanks for the invitation to join you. It's great to welcome you back to Washington, DC - and on a day like this, it's great to be with a group who knows how to handle a little snow. I'm glad you braved the weather to be here today. And I'm excited to hear more about PNWER's efforts to foster strong partnerships in the Pacific Northwest, and to extend our region's influence across the country. The Pacific Northwest is well-represented on energy policy in the Senate right … Continue Reading
03.02.15
FLOOR SPEECH: Response to Keystone XL Veto
I have come to speak about our upcoming vote to override President Obama's unfortunate, shortsighted veto of the first piece of bipartisan energy legislation we sent him this year. About a month ago, S. 1 - the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act - passed our chamber on a bipartisan basis. Nine Democrats joined with 53 Republicans here in the Senate to pass it. It was a similar story in the House, where 29 Democrats joined 241 Republicans to overwhelmingly pass this bill. We most often refer t… Continue Reading
02.24.15
SPEECH: U.S. Army Listening Session (Fairbanks)
Good evening Interior Alaska and to our visitors from Washington, DC, welcome to the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks. Last evening I had the opportunity to beam in to the Anchorage listening session. My testimony last evening focused on Alaska's value to the Army. I spoke about our strategic location - the fact that our Army can get where it needs to go from Alaska faster than anywhere else. Our superior training grounds. The exceptional performance of Alaska trained troops in battle. The fact t… Continue Reading
02.23.15
SPEECH: U.S. Army Listening Session (Anchorage)
Major General Shields, our visitors from Headquarters, US Army, and fellow Alaskans. I bid you a warm welcome from Washington, DC. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to beam to your listening session. We often describe our Alaska economy as a "three legged stool." One leg represents the substantial contribution of oil and soon natural gas production. The second leg - federal spending in Alaska; chiefly military. The third leg - everything else - which includes our world renown sustainab… Continue Reading
