{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"AK\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-reacts-to-monument-designations-in-two-western-states", "Murkowski Reacts to Monument Designations in Two Western States", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.29.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Reacts to Monument Designations in Two Western States \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after President Obama created new National Monuments in Nevada and Utah despite significant local opposition.\r\nI am extremely disappointed that President Obama has chosen to lock up nearly two million acres of land in Nevada and Utah through these controversial designations, Murkowski said. This summer, our committee held a field hearing in Utah to examine this issue, and well over 1,000 local farmers, ranchers, and tribal members showed up to voice their opposition to the creation of the Bears Ears National Monument. As has been the case with his repeatedly harmful actions in Alaska, however, President Obama has again ignored local concerns and oppositionand given Congress even more reason to put an end to the abuses occurring under the Antiquities Act.\r\n\r\nOne of many anti-monument signs brought by the overwhelmingly anti-monument crowd at the Energy and Natural Resources Committee's field hearing in Blanding, Utah, on July 27, 2016.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In the 114th Congress, she sponsored S. 437, the Improving National Monuments Designation Process Act, which would require approval from Congress and relevant state legislatures before a National Monument or Marine National Monument is designated. Audio and background from the committee's hearing in Blanding, Utah, is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-condemns-obama-administrations-unprecedented-abstention-at-un", "Sullivan Condemns Obama Administrations Unprecedented Abstention at UN", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Condemns Obama Administration's Unprecedented Abstention at UN \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement in response to the Obama Administration's refusal today to veto a United Nations resolution condemning Israeli settlements. \r\nThe Obama Administration's relationship with our critical ally Israel is at an historic low since the signing of President Obama's Iran nuclear deal. The administration's abstention at the U.N. today clearly is an attempt to isolate Israel and furthers the Obama Administration's policies of catering to our adversaries in the Middle East, and spurning our allies who have stood by America for decades. I join my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle in condemning this move, which I believe hampers efforts to advance peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. With the incoming administration, we must restore our vital alliance with Israel and once again strengthen America's standing in the Middle East.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-welcomes-chere-klein-to-serve-ketchikan-constituents_", "Delegation Welcomes Chere Klein to Serve Ketchikan Constituents", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.16\n\t\t\t Delegation Welcomes Chere Klein to Serve Ketchikan Constituents   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Delegation Representative to Assist Alaskans in Southern Southeast\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan today announced that Chere Klein has been hired as their Ketchikan Delegation Representative. Klein will serve constituents in Ketchikan and other communities in the Southern Southeast region by helping them with specific concerns and problems with federal agencies and offices.Klein replaces Penny Pederson, who served in that role for 2 years.\r\nKlein is a lifelong Alaskan, with deep ties to the communities of Ketchikan, Metlakatla, Wrangell, and throughout Prince of Wales, and as well as experience working across Southeast Alaska. Previously, she served as Primary Legislative Resources Aide and Constituent Liaison for Alaska Representative Peggy Wilson. Prior to her legislative experience, Klein worked as an office manager and licensed insurance agent at Diversified Investments & Insurance, of Ketchikan, and before that as a principal at Wetland Delineation & Design Services, LLC. Klein has also as a board member for the Ketchikan Community Foundation, Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, Ketchikan Charter School and Ketchikan Hospice Support Group, among many others.\r\nI'm happy to have Chere join our team. Her strong leadership skills and involvement in the community will be valuable assets to connect with constituents, said Senator Murkowski.From being a small business owner, to working in the Alaska State Legislature, and her extensive community involvement, her experience will carry over well as she serves Alaskans in the Southeast.\r\nHaving been born and raised in Southeast, Chere knows the community and the people of this region, said Senator Sullivan. Chere has demonstrated a history of community involvement and leadership, serving on many boards and with local organizations for decades. I am confident that her experience and strong relationships in the community will be a major asset to Senator Murkowski and I in best serving Alaskans living in southern Southeast.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-welcomes-chere-klein-to-serve-ketchikan-constituents", "Delegation Welcomes Chere Klein to Serve Ketchikan Constituents", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.16\n\t\t\t Delegation Welcomes Chere Klein to Serve Ketchikan Constituents \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Delegation Representative to Assist Alaskans in Southern Southeast\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t ANCHORAGE, AK  U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan today announced that Chere Klein has been hired as their Ketchikan Delegation Representative. Klein will serve constituents in Ketchikan and other communities in the Southern Southeast region by helping them with specific concerns and problems with federal agencies and offices.Klein replaces Penny Pederson, who served in that role for 2 years.\r\nKlein is a lifelong Alaskan, with deep ties to the communities of Ketchikan, Metlakatla, Wrangell, and throughout Prince of Wales, and as well as experience working across Southeast Alaska. Previously, she served as Primary Legislative Resources Aide and Constituent Liaison for Alaska Representative Peggy Wilson. Prior to her legislative experience, Klein worked as an office manager and licensed insurance agent at Diversified Investments & Insurance, of Ketchikan, and before that as a principal at Wetland Delineation & Design Services, LLC. Klein has also as a board member for the Ketchikan Community Foundation, Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, Ketchikan Charter School and Ketchikan Hospice Support Group, among many others.\r\nI'm happy to have Chere join our team. Her strong leadership skills and involvement in the community will be valuable assets to connect with constituents, said Senator Murkowski.From being a small business owner, to working in the Alaska State Legislature, and her extensive community involvement, her experience will carry over well as she serves Alaskans in the Southeast.\r\nHaving been born and raised in Southeast, Chere knows the community and the people of this region, said Senator Sullivan. Chere has demonstrated a history of community involvement and leadership, serving on many boards and with local organizations for decades. I am confident that her experience and strong relationships in the community will be a major asset to Senator Murkowski and I in best serving Alaskans living in southern Southeast.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398813", "Alaska Delegation Seeks Halt to Additional Offshore Withdrawals", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Amid growing reports of additional withdrawals that the Obama administration plans to impose in Alaska in its final days in office, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today wrote President Barack Obama urging him to take no further action in Alaska and requesting a meeting to discuss the economic damage his previous decisions are causing in Alaska.\r\n\u201cOn behalf of the people we serve, we write to seek an appointment with you to discuss federal land and water management in Alaska. Critically, we request that this meeting occur before you make any additional decisions that will harm our state\u2019s future.\u201d\r\nIn their letter, the delegation cited the Obama administration\u2019s record of locking down development in federal areas in Alaska, which harms the state\u2019s economy, undermines the Statehood Compact, and the security and competitiveness of our nation.\r\n\u201cDuring your time in office, Alaska\u2019s ability to produce energy, minerals, and other resources for the good of the nation has come under direct and sustained assault. Your administration has withdrawn tens of thousands of square miles of our Outer Continental Shelf from energy exploration. You have canceled previously scheduled Arctic lease sales, removed Arctic lease sales that were proposed for the next Five-Year Program, and created a chaotic regulatory environment that appears designed to convince companies to relinquish their existing leases.\r\n\u201cYour administration has also locked away half of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, imposed costly and extralegal mitigation requirements on the companies seeking to develop there, sought to turn the Arctic Coastal Plain into de facto wilderness, issued land management plans that replace opportunity with regulatory burden, seized authority to manage wildlife in our national parks and refuges from the State of Alaska, and most recently designated the northern Bering Sea as a \u201cclimate resilience area\u201d\u2014a vague term with no legal basis.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe delegation urged the president not to impose any further withdrawals in Alaska, and to instead meet with them so they can speak \u201copenly and directly\u201d about the consequences of his actions. The delegation also called out the President\u2019s decision to focus on new development restrictions, while ignoring life-and-death issues in the state. \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\u201cThese decisions, and others made during your administration, have consistently been executed over our objections, without meaningful consultation, and have drawn widespread opposition from the people we serve. These decisions also come even as life-and-death issues affecting Alaskans \u2013 such as the need for a short road for the people of King Cove, who have endured 52 medevacs in the past three years after your administration refused to protect their health and safety \u2013 are ignored and unaddressed.\u201d\r\nFor a copy of the delegation letter, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398816", "Alaska Delegation Reacts to Stunning Arctic Withdrawal", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ANCHORAGE, AK \u2013 Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today slammed President Barack Obama for unilaterally placing the entire Chukchi Sea and the vast majority of the Beaufort Sea off-limits to energy development. \r\nThe sweeping withdrawal disrespects the Alaskan people, is not based on sound science, and contradicts the administration\u2019s own conclusions about Arctic development. It will have lasting consequences for Alaska\u2019s economy, state finances, and the security and competitiveness of the nation. In making the decision, President Obama yet again sided with extreme environmentalists, while betraying his utter lack of commitment to improving the lives of the people who actually live in the Arctic.\r\nMaking matters worse, the joint announcement with Canada amounts to an incredibly lopsided trade for the United States. While President Obama\u2019s Arctic withdrawal is indefinite, Canada will review the status of its Arctic waters every five years. With Russian development already underway in the Arctic, it may be just a few short years before our nation is bracketed by activity on both sides and importing the oil and natural gas resulting from it.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe only thing more shocking than this reckless, short-sighted, last-minute gift to the extreme environmental agenda is that President Obama had the nerve to claim he is doing Alaska a favor,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cFor him to suggest to the people of the Arctic that they must rely on a nonexistent government working group and $9 million a year in charity as a substitute for real economic opportunity is a slap in the face to countless Alaskans. President Obama has once again treated the Arctic like a snow globe, ignoring the desires of the people who live, work, and raise a family there. I cannot wait to work with the next administration to reverse this decision.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis announcement by the Obama Administration is an affront to our representative democracy,\u201d said Senator Sullivan. \u201cMake no mistake \u2013 the President betrayed Alaskans today \u2013 especially those living in the Arctic \u2013 who were not consulted, and instead gave one final Christmas gift to coastal environmental elites. This decision is not about environmental protection or the economics of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic. This is hopefully the last act of a callous presidency, one that lacks any regard for America\u2019s economic future and the hardworking families of Alaska. Presiding over a lost decade of economic growth for America, Obama\u2019s legacy will not be one of transparency and inclusion of affected stakeholders, but instead one of executive overreach at the command of extreme special interests with agendas far removed from and unsympathetic to middle-class Alaskan families and other hardworking Americans.\u201d\r\n\u201cHell-bent on locking away our resources and suffocating our already weakened economy, President Obama is one step closer to solidifying his place next to Jimmy Carter as Alaska\u2019s worst nightmare,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cFrankly, this is a cowardly move by a lame duck President \u2013 eight years to take this action, yet it comes at the 11th hour with little to no support from Alaskans. I\u2019ve been adamant with this administration; Alaska is not and should not be used as the poster child for a pandering environmental agenda. This decision only strengthens our resolve \u2013 as a resources oriented state \u2013 to overturn the heavy hand of government and empower our people and communities with new social and economic opportunities. The groundwork is already being laid to overturn this terrible decision.\u201d\r\nThe Beaufort and Chukchi seas together form one of the most prospective basins in the world, with an estimated 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. A 2011 analysis found that development of those resources would create an annual average of 55,000 jobs over a 50-year period and generate a total of $193 billion for local, state, and federal treasuries. According to a 2014 poll, 73 percent of Alaskans support Arctic OCS development.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-reacts-to-stunning-arctic-withdrawal", "Alaska Delegation Reacts to Stunning Arctic Withdrawal", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Reacts to Stunning Arctic Withdrawal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Obama Locks up the Arctic, Denies Economic Opportunity for Alaskans\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today slammed President Barack Obama for unilaterally placing the entire Chukchi Sea and the vast majority of the Beaufort Sea off-limits to energy development.\r\nThe sweeping withdrawal disrespects the Alaskan people, is not based on sound science, and contradicts the administration's own conclusions about Arctic development. It will have lasting consequences for Alaska's economy, state finances, and the security and competitiveness of the nation. In making the decision, President Obama yet again sided with extreme environmentalists, while betraying his utter lack of commitment to improving the lives of the people who actually live in the Arctic.\r\nMaking matters worse, the joint announcement with Canada amounts to an incredibly lopsided trade for the United States. While President Obama's Arctic withdrawal is indefinite, Canada will review the status of its Arctic waters every five years. With Russian development already underway in the Arctic, it may be just a few short years before our nation is bracketed by activity on both sides and importing the oil resulting from it.\r\nThe only thing more shocking than this reckless, short-sighted, last-minute gift to the extreme environmental agenda is that President Obama had the nerve to claim he is doing Alaska a favor, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. For him to suggest to the people of the Arctic that they must rely on a nonexistent government working group and $9 million a year in charity as a substitute for real economic opportunity is a slap in the face to countless Alaskans. President Obama has once again treated the Arctic like a snow globe, ignoring the desires of the people who live, work, and raise a family there. I cannot wait to work with the next administration to reverse this decision.\r\nThis announcement by the Obama Administration is an affront to our representative democracy, said Senator Sullivan. Make no mistake  the President betrayed Alaskans today  especially those living in the Arctic  who were not consulted, and instead gave one final Christmas gift to coastal environmental elites. This decision is not about environmental protection or the economics of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic. This is hopefully the last act of a callous presidency, one that lacks any regard for America's economic future and the hardworking families of Alaska. Presiding over a lost decade of economic growth for America, Obama's legacy will not be one of transparency and inclusion of affected stakeholders, but instead one of executive overreach at the command of extreme special interests with agendas far removed from and unsympathetic to middle-class Alaskan families and other hardworking Americans.\r\nHell-bent on locking away our resources and suffocating our already weakened economy, President Obama is one step closer to solidifying his place next to Jimmy Carter as Alaska's worst nightmare, said Congressman Don Young. Frankly, this is a cowardly move by a lame duck President  eight years to take this action, yet it comes at the 11th hour with little to no support from Alaskans. I've been adamant with this administration; Alaska is not and should not be used as the poster child for a pandering environmental agenda. This decision only strengthens our resolve  as a resources oriented state  to overturn the heavy hand of government and empower our people and communities with new social and economic opportunities. The groundwork is already being laid to overturn this terrible decision.\r\nThe Beaufort and Chukchi seas together form one of the most prospective basins in the world, with an estimated 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. A 2011 analysis found that development of those resources would create an annual average of 55,000 jobs over a 50-year period and generate a total of $193 billion for local, state, and federal treasuries. According to a 2014 poll, 73 percent of Alaskans support Arctic OCS development.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-seeks-halt-to-additional-offshore-withdrawals", "Alaska Delegation Seeks Halt to Additional Offshore Withdrawals", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Seeks Halt to Additional Offshore Withdrawals \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Requests Meeting with President Obama to Ensure Alaskans' Views are Heard and Respected\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Amid growing reports of additional withdrawals that the Obama administration plans to impose in Alaska in its final days in office, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today wrote President Barack Obama urging him to take no further action in Alaska and requesting a meeting to discuss the economic damage his previous decisions are causing in Alaska.\r\nOn behalf of the people we serve, we write to seek an appointment with you to discuss federal land and water management in Alaska. Critically, we request that this meeting occur before you make any additional decisions that will harm our state's future.\r\nIn their letter, the delegation cited the Obama administration's record of locking down development in federal areas in Alaska, which harms the state's economy, undermines the Statehood Compact, and the security and competitiveness of our nation.\r\nDuring your time in office, Alaska's ability to produce energy, minerals, and other resources for the good of the nation has come under direct and sustained assault. Your administration has withdrawn tens of thousands of square miles of our Outer Continental Shelf from energy exploration. You have canceled previously scheduled Arctic lease sales, removed Arctic lease sales that were proposed for the next Five-Year Program, and created a chaotic regulatory environment that appears designed to convince companies to relinquish their existing leases.\r\nYour administration has also locked away half of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, imposed costly and extralegal mitigation requirements on the companies seeking to develop there, sought to turn the Arctic Coastal Plain into de facto wilderness, issued land management plans that replace opportunity with regulatory burden, seized authority to manage wildlife in our national parks and refuges from the State of Alaska, and most recently designated the northern Bering Sea as a climate resilience areaa vague term with no legal basis.\r\nThe delegation urged the president not to impose any further withdrawals in Alaska, and to instead meet with them so they can speak openly and directly about the consequences of his actions. The delegation also called out the President's decision to focus on new development restrictions, while ignoring life-and-death issues in the state.                    \r\nThese decisions, and others made during your administration, have consistently been executed over our objections, without meaningful consultation, and have drawn widespread opposition from the people we serve. These decisions also come even as life-and-death issues affecting Alaskans  such as the need for a short road for the people of King Cove, who have endured 52 medevacs in the past three years after your administration refused to protect their health and safety  are ignored and unaddressed.\r\nA copy of the delegation letter is attached.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-reacts-to-stunning-arctic-withdrawal", "Alaska Delegation Reacts to Stunning Arctic Withdrawal", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Reacts to Stunning Arctic Withdrawal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Obama Locks up the Arctic, Denies Economic Opportunity for Alaskans\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t ANCHORAGE, AK  Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today slammed President Barack Obama for unilaterally placing the entire Chukchi Sea and the vast majority of the Beaufort Sea off-limits to energy development.\r\nThe sweeping withdrawal disrespects the Alaskan people, is not based on sound science, and contradicts the administration's own conclusions about Arctic development. It will have lasting consequences for Alaska's economy, state finances, and the security and competitiveness of the nation. In making the decision, President Obama yet again sided with extreme environmentalists, while betraying his utter lack of commitment to improving the lives of the people who actually live in the Arctic.\r\nMaking matters worse, the joint announcement with Canada amounts to an incredibly lopsided trade for the United States. While President Obama's Arctic withdrawal is indefinite, Canada will review the status of its Arctic waters every five years. With Russian development already underway in the Arctic, it may be just a few short years before our nation is bracketed by activity on both sides and importing the oil resulting from it.\r\nThe only thing more shocking than this reckless, short-sighted, last-minute gift to the extreme environmental agenda is that President Obama had the nerve to claim he is doing Alaska a favor, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. For him to suggest to the people of the Arctic that they must rely on a nonexistent government working group and $9 million a year in charity as a substitute for real economic opportunity is a slap in the face to countless Alaskans. President Obama has once again treated the Arctic like a snow globe, ignoring the desires of the people who live, work, and raise a family there. I cannot wait to work with the next administration to reverse this decision.\r\nThis announcement by the Obama Administration is an affront to our representative democracy, said Senator Sullivan. Make no mistake  the President betrayed Alaskans today  especially those living in the Arctic  who were not consulted, and instead gave one final Christmas gift to coastal environmental elites. This decision is not about environmental protection or the economics of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic. This is hopefully the last act of a callous presidency, one that lacks any regard for America's economic future and the hardworking families of Alaska. Presiding over a lost decade of economic growth for America, Obama's legacy will not be one of transparency and inclusion of affected stakeholders, but instead one of executive overreach at the command of extreme special interests with agendas far removed from and unsympathetic to middle-class Alaskan families and other hardworking Americans.\r\nHell-bent on locking away our resources and suffocating our already weakened economy, President Obama is one step closer to solidifying his place next to Jimmy Carter as Alaska's worst nightmare, said Congressman Don Young. Frankly, this is a cowardly move by a lame duck President  eight years to take this action, yet it comes at the 11th hour with little to no support from Alaskans. I've been adamant with this administration; Alaska is not and should not be used as the poster child for a pandering environmental agenda. This decision only strengthens our resolve  as a resources oriented state  to overturn the heavy hand of government and empower our people and communities with new social and economic opportunities. The groundwork is already being laid to overturn this terrible decision.\r\nThe Beaufort and Chukchi seas together form one of the most prospective basins in the world, with an estimated 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. A 2011 analysis found that development of those resources would create an annual average of 55,000 jobs over a 50-year period and generate a total of $193 billion for local, state, and federal treasuries. According to a 2014 poll, 73 percent of Alaskans support Arctic OCS development.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-seeks-halt-to-additional-offshore-withdrawals", "Alaska Delegation Seeks Halt to Additional Offshore Withdrawals", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Seeks Halt to Additional Offshore Withdrawals \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Requests Meeting with President Obama to Ensure Alaskans' Views are Heard and Respected\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t ANCHORAGE, AK  Amid growing reports of additional withdrawals that the Obama administration plans to impose in Alaska in its final days in office, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today wrote President Barack Obama urging him to take no further action in Alaska and requesting a meeting to discuss the economic damage his previous decisions are causing in Alaska.\r\nOn behalf of the people we serve, we write to seek an appointment with you to discuss federal land and water management in Alaska. Critically, we request that this meeting occur before you make any additional decisions that will harm our state's future.\r\nIn their letter, the delegation cited the Obama administration's record of locking down development in federal areas in Alaska, which harms the state's economy, undermines the Statehood Compact, and the security and competitiveness of our nation.\r\nDuring your time in office, Alaska's ability to produce energy, minerals, and other resources for the good of the nation has come under direct and sustained assault. Your administration has withdrawn tens of thousands of square miles of our Outer Continental Shelf from energy exploration. You have canceled previously scheduled Arctic lease sales, removed Arctic lease sales that were proposed for the next Five-Year Program, and created a chaotic regulatory environment that appears designed to convince companies to relinquish their existing leases.\r\nYour administration has also locked away half of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, imposed costly and extralegal mitigation requirements on the companies seeking to develop there, sought to turn the Arctic Coastal Plain into de facto wilderness, issued land management plans that replace opportunity with regulatory burden, seized authority to manage wildlife in our national parks and refuges from the State of Alaska, and most recently designated the northern Bering Sea as a climate resilience areaa vague term with no legal basis.\r\nThe delegation urged the president not to impose any further withdrawals in Alaska, and to instead meet with them so they can speak openly and directly about the consequences of his actions. The delegation also called out the President's decision to focus on new development restrictions, while ignoring life-and-death issues in the state.\r\nThese decisions, and others made during your administration, have consistently been executed over our objections, without meaningful consultation, and have drawn widespread opposition from the people we serve. These decisions also come even as life-and-death issues affecting Alaskans  such as the need for a short road for the people of King Cove, who have endured 52 medevacs in the past three years after your administration refused to protect their health and safety  are ignored and unaddressed.\r\nA copy of the delegation letter is available here:Letter_12202016\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-stream-buffer-rule-bypasses-state-regulators-and-congress", "Murkowski: Stream Buffer Rule Bypasses State Regulators and Congress", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski: Stream Buffer Rule Bypasses State Regulators and Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Threatens the Future of Coal Mining in Alaska\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today expressed opposition to the Obama administration's final rule on stream buffer zones for coal mining.\r\nThe Obama administration has abused the rule-making process for eight years to subvert the law to meet their policy objectives, Murkowski said. The stream buffer rule issued today is yet another example of this administration's unilateral efforts to bypass Congress and the states to impose rules that will have severe impacts on the economic well-being of our country - in this case by shutting down coal mining in several regions of the U.S., including Alaska.\r\nThis rule has been promulgated under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, in which Congress explicitly directed the relevant federal agency to work with state governments. The president and his Interior Secretary, contrary to law, excluded the states from substantive engagement in the development of a more workable rule.\r\nThis rule was written behind closed doors, ignores nearly all input from state regulators, and is specifically intended to put coal miners out of work, Murkowski said. I can assure Alaskans that Congress will work to overturn this rule, and we will urge the new administration to follow the law as it considers next steps.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. As chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Murkowski included report language in both the FY2016 and FY2017 Interior Appropriations bills demanding the administration share all of the documents and science allegedly supporting the stream buffer rule and directing the agency to work collaboratively with state coal regulators. The agency did not comply with either demand.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-comments-on-president-obamas-final-stream-protection-rule", "Sullivan Comments on President Obamas Final Stream Protection Rule", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Comments on President Obama's Final Stream Protection Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today released the following statement regarding the Obama administration's final rule on stream buffer zones for coal mining.\r\nBy issuing this rule, the Obama administration is cementing its lawless legacy of failing to consider the concerns and comments raised during the rulemaking process, in favor of pushing its ideologically driven eight-year war on coal. This rule creates a blanket national regulation that will seriously limit the availability of energy to power the lights and heat our homes in Interior Alaska and other regions across the country. I hope that my colleagues in Congress and the incoming administration can work swiftly to kill this last gasp of bureaucratic overreach. We need to reduce and modernize regulatory requirements, not create a maze of duplicative, conflicting, and industry killing regulations.\r\nOn February 3, 2016, in a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Sullivan questioned Joseph Pizarchik, director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. You can watch the hearing at: https://youtu.be/0OTa1BXTUnY\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398806", "House-Passed National Defense Authorization Act Poised to Pass Senate Tomorrow", "2016-12-17", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Days after House-passage of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement, the Senate is poised to pass the $619 billion defense policy bill tomorrow. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation \u2013 which prioritizes military strength and readiness \u2013 makes key reforms and improvements for military operations, including vital increases to the end strength of the Armed Forces and the largest military pay-raise in six years.\r\nAlaska Congressman Don Young, who successfully worked throughout the legislative process to secure numerous Alaska-focused provisions within the bill, commended the NDAA\u2019s 375 to 34 passage in the House and called upon the Senate to follow suit.\r\n\"This year's national defense authorization is an important step to rebuilding the strength, agility, and readiness of our nation\u2019s military,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cNot only does it increase end strength for every branch of the Armed Services and make critical investments in our military personnel and infrastructure, it effectively reverses the disastrous drawdown facing JBER\u2019s 4-25. Importantly, this legislation solidifies Alaska\u2019s role \u2013 with our unparalleled training areas, robust military infrastructure and unique ability to complete the mission \u2013 as a strategic partner in the safety and security of our nation. This has been a long and drawn out process, but I commend all those \u2013 including Chairman Thornberry and my two Senators \u2013 for remaining focused until the end. With growing uncertainty across the globe, I find great hope in the work and priorities reflected within this bill and the fact that the needs and interests of Alaska have been protected. We owe a great deal a debt and gratitude to our military men and women, and I am pleased to see a bill that ensures they have the resources needed to serve the mission.\u201d\r\nThe FY17 NDAA authorizes $619 billion in national defense spending, which includes spending for military personnel, national security operations, weapons systems and foreign military operations. The bill eliminates harmful cuts to the size of our nation\u2019s military \u2013 boosting troop levels across the Armed Services \u2013 and provides service members with the largest pay increase in six years at 2.1% (President Obama proposed a .5% reduction in troop raises). In addition to making reforms to protect the health and safety of our military men and women, the NDAA contains numerous Alaska-focused provisions secured by Congressman Young and the congressional delegation.\r\nLanguage Secured by Congressman Young in the FY 2017 NDAA:\r\nRural Guard and Reserve Act:\r\n \r\n    This language seeks to eliminate barriers facing rural members of the National Guard and Reserves by reforming an arbitrary reimbursement cap for members traveling to training exercises and activities. Congressman Young\u00a0introduced\u00a0the Rural Guard and Reserve Act on February 2, 2016.\r\n \r\n\r\nGalena Land Transfer:\r\n \r\n    This language directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey approximately 1,290 acres of public land, the former home of the Campion Air Force Radar Station, to the town of Galena, Alaska for the purposes of ensuring the safety of the town in future Yukon River flood events. This land will be crucial to the future well-being of Galena\u2019s residents, as it will allow them to continue to rebuild from the 2013 flooding of the Yukon River without future threats. Congressman Young previously secured this language as an amendment to the FY 2016 NDAA, but it was excluded, along with other land transfer provisions, during negotiations with the Senate. \r\n \r\n\r\nHAARP Transfer to University of Alaska and Ahtna, Inc\r\n \r\n    This language directs the Secretary of the Air Force to convey the High Frequency, Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility to the University of Alaska, and its surrounding areas the Ahtna, Inc.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Following a 2014 decision by the Air Force to discontinue use of the HAARP facility, the University of Alaska worked to continue its use. Although the University has secured an operational agreement, legislation is necessary to provide for a full transfer of the facility.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Congressman Young\u2019s request fulfills the Air Force\u2019s desire to relinquish ownership of the HAARP facility and its surrounding areas by authorizing the Air Force to transfer the facility and underlying land to the University of Alaska, and the surrounding areas to Ahtna, Inc.\r\n \r\n  \r\n168th\u00a0Air National Guard Refueling Wing\r\n \r\n    Directive Report language requiring the Secretary of the Air Force to take into account the basing of two F-35 squadrons at Eielson Air Force base when conducting its business case analysis for converting the 168th Air Refueling Wing at JBER to an Active- Guard unit.\r\n \r\n\r\nArctic Small Unit Support Vehicles (SUS-V):\r\n \r\n    Directive Report language requiring the Army to present a plan to Congress for replacing the Small Unit Support Vehicles (SUS-V) \u2013 the primary Arctic support vehicle.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The Army\u2019s SUS-V fleet is used to train and operate in extreme cold weather conditions, providing units with unique arctic capabilities. According to the Army, these vehicles are far beyond their normal service life and have become extremely difficult to maintain.\r\n \r\n  \r\nPacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska:\r\n \r\n    Directive Report language requiring a a review of state-owned spaceports and the role they play in Department of Defense space launch operations, including the role of the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\n    State-owned spaceports, like Alaska Aerospace Corporation\u2019s Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska, have played a large role in supporting national security and missile defense launch activities. This language notes the value of these spaceports, and requires the Secretary of Defense to detail opportunities to enhance the capability of these state-owned spaceports to support national security.\r\n \r\nSpace-A Travel:\r\n \r\n    Report language to require a study on the Department of Defense\u2019s Space-A Travel program, which allows military personnel to use excess seating aboard military aircraft.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Many military flights originating in Alaska are vastly underused; this language requires a study on the effects of adding the inclusion of reserve component personnel and their dependents.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\nProvisions of Alaskan Interest Included in the FY17 NDAA:\r\n \r\n    Military Pay Raises:\u00a0Funds a 2.1% pay raise for our troops, the highest level in six years.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Alaska Military Construction: Authorizes $561 million in Alaska-based Military Construction beginning in Fiscal Year 2017.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Basic Allowance for Housing: Does not include any changes to housing allowance, including for dual military families.\r\n \r\n \r\n    F-35 Procurement:\u00a0\u00a0Authorizes the procurement of 38 F-35A Fighters. This funding continues progress on stationing two squadrons of F-35\u2019s at Eielson Air Force Base, which is critical to ensuring the on-time delivery of these aircraft to Interior Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\n    F-22 Production Study- Directs the Air Force to study the costs associated with resuming production of the F-22.\r\n \r\n \r\n    National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program:\u00a0Authorizes $160.5 million for civil military programs, which funds the Alaska Military Youth Academy ChalleNGe Program, one of 35 Youth Challenge programs across the country.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Preserving Army Force Structure, Protecting JBER\u2019s 4-25:\u00a0Language authorizing Army Active-Duty end strength at 476,000 soldiers (12,000 increase above FY16 levels). This end strength would stop the Army\u2019s drawdown to 450,000 troops and eliminate reductions facing JBER\u2019s 4-25. This language is in line with the\u00a0POSTURE Act, legislation cosponsored by Congressman Young.\r\n \r\n \r\n    TriCare-Indian Health Services Contracting Authority: Ensures the existing relationships between the VA, the DoD, and Native Health Organizations continues despite ongoing reforms to the TRICARE system.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Increases Air Force End Strength:\u00a0Authorizes 321,000 Air Force Active-duty members (4,000 increase above FY 16 levels), which ensures the Air Force will have sufficient maintainers to support the bed down of F-35s at Eielson AFB and across the nation.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Ground-based Missile Defense:\u00a0Authorizes $5.95 billion for Ground Based Missile Defense Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation. This funding will continue the development and sustainment of the GMD weapon system, including the Ground based interceptors at Fort Greely, Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Long Range Discrimination Radar:\u00a0Authorizes $162 million for the continued development of Missile Defense Agency\u2019s Long Range Discrimination Radar, to be based at Clear Air Force Station, Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Military Defense, Defend and Defer: Requires the Missile Defense Agency to conduct an annual test of the mostly Alaska-based ground-based midcourse defense element of ballistic missile defense system.\r\n \r\n \r\n    KC-46 OCONUS Basing: Expresses a sense of Congress regarding the OCONUS basing of the KC-46A aircraft, placing emphasis on characteristics \u2013 strategic location, training opportunities, airfield and airspace availability \u2013 abundantly found in Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\n    HH-60 Sustainment Report: Ensures the aircrews of the HH-60G Helicopter \u2013 utilized by the Alaskan Air National Guard Combat Rescue squadron \u2013 are fully trained and maintained until Alaska begins to transition to the new Combat Rescue Helicopter (HH-60W) in 2027-2028.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Strategic Arctic Port Designation: Requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Coast Guard and others, to submit a report to Congress assessing the future security requirements for one or more strategic Arctic ports. Further, the language requires the establishment of criteria for designation a Strategic Arctic Port and recommendations for the designation of one or more such ports.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC):\u00a0Includes a provision explicitly stating nothing in the NDAA should be construed as authorizing an additional round of BRAC.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility:\u00a0The FY17 NDAA continues annual restrictions against transferring detainees from the detention facility at Guantanmo Bay to the United States and building or modifying facilities in the United States for housing detainees. The bill also prohibits DOD from using funds to transfer the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay back to Cuba.\r\n \r\n \r\n    California National Guard: \u00a0Provides relief for these Guardsmen by directing a process for the fair adjudication of cases. Unlike current policy, the Department will be responsible for reaching out to each impacted Soldier and notifying credit reporting agencies when a Soldier\u2019s debts have been forgiven.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/new-epa-rule-dismantles-waste-disposal-in-remote-areas-of-alaska_-", "New EPA Rule Dismantles Waste Disposal in Remote Areas of Alaska", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t New EPA Rule Dismantles Waste Disposal in Remote Areas of Alaska    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed Federal Plan for Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration (CISWI) units, which directly impacts entities in Alaska that use small remote incinerators (SRIs) to dispose of waste in remote areas where traditional disposal methods are unavailable.\r\nI am extremely disappointed that the EPA has chosen to push forward with a proposal that appears to do nothing to improve Alaskans' ability to dispose of waste in a safe and responsible manner, Murkowski said. We have asked for cooperation on small remote incinerators, a uniquely Alaskan dilemma, for years and have yet to receive any assurances from the EPA that they have a workable solution. I will be reviewing this proposal extensively, and will continue to encourage the agency to provide Alaskans the relief we have been seeking. \r\nIn 2013, the EPA promulgated final standards addressing criteria and hazardous air pollutant emissions from new and existing CISWI units, including SRIs. Murkowski has raised this issue with the EPA for a number of years. She urged the administration to rethink its proposal and draft a standard that is workable for Alaska's unique conditions. As chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, she encouraged EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy during a hearing in April to work with her on a legislative solution if an administrative solution was not available.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-honors-alaskas-police-force-and-first-responders", "Sullivan Honors Alaskas Police Force & First Responders", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Honors Alaska's Police Force & First Responders \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor Friday to honor Alaska's police officers, particularly those who have recently been victims of shootings, including Anchorage Police Officer Arn Salao, and deceased Fairbanks Police Sergeant Allen Brandt. Senator Sullivan also introduced the Protect Our Heroes Act, which would make it a federal offense to assault or kill a public safety officer, with an enhanced penalty for offenders who lure an officer to a location for the purpose of harming them.\r\n\r\nAnyone who has seen the news these past few months knows it has been a particularly difficult time for police officers in Alaska and all across the country. They have faced heinous, deliberate acts of violence, said Senator Sullivan. As we come together to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends, let's keep in mind the sacrifices being made by our brave officers, who will be on the beat during the holidays just like our military service membersprotecting us. On behalf of my fellow Alaskans, I want to express my profound gratitude and thanks to our proud law enforcement community, and to their families, for all they do to keep our communities safe.\r\nDuring his floor remarks, Senator Sullivan read excerpts from the testimony Sergeant Brandt delivered to the Fairbanks City Council days before he died due to complications related to his recovery. A full transcript of the Senator's remarks is available here.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398812", "Congressman Young Shares Thoughts on Nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke as Secretary of Interior", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Young Shares Thoughts on Nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke as Secretary of Interior \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        December 15, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Anchorage, AK \u2013 Alaska Congressman Don Young released the following statement on the nomination of Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT) as the Secretary of Interior:\r\n\u201cI\u2019m extremely pleased to see a Westerner nominated to become the Secretary of Interior.\u00a0 This has been a top priority of mine \u2013 getting someone who understands the historic level of obstruction and mismanagement facing Western states. Rep. Zinke has a strong record of service to this nation \u2013 as a U.S Navy Seal, a two-time Bronze Star recipient, and as my colleague in the House and on the Natural Resources Committee \u2013 and I look forward to working with him to restore a level of confidence and certainty within the Department of Interior.\r\n\u201cEarlier I spoke with Mr. Zinke to congratulate him on his nomination. Although we may share differences on certain issues, we spoke extensively on the issues of land management \u2013 the idea that we shouldn\u2019t be locking away lands but truly managing them. And that\u2019s what excites me. He\u2019s big on streamlining development, overturning needless regulations and trying to make the government more responsive to local people \u2013 all of which are important for Alaska. We also spoke on the need to overturn Secretary Jewell\u2019s heartless denial of the King Cove road, the massive overreach of federal land managers in Alaska, the importance of local consultation.\r\n\u201cSadly, the Department of Interior has become a bureaucratic nightmare, dead set on restricting access to all federal lands \u2013 often in violation of ANILCA.\u00a0 I\u2019m confident under a new Administration we can begin making the changes necessary to improve DOI \u2013 including the Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management \u2013 to meet the needs of the Alaskan and American people.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n ###  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/sen-murkowski-comments-on-the-nomination-of_rep-ryan-zinke-for-interior-department-secretary", "Sen. Murkowski Comments on the Nomination of  Rep. Ryan Zinke for Interior Department Secretary", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Murkowski Comments on the Nomination of  Rep. Ryan Zinke for Interior Department Secretary \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.\r\nI welcome the President-elect's nomination of Rep. Ryan Zinke to be Secretary of the Interior. I look forward to meeting with him to discuss a range of critical issues, including the challenges we face on federal management of lands and waters in Alaska, the urgent need to increase energy production in my home state, and our trust responsibilities to Alaska Natives and Native Americans. I am also eager to learn more about Rep. Zinke's views on the differing roles of state and federal regulators on public lands, how he would restore balance to the multiple use of federal lands, and how he would approach federal lands transactions. We plan to consider his nomination at a hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in early January.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-booker-amendments-to-marine-debris-program-pass-senate", "Sullivan, Booker Amendments to Marine Debris Program Pass Senate", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Booker Amendments to Marine Debris Program Pass Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, applauded the Senate's December 10th passage of the Marine Debris Act Amendments of 2016.\r\nThe legislation reauthorizes NOAA's Marine Debris Program and provides for a new funding mechanism to respond to clean-up efforts from a Severe Marine Debris Event as determined by the NOAA Administrator. Examples of a Severe Marine Debris Event include earthquakes, floods, storms, massive maritime accidents, or incidents such as the 2011 tsunami off the coast of Japan.\r\nIn addition, this legislation adds the State Department to the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee and encourages them to engage with the foreign nations responsible for depositing the majority of ocean debris. This engagement would seek shared solutions to marine debris formation, ways to prevent debris from reaching the oceans, and the long-term economic impacts of marine debris.\r\n\"Alaska's coastal communities have been some of the hardest hit by the waste and garbage filling our oceans, with the bulk of the debris coming from nations halfway around the globe,\" said Senator Sullivan. \"This bill provides additional funding to help us respond to future catastrophic disasters resulting in large amounts of debris. I hope the new Administration will step up to a leadership role in engaging with the major producers of marine debris, enabling us to get a handle on this crisis and protect our fisheries, wildlife and coastlines.\"\r\nEvery 60 seconds, what amounts to roughly a garbage truck full of plastic makes its way into the ocean, and it has been estimated that if we do nothing to address this problem, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean in terms of sheer weight by 2050, said Senator Booker. We do not have a minute to waste when it comes to addressing, researching and preventing marine debris pollution, and I am encouraged that this bill will mark a renewed commitment by the United States to lead the effort in cleaning up our oceans.\r\nThe NOAA Marine Debris Program was established in 2006 with the signing of the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act. The Act was last amended in December 2012.\r\nSenator Sullivan, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, held a hearing on the topic of marine debris on May 17, 2016 which can be viewed here. \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-comments-on-chinas-increased-militarization-of-the-south-china-sea", "Sullivan Comments on Chinas Increased Militarization of the South China Sea", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Comments on China's Increased Militarization of the South China Sea \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today in reaction to reports that China has installed weapons systems on contested islands in the South China Sea.\r\nDespite promises to halt cyber-attacks and discontinue its theft of U.S. intellectual property, and assurances that it will not militarize the South China Sea, China's provocative and destabilizing actions speak far louder than their empty words. The United States can and should continue to engage with China to the benefit of both of our countries. Regardless of attempts by Chinese leaders to militarize and assert control over the South China Sea  a critical global commerce and transportation route  the United States can and should continue to fly, sail, and operate there and wherever international law allows. And we should be doing so with our many allies worldwide. Freedom of the Seas has been a core national interest of the United States since our country's founding, as well as a foundational principle of the post-World War II international order established and safeguarded by the United States.All nations, but particularly China, have benefited from this.I agree with and support the recent statements by Commander of U.S. PACOM Admiral Harris who said, We will not allow a shared domain to be closed down unilaterally no matter how many bases are built on artificial features in the South China Sea..We will cooperate when we can but we will be ready to confront when we must.'\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-congressman-zinke-as-interior-secretary", "Sullivan Statement on Congressman Zinke as Interior Secretary", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on Congressman Zinke as Interior Secretary \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) issued the following statement on President-elect Trump's intent to nominate Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT) to be Secretary of the Department of the Interior.\r\nI'm pleased to see that President-elect Trump chose someone for Interior Secretary from a Western state who has been a strong advocate for energy independence. I also commend Rep. Zinke's impressive career as a U.S. Navy Seal.\r\nI look forward to speaking with Rep. Zinke about Alaska's unique land issues  including ANILCA  and how federal government overreach in Alaska has stymied much needed economic and resource development. Additionally, I look forward to discussing the Interior Department's trust responsibility to Alaska Natives. Finally, I need to have a better understanding of why and to what degree he is against the transfer of certain federal lands to state and private hands. His views on this particular issue are of vital importance to the economy and livelihood of Alaskans due to Alaska's unique federal, state, and private lands status and laws.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/sen-murkowski-comments-on-the-nomination-of_former-texas-gov-rick-perry-for-doe-secretary", "Sen. Murkowski Comments on the Nomination of  Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry for DOE Secretary", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Murkowski Comments on the Nomination of  Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry for DOE Secretary \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as Secretary of the Department of Energy.\r\nI welcome the President-elect's nomination of former Gov. Rick Perry to be Secretary of Energy. I strongly believe the leadership at this Department should have a broad understanding of the need to increase access to energy, make it more affordable, and improve environmental performance  all key factors that should drive our nation's innovation policy. As a former governor of Texas, Rick recognizes the economic and security benefits of technology innovation and an energy supply that is diverse, reliable, and affordable. I look forward to meeting with Gov. Perry to discuss a wide range of important issues, including the high cost of energy in Alaska, the United States' innovation excellence, the future of nuclear energy, LNG exports, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. I also look forward to learning more about the team he would put in place around him, and to considering his nomination before our committee at a hearing in early January.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-sullivan-schatz-markey-fisheries-bill", "Senate Passes Sullivan-Schatz-Markey International Fisheries Bill", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Sullivan-Schatz-Markey International Fisheries Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan Legislation Will Implement Pacific and Atlantic Fisheries Treaties\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC On Saturdaymorning, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed theEnsuring Access to Fisheries Act.The bipartisan legislation, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), will implement treaties ratified by the Senate two years ago to better managecertain fisheries in the North and South Pacific, and to improve international fisheries management in the North Atlantic. This legislation will rightfully give the United States a voice and assert our influence in both the fisheries management and conservation decisions in the high seas areas covered by these treaties,said Senator Sullivan.Doing so will provide opportunities for our fishermen in the future, and help to protect their current activities for generations to come.\r\n\r\nNations around the world look to the United States for leadership on how to manage fisheries,said Senator Schatz.Our legislation brings the remaining Pacific fisheries under international management, and establishes penalties for fishing illegally. By working together with foreign countries, we can establish global management plans that will keep our oceans healthy and productive for ourselves today, and for the generations that follow. I want to thank Senator Sullivan and Senator Markey for their commitment to keeping world fisheries healthy. Fish do not follow political boundary lines on a map,said Senator Markey.International cooperation is essential to ensure healthy fishery resources in the North Atlantic and across the globe.I thank Senators Schatz and Sullivan for their partnership on this legislation and look forward to the President signing it into law. Together with other existing treaties this bill would bring all high seas fisheries in the Pacific Ocean under international management bodies to ensure access for U.S. fishermen, and responsible management of ocean resources. The bill will also implement updates to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention to better manage international North Atlantic fisheries. The bill now heads to President Obama's desk to be signed into law.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-announces-staff-changes-in-washington-dc-and-anchorage", "Murkowski Announces Staff Changes in Washington, D.C. and Anchorage", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Announces Staff Changes in Washington, D.C. and Anchorage \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced several changes within her Washington, D.C. and Anchorage offices, including the retirement of long-time Office Manager Debbie Kapanoske.\r\nDebbie Kapanoske has dedicated her life to public service, and I have been extremely fortunate to have her as a member of my team for so many years. When I joined the Senate, Debbie was one of my very first staff members. She has been a valuable member of my team from her first day to her last, said Senator Murkowski. With her experience, her leadership, and her calm demeanor she has handled every situation with ease and grace. In a lot of ways she's been a Mom in our office, helping to mentor our younger staff as they begin their own careers. I thank her for all that she has contributed on our behalf. While we will certainly miss her, I wish Debbie and her family the very best on her well-earned retirement.\r\nDebbie Kapanoske is retiring from the U.S. Senate after 38 years of service. She worked as Office Manager in Senator Lisa Murkowski's office for 14 years. She previously worked in Senator Frank Murkowski's office, from 1993 to 2002, serving as the Correspondence Director and Office Manager. Debbie got her start on Capitol Hill working at the Library of Congress as an Editorial Assistant in 1973 where she worked until making the move to work as a Data Processor in the U.S. Senate and then later worked as a Correspondence Director in Senator Bob Kasten's office from 1981 to 1993.\r\nMurkowski also announced today that Angelina Burney will be transitioning from State Scheduler in the Senator's Anchorage office to the role of Office Manager in the Washington, D.C. office. Murkowski also welcomes the new hire of Kennis Brady, who is taking over as State Scheduler in Anchorage.\r\nAngelina has a proven track record of dedication and hard-work she puts into everything she does. She has been an invaluable team member in Alaska and I believe that her passion and drive will carry over well into my Washington, DC office. I'm excited to see her rise to the challenge in this new role, said Murkowski. And I welcome Kennis Brady as a new addition to my team. Her extensive range of knowledge pertaining to community partnerships and highly communicative work style will be instrumental in her new role, and I have no doubt she will be a valuable asset to my office.\r\nAngelina Burney began working for Senator Murkowski in January 2013 as the State Scheduler and Administration Manager. Previously she had public service jobs in the State of Alaska in the Governor's Office, Department of Commerce, and Alaska State Legislature. She has lived in Alaska for 21 years in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Ms. Burney was recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 in 2002 and is the co-founder of the Hispanic Affairs Council of Alaska.\r\nKennis Brady, a life-long Alaskan, has a Masters in Public Administration from UAA with an emphasis in Healthcare. She is active in many community organizations throughout Anchorage, including: the Chamber of Commerce, Healthy Alaskans, United Way Emerging Leaders, Institute of the North and Our Alaska, to name a few. Kennis concurrently serves as the Council Director for Girls on the Run Southcentral, and on the Board of Team Alaska for the Arctic Winter Games.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-general-john-kelly-as-dhs-secretary", "Sullivan Statement on General John Kelly as DHS Secretary", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on General John Kelly as DHS Secretary \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) issued the following statement on President-elect Trump's intent to nominate retired General John Kelly to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.\r\nI applaud President-elect Trump on his choice to nominate General John Kelly, a man of great integrity, to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. General Kelly's experience as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, where he worked to counter transnational threats and defend the homeland, and his more than 40 years of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps, will serve our nation well as the Department works to make our country a safer place.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/water-infrastructure-development-bill-headed-to-presidents-desk", "Water Infrastructure Development Bill Headed to Presidents Desk", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.16\n\t\t\t Water Infrastructure Development Bill Headed to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sullivan Secures Provisions Vital to Alaska's Water and Infrastructure Future\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  This past weekend, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) voted in favor of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN), which includes several key provisions vital to Alaska's water and infrastructure future, and encourages the development of a future deep-water Arctic port. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 78-21 and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nUnder a provision secured by Senator Sullivan in WIIN 2016, a new water infrastructure grant program for small and disadvantaged communities is authorized at $60 million for fiscal years 2017 through 2021, for a total of $300 million over five years. There are still dozens of communities in Alaska without running water or wastewater treatment facilities.\r\nOur nation's outdated and crumbling water and wastewater infrastructure is a huge concern for communities all across our country, said Senator Sullivan. For Alaska, investment in such infrastructure is crucial. More than 3,300 rural Alaska homes lack running water and a flush toilet, which leads to serious health issues. This is unacceptable. Among other provisions, this bill contains a new grant program that directs funds to such communities. One of my top priorities has been to ensure that the federal government realizes its responsibilities to provide basic infrastructure for its citizens. In addition, I want to thank Senator Murkowski and Congressman Young who were instrumental in helping to secure a number of other priorities for Alaskans in this legislation.\r\nAdditionally, the WIIN Act of 2016 includes the following priorities for Alaska:\r\n \r\nConstruction authorization for Little Diomede Harbor for a project totaling over $28 million.\r\nConstruction authorization for Craig Harbor for a project totaling over $32 million.\r\nArctic Deep?Draft Port:The bill instructs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, incarrying out the feasibility study for the Arctic deep draft port, to consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify benefits in carrying out Coast Guard missions associated with an Arctic deep draft port, and the Secretary of Defense to identify national security benefits associated with an Arctic deep draft port, which may be used as a basis for determining feasibility. Last year, the Army Corps paused the feasibility study of an Arctic deep draft port due to the economic loss of Shell's withdrawal from the Chukchi Sea. This provision gives another tool to the Army Corps, allowing an Arctic port to be justified based on metrics beyond economics.\r\nIncludes language to expedite completion of the report for St. George Harbor.\r\nRemoves federal interests in a portion of land adjacent to Valdez Harbor, allowing local development of this property.\r\nAuthorizes the Army Corps to maintain harbors of refuge, which was included to specifically benefit Elfin Cove, which has experienced shoaling in its entrance channels, presenting challenges to safe navigation.\r\nAllows regional benefits to be taken into account when justifying the feasibility of small, remote, subsistence harbor projects, which will help with project justifications statewide, including development of an Arctic port.\r\nAllows Alaska Native Corporations to work directly with the Corps as non-federal sponsors in order to develop water infrastructure projects.\r\nExtends the 10% set aside from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for emerging harbors through 2025.Emerging harbors are those transiting less than one million tons of cargo annually.\r\nReauthorization of the Denali Commission at an annual level of $15 million through 2021.\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/water-infrastructure-development-bill-to-become-law", "Water Infrastructure Development Bill to Become Law", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Water Infrastructure Development Bill to Become Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Will Support Projects Throughout Alaska\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Early this morning, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, legislation that addresses infrastructure priorities on America's coasts and rivers. This is an updated version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate in September. WIIN authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to improve navigation and flood management, construct projects to mitigate storm damage, and to assist state and local governments with safety programs. The bill also supports a wide range of water quality projects and programs by providing grants and loans to state and local governments, public water systems, and nonprofit organizations.\r\nThe bill passed the Senate by a vote of 78-21 and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nThis bill has major impacts on many communities throughout Alaska, and I applaud Senator Dan Sullivan for his work on the Environment and Public Works Committee to secure those provisions, said Senator Murkowski. Alaska faces unique challenges  due to factors such as our state's vast size and remoteness  and I'm pleased this bill helps us address those challenges by allowing much-needed infrastructure projects to advance.\r\nArctic Deep-Draft Port:Makes progress to build much-needed infrastructure in the region by instructing the Assistant Secretary of the Army in carrying out a feasibility study of an Arctic deep-draft port. This is an important step towards strengthening America's Arctic presence, national security, and economic viability. In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of the Army to consult with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense in order to identify national security benefits associated with an Arctic deep-draft port as a basis for determining feasibility.\r\nSmall, Remote, Subsistence Harbors:Included in the bill is a provision pulled fromSenator Murkowski's amendment in the Energy & Water Appropriations bill, which expands the language of the Remote and Subsistence Harbors provision to take into account not only local needs, but also regional impacts and effects. When it comes to conducting a study of harbor and navigation improvements, this provision allows for the potential for more harbors in rural Alaska, by directing the Secretary to take into account the long-term viability, social and cultural value, and welfare of not only the community in which the project is located but communities located in the region that would be served by the project.\r\nDenali Commission:Senator Murkowski secured an amendment that will reauthorize the Denali Commission, enabling the Commission to continue doing work to build infrastructure in rural Alaska, and to carry out the new mission assigned by the President of being the lead agency in assisting environmentally threatened communities with issues such as coastal erosion.\r\nAlaska Native Corporations (ANCs): Includes a provision that allows Alaska Native villages and regional and village corporations to be non-Federal sponsors of Corps projects and expands the existing authority of the Corps to accept funds from states and local governments to carry out water resources projects to apply to all projects, not just flood control, and expands the definition of state to include territories and Indian Tribes, including ANCs.\r\nAdditional Bill Highlights:\r\n \r\nSt. George Harbor:The bill expedites the process for construction of the harbor, and if deemed that a project is justified, allows for the project to proceed directly to project preconstruction, engineering, and design.\r\nCraig Harbor:Authorizes $32,755,000 in both federal and non-federal funds for the construction of the Craig Harbor Project.\r\nLittle Diomede:Authorizes $29,327,000 in both federal and non-federal funds for the construction of the Little Diomede Harbor Project.\r\nElfin Cove:Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the harbor, including addressing the threat of shoaling.\r\nValdez Harbor:Allows development of a new small boat harbor to continue.\r\n \r\nAs a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Murkowskihas worked to fund critical water infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and authorized by the WIIN Act, including securing a number of provisions to address Alaska's unique infrastructure needs.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398810", "Alaska Delegation Slams President Obamas Latest Executive Order", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today the Alaska Congressional Delegation spoke out against an Executive Order by President Obama creating a \u201cNorthern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area\u201d for over 112,000 square miles off Alaska\u2019s western coast, in addition to withdrawing 40,300 square miles of federal waters from oil and natural gas leasing.\r\n\u201cThank God the Obama Administration only has 42 days left in office; we will be working to undo this action come January 20th,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Don Young.\u00a0\u201cThis is just another example of federal agencies attempting to exert their authority over the Alaskan and American people. Not only does this leave me extremely worried about future economic activity in the region, including fisheries, I see it as a backdoor attempt to limit certain activities north of the Bering Strait \u2013 like future resource development.\u00a0We\u2019ve already seen a costly and overly prescriptive regulatory regime for the Arctic, and this action leaves the door wide open for even more roadblocks and hurdles.\u00a0Even worse,\u00a0I\u2019ve already heard from many in the Alaska Native community that this came as a complete surprise \u2013 a\u00a0total contradiction to the President\u2019s own policy on consultation. As President Obama attempts to solidify his legacy as an extreme environmentalist, it\u2019s clear he has very little respect for the Alaskan people and our economic future.\u201d\u201cThis is the first time we have ever seen the term \u2018climate resilience area\u2019 in Alaska or anywhere else,\u201d Senator Lisa Murkowski said. \u201cWe have no idea what that designation is supposed to mean, what legal authority it is supposed to rest on, what the limitations for it will be, or what it will mean for subsistence, shipping, fishing, and other activities in western and northern Alaska. To me, this sure sounds like a euphemism for a marine monument, because it locks up over 112,000 square miles of Alaska waters and seems destined to impact a wide range of communities, tribes, and industries in our state. While I strongly support meaningful consultation with tribes, this opens the door to a whole host of unknowns, and could easily be misapplied to block even the most responsible Arctic subsistence, activities, and development.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cOnce again, the Obama administration has used unilateral action to hurt Alaskans. This executive order, drafted behind closed doors,\u00a0unilaterally closes fishing grounds, removes oil and gas leasing, and creates hurdles to shipping, all with the stroke of a pen\u2014without any consultation with the State, Alaska\u2019s Congressional delegation, or public notice, consultation, or comment,\u201d said Senator Dan Sullivan. \u201cI will work closely with Senator Lisa Murkowski, Congressman Don Young, and the incoming administration to repair the damage done by eight years of the Obama Administration and to restore the ability of Alaskans to determine their economic future and the ways their lands and water will be managed.\u201d\r\n\r\nMore information on this announcement can be found by clicking here.\r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-slams-president-obamas-latest-executive-order", "Alaska Delegation Slams President Obamas Latest Executive Order", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Slams President Obama's Latest Executive Order \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday the Alaska Congressional Delegation spoke out against an Executive Order by President Obama creating a Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area for over 112,000 square miles off Alaska's western coast, in addition to withdrawing 40,300 square miles of federal waters from oil and natural gas leasing.\r\nThis is the first time we have ever seen the term climate resilience area' in Alaska or anywhere else, Senator Lisa Murkowski said. We have no idea what that designation is supposed to mean, what legal authority it is supposed to rest on, what the limitations for it will be, or what it will mean for subsistence, shipping, fishing, and other activities in western and northern Alaska. To me, this sure sounds like a euphemism for a marine monument, because it locks up over 112,000 square miles of Alaska waters and seems destined to impact a wide range of communities, tribes, and industries in our state. While I strongly support meaningful consultation with tribes, this opens the door to a whole host of unknowns, and could easily be misapplied to block even the most responsible Arctic subsistence, activities, and development.\r\nOnce again, the Obama administration has used unilateral action to hurt Alaskans. This executive order, drafted behind closed doors,unilaterally closes fishing grounds, removes oil and gas leasing, and creates hurdles to shipping, all with the stroke of a penwithout any consultation with the State, Alaska's Congressional delegation, or public notice, consultation, or comment, said Senator Dan Sullivan. I will work closely with Senator Lisa Murkowski, Congressman Don Young, and the incoming administration to repair the damage done by eight years of the Obama Administration and to restore the ability of Alaskans to determine their economic future and the ways their lands and water will be managed.\r\nThank God the Obama Administration only has 42 days left in office; we will be working to undo this action come January 20th, said Congressman Don Young. This is just another example of federal agencies attempting to exert their authority over the Alaskan and American people. Not only does this leave me extremely worried about future economic activity in the region, including fisheries, I see it as a backdoor attempt to limit certain activities north of the Bering Strait  like future resource development.We've already seen a costly and overly prescriptive regulatory regime for the Arctic, and this action leaves the door wide open for even more roadblocks and hurdles.Even worse,I've already heard from many in the Alaska Native community that this came as a complete surprise  atotal contradiction to the President's own policy on consultation. As President Obama attempts to solidify his legacy as an extreme environmentalist, it's clear he has very little respect for the Alaskan people and our economic future.\r\nMore information on this announcement can be found by clicking here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/final-tongass-plan-has-dire-implications-for-southeast-economy", "Final Tongass Plan Has Dire Implications for Southeast Economy", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Final Tongass Plan Has Dire Implications for Southeast Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the U.S. Forest Service released its Final Record of Decision (ROD) to amend the Tongass Land Management Plan (plan).\r\nBy finalizing a new plan on its way out of office, the Obama administration has blatantly disregarded some of the Tongass Advisory Committee's most important recommendations and imperiled the economic future of Southeast Alaska, Murkowski said. Under this plan, the Tongass will no longer be managed to work for communities, but against them. The Forest Service's insistence on locking in an accelerated transition to a young growth program without an inventory to show whether that is even possible is both harmful and misguided. And the timber industry is not the only one threatened by this plan  so, too, are energy development, mining, and others.\r\nThis is the latest attempt in a death by a thousand cuts from this administration and extreme environmental activists who for years have been trying to kill off the last remaining timber industry in the Tongass, Sullivan said. Thankfully, the Obama Administration has only weeks left in office, after which we can turn this decision around and bring active management to our federal forests for the benefit for Alaska and America's economy.\r\nThe transition from old to new growth timber harvests in the Tongass is more than a blow to the Alaskan timber industry, it sets a terrible precedent for timber harvesting across the nation, Young said.The U.S. Forest Service has time and time again proven they have zero interests in properly managing our national forests; sentiments echoed by the State of Alaska and Southeast timber communities. Under this new management plan, Southeast will not have enough young growth timber to supply even one single sawmill. We've already seen great support for overturning this shortsighted action, including passage of an amendment in the House Natural Resources Committee that would forbid this transition from taking place until a full inventory of young growth timber can be taken in the Tongass. I remain committed to reforming the federal government's broken system of forestry management and will continue to push for the enactment of my legislation, the State National Forest Management Act.\r\nThe ROD rushes to lock in the Secretary's proposed transition to young growth timber rather than following the recommendations of the Tongass Advisory Committee (TAC). Rather than completing an inventory to determine the appropriate timeframe for an economic program that will ensure the industry has adequate supply during the transition from old growth to young growth, the ROD adopts a ready, fire, aim' approach by beginning that transition without scientific support or knowledge of how it will turn out.\r\nThe plan continues to pick and choose among the TAC's recommendations and does not guarantee that old growth timber sales will provide the volume of timber that the industry needs to survive. The Forest Service also fails to provide a clear understanding about where the wood for bridge timber will come from during the transition.\r\nIn addition, the plan does nothing to assure developers of mineral and energy projects that they will have access to their sites through Inventoried Roadless Areas  including so-called roaded roadless areas  to construct needed roads and power lines. Instead, it states that all decisions on such projects will be made on a case-by-case basis, which provides no reasonable assurance to investors who are deciding whether to risk their capital in this region.\r\nThe delegation will explore options to overturn the plan amendment. There is a strong record supporting a reversal of the ROD, as the Forest Service largely dismissed the 1,000 objections voiced to the plan during the new objector process, including substantive complaints from both the environmental and timber industries. This decision puts the cart before the horse by implementing a plan that is based solely on vague assumptions, not data, on whether it can work.\r\nThe Tongass National Forest, covering 17 million acres, is the nation's largest National Forest. Despite this, Alaska had  by far  the lowest level of timber development of any Forest Service region in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2016, with just 14.1 million board feet cut and sold. That is just a fraction (0.5%) of the harvesting allowed in National Forests in other parts of the country during that timeframe.\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-slams-president-obamas-latest-executive-order", "Alaska Delegation Slams President Obamas Latest Executive Order", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Slams President Obama's Latest Executive Order \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Obama Issues Last Minute Attempt to Lock Up Alaska\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today the Alaska Congressional Delegation spoke out against an Executive Order by President Obama creating a Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area for over 112,000 square miles off Alaska's western coast, in addition to withdrawing 40,300 square miles of federal waters from oil and natural gas leasing.\r\nThis is the first time we have ever seen the term climate resilience area' in Alaska or anywhere else, Senator Lisa Murkowski said. We have no idea what that designation is supposed to mean, what legal authority it is supposed to rest on, what the limitations for it will be, or what it will mean for subsistence, shipping, fishing, and other activities in western and northern Alaska. To me, this sure sounds like a euphemism for a marine monument, because it locks up over 112,000 square miles of Alaska waters and seems destined to impact a wide range of communities, tribes, and industries in our state. While I strongly support meaningful consultation with tribes, this opens the door to a whole host of unknowns, and could easily be misapplied to block even the most responsible Arctic subsistence, activities, and development. \r\nOnce again, the Obama administration has used unilateral action to hurt Alaskans. This executive order, drafted behind closed doors,unilaterally closes fishing grounds, removes oil and gas leasing, and creates hurdles to shipping, all with the stroke of a penwithout any consultation with the State, Alaska's Congressional delegation, or public notice, consultation, or comment, said Senator Dan Sullivan. I will work closely with Senator Lisa Murkowski, Congressman Don Young, and the incoming administration to repair the damage done by eight years of the Obama Administration and to restore the ability of Alaskans to determine their economic future and the ways their lands and water will be managed.\r\nThank God the Obama Administration only has 42 days left in office; we will be working to undo this action come January 20th, said Congressman Don Young. This is just another example of federal agencies attempting to exert their authority over the Alaskan and American people. Not only does this leave me extremely worried about future economic activity in the region, including fisheries, I see it as a backdoor attempt to limit certain activities north of the Bering Strait  like future resource development.We've already seen a costly and overly prescriptive regulatory regime for the Arctic, and this action leaves the door wide open for even more roadblocks and hurdles.Even worse,I've already heard from many in the Alaska Native community that this came as a complete surprise  atotal contradiction to the President's own policy on consultation. As President Obama attempts to solidify his legacy as an extreme environmentalist, it's clear he has very little respect for the Alaskan people and our economic future.\r\nMore information on this announcement can be found by clicking here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-tongass-plan-has-dire-implications-for-southeast-economy", "Final Tongass Plan Has Dire Implications for Southeast Economy", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Final Tongass Plan Has Dire Implications for Southeast Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the U.S. Forest Service released its Final Record of Decision (ROD) to amend the Tongass Land Management Plan (plan). By finalizing a new plan on its way out of office, the Obama administration has blatantly disregarded some of the Tongass Advisory Committee's most important recommendations and imperiled the economic future of Southeast Alaska, Murkowski said. Under this plan, the Tongass will no longer be managed to work for communities, but against them. The Forest Service's insistence on locking in an accelerated transition to a young growth program without an inventory to show whether that is even possible is both harmful and misguided. And the timber industry is not the only one threatened by this plan  so, too, are energy development, mining, and others.  This is the latest attempt in a death by a thousand cuts from this administration and extreme environmental activists who for years have been trying to kill off the last remaining timber industry in the Tongass, Sullivan said. Thankfully, the Obama Administration has only weeks left in office, after which we can turn this decision around and bring active management to our federal forests for the benefit of Alaska and America's economy.\r\nThe transition from old to new growth timber harvests in the Tongass is more than a blow to the Alaskan timber industry, it sets a terrible precedent for timber harvesting across the nation, Young said. The U.S. Forest Service has time and time again proven they have zero interests in properly managing our national forests; sentiments echoed by the State of Alaska and Southeast timber communities. Under this new management plan, Southeast will not have enough young growth timber to supply even one single sawmill. We've already seen great support for overturning this shortsighted action, including passage of an amendment in the House Natural Resources Committee that would forbid this transition from taking place until a full inventory of young growth timber can be taken in the Tongass. I remain committed to reforming the federal government's broken system of forestry management and will continue to push for the enactment of my legislation, the State National Forest Management Act. The ROD rushes to lock in the Secretary's proposed transition to young growth timber rather than following the recommendations of the Tongass Advisory Committee (TAC). Rather than completing an inventory to determine the appropriate timeframe for an economic program that will ensure the industry has adequate supply during the transition from old growth to young growth, the ROD adopts a ready, fire, aim' approach by beginning that transition without scientific support or knowledge of how it will turn out. The plan continues to pick and choose among the TAC's recommendations and does not guarantee that old growth timber sales will provide the volume of timber that the industry needs to survive. The Forest Service also fails to provide a clear understanding about where the wood for bridge timber will come from during the transition. In addition, the plan does nothing to assure developers of mineral and energy projects that they will have access to their sites through Inventoried Roadless Areas  including so-called roaded roadless areas  to construct needed roads and power lines. Instead, it states that all decisions on such projects will be made on a case-by-case basis, which provides no reasonable assurance to investors who are deciding whether to risk their capital in this region. The delegation will explore options to overturn the plan amendment. There is a strong record supporting a reversal of the ROD, as the Forest Service largely dismissed the 1,000 objections voiced to the plan during the new objector process, including substantive complaints from both the environmental and timber industries. This decision puts the cart before the horse by implementing a plan that is based solely on vague assumptions, not data, on whether it can work.  The Tongass National Forest, covering 17 million acres, is the nation's largest National Forest. Despite this, Alaska had  by far  the lowest level of timber development of any Forest Service region in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2016, with just 14.1 million board feet cut and sold. That is just a fraction (0.5%) of the harvesting allowed in National Forests in other parts of the country during that timeframe.   \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/speeches/supporting-alaskas-law-enforcement-community-and-honoring-sergeant-allen-brandt", "Supporting Alaska's Law Enforcement Community and Honoring Sergeant Allen Brandt", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.16\n\t\t\t Supporting Alaska's Law Enforcement Community and Honoring Sergeant Allen Brandt \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMr. President, the holidays are nearly upon us. It is the time when Christmas cheer descends on us, when hearts open and we reach out to our neighbors, friends, and even strangers, particularly those who are in need.\r\nToday I want to reach out to the police force in Alaska. These men and women put their lives on the line every day for us, and anyone who has seen the news in these past few months knows it has been a particularly difficult time for police officers all across the country, who have faced unprecedented levels of violence--deliberate attacks. Across our great Nation, our men and women who get up every morning with the mission to protect us are having their lives taken. As of December 5, there have been 134 fatalities against police officers this year alone. That is up by more than 20 percent from last year. Let's face it--they are being targeted. Some of them are even being ambushed.\r\n\r\nJust a few minutes ago, right here on the floor, the Presiding Officer gave some very eloquent remarks about what has happened in Colorado. These kinds of acts are happening all across the country - Iowa, Massachusetts, Texas, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and unfortunately more than once in recent weeks in my home State of Alaska.\r\nOne brave Anchorage police officer, Arn Salao, was a victim of a cowardly ambush in Alaska, but thankfully he survived. The incident resulted in the arrest and the killing of an accused murderer who has now been accused of killing five others in Anchorage.\r\nUnfortunately, another officer involved in a shooting in Alaska--this time in Fairbanks--wasn't so fortunate. On the morning of October 16, Sergeant Allen Brandt, an 11-year veteran of the Fairbanks Police Department, responded to reports of shots being fired. After pulling his vehicle over to question a suspect, Sergeant Brandt was shot five times. After being treated for several days, Sergeant Brandt was expected to survive. He even came to testify in a remarkable act of courage in front of the Fairbanks City Council on October 21. His testimony was riveting, but in a devastating turn of events on October 28, just a few days later, Alaskans learned that Sergeant Brandt had succumbed to the complications related to his injuries in recovery. The hopes of our entire State were crushed upon hearing that this brave, young public servant had passed away. Alaskans from every corner of our State held vigils and continue to mourn his loss.\r\nThere was a memorial service in Fairbanks attended by thousands. I happened to attend that with my fellow Alaskans. It was one of the most moving services I have ever attended. At the memorial service, Sergeant Brandt's testimony from just a few days earlier in front of the Fairbanks City Council was played. There, he was speaking to all of us on these important issues. It was so powerful and so moving to see this young man so articulately speak about issues that don't just impact Fairbanks, AK, or Alaska, but the whole country.\r\nSergeant Brandt left behind his wife Natasha and their four young children under the age of 8.\r\nI have talked about his testimony that he gave in Fairbanks that was played at his memorial service, whichwas so powerful. Only a few days earlier, he had been shot. He gave his testimony, and then unfortunately he passed away. I wish to read several excerpts from his testimony because I think it reflects not only the importance of this issue, but it shows this young man speaking on something that impacts the whole country.\r\nHere is the testimony he gave at the Fairbanks City Council. There was thunderous applause, of course, when he walked in--a man who had been shot five times just a few days earlier. He stated:\r\nI am humbled by the honor, and I'm no exception to the rule. We have many fine officers that are far greater and have done better things than I have. I do appreciate the community's support and I know sometimes it's hard for officers to see whether or not the city supports us, but I've always said that by-and-large, the city does support its police officers. And you know we're never going to have the support of the criminals ..... and to tell you the truth, they don't have my support either. However, I do support their constitutional rights and their free exercise of them.\r\nHe continued:\r\nI've seen the hand of the Lord in my situation. Can you believe I was shot five times through the legs and I walked into this room. There's a bullet, it's almost healed up, but right here over my heart where my vest certainly saved my life there.\r\nI appreciate the support of the community, the Fairbanks Police Department, the Anchorage Police Department, the Alaska State Troopers, and other officers. But our officers do a very hard job, and they need your support. Unfortunately, when an officer gets shot or something bad happens, it's just human nature--we don't think about things that we need until something bad happens. I don't blame anyone for that. But, you know, think about our officers. I've worked for the city for 12 years, probably ten of those years I worked weekends when my friends are off. I work at night and sleep during the day. I don't sleep with my wife. And the other officers, too. I was never called a racist until I put the uniform on. You know, once you put a police uniform on, you're a racist. I can't ever let my guard down, not at Fred Myer and not at my house. I travel everywhere armed. Always vigilant. Always watching. And the other officers over there, they're the same way. So, we need your support. Not just when bad things happen. But the officers over there do a hard job. And most of the time it's thankless. And we've really appreciated the outpouring of support that's comes from this.\r\nHe concluded his testimony. He called out to one of his buddies:\r\nI think Sergeant Barnett's here, and I want to thank him. Sergeant Barnett was the first one on the scene, and until he got that tourniquet on my leg, I didn't think I was going to survive because I was bleeding a lot.\r\nLet me leave you with this last story that he told his fellow Fairbanksians: \r\nThe night I was shot, I had my four kids and my wife on my bed. I read them a story like I always do. After the story, I told them, I think I am going to get shot tonight.\r\nCan you imagine saying that to your kids? He continued: \r\nAnd it happened. In the middle of the gun battle, that is all I could think about.\r\nHe concluded by saying this: \r\nCan you imagine telling your kids before you go to work that you are going to get shot? Well, that is what our police officers deal with every day. I am not complaining, but I just want you to know what it is like, the life of a police officer.\r\nThen he looked at the audience and said: \r\nBut we appreciate your support.\r\nThat was his testimony. Only a few days later, he passed away. As I read that testimony again, I am struck by Sergeant Brandt's extraordinary selflessness. At the same time community members were applauding his bravery, Sergeant Brandt sought to remind us of the bravery of his brothers and sisters in blue, the unsung heroes who face the same dangers he did but without public fanfare or an outpouring of support.\r\nHaving met with first responders all over my great State, I know that Sergeant Brandt's extraordinary selflessness is not an outlier, and it is not an exception; it is a hallmark of our police force and the fire department. They wake up each morning knowing that today may be the last day they get their kids ready for school, the last day they kiss their spouse goodbye. Today they may be asked to lay down their life to save another. That is a heavy burden. It is a burden that is shared by the spouses and children who have seen too many sleepless nights, praying for the safety of their mom and dad.\r\nIn conclusion, over the holidays we are all going to come together with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. We are going to remember our troops overseas. But let's keep in mind the sacrifices being made by our brave officers, as well as their families, who will be on the beat during the holidays just like our members of the military, protecting us.\r\nOn behalf of my fellow Alaskans, I want to express my profound gratitude and thanks to our proud law enforcement community for all they do to keep our communities safe.\r\nI yield the floor.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398808", "Youngs Native Workforce Development Legislation Moves to Senate", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0 \u2013 In the final days of the 114th Congress, Alaska Congressman Don Young is working double-time with Senator Lisa Murkowski to secure final passage and enactment of H.R. 329, the Indian Employment, training and Related Services Consolidation Act. The bipartisan measure \u2013 which works to empower tribes and tribal organizations to offer workforce development initiatives to Alaska Native and American Indian communities across the nation \u2013 passed the House unanimously yesterday and is awaiting consideration in the Senate. \r\nThe legislation would amend existing law (P.L. 102-477) to improve and make permanent the Tribal 477 Program \u2013 a successful native workforce development demonstration program established by Congress in 1992. The 477 Program allows tribes to combine employment, childcare, and job training funding from a variety of federal sources and conduct consolidated, comprehensive reporting. \r\n\r\nCongressman Don Young Speaking in Favor of Native Workforce Development Bill (Click here to watch).\r\n\u201cThe 477 Program has enabled tribes to run innovative programs and saves both the tribes and federal government money and resources,\u201d Congressman Young said yesterday on the House floor.\u00a0\u201cThe 477 Program embodies tribal self-determination by allowing tribes to provide opportunities tailored to the unique needs of their communities.\u00a0 Significant education and training needs exist in Indian country, and the 477 Program has a proven track record of success.\u00a0 This is particularly true in Alaska where Cook Inlet Tribal Council has pioneered a smart model that provides holistic services, all under one roof, for individuals and families.\u201d\r\nIn addition to permanently authorizing the Tribal 477 Program, the bill makes improvements to accounting procedures and reporting mechanisms to uphold the original intent of the program, ensure that tribes are treated fairly, and set a foundation for participants continued success.\r\n\u201cAfter four years of work and engagement on this issue, I\u2019m extremely excited to see this bill moving forward,\u201d Young said. \u201cWe\u2019ve overcome a number of major hurdles and obstacles to even reach this point, and I look forward to working with Senator Murkowski to get it across the finish line. While there are no guarantees in the lawmaking process, especially with the limited window to act and some of the procedural hurdles we\u2019re seeing, I\u2019m feeling optimistic. I must commend so many, including members on both sides of the aisle in the House; the 477 Tribal Work Group \u00ad\u2013 whose advocacy was paramount throughout this process; and Senator Murkowski \u2013 for leading the charge in the Senate and helping us make this final push a reality.\u201d\r\nH.R. 329 is supported by the 477 Tribal Work Group, which is comprised of tribes that currently operate 477 plans, as well as many individual tribes around the country.\u00a0 Currently 18 Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations participate in the Tribal 477 Program, including Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (the first to operate a 477 plan in the nation) and Cook Inlet Tribal Council.\r\nSenator Murkowski sponsored and passed similar legislation to H.R. 329 in the Senate on July 15, 2016. \r\n   \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398809", "In Final Push of 114th Congress, House Approves Bipartisan Package for Water Infrastructure and Transportation", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Alaska Congressman Don Young successfully worked to include and defend numerous provisions beneficial to Alaska in S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), bipartisan legislation to strengthen the nation\u2019s water transportation infrastructure needs \u2013 including ports, harbors, dams, and flood protection.\u00a0 The bill, which passed the House today by a margin of 360-61, authorizes harbor projects for Little Diomede and the City of Craig while expanding opportunities for future projects in the Arctic. Overall, the bill would authorize 30 Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects across the nation.\u00a0 Although there is no official estimate by the Congressional Budget Office, unofficial projections hold that S. 612 will save the taxpayer $581 million over the coming year.\r\n\u201cAlaskans depend on our water infrastructure as a vital source of transportation and commerce. We need to build and maintain ports to receive tourists off cruise ships, transmit commercial fish catches to markets inland and beyond, transport vital fuel to our airports and rural areas for heating oil, ferry people in and around coastal communities \u2013 the list goes on. That\u2019s why this annual legislation, authorizing various Army Corps of Engineers projects, is so critical to Alaska.\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u00a0\u201cThis year\u2019s WIIN Act, formerly referred to as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), represents a hard-fought agreement between the House and Senate; each passed vastly different measures \u2013 in terms of size and scope \u2013 earlier this year. As a Senior Member and the former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have fought throughout this process to balance our nation\u2019s needs for fiscal restraint with Alaska\u2019s needs to continually expand water infrastructure projects. Working in concert with Senator Sullivan and Senator Murkowski, I am pleased to send the WINN Act to the Senate and eventually to the President\u2019s desk for signature.\u201d\r\nThe following reforms and provisions of Alaskan importance were supported by Congressman Young in the WIIN Act:\r\n \r\n    LITTLE DIOMEDE, AK: The legislation authorizes $26,394,000 towards construction of a harbor in Little Diomede, AK.\r\n \r\n \r\n    CRAIG, AK: The legislation authorizes $29,456,000 towards construction of a harbor in Craig, AK.\r\n \r\n \r\n    ST. GEORGE HARBOR: The legislation includes language to expedite completion of a feasibility study for St. George Harbor based on the dire needs of the community.\r\n \r\n \r\n    ADDITIONAL HARBOR REPAIR FOR ELFIN COVE, AK: Authorizes the Secretary to maintain federally authorized harbors of refuge to restore and maintain the authorized dimensions of the harbor. Elfin Cove is a small community located on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska. Since construction was completed in 1958, the channels have been monitored by the Corps through hydrographic surveys. In 2006, 2.4 feet of shoaling was discovered, and the channels are now 2.4 feet above their originally authorized depths of -8 feet and -10 feet, respectively.\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\n    ARCTIC DEEP-DRAFT PORT:\u00a0 The legislation includes an amendment Congressman Young successfully included in House WRDA to enable the Corps to consider the national security benefits of an Arctic port.\r\n \r\n \r\n    SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM: Authorizes $300 million over five years for a new grant program to assist small and disadvantaged communities in order to meet their basic water infrastructure needs.\u00a0 A priority is given to underserved communities without basic drinking water or wastewater services.\u00a0 Alaska Native communities and American Indian tribes would be eligible recipients under this program.\r\n \r\n \r\n    DENALI COMMISSION: Reauthorizes the Denali Commission at $15 million annually through 2021.\r\n \r\n \r\n    SMALL REMOTE AND SUBSISTENCE HARBORS:\u00a0 The legislation makes reforms to the current system the Corps of Engineers uses to evaluate small, remote, and subsistence port and harbor projects, by recognizing the regional benefits for justification of the project.\u00a0 Increasing capabilities at a hub community will dramatically lower the costs of goods throughout the region, in many circumstances.\r\n \r\n \r\n    CITY OF VALDEZ:\u00a0The legislation includes a bill sponsored by Congressman Young, H.R. 5087, which removes a navigational servitude on waterfront land in Valdez that currently impedes economic development of the property.\u00a0 The bill removes the Federal Government\u2019s taint on title in order to allow investment prospects for lands that were created due to dredging disposal from the construction of the harbor.\r\n \r\n \r\n    EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES:\u00a0Allows Alaska Native Corporations to develop water infrastructure projects as non-federal sponsors.\r\n \r\nFor additional information on the WIIN Act, please see the following information:\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-warns-president-obama_against-parting-shots-at-alaska", "Alaska Delegation Warns President Obama  Against Parting Shots at Alaska", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Warns President Obama  Against Parting Shots at Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today sent a letter to President Obama reiterating their strong objections to the use of Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to withdraw acreage in the Arctic planning areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from future leasing.\r\nThe letter highlights the delegation's fierce opposition to any potential Arctic withdrawals and cites the legal, economic, and scientific ramifications of such decisions. The delegation instead encouraged the administration to act in accordance with the intent of the law by recognizing that OCSLA already ensures responsible development, honoring deeply held promises the federal government made to Alaskans under the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), and supporting Arctic development.\r\nPresident Obama has canceled lease sales, made permits all but impossible to acquire, and excluded Arctic basins from the next offshore leasing plan, Murkowski said. That's more than enough damage for one administration. I call on the president not to further compound those mistakes by imposing new withdrawals in the Arctic OCS. To do so would take away a golden opportunity for responsible development that can help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. It would ignore the voices of Alaskans and irreparably harm our nation's economy, security, and competitiveness.\r\nI hope the Obama administration will finally realize that withdrawing the Arctic OCS from future development not only flies in the face of the structure and intent of the law, but will keep Alaska from realizing its economic potential, Sullivan said. After the recent election, the President needs to listen to the American people and stop kowtowing to extreme environmental activists at the expense of America's economic and energy security and good paying jobs for tens of thousands across the country.\r\nWith only weeks left in office, President Obama continues to double-down on his anti-Alaska, anti-resource development agenda, Young said. At a time when Alaskan families and businesses are asking for economic certainty, this administration continues to throw up roadblocks and red tape in the hopes of solidifying its legacy with some of the most extreme environmental groups. Rest assured, we will take the steps necessary to pave the path for an energy policy and plan that truly allows Alaska and the nation to develop is robust natural resource potential.\r\nThe delegation believes the withdrawal of acreage within the Arctic OCS using Section 12(a) is unwarranted and unnecessary. The governor of Alaska, the leadership of the North Slope and Northwest Arctic boroughs, the majority of the tribal leadership representing Alaska Natives who live in the Arctic, a supermajority of the members of the Alaska State Legislature, and an overwhelming majority of the Alaskan people support responsible development, rather than withdrawals, within these areas.\r\nAlaska's offshore areas contain prolific energy resources. According to Interior's own technical analysts, the Beaufort and Chukchi seas form one of the most prospective basins in the world. Together, these areas are projected to hold 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. For perspective, that is enough to meet all of California's demands for oil and natural gas for 37.5 years and 43.5 years, respectively.\r\nAccording to a 2011 analysis by the firm Northern Economics, development of the resources in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas would create an annual average of 55,000 jobs over a 50-year period. Those jobs would create a total payroll of $145 billion over that span. Development is also projected to generate a total of $193 billion for local, state and federal treasuries. According to a 2014 poll, 73 percent of Alaskans support Arctic OCS development.\r\nThe Alaska delegation has repeatedly asserted the importance of responsible energy development in the Arctic, and made every effort to preserve the two Arctic lease sales initially proposed for the Five-Year OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022. Chairman Murkowski also led a delegation letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and chaired an oversight hearing of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on this issue.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/major-defense-bill-heading-to-president", "Major Defense Bill Heading to President", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Major Defense Bill Heading to President \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Murkowski: Our National Security Must Always Remain a Top Priority\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) cast her vote in support of the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation designed to keep our nation safe from enemies and provide support for our troops and their families. The bill passed in a vote of 92-7 and now heads to the President's desk.\r\nWith the countless threats facing our nation from all corners of the globe, this is one of the most crucial pieces of legislation for Congress to pass. Our national security must always remain a top priority, and we need to ensure that our military men and women have the tools and resources they need to defend our nation.\r\nI am proud that the NDAA increases Army and Air Force strength, contains the biggest troop pay increase in over five years, and recognizes the strategic importance of Alaska. I am pleased that we successfully protected the Basic Allowance for Housing that our servicemembers and their families rely on. The men and women in uniform need our unequivocal support.\r\nThe breadth of this bill is proof positive of what we can accomplish with a united delegation. I applaud Senator Sullivan and Congressman Young for their tireless efforts to ensure Alaska remains in the forefront as defense decisions are made.\r\nAlaska Provisions in the Bill:\r\nBasic Allowance for Housing: Senator Murkowski played a leading role in protecting the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) paid to active duty military. Previous versions of the bill contained significant cuts and sweeping changes to the BAH, which Murkowski adamantly opposed.\r\nDavis Park: The bill contains a provision of Senator Murkowski's which allows the Air Force to renew the existing rent free leases for Davis Park and Lions Park in Anchorage for 25 years, enabling the two parcels of military land to be preserved as open space for the mutual benefit of military families and the broader community.\r\nHAARP: Authorizes transfer of the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) site to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and land not used for actual HAARP operations to Ahtna, Inc. Senator Murkowski began working with the Defense Department in 2014 to save HAARP from demolition and Senator Sullivan and Congressman Young were instrumental in obtaining the legislation authorizing the transfer.\r\nArctic Strategic Port Designation: Includes an amendment of Senator Dan Sullivan's (R-AK) which requires the Secretary of Defense  in coordination with the Coast Guard and other relevant federal agencies  to create the designation and associated criteria for a Strategic Arctic Port and submit a plan, within two years, to begin the process of designating and developing the infrastructure needed.\r\nMissile Defense Defend and Deter Act: Includes a provision of Senator Sullivan's that mandates the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conduct a flight test at least once per year to show Americansand, more importantly, rogue nations like North Koreathat we have a missile defense system that will protect our nation from the irrational threats and actions of North Korea.\r\nGalena Land Transfer: Following the devastating 2013 floods in Galena, this bill includes an amendment of Congressman Young's which transfers 1,300 acres, the former Campion Air Force Station, to the community for expansion.\r\nRural Guard and Reserve Act: Includes the Rural Guard and Reserve Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Young to increase rural participation and remove cost-prohibitive factors in the National Guard and Reserves.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDefense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-praises-national-defense-bill-that-includes-critical-alaska-priorities", "Sullivan Praises National Defense Bill that Includes Critical Alaska Priorities", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Praises National Defense Bill that Includes Critical Alaska Priorities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t With New NDAA, Congress Commits to Rebuilding America's Military\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined 91 of his Senate colleagues in passing the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. The FY 2017 NDAA  continuing the 55-year bipartisan tradition of passing this bill  authorizes $619 billion in critical defense spending, and includes a number of provisions important to Alaska.\r\nThis time last year, many of my colleagues and I expressed deep concern about the declining size and state of the U.S. military. The FY 2017 NDAA marks a change in course, with a significant investment toward increasing the size of our Army, advancing our missile defense capability, and giving our service men and women a much-deserved pay raise,said Senator Sullivan.The world is an increasingly dangerous place and this bill finally takes the steps needed to ensure our brave men and women have what they need to defend this great nation.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and conferee of this bill, I know that our military depends on the annual defense authorization to ensure that our fighting men and women have everything they need to protect our nation against an increasingly complex and diverse array of global threats, Senator Sullivan added.From near-peer adversaries like a resurgent Russia and an emergent China, to unstable and unpredictable threats from ISIS, Iran, and North Korea, I fought to include provisions in this bill that will ensure that our troops always have the overwhelming advantage as our nation takes on growing threats in regions like the Asia-Pacific and the Arctic.\r\nKey provisions secured by Senator Sullivan:\r\nWorking with many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Senator Sullivan successfully included 21 provisions in the FY 2017 NDAA.His amendments advanced initiatives that will play an important role in ensuring Alaska's and America's long-term security.\r\nMissile Defense Defend and Deter Act:\r\nSenator Sullivan's provision mandates that the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conduct a flight test at least once per year to show Americansand, more importantly, rogue nations like North Koreathat we have a missile defense system that will protect our citizens from the irrational threats and actions of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un.\r\nArctic Strategic Port Designation:\r\nSenator Sullivan's provision requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Coast Guard and other relevant federal agencies, to create the designation and associated criteria for a Strategic Arctic Port. Within two years, the Secretary of Defense must submit a plan to begin the process of designating a Strategic Arctic Port.\r\nAdditionalSullivanNDAAAmendments:\r\n \r\nRemote Travel Reimbursement for National Guard Members  The Rural Guard Act:\r\n \r\nThis provision allows the Secretary to authorize higher reimbursement to reservists and guardsmen who reside in the same state as the inactive duty training location, reside outside of a population of 50,000 or more, or must commute via aircraft or boat from a distance of 75 miles or greater.\r\n \r\nHigh-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) Land Transfer:\r\n \r\nThis provision directs the U.S. Air Force to convey the HAARP facility to the University of Alaska, and its surrounding areas to AHTNA, Inc., which originally owned the underlying land.Senator Sullivan worked closely with Senator Lisa Murkowski and Congressman Don Young on this important issue.\r\n\r\nA priority of the Alaska congressional delegation, this provision transfers 1,300 acres of land from the U.S. Air Force on Campion Air Force Radar Station to the town of Galena.\r\n \r\nHigh Energy Intensity Report:\r\n \r\nThis provision requires a much-needed report on the Department of Defense's efforts to reduce the cost of energy at the installations that need it most, those in the highest 20% per capita of all military installations. Many of Alaska's installations fall into this category.\r\n\r\nGiven Alaska's status as the hub of combat airpower, with the F-35A squadrons, large F-22 presence, and other strategically located aviation assets, this provision expresses the sense of Congress that the Air Force should give basing preference to airbases that have ample training opportunities, a strategic location, and sufficient airfield and airspacecharacteristics that are abundantly found in Alaskawhen considering OCONUS locations for basing the KC-46A.\r\n \r\nCongressional Support for Keeping the 4-25 Brigade Combat Team in Alaska:\r\n \r\nThis provision restates the support of senior DoD leadership for the decision to halt the reduction of Alaska's 4-25 IBCT (ABN), affirms the importance of forward-based forces like the 4-25 IBCT (ABN) to deterring aggression, and encourages the Army to reassess its force structure based on the changing global security environment.\r\n \r\nArctic Search and Rescue Report:\r\n \r\nThis provision directs the DoD to develop a strategic plan for resourcing Arctic capabilities, like the Arctic Sustainment Package (ASP), and the tactics, techniques, and procedures required to test and deploy these capabilities.\r\n \r\nFAA State-Sponsored Spaceports:\r\n \r\nThis provision highlights the unique importance of the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island and expresses the belief that this facility can be used to support the national security space program from the Department of Defense, Air Force Space Command, Operationally Responsive Space Office, and Missile Defense Agency.\r\n \r\nHH-60/Combat Rescue Helicopter Report:\r\n \r\nThis provision ensures that the HH-60G (the helicopter that the Alaska Air National Guard Combat Rescue Squadron flies) continues to be maintained, aircrew trained, and supported until Alaska gets the new Combat Rescue Helicopters in 2027-2028.\r\n \r\nIndependent Review of U.S. Military Forces in the Asia-Pacific:\r\n \r\nIn support of the President's Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, this provision requires the Secretary to commission an independent review and report to Congress on the US' strategy for the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in Fiscal Year 2018. Notably, this amendment highlights the need to assess the Arctic ambitions of actors in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.\r\n \r\nInnovative Readiness Training (IRT): \r\n \r\nThis provision expresses the understanding of the value of the IRT program and encourages the Department of Defense to continue to utilize the IRT for programs across the country, including ones in Alaska, such as the runway construction in Old Harbor and Operation Arctic Care (roving medical and dental care in rural Alaska villages).\r\n \r\nRural and Remote Considerations for TRICARE:\r\n \r\nAs a part of some of the changes to TRICARE and military healthcare, this provision requires the Secretary of Defense to address the unique challenges that Alaska, Hawaii, and other rural and remote locations present to deliver effective healthcare. This provision helps ensure that these new reforms take Alaska's unique healthcare challenges into consideration to ensure Alaska service members get timely access to high-quality care and better health outcomes.\r\nAdditionally, the provision requires the Secretary of Defense to  before making any changes  certify to Congress that the unique characteristics of Alaska have been considered and that the provider reimbursement rate for these areas ensures timely access to high-quality primary and specialty care.This provision also helps ensure that managed care support contracts under TRICARE include providers within the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service, as is currently used by the VA.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-bill-boosting-medical-research-and-innovation", "Senate Passes Bill Boosting Medical Research and Innovation", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bill Boosting Medical Research and Innovation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act:\r\nThis legislation tackles crucial health concerns for Alaskans  providing tools for mental health treatment, fighting the opioid epidemic, and addressing the disproportionally high risk of suicide among Alaska Natives. Not only that, but it will increase opportunities for lifesaving medical research. Today's bill provides hope for families grappling with devastating diseases, and will bolster medical innovation for years to come.\r\nAlthough I agree with the overall goals of this legislation, I remain steadfastly opposed to how it's being funded. I have consistently maintained that proceeds from the sale of oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be directed toward improving our nation's energy security  not to be used for unrelated legislative initiatives. Tapping into our emergency energy stockpiles yet again is a short-sighted decision and simply the wrong approach.\r\nThe bill passed the Senate by a vote of 94-5 and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nDetails of the 21st Century Cures Act:\r\n \r\nResearch and Innovation: \r\n\r\nSupports National Institute of Health research programs including the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, the Cancer Moonshot, and regenerative medicine.\r\nDirects funds to the Food and Drug Administration for the research and development of drugs and medical devices.\r\nAdvances new therapies to help improve treatment access for rare diseases, including pediatrics.\r\nAddresses the concerns with the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant bugs.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nSubstance Abuse and Mental Health:\r\n\r\nDirects $1 billion to states for opioid prevention and treatment activities, including provisions included within the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.\r\nReauthorizes several grants, such as the Community Mental Health Block Grant and the Substance Abuse and Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.\r\nSupports training for law enforcement officers who encounter individuals with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.\r\nPrioritizes suicide prevention programs for American Indians and Alaska Native youth.\r\nReauthorizes the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act for suicide prevention programs.\r\nEstablishes a grant program for states to improve and maintain postpartum depression treatment programs.\r\n\r\nRural Hospitals:\r\n\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-sullivan-applauds-passage-of-the-21st-century-cures-act", "Sullivan Applauds Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t  Sullivan Applauds Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill includes $1 Billion for fight against Opioid Epidemic & Support for Rural Community Hospitals\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today joined 93 of his colleagues in passing the 21st Century Cures Act, which will support advancements in medical research toward the development of new cures and treatments for serious diseases, along with other priorities of Senator Sullivan.\r\nI am excited to see members of Congress coming together in this ambitious effort to accelerate the discovery of new cures and treatments for diseases afflicting millions of Americans and many Alaskans, said Senator Dan Sullivan. The 21st Century Cures Act includes two provisions of particular importance to Alaskansa major funding boost to our fight against the opioid epidemic and an extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) Project, which began in 2003. The RCHD program enables two Alaska hospitals to continue improving care in some of our smaller communities, and is critical to their bottom line.\r\nSenator Sullivan and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) previously cosponsored legislation extending the RCHD Project, which passed the Senate earlier this year. The extension impacts Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna and Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau.\r\nCentral Peninsula Hospital is extremely grateful for the support of the Alaska congressional delegation's effort in getting the Rural Community Hospital demonstration program reauthorized in the 21st Century Cures Act. This program has allowed Central Peninsula Hospital the flexibility to provide new service lines and an expanded facility for our service area residents, said Bruce Richards, Director of External Affairs for Central Peninsula Hospital.\r\nOn behalf of Bartlett Regional Hospital and the Community of Juneau, I would like to thank Senator Sullivan for his support and persistence in getting the CMS Rural Demonstration Project extended for an additional five years as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, said Chuck Bill, CEO of Bartlett Regional Hospital. This project ensures that Bartlett is paid at cost for Medicare inpatients and will significantly improve our viability and ability to offer other programs such as behavioral care and substance abuse treatment.\r\nThe 21st Century Cures Act invests $1 billion in the fight against opioid addiction ravaging so many communities across the country, including in Alaska, Senator Sullivan added. Following the progress made at this summer's Alaska Wellness Summitwhich brought together community organizations, state stakeholders, federal officials and more than 400 engaged AlaskansI know this new federal support will give hope to many more Alaskans struggling with addiction, and to their families.\r\nThe $1 billion allocated to combat opioid abuse will be disbursed over two years in grants supporting state efforts, including prevention activities, training for health care providers, and expanding access to treatment programs. The legislation also enables existing funds to be channeled to the specific needs of local entities, including training for law enforcement, mental health courts, transition support for those in recovery, and jail diversion programs.\r\nIn addition to the opioid and rural community health provisions, the Act:\r\n\r\n \r\nSecures an additional $4.8 billion over 10 years for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research into cancer, Alzheimer's, and other chronic and certain rare pediatric diseases.\r\nStrengthens important mental health programs and clarifies existing rules requiring parity between physical and mental health coverage.\r\nDirects NIH to support innovative EUREKA Prize Competitions, similar to the X-prize concept, to advance biomedical science and improve health outcomes for serious diseases.\r\nProvides liability protection for health care professionals who volunteer their services at community health centers.\r\nReauthorizes the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking, which continues efforts to prevent underage drinking through different avenues.\r\nReauthorizes the suicide prevention and intervention Garret Lee Smith Memorial Act, and expresses the Sense of Congress that suicide prevention efforts should be prioritized to populations disproportionately affected, including Alaska Natives.\r\n \r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-oklahoma-attorney-general-pruitt-as-epa-administrator", "Sullivan Statement on Oklahoma Attorney General Pruitt as EPA Administrator", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on Oklahoma Attorney General Pruitt as EPA Administrator \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement on President-elect Trump's intent to nominate Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\r\nI commend President-elect Trump on his choice for EPA Administrator. Each time Attorney General Pruitt has testified before the EPW Committee, I've been impressedby his eloquent legal analysis and his incisive refutation of the lawless overreach we've seen from President Obama's EPA these past 8 years.\r\nAll Americans, regardless of their political leanings, want clean air and clean water. But Americans do not want an out-of-control federal government and an endless stream of regulations that are more about control than the health of our environment. Attorney General Pruitt has stepped up time and again to defend his constituents and challenge the federal government through litigation when the federal government overreaches. As a former state attorney general who also recognized the importance of states challenging the federal government, Attorney General Pruitt's appointment sends a strong signal that the new administration's EPA will be run under its congressionally defined scope of authority.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/how-to-put-building-permits-on-a-fast-track", "How to Put Building Permits on a Fast Track", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "How to Put Building Permits on a Fast Track \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nMonday, December 5, 2016\n\t\t\n\t\t\n  \n    By:\n    Sen. Dan Sullivan\n\nPresident-elect Donald Trump has made investing in U.S. infrastructure a priority. This country urgently needs to build and repair roads, bridges, airports, pipelines and rail lines. But a huge roadblock is the federal permitting system. Even with a more business-friendly administration, a trillion-dollar infrastructure plan won't accomplish much unless Congress reforms the way public-works projects are approved.\r\nAmerica used to be the envy of the world in building great projects responsibly, efficiently and on time. The Pentagon was built in 16 months. The 1,500-mile Alaska-Canadian Highway, which passes through some of the world's most rugged terrain, took about eight months. Today, infrastructure projects across America often require several years simply to get through the federal government's pre-build permitting process. Consider a few examples.\r\nNew U.S. highway construction projects usually take between nine and 19 years from initial planning and permitting to completion of construction, according to a 2002 Government Accountability Office study. It will have taken 14 years to permit an expansion of Gross Reservoir in Colorado, and it took almost 20 years to permit the Kensington gold mine in Alaska.\r\nIt took four years to construct a new runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, but it took 15 years to get the permits. Todd Hauptli of the American Association of Airport Executives bitterly joked to the Senate Commerce Committee last year, It took longer to build that runway than the Great Pyramids of Egypt.\r\nThese problems have been building for decades as the U.S. regulatory state has grown. But the Obama administration has made the situation much worse by politicizing the construction of America's critical energy infrastructure.\r\nIt took Shell seven years and $7 billion to get White House permission to drill a single oil-exploration well off the coast of Alaska. Never mind that the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act requires that resources in those waters be made available for expeditious and orderly development. This capricious permitting was part of why Shell halted its operations in Alaska, stranding enormous oil and gas resources and killing thousands of potential jobs.\r\nThe Keystone XL pipeline languished in permitting purgatory for almost the entire two terms of the Obama administration before the president finally killed it in 2015. Terry O'Sullivan, president of the Laborers' International Union of North America, called the president's actions a cynical manipulation of the approval process. President Obama also recently halted the Dakota Access pipeline, though in September a federal court determined that the project complied with arduous permitting, legal and consultation requirements.\r\nMr. Trump is set to reverse the Obama administration's abysmal permitting record, but Congress also has a responsibility. Last year I introduced the Regulations Endanger Democracy Act, or RED Tape Act, which would cap federal regulations with a simple one-in-one-out rule. When an agency issues a new regulation, it must repeal an old one. (Mr. Trump has suggested removing two for every one that is added.) Even though the idea has been successfully implemented in Canada and the United Kingdom, not a single Senate Democrat voted for it, and the legislation died.\r\nAnother bill I wrote would expedite federal permitting to repair or rebuild thousands of crumbling bridges across our country, but it received only three Democratic votes on the Senate floor. Once again my colleagues across the aisle prevented this reform from being implemented.\r\nAfter Congress convenes in January, I will introduce the Rebuild America Now Act. It would establish strict time limits so that if permits aren't approved or denied for good cause within a specified time, then the project is deemed approved. The law also creates a one-stop shop for environmental reviews and permitting to ensure that projects don't get bogged down by agencies pursuing different agendas. Agencies would be required to abide by the RED Tape Act, a version of which would be part of the new law.\r\nHaving lost the election, progressives are already preparing litigation and protests to stop American infrastructure and energy projects. My bill would limit sue-and-settle practices that abuse the judicial system, as well as stopping groups that oppose economic development from needlessly delaying or killing much-needed projects. It would also have a builder's and worker's bill of rights, which would include timely permitting decisions and transparency in agency decision-making to spell out exactly why a permit is denied.\r\nPresident Obama's $800 billion stimulus in 2009 wrecked the country's balance sheet while doing little to spur economic growth. An infrastructure bill that fails to reform dysfunctional permitting runs a similar risk. These reforms will prevent billions of dollars from getting wasted in red tape and litigation, making it easier to overhaul the nation's infrastructure.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/epas-unnecessary-burdensome-cercla-rule-will-harm_mining-manufacturing-in-america-", "EPAs Unnecessary, Burdensome CERCLA Rule Will Harm  Mining, Manufacturing in America", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.16\n\t\t\t EPA's Unnecessary, Burdensome CERCLA Rule Will Harm  Mining, Manufacturing in America  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft rulemaking that would impose new CERCLA 108(b) financial assurance regulations on hardrock mines, a move that defies strong congressional opposition, ignores the concerns of states and small businesses, and threatens the nation's mineral security.\r\nI have opposed the EPA's efforts to impose new financial assurance requirements on hardrock mines from the start, and have consistently fought their efforts to move forward with this misguided rulemaking, Murkowski said. A number of financial assurance requirements already exist at both the state and federal level.This rule is duplicative and will result in an unnecessary burden that damages many of our nation's mineral producers. It will not result in safer mines or better mine clean-up, but instead fewer mines, lower mineral security and a weaker manufacturing sector in our country. I will work to stop this rule in its tracks and call on the EPA to begin fixing the mess it is creating by extending the comment period by an additional 120 days.\r\nThe rule proposed today could be the first in a series that will emerge as a consequence of settlements the EPA entered into with environmental groups in 2009. The industries that will next be subjected to similar requirements by the EPA are chemical manufacturing; electric generation, transmission and distribution; and petroleum and coal product manufacturing.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In 2011, she sent a letter to former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with a series of questions highlighting the duplicative and unnecessary nature of EPA's involvement in this area. Murkowski has also questioned administration officials on this issue at Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearings and, as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, has sought to block the rule's promulgation through her annual bill.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398805", "Young Supports House-Passage of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 In a unified effort to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures for diseases, yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives and Alaska Congressman Don Young overwhelmingly passed the 21st Century Cures Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation \u2013 which passed the House by a vote of 392 to 26 \u00ad\u2013 makes significant reforms, increases to funding, and advancements necessary to modernize the nation\u2019s management of new healthcare innovations and infrastructure.\r\n\u201cMedical innovation and progress in this nation has seen remarkable progress in recent years, yet thousands of American families are still faced with the harsh realities and hardships of debilitating and incurable diseases,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cThis important legislation \u2013 aimed at increasing the pace of discovery, development and delivery of life-saving and life-improving therapies, treatments and medications \u2013 is an important step to bringing our medical innovations and solutions into the 21st Century. Not only does this bill take critical steps to combat the nation\u2019s growing opioid epidemic, it also places an important emphasis on mental health. I commend my colleagues for including the 5-year extension for the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program \u2013 utilized in Alaska by hospitals in Juneau, Soldotna and Sitka \u2013 and encourage the Senate to move this legislation across the finish line.\u201d\r\nThe multi-faceted package of reforms represents a year\u2019s long effort in Congress to update the out-of-date process for bringing new drug therapies and treatments to market, in addition to maintaining the nation\u2019s status as a leader in biomedical innovation. The bill will:\r\n \r\n    Help bring drugs and devices to market efficiently by making needed reforms to the FDA, including: expedited review for breakthrough devices, increased patient involvement in the drug approval process, and a streamlined review process for combination products that are both a drug and device.\r\n    Provide $4.8 billion to National Institutes of Health, including: $1.4 billion for the Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle and environmental variations of disease; $1.8 billion for the \"Cancer Moonshot\u201d to speed research; and $1.6 billion for the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's and speed diagnosis and treatment.\r\n    Provides $500 million to the Food and Drug Administration.\r\n    Provides $1 billion in grants to states to address the opioid crisis.\r\n    Advance meaningful mental health reforms aimed at assisting the one in five American adults currently suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorders.\r\n \r\nImportantly, the 21st Century Cures package included language from legislation introduced by Congressman Don Young \u2013 H.R. 672, the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Extension Act. The language extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program (RCH), which has helped stabilize essential health services in rural Alaska and 10 other states, and allowed seniors to receive the care they need closer to home. For more information on the RCH, click here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/long-term-sanctions-for-iran-heading-to-presidents-desk", "Long-Term Sanctions for Iran Heading to Presidents Desk", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Long-Term Sanctions for Iran Heading to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extensions Act, a ten-year extension of existing sanctions against Iran. The bill lays out powerful restrictions related to energy, defense, and Iran's nuclear and missile activities. It works to deny Iran the resources to support terrorism and develop weapons of mass destruction. The legislation passed in a vote of 99-0, and now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\nIran's actions continue to warrant extreme vigilance by America  such as testing ballistic missiles bearing the phrase Israel must be wiped out.' Any attempts to harm the United States or our allies will not be tolerated, and this piece of legislation provides us the resources to maintain pressure on Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, said Senator Murkowski. I remain vehemently opposed to the Iran Nuclear Deal and have vowed to hold Iran accountable for its support of terrorism. This bill does just that  it is designed to deny Iran the resources and tools to carry out its dangerous ideals.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDefense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-votes-to-extend-sanctions-on-iran", "Sullivan Votes to Extend Sanctions on Iran", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Votes to Extend Sanctions on Iran \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today voted in favor of an extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, which passed the Senate on a vote of 99 to 0. The Act extends sanctions on Iran through 2026.\r\nAs many of us who opposed President Obama's Iran nuclear deal predicted, Iran has not curbed its support for terrorism, development of its ballistic missile capabilities, nor its efforts to destabilize the Middle East, said Senator Dan Sullivan. In fact, just yesterday, Army General Joseph Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, said we have witnessed a bit of an uptick' in Iran's nefarious activities since the implementation of the deal. If Iran's support for terrorism, repeated violation of U.N. resolutions, and hostility toward our allies in the region do not continue to be met with strong consequences, we risk encouraging the regime, already emboldened with billions of dollars in economic relief, to act with further aggression. Until Iran demonstrates a clear change in behavior, the United States and all members of the community of nations have a duty to continue existing sanctions on the regime for its unrelenting threats to peace and order.\r\nThe Iran Sanctions Act, originally passed in 1996 and renewed in 2006 for a ten-year term, imposes punitive measures to pressure Iran to cease its nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile weapons programs and (its) support for international terrorism.\r\nThe Act was set to expire at the end of 2016. The House passed companion legislation extending the Iran Sanctions Act two weeks ago on a vote of 419 to 1.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-works-to-reverse-obamas-army-drawdown-future-of-alaskas-4-25-looks-promising", "Sullivan Works to Reverse Obamas Army Drawdown; Future of Alaskas 4-25 Looks Promising", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Works to Reverse Obama's Army Drawdown; Future of Alaska's 4-25 Looks Promising \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today signed the Conference Report to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill includes increased funding authorization to increase force structure for all four services. The NDAA authorizes an additional 16,000 U.S. Army soldiers, halting and reversing an ongoing drawdown of Army forces by the Obama administration. This drawdown included the 4-25 Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) Airborne (ABN) at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska.\r\nSince the Army's announcement a year and a half ago, I have fought day in and day out against an ill-advised reduction of Army forces in Alaska and for an increase in overall Army force structure, said Senator Sullivan.We are a nation at war, we have troops in combat, and we have more complex and diverse threats today than at any point since the end of World War II. We need a larger military  Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines Corps  and I have fought as a member of the Armed Services Committee to give our nation's uniformed leaders the manpower and resources they need to protect our great nation.\r\nThis year's Defense Authorization finally halts  and even begins to reverse  a harmful trend of the last eight years by increasing the force structure for all four services.With a new authorized force level of 476,000 and President-elect Trump's pledge to further increase the size of the U.S. Army, I am optimistic that we have finally relieved the pressure that drove the Army to its decision to dramatically reduce the 4-25. After getting assurances from U.S. Army leadership that they would halt the reduction of the 4-25, I am now more hopeful than ever that we are on the right path for the United States Army and the right path to ensure that all of the soldiers of the 4-25 stay where they belong and where they are needed most  in Alaska.\r\nLastly, I want to thank Senator Murkowski and Congressman Young, and the countless Alaskans throughout the state who continue to make the case that Alaska is the most strategic place in the world, has the nation's best training areas, and has the country's warmest and friendliest military communities.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\nBy the end of FY 2017, the United States Army was on a path to drawdown to 460,000 soldiers.This reduction, part of multi-phased drawdown from 490K to 475K and then from 475,000 to 450,000, was the key driver behind the U.S. Army's decision to convert the 4-25 IBCT (ABN) from a full brigade to a battalion task force, removing 2,600 soldiers form JBER. The Conference Report to the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization authorizes an additional $719 million to fully resource an Active Duty Army Force Structure of 476,000. This force level is 16,000 more soldiers than the previously authorized level of 460,000, and 6,000 more soldiers more than the Army's current force level of 470,000.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398804", "Reps. Young and Gabbard Introduce Bipartisan Resolution on #GivingTuesday", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Alaska Congressman Don Young and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution today recognizing #GivingTuesday, a global day of charitable giving and volunteerism. #GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, begins the holiday season in the spirit of service, following widely-recognized shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The resolution recognizes that philanthropy and charitable giving transcend party divides and unite people across boundaries.\r\n\u201cAs we kick off the holiday season, it\u2019s extremely important to recognize the hard work and dedication of our many service organizations and non-profits,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cBecause of your tremendous support and generous donations, these organizations are able to assist countless families and communities across the nation. Alaskans are often recognized for our hospitality and goodwill, and I encourage everyone back home to take part in this special day and share what you can with your local charity or non-profit.\u201d\r\n\u201cToo often, we focus on the issues that divide us, rather than those that unite us. #GivingTuesday highlights the principles of service, volunteerism, giving back to our communities, and helping those in need,\u201d said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. \u201cEvery single day, each of us can choose to be of service, whether it\u2019s helping a friend or family member, caring for our community and our planet, having a positive impact on those around us, or giving our time to a cause we care about. #GivingTuesday recognizes our opportunity to put service before self and to be a force for positive change in the world.\u201d\r\nBackground: #GivingTuesday was launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, and has since become a worldwide movement, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change. In its first year, #GivingTuesday brought together more than 2,500 organizations in all 50 States, and it has continued to gain momentum every year since, with more than 35,000 partners in the United States and around the world.\r\nFull text of the resolution can be found HERE. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-bill-expanding-healthcare-in-rural-alaska", "Senate Passes Bill Expanding Healthcare in Rural Alaska", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bill Expanding Healthcare in Rural Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act to support telemedicine programs that connect health providers with patients in rural communities. The bill passed in a vote of 97-0.\r\nThe health and well-being of Alaskans is one of my top priorities, and I remain committed to ensuring Alaskans have access to quality healthcare. Utilizing technology and innovative delivery models to meet healthcare needs is imperative in rural states like Alaska, said Senator Murkowski. By passing this bill, we will expand healthcare treatment options to Alaskans no matter where they live.\r\nThis bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to analyze the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models to improve health outcomes. It is modeled after Project ECHO, an innovative continuing medical education model that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural and underserved areas.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/just-in-time-for-thanksgiving-fws-releases_absolute-turkey-of-a-mitigation-policy", "Just in Time for Thanksgiving, FWS Releases  Absolute Turkey of a Mitigation Policy", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.23.16\n\t\t\t Just in Time for Thanksgiving, FWS Releases  Absolute Turkey of a Mitigation Policy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today criticized the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for finalizing a new, revised mitigation policy that will make development more difficult and more expensive throughout the nation, including in Alaska.\r\nI oppose this mitigation policy, as well as the presidential memorandum, which is its foundation. I am seriously concerned about the economic consequences that will result from the excessive requirements being forced through in the waning days of this administration, Murkowski said. I asked the Service to halt this effort earlier this year, but the agency has instead plowed ahead while ignoring the perspectives and needs of Alaskan stakeholders.\r\nThe Service's final revised mitigation policy, issued on Monday, was driven by a presidential memorandum released on November 3, 2015. That memorandum imposed a significant shift from mitigation to net conservation gain and is now creating a confusing, conflicting and generally burdensome web of new policy directives from federal agencies.\r\nMurkowski, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has been a vocal opponent of the Obama administration's efforts to use mitigation as a tool to stop development. In February, she sent a bipartisan letter with 18 of her colleagues raising concerns about the impacts of the presidential memorandum. In March, she held a full committee oversight hearing on the subject, and in June requested that the Service withdraw its draft proposed revisions.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398801", "Alaska Delegation Slams Decision  to Strip Arctic Leases from New OCS Plan", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today condemned the Obama administration\u2019s decision to remove two Alaska lease sales \u2013 one each in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas \u2013 from its \u201cProposed Final Program\u201d for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing for 2017-2022.\r\nEliminating the program\u2019s Arctic sales will yield the weakest offshore development plan in American history and lock up vast resources that are needed to grow our economy, protect national security and keep energy affordable for American families and businesses.\r\n\u201cFor years, the Obama Administration has tried to convince the American people that it supports an \u201call-of-the-above\u201d energy policy. Yet, it has consistently delivered crippling blows to the Alaskan people in the form of new regulatory obstacles, insurmountable roadblocks, and overly prescriptive regulations \u2013 making in nearly impossible for new development to occur,\u201d\u00a0Young said.\u00a0\u201cToday\u2019s announcement \u2013 politically driven and meant to appease the nation\u2019s most extreme environmental groups \u2013 represents some of the worst decision making we\u2019ve seen over the last eight years.\u00a0I truly wish I could say I was surprised, but this administration has never been serious about Arctic OCS development. With the writing on the wall, we\u2019ve taken numerous steps in Congress to enhance Arctic lease sales \u2013 going as far as passing an amendment to the House Interior Appropriations bill that would have prevented this lease removal from taking place. Make no mistake, this blatant disregard for Alaska\u2019s social and economic future will be overturned. The Obama Administration has simply added one more obstacle to the list.\u201d\u201cPresident Obama is well aware that the vast majority of Alaskans want OCS development, and I am infuriated that he has once again ignored our voices to side with the factions who oppose it,\u201d Murkowski said. \u201cWe have shown that Arctic development is one of the best ways to create jobs, generate revenues, and refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Why the president is willing to send all of those benefits overseas is beyond explanation. And it is even more stunning that just one day after urging the new administration to stand up to Russia, he continues to cede leadership on Arctic energy production to them. I will do all that I can to counteract this shortsighted decision.\u201d\r\n\u201cWith this action, the Obama Administration is once again capitulating to the demands of extreme environmental groups over Alaskans and their fellow Americans who want good-paying jobs, energy independence and a strong economy,\u201d Sullivan said. \u201cFor nearly eight years this Administration has given lip service to an \u2018all of the above energy strategy,\u2019 when their actions say the opposite. As Alaska\u2019s Attorney General, Commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Senator, I\u2019ve fought this Administration every step of the way in their concerted efforts to lock up Alaska\u2019s resources and turn our state into one giant national park. We will work hard to reverse the latest damage the Obama Administration has done to our citizens, economy and future. Let\u2019s hope that this is the final chapter in the Obama Administration\u2019s harmful legacy of putting the interests of anti-energy activists over those of hard-working Alaskans and their families. Our state and country still have a promising future in responsible resource development. I am hopeful that with the incoming Trump Administration we will be able to reach our potential as a state and nation in this important area.\u201d\r\nAlaska\u2019s offshore areas contain prolific energy resources. According to Interior\u2019s own technical analysts, the Beaufort and Chukchi seas form one of the most prospective basins in the world. Together, these areas are projected to hold 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. For perspective, that is enough to meet all of California\u2019s demands for oil and natural gas for 37.5 years and 43.5 years, respectively.\r\nAccording to a 2011 analysis by the firm Northern Economics, development of the resources in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas would create an annual average of 55,000 jobs over a 50-year period. Those jobs would create a total payroll of $145 billion over that span. Development is also projected to generate a total of $193 billion for local, state and federal treasuries. According to a 2014 poll, some 73 percent of Alaskans support Arctic OCS development.\r\nWhile calling out the previous, draft offshore leasing plan as a bare minimum effort, the congressional delegation repeatedly urged the Obama administration to keep both Arctic lease sales in its final program. For example, in May, Chairman Murkowski led a delegation letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and chaired an oversight hearing of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on this issue.\u00a0\r\nThe Alaska delegation is now reviewing the Proposed Final Program and will determine what actions can be taken to ensure that Alaska\u2019s federal waters are part of a more robust and economically beneficial offshore program during the next administration.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-slams-decision_to-strip-arctic-leases-from-new-ocs-plan", "Alaska Delegation Slams Decision  to Strip Arctic Leases from New OCS Plan", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Slams Decision  to Strip Arctic Leases from New OCS Plan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today condemned the Obama administration's decision to remove two Alaska lease sales  one each in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas  from its Proposed Final Program for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing for 2017-2022.\r\nEliminating the program's Arctic sales will yield the weakest offshore development plan in American history and lock up vast resources that are needed to grow our economy, protect national security and keep energy affordable for American families and businesses.\r\nPresident Obama is well aware that the vast majority of Alaskans want OCS development, and I am infuriated that he has once again ignored our voices to side with the factions who oppose it, Murkowski said. We have shown that Arctic development is one of the best ways to create jobs, generate revenues, and refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Why the president is willing to send all of those benefits overseas is beyond explanation. And it is even more stunning that just one day after urging the new administration to stand up to Russia, he continues to cede leadership on Arctic energy production to them. I will do all that I can to counteract this shortsighted decision.\r\nWith this action, the Obama Administration is once again capitulating to the demands of extreme environmental groups over Alaskans and their fellow Americans who want good-paying jobs, energy independence and a strong economy, Sullivan said. For nearly eight years this Administration has given lip service to an all of the above energy strategy,' when their actions say the opposite. As Alaska's Attorney General, Commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Senator, I've fought this Administration every step of the way in their concerted efforts to lock up Alaska's resources and turn our state into one giant national park. We will work hard to reverse the latest damage the Obama Administration has done to our citizens, economy and future. Let's hope that this is the final chapter in the Obama Administration's harmful legacy of putting the interests of anti-energy activists over those of hard-working Alaskans and their families. Our state and country still have a promising future in responsible resource development. I am hopeful that with the incoming Trump Administration we will be able to reach our potential as a state and nation in this important area.\r\nFor years, the Obama Administration has tried to convince the American people that it supports an all-of-the-above energy policy. Yet, it has consistently delivered crippling blows to the Alaskan people in the form of new regulatory obstacles, insurmountable roadblocks, and overly prescriptive regulations  making in nearly impossible for new development to occur, Young said. Today's announcement  politically driven and meant to appease the nation's most extreme environmental groups  represents some of the worst decision making we've seen over the last eight years.I truly wish I could say I was surprised, but this administration has never been serious about Arctic OCS development. With the writing on the wall, we've taken numerous steps in Congress to enhance Arctic lease sales  going as far as passing an amendment to the House Interior Appropriations bill that would have prevented this lease removal from taking place. Make no mistake, this blatant disregard for Alaska's social and economic future will be overturned. The Obama Administration has simply added one more obstacle to the list.\r\nAlaska's offshore areas contain prolific energy resources. According to Interior's own technical analysts, the Beaufort and Chukchi seas form one of the most prospective basins in the world. Together, these areas are projected to hold 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. For perspective, that is enough to meet all of California's demands for oil and natural gas for 37.5 years and 43.5 years, respectively.\r\nAccording to a 2011 analysis by the firm Northern Economics, development of the resources in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas would create an annual average of 55,000 jobs over a 50-year period. Those jobs would create a total payroll of $145 billion over that span. Development is also projected to generate a total of $193 billion for local, state and federal treasuries. According to a 2014 poll, some 73 percent of Alaskans support Arctic OCS development.\r\nWhile calling out the previous, draft offshore leasing plan as a bare minimum effort, the congressional delegation repeatedly urged the Obama administration to keep both Arctic lease sales in its final program. For example, in May, Chairman Murkowski led a delegation letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and chaired an oversight hearing of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on this issue.\r\nThe Alaska delegation is now reviewing the Proposed Final Program and will determine what actions can be taken to ensure that Alaska's federal waters are part of a more robust and economically beneficial offshore program during the next administration.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tArctic,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-useds-decision-to-grant-alaska-testing-waiver", "Murkowski Applauds USEDs Decision to Grant Alaska Testing Waiver", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Applauds USED's Decision to Grant Alaska Testing Waiver \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Education's decision to approve the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development's (DEED) request for a waiver from federal testing requirements this year due to technical problems that arose during last spring's testing.\r\nI am pleased the Department of Education heeded Alaska's concerns and granted this much-needed waiver. There is simply no reason our state should be penalized for failing to meet federal testing requirements this past school year due to the significant, widespread, and unexplained technical problems associated with the Alaska Measures of Progress test, said Senator Murkowski. While I acknowledge the need for these assessments, the state should not be punished for circumstances entirely out of its control  and I thank Secretary King for recognizing that.\r\nBackground: Senator Murkowski sent the U.S. Department of Education a letter on June 23rd in support of Alaska's waiver request. In addition, Senator Murkowski pressed Secretary of Education John King on this issue during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on June 29th and urged him to approve the state's waiver request.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEducation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-questions-last-minute-administrative-maneuvering-by-park-service", "Murkowski Questions Last Minute Administrative Maneuvering by Park Service", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Questions Last Minute Administrative Maneuvering by Park Service \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week sent a letter to National Park Service (NPS) Director Jonathan Jarvis requesting an immediate 60-day extension of the public comment period for Director's Order #100, regarding Resource Stewardship for the 21st Century. The Park Service is attempting to finalize this sweeping last-second policy proposal by the end of December, in part by limiting the public comment period to just 30 days.\r\nIn her letter, Chairman Murkowski mirrored concerns she has heard from Alaskans and other stakeholders about the new resource management approaches and guidelines contained within Order #100.Given the breadth and scope of this proposal, I believe that Alaskans, and frankly, all Americans, deserve more time to comment on this issue.There is no need to rush this through at the end of an administration, she wrote.\r\nAlaskans have used public lands for hundreds of years before the National Park Service even existed.This order contemplates the NPS looking outside its borders to manage resources, as well as adopting a new, precautionary approach to management.This could have a real impact on Alaskans, and the way we access our public landsnot necessarily in a positive way. We deserve more time for all Alaskans to provide thoughtful input on this matter.\r\nAccording to the National Park Service, Order #100 will increase our ability to fulfill our mission in a century defined by environmental and societal changes that are increasingly widespread, complex, accelerating, and uncertain. The comment period will close today, Nov. 18, 2016, unless Chairman Murkowski's request for a 60-day extension is granted.To participate in the public comment period, please visit: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=65454.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-receives-panetta-institutes-jefferson-lincoln-awa", "Murkowski Receives Panetta Institutes Jefferson-Lincoln Awa", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Receives Panetta Institute's Jefferson-Lincoln Awa \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) received the coveted Panetta Institute 2016 Jefferson-Lincoln Award, to honor her outstanding stewardship of our democracy through dedicated, responsible, and bipartisan leadership. The award was conferred by the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, located at California State University Monterey Bay.\r\nI am so humbled to be given this honor for my bipartisan leadership and long career in public service. I have always had the belief that there is no limit to what we can accomplish when we work together, focus on building partnerships, and find solutions in our differences instead of allowing differences to separate us, said Senator Murkowski upon receiving the award. When I first joined public office, I made a commitment that I would work with anyone to get things done in Congress. That is what it truly means to legislate. I will cherish this award and the responsibility that comes with it.\r\nThe Panetta Institute was founded by the Honorable Leon Panetta who during his long career in public service served in the House of Representatives, as Director of the Office of Management and Budget and White House Chief of Staff under President Clinton, and as CIA Director and subsequently Secretary of Defense to President Obama. Early in his career, Panetta served in the Nixon administration as assistant to Health, Education and Welfare Secretary Robert Finch.\r\nAlso honored this year were U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA), terrorism expert Fran Townsend and former FBI Director Robert Mueller III.\r\nMore information on the award, including previous recipients, can be found by clicking here.\r\nPictures of Senator Murkowski accepting the award are attached.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-sullivan-statement-on-president-elect-trumps-selection-for-attorney-general", "Sullivan Statement on President-elect Trumps Selection for Attorney General", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t  Sullivan Statement on President-elect Trump's Selection for Attorney General \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Today, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) issued the following statement on President-elect Trump's intent to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to be Attorney General of the United States.\r\nI am encouraged to hear about the nomination of my Senate colleague Senator Jeff Sessions to be the next Attorney General of the United States. Senator Sessions has a long record of exemplary public service, and is a passionate defender of our Constitution and the rule of law. I look forward to his confirmation and working with the next Attorney General in reestablishing constitutional principles that have been eviscerated by the current Administration.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-slams-decision-to-strip-arctic-leases-from-new-ocs-plan", "Alaska Delegation Slams Decision to Strip Arctic Leases from New OCS Plan", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Slams Decision to Strip Arctic Leases from New OCS Plan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today condemned the Obama administration's decision to remove two Alaska lease sales  one each in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas  from its Proposed Final Program for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing for 2017-2022. Eliminating the program's Arctic sales will yield the weakest offshore development plan in American history and lock up vast resources that are needed to grow our economy, protect national security and keep energy affordable for American families and businesses. President Obama is well aware that the vast majority of Alaskans want OCS development, and I am infuriated that he has once again ignored our voices to side with the factions who oppose it, Murkowski said. We have shown that Arctic development is one of the best ways to create jobs, generate revenues, and refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Why the president is willing to send all of those benefits overseas is beyond explanation. And it is even more stunning that just one day after urging the new administration to stand up to Russia, he continues to cede leadership on Arctic energy production to them. I will do all that I can to counteract this shortsighted decision.\r\nWith this action, the Obama Administration is once again capitulating to the demands of extreme environmental groups over Alaskans and their fellow Americans who want good-paying jobs, energy independence and a strong economy, Sullivan said. For nearly eight years this Administration has given lip service to an all of the above energy strategy,' when their actions say the opposite. As Alaska's Attorney General, Commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Senator, I've fought this Administration every step of the way in their concerted efforts to lock up Alaska's resources and turn our state into one giant national park. We will work hard to reverse the latest damage the Obama Administration has done to our citizens, economy and future. Let's hope that this is the final chapter in the Obama Administration's harmful legacy of putting the interests of anti-energy activists over those of hard-working Alaskans and their families. Our state and country still have a promising future in responsible resource development. I am hopeful that with the incoming Trump Administration we will be able to reach our potential as a state and nation in this important area. For years, the Obama Administration has tried to convince the American people that it supports an all-of-the-above energy policy. Yet, it has consistently delivered crippling blows to the Alaskan people in the form of new regulatory obstacles, insurmountable roadblocks, and overly prescriptive regulations  making in nearly impossible for new development to occur, Young said. Today's announcement  politically driven and meant to appease the nation's most extreme environmental groups  represents some of the worst decision making we've seen over the last eight years. I truly wish I could say I was surprised, but this administration has never been serious about Arctic OCS development. With the writing on the wall, we've taken numerous steps in Congress to enhance Arctic lease sales  going as far as passing an amendment to the House Interior Appropriations bill that would have prevented this lease removal from taking place. Make no mistake, this blatant disregard for Alaska's social and economic future will be overturned. The Obama Administration has simply added one more obstacle to the list. Alaska's offshore areas contain prolific energy resources. According to Interior's own technical analysts, the Beaufort and Chukchi seas form one of the most prospective basins in the world. Together, these areas are projected to hold 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. For perspective, that is enough to meet all of California's demands for oil and natural gas for 37.5 years and 43.5 years, respectively. According to a 2011 analysis by the firm Northern Economics, development of the resources in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas would create an annual average of 55,000 jobs over a 50-year period. Those jobs would create a total payroll of $145 billion over that span. Development is also projected to generate a total of $193 billion for local, state and federal treasuries. According to a 2014 poll, some 73 percent of Alaskans support Arctic OCS development. While calling out the previous, draft offshore leasing plan as a bare minimum effort, the congressional delegation repeatedly urged the Obama administration to keep both Arctic lease sales in its final program. For example, in May, Chairman Murkowski led a delegation letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and chaired an oversight hearing of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on this issue.  The Alaska delegation is now reviewing the Proposed Final Program and will determine what actions can be taken to ensure that Alaska's federal waters are part of a more robust and economically beneficial offshore program during the next administration.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398800", "Young Supports House-Passage of Midnight Rules Relief Act", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In an effort to address the potential onslaught of end-of-term regulations released by the Obama administration in its final weeks, today the House passed H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2016. The legislation establishes a simple, rapid-response method for a new Congress to undo abusive midnight rules submitted during the final 60 legislative days of Congress by an outgoing administration.\r\n\u201cOver the last eight years, the Obama administration has moved ahead with one of the most aggressive and costly regulatory agendas in our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cIn Alaska, this amounts to lost jobs, diminished certainty, an unworkable regulatory climate for new development, and roadblocks at every turn.\u00a0 As the President prepares to leave office, there is serious cause for concern that the next two months will be used to advance some of the most extreme and drastic regulatory policies.\u201d \r\n\u201cThe Midnight Rules Relief Act gives Congress the tools and resources to push back against politically driven, overly burdensome rulemaking announced in the final days of a presidency,\u201d Young said. \u201cLike President Obama\u2019s 2008 transition team and then Democrat Majority, Congressional leaders have called upon the current administration to cease the issuance of midnight rules and regulations. With little hope our concerns will be heard, I call upon the Senate to take up this common sense proposal to limit the potentially harmful impacts of last minute rulemaking.\u201d\r\nH.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act, would: \r\n\u2022 Amend the Congressional Review Act to allow CRA resolutions that disapprove of\u00a0multiple midnight rules to be passed by an incoming Congress.\r\n\u2022 Set neither a minimum nor maximum number of midnight rules that a CRA resolution\u00a0can disapprove, thus preserving flexibility for a new Congress to respond with a\u00a0resolution targeting multiple midnight rules.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-honors-alaskas-law-enforcement-on-senate-floor", "Murkowski Honors Alaskas Law Enforcement on Senate Floor", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Honors Alaska's Law Enforcement on Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to Alaska's police officers and honor the heroism shown by members of our law enforcement every day.\r\nSenator Murkowski honored Anchorage Police Officer Arn Salao, who was shot four times on November 12th when responding to a report that a man hadn't paid a cab fare. Officer Salao has undergone surgery and is expected to survive. The shooter's handgun  that of James Ritchie  has been linked to five previously unsolved homicides this year.\r\nOn behalf of a grateful Senate, I will take this opportunity to recognize Anchorage Police Officer Arn Salao for his bravery and heroism. And let me also extend my appreciation to the men and women of the Anchorage Police Department under the able leadership of Chief Chris Tolley. Chief Tolley is justifiably proud of his team from the officers on the scene, to the dispatchers who calmly managed the situation, to the investigators who pieced together the story.\r\n\r\n(Click image to watch Senator Murkowski's floor speech.)\r\nSenator Murkowski also paid tribute to Sergeant Allen Brandt of the Fairbanks Police Department, who was shot six times on October 15th after responding to a call of shots fired in the downtown area. Officer Brandt passed two weeks later from complications associated with his surgeries.\r\nEight days after he was released from the hospital, Sergeant Brandt appeared before the Fairbanks City Council. Our officers, he said, do a very hard job and they need your support. Working weekends when their friends are off, working nights, sleeping during the day. Being called awful names just because they wear the uniform. In Sergeant Brandt's words, officers do a hard job and most of the time thankless. We need your support and not just when bad things happen.\r\nMurkowski put a call for our nation to come together and show the men and women in law enforcement are sincerest gratitude and utmost respect.\r\nAllen Brandt's final public utterance  that the law enforcement family needs the support of the community, and not just when an officer has been shot  must resonate throughout this nation. And as we reflect on a tragic year about to close, it is my sincere hope that this will be our national resolve in the year to come.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-bill-honoring-nations-veterans", "Senate Passes Bill Honoring Nations Veterans", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.16\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bill Honoring Nation's Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAs the Senate reconvened today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the Gold Star Families Voices Act to better preserve and honor the memories of our nation's veterans. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 97-0 and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nI cannot think of a better time than now, on the heels of Veterans Day, to pass this law to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and their families by turning memories into history, said Senator Murkowski. I have been so honored to share the stories of Alaska's veterans through my Veteran Spotlight project. It has been so inspiring to listen to stories detailing acts of sacrifice and courage, and I'm pleased this bill will support and enhance that work.\r\nThis bill authorizes the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, which collects and catalogs the stories of America's war veterans, to include audio and video recordings of biographical histories by Gold Star families  immediate family members of service members who died as a result of their wartime service or became missing in action.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVeterans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-2016-elections-", "Sullivan Statement on 2016 Elections", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.09.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on 2016 Elections  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) issued the following statement today on the 2016 elections: I want to congratulate President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence on their historic victory last night. They clearly heard and gave voice to the concerns of millions of our citizens who feel the American dream is slipping away. I look forward to working closely with our new president and his administration on issues critical to Alaska and America: energy independence, infrastructure, robust economic growth and jobs, a strong military, and rolling back the Obama administration's executive orders and overregulation of our economy.  I also want to congratulate my new and returning Senate colleagues on their hard fought victories. The voters chose to keep the Senate Republican Majority working for the American people. And I want to extend a special congratulations to my friends Lisa Murkowski and Don Young. Alaskans should know they have a strong and united congressional delegation that will continue to fight for Alaska's interests. Finally, I would like to reinforce the important and unifying words of President-elect Trump from his speech last night, calling for America to bind the wounds of division, and come together as one united people.'\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-governor-walkers-cancer-diagnosis", "Sullivan Statement on Governor Walker's Cancer Diagnosis", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.04.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on Governor Walker's Cancer Diagnosis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement today regarding Governor Bill Walker's announcement that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.\r\nOur thoughts and prayers go out to Governor Bill Walker and his family during this difficult time. Governor Walker has long been a fighter, and I'm sure he will bring the same unwavering spirit to this battle and will have a speedy recovery. I appreciate that the governor brought this issue to the attention of Alaskans. We should all heed his advice and take the time to have regular check-ups.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-applauds-fcc-order-expanding-broadband-in-rural-alaska-", "Sullivan Applauds FCC Order Expanding Broadband in Rural Alaska", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.01.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Applauds FCC Order Expanding Broadband in Rural Alaska  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week issuedan orderthat expands the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) program for Alaska's price cap carrier to deploy broadband services throughout Alaska. This order will provide approximately $19.4 million per year for 10 years and will improve voice and broadband service for more than 31,000 locations throughout rural Alaska  many of which are without any broadband today.\r\nEarlier this year, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, all five FCC Commissioners committed to me that they would work to finalize the order to give Alaska's price cap carrier the financial certainty it needs to increase speeds and bring service to many rural areas throughout Alaska, said Senator Sullivan. Working closely with Congressman Young and Senator Murkowski, I am pleased to see that the FCC upheld this commitment. It is a step in the right direction towards bringing broadband to every Alaskan household.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/-murkowski-welcomes-funding-to-reduce-alaskans-high-energy-costs", "Murkowski Welcomes Funding to Reduce Alaskans High Energy Costs", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.25.16\n\t\t\t  Murkowski Welcomes Funding to Reduce Alaskans' High Energy Costs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Federal Government Releases LIHEAP Funds to Provide Heating Bill Relief\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the announcement that over $15 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are headed to the state to help Alaskans with their home heating bills.\r\nThe State of Alaska will receive $9,151,603 from the LIHEAP Block Grant that will be distributed to Alaskans through the DHHS Division of Public Assistance. An additional$6,515,817 will be distributed to Native tribes and tribal associations, as listed in the table below. These funds comprise 90 percent of Alaska's LIHEAP funding for Fiscal Year 2017, and were included in the Continuing (Appropriations) Resolution that passed the Senate with Murkowski's support at the end of September. This funding also comes after the Obama administration tried to slash the LIHEAP program in Fiscal Year 2017 - a move that would have harmed Alaskans but was rejected by Congress.\r\nAs I travel around the state, I regularly meet Alaskans who are concerned about their ability to pay to heat their homes, andI know many are bracing for even higher bills as we head into the winter months. Thankfully, starting today, thousands of Alaskans are getting some relief, as over $15 million in LIHEAP funds are making their way to our state, said Senator Murkowski. These funds will make a crucial difference throughout Alaska, from Aniak to Yakutat. And I will continue to work to lower our energy costs - through my bipartisan energy bill and other measures - so that Alaskans will no longer need to rely on these funds just to stay warm.\"\r\nBelow is a list of funds and funding levels for Alaska Native tribes and associations.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAleutian/Pribilof Islands Association\r\n\r\n\r\n$166,074\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAniak Traditional Council\r\n\r\n\r\n$149,992\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAssociation of Village Council Presidents\r\n\r\n\r\n$2,398,836\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBristol Bay Native Association\r\n\r\n\r\n$902,444\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChuathbaluk Traditional Council\r\n\r\n\r\n$18,801\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCook Inlet\r\n\r\n\r\n$260,079\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKenaitze Indian Tribe\r\n\r\n\r\n$118,305\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKodiak Area Native Association\r\n\r\n\r\n$40,735\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOrutsararmuit Native Council\r\n\r\n\r\n$219,344\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSeldovia Village\r\n\r\n\r\n$10,967\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTanana Chiefs Conference\r\n\r\n\r\n$1,497,006\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTlingit & Haida Central Council\r\n\r\n\r\n$701,900\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYakutat Tlingit Tribe\r\n\r\n\r\n$31,334\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor more information on qualifying details, click here.\r\nMurkowski is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where she has written a broad, bipartisan energy bill featuring a range of provisions that will help lower energy costs in Alaska. She also serves at the Chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/10/26/2016/murkowski-announces-expansion-of-program-to-help-nations-wounded-warriors-", "Murkowski Announces Expansion of Program to Help Nations Wounded Warriors", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.25.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Announces Expansion of Program to Help Nation's Wounded Warriors  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t JBER Selected for Healing Arts Program\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today announced that Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) has been selected as a new site to offer creative art therapy for service members, veterans, and their families. The program, the Military Healing Arts, is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to support arts and health in the military. It is designed to help our nation's wounded and injured service members and their families in their transition into civilian life.\r\nWhen the discussion began about where to offer this partnership, Alaska and JBER immediately came to mind. JBER provides support to all Alaska service members - including our guard, reserve, and veteran populations - and is the top Traumatic Brain Injury clinic for USAF staff. We also have an incredibly strong, vibrant arts community in Alaska that is active and eager to help our veterans improve treatment outcomes and their quality of life, said Senator Murkowski.\r\nAs Chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Murkowski secured $2.4 million in Fiscal Year 2016 in order to expand this partnership to five locations around the country including not only JBER but also Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Fort Hood, and the Madigan Army Center. As NEA and DoD visited each site being considered for a potential expansion, JBER stood out because of the population it serves, its state of the art facilities, the expertise of its staff, and the engagement of the local community and Alaska State Council on the Arts.\r\n  (Murkowski announces Military Healing Arts is coming to JBER)\r\nI thank all of the organizations who made it possible to expand this important program to JBER. Members of our military have emotional scars that are not easily visible, but still need extensive care. While there are many barriers we must overcome to ensure those who need care receive it, we cannot lose sight of how important it is to broaden access to programs that are proving beneficial to the treatment of our service members, veterans, and their families,\" said Murkowski.\r\n  (Sen. Murkowski speaks to Col. Yates, 673rd Medical Group Commander and Saunders McNeill of Alaska State Council on the Arts)\r\nThe Military Healing Arts program focuses on two main components of art therapy that can help enhance overall care: the clinical setting and community engagement.\r\n \r\nClinical settings: The clinical setting for the program provides the multidisciplinary approach, integrating art therapists with healthcare professionals to create individual treatment plans that proved successful at the other locations. NEA funding helps provide the staffing of credentialed art therapists (including but not limited to music, art, and writing) to help with program support at the selected locations.\r\nCommunity: Community programs are designed to help connect military populations with art providers and locations that exist in communities where they live. NEA will work with the network of state, local, and regional art agencies along with service organizations to develop strategies to make these connections.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVeterans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-extremely-frustrated-by-ninth-circuit-ruling-allowing-bearded-seal-listing", "Sullivan Extremely Frustrated by Ninth Circuit Ruling Allowing Bearded Seal Listing", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.24.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Extremely Frustrated by Ninth Circuit Ruling Allowing Bearded Seal Listing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today expressed frustration at a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit opinion overturning a District Court's 2014 ruling that found the 2012 listing of the bearded seal as threatened by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was unwarranted. \r\nI am deeply troubled by the 9th Circuit's decision today to allow unnecessary and crushing federal regulatory burdens to move forward, which will impact large swaths of Alaska lands and waters, said Senator Sullivan. The listing will have detrimental impacts on our ability to access Alaska's lands and resources, which is why a broad coalition  Alaska Native organizations, resource development groups, individual Alaskans and the state  came together to oppose the listing pushed by outside radical environmentalists. I will do everything in my power to fight efforts by federal agencies to lock up our lands and resources and stifle economic opportunities for Alaskans. I hope the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the matter in the coming term should the parties decide to appeal.\"\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-senators-honor-50-years-of-the-alaska-federation-of-natives", "Alaska Senators Honor 50 Years of the Alaska Federation of Natives", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.19.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Senators Honor 50 Years of the Alaska Federation of Natives \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution (attached), introduced by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN). AFN was formed in October 1966 when more than 400 Alaska Natives, representing 17 Native organizations, conducted a historic 3-day meeting to address Alaska Native land rights.\r\nI'm proud to honor and recognize the significance of AFN and what this organization has achieved. I look forward to the AFN convention every year  where we join together to exchange information, share ideas, discuss community issues and more importantly, learn from each other. I have seen firsthand how valuable this statewide gathering is year after year, and believe the importance cannot be understated, said Senator Murkowski. It is through these discussions that the AFN delegates are able to enhance and promote the cultural, economic, and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community.\r\nI want to congratulate AFN on 50 years of commitment of, for, and by the Alaska Native peoples, said Senator Sullivan. Fifty years ago our Alaska Native leaders joined together to show the world that 55,000 individuals can make a difference by fighting for, and eventually passing, the largest land claims act in history. Since inception, AFN has proven time and time again that they are leaders in the state and country on many different issues, and always stand ready to serve Alaska Natives. I'm humbled and honored to serve AFN, and committed to working with the organization and all of the people it represents.\r\nThis year's AFN Convention, the largest representative annual gathering of Native peoples in the United States and the largest convention in the State of Alaska, will be held at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks from October 20th to October 22nd.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-senators-honor-50-years-of-the-alaska-federation-of-natives", "Alaska Senators Honor 50 Years of the Alaska Federation of Natives", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.19.16\n\t\t\t Alaska Senators Honor 50 Years of the Alaska Federation of Natives \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution (attached), introduced by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN). AFN was formed in October 1966 when more than 400 Alaska Natives, representing 17 Native organizations, conducted a historic 3-day meeting to address Alaska Native land rights.\r\nI'm proud to honor and recognize the significance of AFN and what this organization has achieved. I look forward to the AFN convention every year  where we join together to exchange information, share ideas, discuss community issues and more importantly, learn from each other. I have seen firsthand how valuable this statewide gathering is year after year, and believe the importance cannot be understated, said Senator Murkowski. It is through these discussions that the AFN delegates are able to enhance and promote the cultural, economic, and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community.\r\nI want to congratulate AFN on 50 years of commitment of, for, and by the Alaska Native peoples, said Senator Sullivan. Fifty years ago our Alaska Native leaders joined together to show the world that 55,000 individuals can make a difference by fighting for, and eventually passing, the largest land claims act in history. Since inception, AFN has proven time and time again that they are leaders in the state and country on many different issues, and always stand ready to serve Alaska Natives. I'm humbled and honored to serve AFN, and committed to working with the organization and all of the people it represents.\r\nThis year's AFN Convention, the largest representative annual gathering of Native peoples in the United States and the largest convention in the State of Alaska, will be held at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks from October 20th to October 22nd.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/state-department-responds-to-delegations-transboundary-concerns", "State Department Responds to Delegations Transboundary Concerns", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.14.16\n\t\t\t State Department Responds to Delegation's Transboundary Concerns \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn response to a letter that Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-AK) wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry last month, the State Department told the Alaska Congressional Delegation in a letter (attached) that it will remain in close contact with concerned Alaskans and are committed to identifying the best ways to resolve shared concerns about risks posed to water quality and livelihoods in Alaska by mining activities in British Columbia.\r\nI am encouraged that it now appears the State Department at least understands the importance of transboundary water issues to so many Alaskans, because understanding an issue is the first step in addressing it. And it is promising to see the State Department show an elevated interest in this topic, as demonstrated by recent trips to the state to meet with concerned Alaskans, said Senator Lisa Murkowski.That being said, I remain disappointed that the State Department refuses to address our questions and suggestions, such as to consider appointing a special representative for U.S.-Canada transboundary issues. And it is unacceptable that Secretary Kerry has yet to meet directly with Alaskans on such a hugely important issue. The State Department's response is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go until Alaskans' concerns are adequately addressed.\r\nI am glad the Department of State and other Administration officials have finally initiated steps to engage key stakeholders as well as the governments ofCanada and British Columbia on these pressing transboundary water issues. Yet, further progress is necessary toaddress the questions the delegation and Alaskan stakeholders have raised, said Senator Dan Sullivan. We must all continue to work collaboratively toward solutions that ensure Canadian resource extraction is conducted in a manner that safeguards the vibrant downstream interests in Southeast Alaska.\r\nThe people of both Alaska and Canada have a mutual interest and desire to develop their own potential natural resources, but we must stay engaged and communicate when the actions of one can have implications on the other,said Congressman Don Young.Ongoing and proposed mining activities in Canada have brought tremendous concerns to the people of Southeast Alaska -- specifically with the Tlingit and Haida people  which is why I have always engaged with the delegation to prioritize and facilitate outreach between all parties involved. Although I am pleased to hear about certain progress being made to implement portions of the memorandum of understanding and to address the concerns of Alaskans, I still believe there's much work to be done.\r\nThe State Department's letter listed the efforts it has taken to address transboundary water issues, including:\r\n \r\nVisiting Alaska last August at the invitation of the Central Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska to discuss tribal concerns related to mining activities;\r\nMeeting with Governor Bill Walker, Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, commercial fishing leaders, business owners, and conservation leaders;\r\nHosting a meeting in April in which the State Department and EPA raised the concerns of potential mining impacts with their Canadian counterparts from Global Affairs Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada; and\r\nCommitting to raise the issue with their Canadian counterparts in upcoming bilateral meetings.\r\n \r\nThe State Department further noted and welcomed the delegation's efforts to prioritize baseline water quality monitoring in Southeast Alaska.\r\nThe delegation also applauded State Representative Louise Stutes' work on the House Fisheries Committee to host a transboundary hearing in the Alaska Legislature earlier this week.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/state-department-responds-to-delegations-transboundary-concerns", "State Department Responds to Delegations Transboundary Concerns", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.14.16\n\t\t\t State Department Responds to Delegation's Transboundary Concerns \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC - In response to a letter that Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-AK) wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry last month, the State Department told the Alaska Congressional Delegation in a letter (attached) that it will remain in close contact with concerned Alaskans and are committed to identifying the best ways to resolve shared concerns about risks posed to water quality and livelihoods in Alaska by mining activities in British Columbia.\r\nI am encouraged that it now appears the State Department at least understands the importance of transboundary water issues to so many Alaskans, because understanding an issue is the first step in addressing it. And it is promising to see the State Department show an elevated interest in this topic, as demonstrated by recent trips to the state to meet with concerned Alaskans, said Senator Lisa Murkowski.That being said, I remain disappointed that the State Department refuses to address our questions and suggestions, such as to consider appointing a special representative for U.S.-Canada transboundary issues. And it is unacceptable that Secretary Kerry has yet to meet directly with Alaskans on such a hugely important issue. The State Department's response is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go until Alaskans' concerns are adequately addressed.\r\nI am glad the Department of State and other Administration officials have finally initiated steps to engage key stakeholders as well as the governments ofCanada and British Columbia on these pressing transboundary water issues. Yet, further progress is necessary toaddress the questions the delegation and Alaskan stakeholders have raised, said Senator Dan Sullivan. We must all continue to work collaboratively toward solutions that ensure Canadian resource extraction is conducted in a manner that safeguards the vibrant downstream interests in Southeast Alaska.\r\nThe people of both Alaska and Canada have a mutual interest and desire to develop their own potential natural resources, but we must stay engaged and communicate when the actions of one can have implications on the other,said Congressman Don Young.Ongoing and proposed mining activities in Canada have brought tremendous concerns to the people of Southeast Alaska -- specifically with the Tlingit and Haida people  which is why I have always engaged with the delegation to prioritize and facilitate outreach between all parties involved. Although I am pleased to hear about certain progress being made to implement portions of the memorandum of understanding and to address the concerns of Alaskans, I still believe there's much work to be done.\r\nThe State Department's letter listed the efforts it has taken to address transboundary water issues, including:\r\n \r\nVisiting Alaska last August at the invitation of the Central Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska to discuss tribal concerns related to mining activities;\r\nMeeting with Governor Bill Walker, Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, commercial fishing leaders, business owners, and conservation leaders;\r\nHosting a meeting in April in which the State Department and EPA raised the concerns of potential mining impacts with their Canadian counterparts from Global Affairs Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada; and\r\nCommitting to raise the issue with their Canadian counterparts in upcoming bilateral meetings.\r\n \r\nThe State Department further noted and welcomed the delegation's efforts to prioritize baseline water quality monitoring in Southeast Alaska.\r\nThe delegation also applauded State Representative Louise Stutes' work on the House Fisheries Committee to host a transboundary hearing in the Alaska Legislature earlier this week.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398799", "Young Concludes Successful Visit to Maine for Arctic Councils Senior Officials Meeting", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Alaska Congressman Don Young, co-chair of the Congressional Arctic Working Group, recently wrapped up a visit to Portland, ME for the Arctic Council\u2019s Senior Officials Meeting (SAO). Young\u2019s visit included various meetings, discussions and events focused on cooperation, coordination and interaction among Arctic nations and stakeholders.\r\nAs the only member of the Alaska congressional delegation in attendance, Congressman Young worked to educate others on the unique challenges and opportunities we face as an Arctic nation, including resource development, national security needs and the development of ports, polar icebreakers, and other infrastructure. In addition, Young focused on collaboration between Maine and Alaska, which share many commonalities, including active marine and fishery economies.\r\nThe gathering represented the third SAO meeting of the Arctic Council. Juneau, AK will host the next SAO meeting from March 7-9, 2017. The U.S Chairmanship of the Arctic Council will conclude following the May 2017 Ministerial Meeting in Fairbanks, AK.\r\n\r\nMaine-Alaska Arctic Roundtable\r\nYoung participated in the Maine-Alaska Arctic Roundtable, a gathering of U.S Arctic leaders focused on the many opportunities to collaborate on investments and decision-making. Young emphasized the need for new maritime infrastructure and navigational aids as shipping increases through the \u201cchoke point\u201d to the Arctic \u2013 the Bering Strait. The roundtable included various Alaska and Maine officials, business and community leaders, and researches to share their perspectives, priorities and best practices related to the Arctic.\r\n\r\nCongressman Young speaking at the Maine-Alaska Arctic Roundtable (click here to watch).\r\n\r\nOcean Observing Systems Mini-Science Summit\r\nCongressman Young welcomed members from the scientific community during the Ocean Observing Systems Mini-Science Summit, which included discussions on the coordination and increased efficiency of how the federal government conducts and funds ocean research, data collection, and critical infrastructure for identifying extreme weather events and national security threats. Young is a longtime leader and advocate for the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (IOOS), of which Alaska is home to one of eleven regional associations.\r\n\r\nCongressman Young speaking at the Ocean Observing Systems Mini-Science Summit (click here to watch).\r\n\r\nLobster Wholesaler Tour\r\nIn addition, Congressman Young joined Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) on a tour of a Portland-based lobster wholesaler \u2013 Ready Seafood \u2013 to gain in depth knowledge of our nation's diverse fishing industry. Young, a long-time leader on national fisheries policy and an original co-author of the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Act, introduced and passed H.R. 1335\u00a0in the 114th Congress to update the laws governing commercial and recreation fishing in U.S. federal waters.\r\n\r\nCongressman Young touring Ready Seafood, Portland- based lobster wholesaler (click here to watch). For B-roll of Congressman Young\u2019s visit, click here.\r\n\r\n\r\nCongressman Young began the week by attending the Maine Arctic Forum and Showcase, which included a presentation by Alaska Tara Sweeney, Chair of the Arctic Economic Council.\r\n\r\nCongressman Young speaking to Senator Angus King (ME-I) at the Maine Arctic Forum and Showcase\r\n\r\nCongressman Young speaking to Admiral Robert Papp, former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic, on national security needs in the Arctic.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-gov-walkers-ocs-announcement", "Murkowski Welcomes Gov. Walkers OCS Announcement", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.07.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Welcomes Gov. Walker's OCS Announcement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Nominates Lease Areas for Alaska OCS Development to Boost State Economy, Finances\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after Gov. Bill Walker (I-Alaska) sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, signaling the State's nomination of offshore Arctic areas for the administration's upcoming Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Leasing Program for 2017-2022.\r\nI appreciate the governor's formal nomination of the Beaufort, Chukchi, and Cook Inlet planning areas, Murkowski said.While officials in the Obama administration have mistakenly claimed that there is limited interest in developing our OCS, Alaska's oil and gas managers are busy proving that notion wrong, as they lease to companies in State waters for fields that extend into federal waters.\r\nI continue to find it stunning how difficult it has been to convince the Obama administration that offshore oil and gas development is not only widelysupportedby Alaskans, but also can be done while protecting our environment.The governor's announcement today is another positive step in our multi-year effort to ensure that new federal lease sales occur in the Beaufort and Chukchi as soon as possible.\r\nMurkowski is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and continues to be a strong supporter of Arctic OCS development. In May 2016, she held afull committee hearingto examine BOEM's 2017-2022 OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program, where she touted the significant economic and fiscal benefits that would be associated with Arctic offshore development. Murkowski also led a delegation letter to Secretary Jewell urging the administration to maintain all three proposed Alaska lease sales in the next Five-Year Program.\r\nThe Beaufort and Chukchi seascontainan estimated 23.6 billion barrels of oil and 104.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/us-navy-responds-to-murkowskis-northern-edge-concerns", "U.S. Navy Responds to Murkowskis Northern Edge Concerns", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.07.16\n\t\t\t U.S. Navy Responds to Murkowski's Northern Edge Concerns \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Navy Tells Senator It is Critical to Engage Early and Often with Potentially Affected Stakeholders\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t In response to a letter that U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wrote to Secretary of the Navy last month, urging the Navy to connect and interact with concerned Alaskan communities about the timing, location, and potential impacts of the Navy's involvement in the Northern Edge 2017 (NE17) joint military exercise, Navy officials told Senator Murkowski in a letter (attached) they will work with local stakeholders to ensure the public is fully aware of the NE17 and the measures that will be put in place to minimize environmental impacts.\r\nMurkowski's letter to the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus can be found by clicking here.\r\nI readily admit we could have done a much better job reaching out to potentially affected stakeholders leading up to NE15. The Navy shares your position that it is critical for us to engage early and often with potentially affected stakeholders leading up to NE17, said Dennis V. McGinn, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Energy, Installations, & Environment. The Navy values the unique training opportunity and environment that exists in Alaska and we are committed to being open with the public about our activities and environmental impacts.\r\nIn an effort to clearly convey the scope of the exercise, address concerns, and dispel misinformation, the Navy explained their outreach plan leading up to NE17:\r\n\r\n \r\nMeeting with local governments in Kodiak, Homer, Cordova and Seward;\r\nHolding discussions with stakeholders at events such as the Alaska Federation of Natives, COMFISH, Alaska Maritime Symposium, and the Alaska Forum on the Environment;\r\nPlanning to attend local, regional, and state-wide events to initiate a two-way dialogue with citizens in coastal communities, fishing interests, the scientific and environmental community, and local, state and Federal officials.\r\n \r\nI am pleased to hear the Navy's plans to engage with Alaskan communities, avoiding a repeat of the miscommunication leading up to NE15. I truly believe communication is key and if the Navy follows through with their proposed outreach efforts and has meaningful conversations with Alaskans, I am confident that the concerns posed by so many can be addressed, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. I will be following the Navy's efforts closely and hold them accountable to their promises, so that Alaskans can be rest assured that fishery conflicts will be avoided and marine resources will be protected during the upcoming military exercise.\r\nBackground: In 2015, Senator Murkowski introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which would require the military to engage with communities about planned training exercises at least six months in advance.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-comments-on-state-of-alaskas-nominations-in-ocs-lease-sale-program", "Sullivan Comments on State of Alaskas Nominations in OCS Lease Sale Program", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.07.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Comments on State of Alaska's Nominations in OCS Lease Sale Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement today in support of Alaska Governor Bill Walker's recent letter to Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell nominating the Beaufort and Chukchi seas and Cook Inlet for inclusion in the 2017-2022 proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease sale program.\r\nIt is of vital importance to Alaska and the nation's economic and energy security that the Obama Administration keeps the proposed lease sales on the OCS in the Cook Inlet, and Beaufort and Chukchi seas in the next five year leasing plan,said Senator Sullivan.We need a mindset at the state and federal levels that supports oil and natural gas production through creative solutions and modernizing our regulatory process. The State of Alaska and industry stakeholders have time and again demonstrated the keen interest in, and need for, continued exploration and production on state, Alaska Native and federal lands. Maintaining access in the Arctic OCS for exploration and future oil and natural gas production will allow us to pragmatically utilize and deploy our vast energy resource to ensure abundant and secure energy supplies well into the future.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-announces-that-previously-cancelled-bia-providers-conference-is-back-on-schedule", "Murkowski Announces That Previously Cancelled BIA Providers Conference is Back on Schedule", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.06.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Announces That Previously Cancelled BIA Providers Conference is Back on Schedule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nToday U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski announced that the 2016 Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Providers Conference, which was abruptly cancelled last month, is back on track to occur in November. The BIA Tribal Providers Conference, an annual meeting of Alaska's 229 federally recognized tribes and their federal partners, was canceled by the BIA due to logistical problems with a contractor. Tribes were notified through the conference website that The Providers Conference has been cancelled until further notice. Refunds to paid attendees, artists and vendors are being processed. After learning of what happened, Senator Murkowski and her staff immediately contacted top officials within the Department of Interior  including the Director of BIA  to resolve the issues and get the conference back up and running.\r\nThis annual conference is in its 26th year now and is arguably the single most important conference for Alaska's tribes. It is an invaluable opportunity to learn about programing, receive training, and to conduct consultation on various issues  and for many tribal leaders in the villages it is the only direct communication with the federal government, said Senator Murkowski. With topics such as land into trust  and other issues with a direct impact on Alaska Natives  at the forefront of so many minds, this year could not have been a worse time for this conference to be canceled. This is why I did everything in my power, especially as Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Committee, to stress the immense value of this event and ensure that this conference takes place. I want to thank the folks at BIA for listening to me, and so many Alaskans, and express my appreciation for their efforts in making the Tribal Providers Conference a reality for the 26th year in a row.\r\nThe conference will take place in Anchorage on the previously scheduled dates of November 29th to December 2ndand will be held at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage. More info can be found by clicking here.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-gao-finds-serious-gaps-in-federal-mineral-policies", "Murkowski: GAO Finds Serious Gaps in Federal Mineral Policies", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.03.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski: GAO Finds Serious Gaps in Federal Mineral Policies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New Report Bolsters Case for Agency Actions, Critical Minerals Legislation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed the release of a report she requested from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examining the federal government's approach to identifying, assessing, and facilitating domestic mineral supplies. The report outlines a series of significant shortfalls and limitations, which together underscore the urgency and importance of reforming our nation's mineral policies.\r\nI appreciate GAO's efforts to identify weaknesses and make recommendations that will ultimately help improve our mineral security, Murkowski said. While I'm pleased that GAO's findings and recommendations track the contents of the critical minerals legislation that I introduced and included in my bipartisan energy bill, their analysis also underscores that the time to act is nowbefore our economy, our competitiveness, and our security are harmed.\r\nOur nation's foreign mineral dependence presents a growing, yet generally ignored, danger. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the United States imported at least 50 percent of our supply of 47 separate mineral commodities in 2015, including 100 percent of 19 of them. With many of our mineral imports coming from a small set of countries, led by China, the concentration of foreign supply has also emerged as a cause for concern.\r\nWithin its new report, GAO concludes that the federal government's approach to addressing critical materials supply issues has not been consistent with selected key practices for interagency collaboration, such as ensuring that agencies' roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. In addition, the federal critical materials approach faces other limitations, including data limitations and a focus on only a subset of critical materials, a limited focus on domestic production of critical materials, and limited engagement with industry.\r\nMurkowski is a leader on mineral security in the Senate. She has introduced legislation in the past three Congresses to establish a process for designating critical minerals, assess U.S. deposits of critical minerals, streamline the permitting process for mines that will produce those resources, and facilitate R&D into alternatives and recycling. In the current Congress, Murkowski included the text of S. 883, her American Mineral Security Act, within S. 2012, her Energy Policy Modernization Act. S. 2012 is now in conference with the House of Representatives.\r\nMurkowski is the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. GAO's new report is entitled Advanced Technologies: Strengthened Federal Approach Needed to Help Identify and Mitigate Supply Risks for Critical Raw Materials and can be accessed here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398791", "Young Applauds Enactment of Legislation Extending Highly Rural Veterans Transportation Program", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Alaska Congressman Don Young today applauded the bill signing of H.R. 5985, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act, which extends numerous Veterans Administration (VA) programs, including the Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Grant (HRTG) program \u2013 originally set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2017.\r\nCongressman Young introduced\u00a0H.R. 5558, the VA Highly Rural Transportation Program Extension Act, earlier this year to raise awareness for the looming expiration of this program. Through numerous discussions with House Veterans Affairs Committee leadership, Congressman Young secured this one-year extension as part of H.R. 5985.\r\nUpon House-passage of H.R. 5985, Congressman Young shared the following statement:\r\n\u201cI am committed to standing up for Alaska\u2019s veterans\u2014especially those who live in our many highly-rural areas. The Highly Rural Veteran Transportation program enables all of Alaska\u2019s veterans to receive the care they earned, regardless of the area in which they live. I\u2019m glad we were able to extend this critical program for an additional year, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of this program in the future. We must ensure our nation\u2019s veterans receive the benefits they earned in service to this nation; this legislation takes important steps in that direction by increasing access, improving services and extending critical programs to assist veteran and their families.\u201d\r\nSet to expire at the end of FY 2017, the Highly Rural Transportation Program enables State Veterans Service Agencies and Veteran Service Organizations to provide no-cost transportation services to VA or VA-authorized healthcare facilities to veterans in counties with fewer than seven people per square mile.\r\nCurrently, 14 organizations in 11 states administer grants under the HRTG. Grantees are eligible to receive up to $50,000 per highly-rural area in order to \u201cprovide innovative transportation options to Veterans in highly rural areas.\u201d\r\nAccording to the Alaska Office of Veteran Affairs, 8,200 veterans are currently eligible for the program in areas that include Southwest Fairbanks, the Matanuska-Susitna region, Kodiak Island, the Kenai Peninsula, and Prince of Wales Island and Hyder. In just the three months between January and March, 2016, the HRTG program in Alaska provided 3,010 hours of transportation on 3,129 trips, totaling 113,237 miles (and 5,760 nautical miles), for 3,116 veterans.\u00a0 Although FY 2016 HRTG grant funds have been exhausted in several Alaskan areas, Congressman Young remains committed to reauthorizing the program to provide future services to Alaskan veterans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-heitkamp-bill-creating-native-childrens-commission-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Murkowski, Heitkamp Bill Creating Native Childrens Commission Heads to Presidents Desk", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.30.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski, Heitkamp Bill Creating Native Children's Commission Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Honors Tlingit Elder Walter Soboleff\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) today announced that their bipartisan bill to improve the lives of Native American children passed Congress unanimously and now heads for the president's desk for his signature.\r\nThe Senators' bill, the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act, implements solutions that would address the overwhelming obstacles Native children face  including experiencing levels of post-traumatic stress, dramatically increased risks of suicide, and lower high school graduation rates than any racial or ethnic demographic in the country. The commission will work to address these and other challenges to promote better outcomes for Native youth.\r\nSpecifically the bill creates a Commission on Native Children to identify the complex challenges facing Native children in Alaska and across the United States by conducting an intensive study on these issues  including high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and dire economic opportunities  and making recommendations on how to make sure Native children get the protections, as well as economic and educational tools they need to thrive.\r\nI can cite many examples of young Native people who are living healthy lives and doing great things for their people. Yet far too have found themselves in a world of despair, said Senator Murkowski. There is an urgent need for a broad range of stakeholders to come to the table and formulate plans to give every young Native person a fighting chance at a productive life. This high energy' commission, established in memory of the late Dr. Walter Soboleff, a treasured Alaska Native elder and culture bearer and a champion for Native youth moves the needle in a new and badly needed direction.\r\nEvery day, children across Indian Country wake up with the odds stacked against them  but the U.S. Congress spoke with one resounding voice to change that, said Senator Heitkamp. For generations, young people living on tribal lands have been exposed to some of the most insurmountable barriers to their success  from living in dilapidated homes, to experiencing abuse and severe lack of educational and economic opportunity. Our Native youth have had much to overcome without much help from the federal government. But by unanimously passing our bipartisan bill, the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate have united to change course  and to help light a better path for our Native young people. It's been my priority since before I came to the Senate to work to urgently improve outcomes for our Native youth  that's why this legislation was the first I introduced as a U.S. Senator. I'll keep fighting to make sure our Native young people are heard, and given the opportunities that every American child deserves.\r\nThe Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act, named after the Alaska Native Elder and statesman and former Chairwoman of Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation in North Dakota, respectively, has gained widespread praise by a cross-section of tribal leaders and organizations from Alaska, North Dakota, and around the country. It has been lauded by former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Byron Dorgan, the National Congress of American Indians, and the National Indian Education Association, among others.\r\nClick here for Murkowski's tribute to the late Dr. Walter Soboleff.\r\nDetails of the Commission:\r\n \r\nBetter Use of Existing Resources  The Commission will identify ways to streamline current federal, state, and local programs to be more effective and give tribes greater flexibility to devise programs for their communities in the spirit of self-determination and allow government agencies to redirect resources to the areas of most need.\r\nIncreased Coordination  The Commission will seek to improve coordination of existing programs benefitting Native children. The federal government houses programs across numerous different agencies, yet these programs too often do not work together.\r\nMeasurable Outcomes  The Commission will recommend measures to determine the wellbeing of Native children, and use these measurements to propose short-term, mid-term, and long-term national policy goals.\r\nStronger Data  The Commission will seek to develop better data collection methods. Too often Native children are left out of the conversation because existing data collection, reporting, and analysis practices exclude them.\r\nStronger Private Sector Partnerships  The Commission will seek to identify obstacles to public-private partnerships in Native communities.\r\nImplementation of Best Practices  The Commission will identify and highlight successful models that can be adopted in Native communities.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEducation,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-baldwin-introduce-bill-to-create-vietnam-helicopter-crew-memorial", "Sullivan, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Create Vietnam Helicopter Crew Memorial", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.30.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Create Vietnam Helicopter Crew Memorial \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have introduced the Senate companion legislation of H.R. 4298, the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Memorial Act, which would direct the Secretary of the Army to approve a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery honoring the nearly 5,000 helicopter pilots and crewmembers killed during the Vietnam War. The legislation was first introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV).\r\nThe brave helicopter pilots and crew of the Vietnam War were crucial to the fight against the North Vietnamese and communist forces, and to the eventual evacuation of thousands of Americans and Vietnamese from Saigon, said Senator Sullivan. A five-foot-by-one-foot memorial amid the more than 620-acre cemetery is not an unreasonable request to honor the sacrifices of thousands of fallen service members. With 40 years having passed since the end of the Vietnam War, it is time for family members of these fallen heroes to have a place in our nation's cemetery to come and pay their respects.\r\nBrave and courageous Vietnam war pilots made incredible sacrifices and this bipartisan effort offers respect for their selfless service, said Senator Baldwin. Our Vietnam veterans and their families have earned this recognition and they deserve to be properly honored at Arlington National Cemetery.\r\nHailing from all branches of the Military, these pilots, crew members, and medics account for almost ten percent of all the casualties in what has come to be known as the Helicopter War,' said Rep. Amodei. Vietnam pilots and crew members touched every aspect of the war's efforts, serving as transportation for soldiers and civilians, and providing critical battlefield support, but the process has failed these veterans  denying them proper recognition for their joint sacrifice. A working standard that doesn't allow a worthy application to make that grade, is a working standard, quite frankly, that needs a little bit of help. While this legislation may not change the process, it would ensure that a group of veterans, who are more than worthy of a memorial, receive the recognition they deserve. I'm pleased to join Senators Sullivan and Baldwin in support of these true American heroes.\r\nThe memorial proposal was submitted by the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA). The VHPA has agreed to fund the construction and installation costs for the memorial.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-joins-conversation-on-how-to-fix-washingtons-broken-budget-process", "Sullivan Joins Conversation On How to Fix Washingtons Broken Budget Process", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.29.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Joins Conversation On How to Fix Washington's Broken Budget Process \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) yesterday joined his colleagues, led by Senator David Perdue (R-GA), in a conversation on the Senate floor about fixing Washington's broken budget process.\r\nSenators Sullivan and Perdue were joined by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-WY), Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).\r\nClick here to watch the Senators' full speeches.\r\nHighlights:\r\nSenator Sullivan: A lot of us ran for office  a lot of us for the first time  because we saw what is going on with this budget processWe have all been working on this for months this is what we need to do to finally get ahold of these enormous budget challenges. I want to encourage all of my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, to join in this process to bring your ideas to fix what is clearly a broken process.\r\nSenator Perdue: Right now, we have a budget crisis. We have a debt crisis. Fixing the budget process will not solve the debt crisis, but we will not solve the debt crisis unless and until we address the dysfunction in our budget process.\r\nSenator Tillis: This is a threat to our national security. This is a threat to our economic security. This is a threat to the security of every man and woman in the United States because they can't rely on a government that will provide businesses or individuals with any kind of certainty whatsoever. It's tough to make budget decisions, but they need to be made.\r\nSenator Lankford: We're not going to get a better product, until we have a better process. Let's solve how we do budgeting and actually get to a better productStep onelike an AA grouplet's admit there is a problem. There is a problem. Step twolet's get to work on fixing it and actually resolve the process, and let's actually get to work balancing and paying off our debt.\r\nChairman Enzi: I remember introducing [Senator Perdue] the first time we had a Budget Committee meeting, and I said, Senator Perdue knows how to balance a budget, he's been working in the private sector.' And he said, No, in the private sector you have to show a little bit of a profit.' Well we're going to have to show a little bit of profit around here if we're ever going to get rid of the debt.\r\nSenator Corker: We really don't have a budget process. I mean to even call what we do a budget, per most human beings' understanding of what a budget is, is obviously not realisticWe have to, in essence, get a process in place that actually works. It's impossible for the process we have today to work. Today, is a perfect example of that, right?\r\nSenator Ernst: We can't keep spending money we don't have on things that aren't necessary. Washington can't even do the basic business of balancing our own budgetIt might just take a complete overhaul of Washington's ways to help us solve this problem.\r\nSenator Rounds: We have to begin the process of fixing this broken [budget] system and we need to begin now. In 2026, our country turns 250 years old. Wouldn't it be a marvelous goal if by that time we not only had this process fixed, but it was actually working once again?\r\nSenator Daines: The biggest hurdle to balancing the budget are the very rules, the very process, that guides this institution. They are brokenWe came here not to accept the status quo but to reject it, and to change the way this country operates truly to save the future of our kids and our grandkids.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398789", "Young on Short-Term Funding Bill: Not a Perfect Approach, But We Were Able to Include a Tremendous Amount of Good for Alaska and the Nation", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Alaskan Congressman Don Young\u00a0this evening voted in favor of a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) Appropriations Package, which funds the federal government through December 9, 2016. In addition to providing the full Fiscal Year 2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations, the bill contains $1.1 billion in emergency funding to fight and prevent the spread of the Zika virus and $37 million to help fight the nation\u2019s opioid epidemic.\r\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve said before, shutting down the government is both shortsighted and irresponsible. Ultimately, it hurts the American people \u2013 our military, our senior citizens, our small businesses and the working people of Alaska and the nation,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cToday\u2019s short-term spending measure is certainly not a perfect approach, but we were able to include a tremendous amount of good for Alaska and the nation \u2013 vital funding to support our troops, major improvements and reforms for our veterans, and efforts to address the nation\u2019s growing opioid epidemic. By prioritizing investments to support Defense infrastructure projects and improve the Department of Veteran Affairs, this bill will have a tremendous impact on Alaska \u2013 not only for our economy and our local communities but for the defense of our nation and the wellbeing of our veterans. Although there\u2019s much work to be done when Congress returns \u2013 including a number of major reforms and policy provisions to roll back many of this Administration\u2019s destructive rules and regulations \u2013 I\u2019m pleased that Congress could put its differences aside to focus on the immediate needs of the nation.\u201d\r\nToday\u2019s bill provides $7.9 billion to fund military family housing, Guard and Reserve facilities, and military bases in the U.S. and around the world, including numerous projects in Alaska requested by Congressman Don Young \u2013 totaling\u00a0 $561 million dollars.\r\nClear Air Force Station:\r\n \r\n    $20 million for a Fire Station\r\n    $155 million for Phase 1 of the Long Range Discrimination Radar\r\n \r\nEielson Air Force Base:\r\n \r\n    $22 million to renovate the Field Training Detachment Facility for F-35s\r\n    $79.5 million to build a 16-bay Weather Shelter for the 1st squadron of F-35s\r\n    $83 million to build a 16-bay Weather Shelter for the 2nd squadron of F-35s\r\n    $11.3 million to build Earth Covered magazines for F-35s\r\n    $44.9 million to build a 4 bay hangar/Maintenance/Corrosion Control Facility for F-35s\r\n    $42.7 million to build a 4-bay F-35A Maintenance Hangar/Squadron Operations Center\r\n    $12.8 million to build a Missile Maintenance Facility for F-35s\r\n \r\nJoint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER):\r\n \r\n    $29.1 million to add to and alter the JBER Alert AWACS Hangar\r\n    $4.9 million for a Fuel Offload Facility\r\n \r\nFort Greely:\r\n \r\n    $9.56 million for a Missile Defense Switchgear Facility\r\n \r\nFort Wainwright:\r\n \r\n    $47 million for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Hangar\r\n \r\nIn addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a total of $74.4 billion in discretionary funding for medical services which include critical funding for mental health, suicide prevention, traumatic brain injury, services for homeless veterans, and rural health initiatives. Congressman Young supported a number of items of Alaskan interest, including:\r\n \r\n    $250 million for Rural Health Initiative:\u00a0 Continues the VA\u2019s rural health initiative to provide access and quality care to veterans in rural areas, including home-based primary care, rural Community Based Outpatient Clinics, transportation of rural veterans, and home-based therapies.\r\n    $29.3 million for Indian Health Services Reimbursement:\u00a0Used to reimburse Indian Health Service (IHS) for direct health care services provided to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans in IHS facilities.\r\n    $7.9 billion for Mental Health Programs:\u00a0Ensures the VA has the adequate funding for treating veterans with mental health issues. $164 million of this amount is specifically set aside for suicide prevention outreach.\r\n    $173 million for Suicide Prevention Programs: Funds programs designed to prevent the incredible tragedy of 20 veteran suicides per day. \r\n    VA Contracts with Tribal Health Care Centers: Allows the VA to enter into agreements with Federally Qualified Health Centers in the State of Alaska and with Indian tribes and tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service. These contracts are critical to ensuring veterans in rural Alaska can access quality healthcare and services.\r\n    Medical Marijuana Provision: Allows VA physicians and health-care providers to make recommendations regarding marijuana to their patients in states where medical marijuana is legal.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398790", "House Passes Water Resource Development Bill", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Alaska Congressman Don Young and the U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 2016, bipartisan legislation to promote economic competitiveness and strengthen the nation\u2019s water transportation and infrastructure needs \u2013 including harbors and ports in coastal states like Alaska.\r\nH.R. 5303, which passed by a margin of 399 to 25, contains a number of Alaska and Arctic specific provisions championed by Congressman Young, including $26 million and $29 million in authorizations for harbor projects in Little Diomede and the City of Craig, respectively. In addition, the bill makes important reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers current system for evaluating small, remote and subsistence port and harbor projects, works to recognize the value of a potential Arctic Port,\u00a0 and broadens non-federal sponsors of water infrastructure projects to include Alaska Native Corporations. Congressman Young described the bill in the simplest of terms:\r\n\u201cWRDA is about new infrastructure and new jobs. It means opportunities for our residents, critical infrastructure for our coastal communities, and economic development for our state.\u201d\r\nIn a call for bipartisanship and cooperation on the legislation that ultimately freed the Senate from gridlock on the year end funding package, Young took to the House floor to speak in favor of the bill \u2013 saying it would allow Congress to \u201cfinish this project for the people of America.\u201d\r\n\r\nCongressman Don Young speaking on the House floor in favor of H.R. 5303 (click here to watch).\r\n\u201cThis bill is a good bill. I just ask all of you \u2013 you know, we\u2019re getting close to the end of this session and a lame duck too. This isn\u2019t perfect for everyone. It\u2019s not perfect for me in some cases. But let\u2019s get a piece of legislation done without nitpicking it and say, \u201cwell, I didn\u2019t get what I wanted\u2026,\u201d said Congressman Young yesterday on the House floor. \u201cThis is a good piece of legislation. It\u2019ll create a better system of our infrastructure \u2013 for water, harbor and ports and other drinking water too. It\u2019s a legislative package that\u2019s been put together with a lot of hard work with staff. As usual, we get into this battle \u2013 \u201cWell, I don\u2019t want it. It\u2019s a Democrat bill, it\u2019s a Republican bill.\u201d We ought to think of this as a House bill; a bill that can do the job. It will come out of this House, it will go over to the Senate and we\u2019ll have a Conference. We\u2019ll have another chance to finish this project for the people of America. So I\u2019m asking us not to get into a little bit of nitpicking and get a good piece of legislation such as this passed.\u201d\r\nThe following reforms and provisions of Alaskan importance were supported by Congressman Young in the 2016 House WRDA:\r\n \r\n    LITTLE DIOMEDE, AK:\u00a0The legislation authorizes the construction of a harbor in Little Diomede, AK: $26,015,000\r\n \r\n \r\n    CRAIG, AK:\u00a0The legislation authorizes the construction of a harbor in Craig, AK: $29,062,000\r\n \r\n \r\n    CITY OF VALDEZ:\u00a0The legislation includes a bill sponsored by Congressman Young, H.R. 5087, which removes a navigational servitude on waterfront land in Valdez that currently impedes economic development of the property.\u00a0 The bill removes the Federal Government\u2019s taint on title in order to allow investment prospects for lands that were created due to dredging disposal from the construction of the harbor.\r\n \r\n \r\n    \u00a0SMALL REMOTE AND SUBSISTENCE HARBORS:\u00a0 The legislation makes reforms to the current system the Corps of Engineers uses to evaluate small, remote, and subsistence port and harbor projects, by recognizing the regional benefits for justification of the project.\u00a0 Increasing capabilities at a hub community will dramatically lower the costs of goods throughout the region, in many circumstances.\r\n \r\n \r\n    EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES:\u00a0Allows Alaska Native Corporations to develop water infrastructure projects as non-federal sponsors.\r\n \r\n \r\n    ARCTIC PORTS:\u00a0 Congressman Young successfully included a two-part amendment to H.R. 5303 in Committee to help with a justification for an Arctic port: one change recognizes the value of a potential Arctic Port to the surrounding communities, and another to enables Corps to consider the national security benefits of an Arctic port.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-overrides-president-obamas-veto-of-9/11-lawsuit-bill", "Senate Overrides President Obamas Veto of 9/11 Lawsuit Bill", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.28.16\n\t\t\t Senate Overrides President Obama's Veto of 9/11 Lawsuit Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after she voted to override President Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).\r\nThis bill, long demanded by families of 9/11 victims, provides victims of terror attacks with an avenue to justice by giving them an opportunity to have their case heard in court. I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues and I were successfully able to override President Obama's veto. But it should not have ever come to that. This bill passed both the Senate and House unanimously, meaning that by vetoing this legislation, President Obama ignored the clear will of the people, plain and simple.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-continuing-resolution-funds-military-construction-programs-for-alaska", "Senate Passes Continuing Resolution, Funds Military Construction Programs for Alaska", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.28.16\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Continuing Resolution, Funds Military Construction Programs for Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Murkowski Votes for Short-Term Funding Bill, Includes Funding for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs for Fiscal Year 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after voting for the continuing resolution (H.R. 5325) that passed the Senate, 72-26:\r\nBy passing the continuing resolution today, we have avoided an unnecessary government shutdown, which would have harmed individuals, families, and businesses across the nation. And we provided funding to combat the public threat from the Zika virus, as well as address the heroin and opioid epidemic.\r\nThis bill is great news for Alaska, because the CR includes the full appropriations bill for military constructions and Veterans Affairs, which supports crucial defense projects in Alaska, creates thousands of new jobs, and takes care of our veterans. Alaska's strategic position and strong support for our military continues to make Alaska one of the most important places for America's national security. On the Defense Appropriations Committee, I have consistently pressed our military leadership to recognize the role Alaska plays for our national security and appreciate how Senator Dan Sullivan has reinforced that message from the Senate Armed Services Committee. Today our colleagues have recognized this fact by devoting the largest share of our annual military construction bill to investments in Alaska.\r\nMilitary Construction: As a senior member on the Appropriations Committee, Murkowski secured funding for the following projects in Alaska.\r\n \r\nConstruction of seven projects supporting the 2020-2021 beddown of 54 F-35 A Joint Strike Fighters at Eielson Air Force Base.\r\nConstruction the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Air Force Station.\r\nConstruction of a hangar to house the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at Fort Wainwright.\r\nExpansion and improvement of the Airborne Warning and Control Systems Alert Hanger at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson.\r\nConstruction of a new fire station at Clear Air Force Station.\r\nElectrical improvements to the missile defense fields at Fort Greely.\r\nConstruction of a jet fuel truck offload facility at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.\r\n \r\nThis MilCon appropriation is a much-needed boost to Alaska's construction economy for the next few years, and is even more important for our national defense over the next few decades, said John MacKinnon, Associated Builders and Contractors of Alaska Executive Director. I thank Senator Murkowski for looking out for all of us in Alaska.\r\nSupporting Local Hire: Senator Murkowski inserted language into the bill which encourages the use of Alaska contractors and the local workforce when the Department of Defense and Armed Services seeks contractors for military construction activities.\r\nVeterans Affairs (VA): Murkowski worked to include language in the bill that addresses a series of issues important to Alaska veterans.\r\n \r\nAccess to Care: Urges the VA in Alaska to return to the integrated system of community care in place prior to implementation of the Choice Act, by directly referring eligible veterans to community providers, Community Health Centers, and Native health facilities for care that the VA cannot provide in its own facilities and in communities not served by the VA.\r\nVA Purchased Care: Authorizes the VA to purchase care for rural veterans from Community Health Centers as well as the Alaska Native health system. The term rural has been expanded to include the Matanuska-Susitna and Kenai Peninsula Boroughs.\r\nVA Staffing: Addresses staffing shortages within the Alaska VA Healthcare System, including the longstanding physician vacancy at the Wasilla Community Based Outpatient Clinic, by directing the VA to identify and resolve their provider recruitment challenges.\r\nAnchorage VA Outpatient Clinic: Directs the VA to disclose its reasons for not re-opening two operating rooms in the Anchorage VA Outpatient Clinic and Regional Office Building after they were shut down in May 2015 due to dust and ventilation issues. In addition, presses the VA on whether it intends to repair the operating rooms in Fiscal Year 2017 or subsequent years. \r\n \r\nBackground: In June 2016, Senator Murkowski was selected to serve on the Conference Committee tasked to reconcile the differences between the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the MilCon/VA appropriations bills.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVeterans,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDefense,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBudget, Spending, and the National Debt\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-the-continuing-resolution", "Sullivan Statement on the Continuing Resolution", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.28.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on the Continuing Resolution \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement today after voting in support of the continuing resolution, which funds the federal government until December 9, 2016, and fully funds military construction and veteran affairs for FY 2017.\r\nWhile I fundamentally disagree with the process, it was important to ensure that the government of the United States was kept up and running. Government shutdowns are disruptive to our economy and hurt our country's morale. Going forward, I am committed to reforming the system so that our government is not held hostage to competing political agendas and to political factions on both sides of aisle. To be clear, for the second straight year, all 12 appropriations bills were passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. This year, they passed by a cumulative vote of 345 to 15. Even with this extraordinary level of bipartisanship in committee, the Democrat Minority turned around and chose to engage in filibusters on the Senate floor, blocking defense spending five times alone. This must change and I will work with my colleagues to change it.\r\nWith specific regard to the MilCon/VA funding, I want to especially thank Senator Murkowski for fighting to ensure that Alaska's priorities are included in federal appropriations bills, especially the military construction funds for the F-35s at Eielson Air Force Base as well working to address the important issues facing the Alaska VA.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/bill-to-empower-native-communities-boost-tourism-signed-into-law", "Bill to Empower Native Communities, Boost Tourism Signed into Law", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.26.16\n\t\t\t Bill to Empower Native Communities, Boost Tourism Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC A bill co-sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to enhance and integrate native tourism, empower native communities, and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities in the United States, theNative American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act, has been signed into law by President Obama. Congressman Don Young (R-AK) co-sponsored companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\r\nThe NATIVE Act would require federal agencies with tourism assets and responsibilities to include tribes and native organizations in national tourism efforts and strategic planning. It would also provide Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and American Indian communities with access to resources and technical assistance needed to build sustainable recreational and cultural travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity, spur economic development, and create good jobs.\r\nThis important piece of legislation will give cultural tourism a much-needed boost,said Senator Murkowski. Tourism contributed $3.9 billion to Alaska's economy last year, and this bill will give Alaska Native communities and small businesses the opportunity to share their traditions and cultures with travelers from all over the world.\r\nWorking towards diversifying our economy is extremely important and this bill helps in that effort,said Senator Sullivan.For rural Alaska, the economic development potential is huge, and it will also help to showcase for the rest of the world rural Alaska's uniqueness and beauty.\r\nAlaska is recognized as a premier travel destination, not only for our state's abundant beauty but for our welcoming people and rich cultural history,said Congressman Young.The NATIVE Act, which I proudly co-sponsored in the House, makes important steps to empower Alaska Native and American Indian communities by increasing collaboration and coordination of federal efforts to promote tourism in these areas. Tourism is a significant source of revenue and employment for Alaskans, and this legislation ensures Alaska's culture and heritage is supported throughout our federal tourism programs.\r\nThe American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) applauds the Alaska's leadership, Senator Sullivan, Senator Murkowski and Congressman Don Young for their support and co-sponsorship of the NATIVE Act.said Camille Ferguson, AIANTA executive director.This legislation will forever impact the ability of American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Native Hawaiians to promote their authentic stories through tourism, while also providing increased opportunity for economic development and cultural sustainability for tribes especially in rural areas.\r\nThe bill is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders including the U.S. Travel Association, American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association, Western States Tourism Policy Council, National Congress of American Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native American Contractors Association, and the Native Enterprise Initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-continues-to-push-for-amht-land-exchange", "Murkowski Continues To Push For AMHT Land Exchange", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.26.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Continues To Push For AMHT Land Exchange \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Secures Forest Service Commitment, Will Seek Passage of Legislation This Year\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, last week held a legislative hearing to receive testimony on her bill to accelerate a land exchange between the Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust) and the U.S. Forest Service. Legislation is needed to accelerate the exchange, which will protect important community viewsheds, local trails, and other conservation values while expediting much-needed timber for local operators.\r\nThis hearing brought good news for everyone, and brought us one step closer to making this exchange a reality, Murkowski said. From here, we will work with the Forest Service and other stakeholders to produce a final version of this bill. This exchange is one of my top priorities, and my goal is to have it signed into law before the end of this year.\r\nMurkowski has introduced legislation to expedite the land exchange, which would allow the Trust to raise revenues to treat mental illness in Alaska while avoiding timber sales near communities where logging is widely opposed. The Trust and the Forest Service have agreed to the exchange in concept and executed an agreement to initiate it last year. The exchange is also assumed in the administration's proposed amendment to the Tongass Land Management Plan.\r\nThis is our chance to reach an agreement to help the Trust, to help our small timber industry, and to address the concerns of the residents in these communities. If the administration is serious about a successful transition to a young growth timber industry, my bill will help ensure it, Murkowski said.\r\nDuring the hearing, Murkowski pressed Leslie Weldon, deputy chief at the U.S. Forest Service, on the administration's position on her legislative solution, and to commit to work with her to finish the legislation this year.\r\nThere is a very specific timeline that the Mental Health Trust has given us, and my concern is that if we need to look at some practical steps that we need to address this, whether it is changes in the scope of land surveying, ways to accelerate the environmental reviews, ways to prioritize the tracts that can be conveyed, whatever it is going to take to get this exchange moving, Murkowski said. That is what I need to hear from you today, from the Department, that we are going to be able to resolve this so I can provide some assurance to the people that are writing and calling me from Juneau, Petersburg, and Wrangell.\r\nIn her prepared testimony, Weldon noted that the Department of Agriculture supports the goal of this legislation to preserve significant natural, scenic, and recreational values in southeastern Alaska communities through a land exchange with the Alaska Mental Health Trust. During the hearing, Weldon further committed to Murkowski that the Forest Service would be as strategic and as efficient in moving through the process as possible.\r\nA number of Southeast community leaders also submitted written testimony to Murkowski expressing their strong support of her land exchange legislation:\r\n \r\nWilliam Swift, Executive Director of the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, wrote that, The Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Exchange bill is critical to maintain the current timber industry in SE Alaska by providing the Trust the ability to offer sufficient timber supply until other lands owners can place enough timber on the market during the transition to young growth harvestI strongly urge you to pass the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Exchange bill to support the SE economy, communities, timber industry, and the Trust in providing mental health services in SE Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\nDan Bockhorst, Borough Manager of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, submitted a resolution adopted by the Borough, which states that, The Ketchikan Gateway Borough strongly supports and urges passage of S. 3006, the Alaska Mental Health Land Exchange Act of 2016, which reflects the proposed land exchange between the US Forest Service and the Alaska Mental Health Trust as presented in the Agreement to Initiate dated June 30, 2015. \r\n \r\n \r\nJohn Morrison, Executive Director of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office, wrote that, The Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office supports the Alaska Mental Health Exchange Act of 2016whether it be in the format of S. 3006 or S. 3203. This bill will better align land ownership patterns with the inherent missions of both the USDA Forest Service and the Alaska Mental Health TrustThe exchange positively protects interests of value to the communities, supports the economy, and helps preserve Southeast timber industry during transition to young growth, while providing revenue for Alaskan Mental Health services in Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\nOwen Graham, Executive Director of the Alaska Forest Association, wrote that, AFA's members need the AMHT land exchange to provide additional timber supply to help broaden, diversify and stabilize the industry's timber supply in Southeast Alaska Because of the failure by the Forest Service to supply timber, it is critical for the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land exchange to pass immediately.\r\n \r\nMurkowski is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She included the Trust land exchange as Section 502 of S. 3203, her Alaska Economic Development and Access to Resources Act, and has also introduced it on a stand-alone basis as S. 3006, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Exchange Act.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-empower-native-communities-boost-tourism-signed-into-law", "Bill to Empower Native Communities, Boost Tourism Signed into Law", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.26.16\n\t\t\t Bill to Empower Native Communities, Boost Tourism Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  A bill co-sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to enhance and integrate native tourism, empower native communities, and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities in the United States, the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act, has been signed into law by President Obama. Congressman Don Young (R-AK) co-sponsored companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\r\nThe NATIVE Act would require federal agencies with tourism assets and responsibilities to include tribes and native organizations in national tourism efforts and strategic planning. It would also provide Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and American Indian communities with access to resources and technical assistance needed to build sustainable recreational and cultural travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity, spur economic development, and create good jobs.\r\nThis important piece of legislation will give cultural tourism a much-needed boost, said Senator Murkowski. Tourism contributed $3.9 billion to Alaska's economy last year, and this bill will give Alaska Native communities and small businesses the opportunity to share their traditions and cultures with travelers from all over the world.\r\nWorking towards diversifying our economy is extremely important and this bill helps in that effort, said Senator Sullivan. For rural Alaska, the economic development potential is huge, and it will also help to showcase for the rest of the world rural Alaska's uniqueness and beauty.\r\nAlaska is recognized as a premier travel destination, not only for our state's abundant beauty but for our welcoming people and rich cultural history, said Congressman Young. The NATIVE Act, which I proudly co-sponsored in the House, makes important steps to empower Alaska Native and American Indian communities by increasing collaboration and coordination of federal efforts to promote tourism in these areas. Tourism is a significant source of revenue and employment for Alaskans, and this legislation ensures Alaska's culture and heritage is supported throughout our federal tourism programs.\r\nThe American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) applauds the Alaska's leadership, Senator Sullivan, Senator Murkowski and Congressman Don Young for their support and co-sponsorship of the NATIVE Act. said Camille Ferguson, AIANTA executive director. This legislation will forever impact the ability of American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Native Hawaiians to promote their authentic stories through tourism, while also providing increased opportunity for economic development and cultural sustainability for tribes especially in rural areas.\r\nThe bill is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders including the U.S. Travel Association, American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association, Western States Tourism Policy Council, National Congress of American Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native American Contractors Association, and the Native Enterprise Initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398787", "On 20th Anniversary of Arctic Council, Reps. Young and Larsen Call on U.S. to Fulfill its Responsibilities as an Arctic Nation", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Representatives Don Young and Rick Larsen (WA-02) this week introduced a House Resolution to mark the 20th anniversary of the Arctic Council and to express support for the Council\u2019s work. \u00a0\r\nThe resolution cited the Arctic Council\u2019s vital importance in promoting international cooperation on military, maritime, economic and scientific interests shared by Arctic nations.\r\n\u201cThe United States\u2019 current chairmanship of the Arctic Council offers an opportunity to promote and implement our policy objectives,\u201d wrote the Chairs of the Congressional Arctic Working Group. \u201cThe House of Representatives supports the Arctic Council\u2019s work and remains committed to ensuring that the United States fulfills its responsibilities as an Arctic nation and asserts leadership on issues affecting the Arctic.\u201d \r\nThe Arctic Council \u2013 which is an intergovernmental body that promotes collaboration between the United States, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden \u2013 was established on September 19, 1996.\r\nIn 2014, Larsen and Young launched the bipartisan Congressional Arctic Working Group to help members of Congress better understand the opportunities and challenges for the U.S. as an Arctic nation and act as a resource for other Arctic countries to interact with Congress. The Working Group brings together people from across many stakeholder communities to advise Congress on Arctic policies and establishing a strong presence in the region.\r\nYoung and Larsen are two of the House\u2019s leading voices focused on helping raise awareness about Arctic issues \u2013 including the need for the U.S. to strengthen its fleet of polar icebreakers. In recent years, Larsen and Young have called for a number of Government Accountability Office studies regarding the Arctic (found here and here). \r\nFor text of the resolution click HERE.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398785", "Youngs Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act Passes Committee", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources approved H.R. 2387, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act, introduced by Alaska Congressman Don Young \u2013 Chairman of the Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee. The bill, which passed by voice vote, provides equitable treatment of Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans under the Native Allotment Act of 1906, allowing veterans to be eligible for land benefits from the federal government.\r\nWhile serving overseas in the Vietnam War, many Alaska Native Veterans were unable to apply for land allotments promised by the federal government before the process ended. In 1998, Congress opened an application period for these veterans, but unfortunately only those who served from 1969\u20131971 were allowed to apply. H.R. 2387 expands the military service dates to coincide with the entire conflict, which officially lasted from 1964-1975. \r\n\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely wrong to punish these Alaska Native veterans, who proudly served their country during time of conflict, by denying them their allotment,\u201d said Congressman Young. \u201cCongress must once and for all rectify this inequity and fulfill its promise to these Native veterans. This is not the first time I\u2019ve introduced this legislation, but I certainly hope it will be the last. I look forward to the day that this matter is closed.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cThis piece of legislation will bring justice and parity for Alaska Natives who honorably served our nation in the Vietnam War,\u201d House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) said. \u201cI am pleased to see this important bill advance. I thank Congressman Young for his effort in allowing our servicemen and women an equal opportunity to obtain what is rightfully theirs.\u201d\r\nCongressman Young\u2019s bill also increases available land for selection by Alaska Native Veterans and reduces previous restrictions and occupancy requirements that prevented many veterans from receiving their allotment during the prior open season. \r\nOn June 10, 2015, Congressman Young chaired a legislative hearing on H.R. 2387, which included testimony from Nelson Angapak \u2013 Senior Vice President for the Alaska Federation of Natives and a veteran himself.\r\n\u00a0\u201cIt is with urgency that we are asking Congress to pass this bill during the [114th] Congress so that there will be equitable treatment of our veterans who served during the whole Vietnam era,\u201d\u00a0Angapak said.\u00a0\u201cAgain, it is with urgency. Our veterans are dying off. Some of our friends are no longer with us and some are dying, that is why we have the urgent request that you pass this bill.\"\r\n\r\nNelson Angapak testifying in favor of H.R. 2387, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act on June 15, 2015 (click here to watch).\r\n\u201cThese veterans deserve that land, that\u2019s the whole intent of this bill...,\"\u00a0said Congressman Young.\u00a0\u201cWhy is the Department of Interior so intent in not allowing these veterans to have their land? \u00a0What\u2019s the big hang up? If it stays in trust, mineral deposits stay in your ownership; this is their cultural land, why can\u2019t you let them have their land?\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nCongressman Don Young Discussing the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act in June, 2015 (click here\u00a0to watch).\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/sen-murkowski-holds-hearing-to-receive-testimony-on-alaska-bills", "Sen. Murkowski Holds Hearing to Receive Testimony on Alaska Bills", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.22.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Murkowski Holds Hearing to Receive Testimony on Alaska Bills \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Focuses on Refilling TAPS, AMHT Land Exchange, Reforms to  Monument Designations, Life-Saving Road for King Cove, and More\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today received testimony on 21 measures that are broadly focused on public lands, natural hazards, conservation, and reforms to the monument designation process during a legislative hearing she called as Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.\r\nIn her opening statement, Murkowski highlighted six bills that she has introduced, each addressing issues of importance to Alaskans.\r\nI am proud to speak on behalf of the vast majority of Alaskans when I say that these bills are critical to our economy and to our future. They will open up new economic opportunities, restore balance between Congress and the executive branch, protect us from natural hazards, and honor our fallen military heroes, Murkowski said.\r\n   Click to view video\r\nThe bills introduced by Murkowski that were heard today are:\r\n \r\nS. 437, the Improved National Monument Designation Process Act;\r\nS. 2056, the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act;\r\nS. 3203, the Alaska Economic Development and Access to Resources Act;\r\nS. 3204, the King Cove Road Land Exchange Act;\r\nS. 3273, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Improvement Act of 2016; and\r\nS. 3315, the Second Division Memorial Modification Act.\r\n \r\nDuring the hearing, Murkowski voiced her strong concerns about the vast amount of acreage  both onshore and offshore  that President Obama has designated as National Monuments.\r\nWhen you look at what has come out of this administration, President Obama has clearly proclaimed the most acreage, nearly 553 million acres, both on land and at sea, Murkowski said, while noting that President Franklin Roosevelt designated just 2.8 million acres of monuments. The Antiquities Act was designed to reserve the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protectedThere is real impact on the livelihoods of those who live near the designated areas.\r\nIn her final round of questions, Murkowski pressed the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Neil Kornze, about the importance of providing the community of King Cove, Alaska with reliable access to emergency medical care.\r\nI know what is happening. This administration is just running the clock. They are running the clock and they will be able to wash their hands of it, Murkowski said. But in the meantime, as of today, 52 different Alaskansinfants and eldershave suffered, and this is absolutely unacceptable. So the message that you need to take back to the Secretary [of the Interior] and the President is that on their watch, people have been living in fear and trepidation, pain and suffering that could have been addressed. It is inexcusableand I am not backing down on this.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. An archived video and witness testimony from today's hearing are available on the committee's website.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-heitkamp-bill-to-combat-domestic-violence-introduced-in-house-by-reps-young-kennedy", "Sullivan, Heitkamp Bill to Combat Domestic Violence Introduced in House by Reps. Young, Kennedy", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.22.16\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Heitkamp Bill to Combat Domestic Violence Introduced in House by Reps. Young, Kennedy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) today announced that their bipartisan bill to help combat domestic abuse and sexual violence by increasing access and promoting pro-bono legal services for victims of domestic violence was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Don Young (R-AK) and Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-MA) joined with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R-IN) to introduce in the House of Representatives a companion bill to S. 2280, which unanimously passed the U.S. Senate last fall.\r\nDomestic violence and sexual assault are scourges that we must work to eliminate,said Senator Sullivan. One of my priorities as Attorney General for Alaska was to tackle the unacceptably high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in my state. Among other initiatives, I put on a pro bono summit that gathered lawyers from all across the state and saw firsthand how effective such efforts can be. I'm grateful that many lawyers in my state continue to provide much-needed legal services to victims on a pro bono basis. And I am grateful to Congressman Kennedy and Congressman Young for introducing this bill in the House of Representatives. We were sent to Washington, D.C. to make a difference. This bill will help make a difference.\r\nNo community or state is immune to the devastating impacts of domestic violence and sexual abuse. As a nation, we must do all we can to stem the tide of this growing epidemic, said Congressman Don Young. The POWER Act is only one small step in these efforts, but an important tool to empower victims with the necessary legal resources to seek justice. I'm proud to join Representative Kennedy and Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan in this effort to end the evils of domestic violence.\r\nToo often, victims of domestic violence are unable to seek permanent refuge because they lack the protective legal services that keep them safe from their abusers  but our bill aims to change this, said Senator Heitkamp. We can make sure domestic violence victims  especially those living in Indian Country  can access affordable legal services that can help them escape the often cyclical abuse they experience. Last fall, the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan bill Senator Sullivan and I introduced to help make those services more available, and it's great news that Congressman Kennedy is building on that momentum by introducing our bill in the House of Representatives today with a bipartisan group of cosponsors. As North Dakota's former Attorney General, I understand the many legal needs of victims of domestic violence  and how difficult access to those services can be. By asking our U.S. Attorney's to take the lead in prioritizing increased access to legal protections for victims of these crimes, with a particular focus in states like North Dakota on our most vulnerable populations including women in Indian Country, this bill helps make sure those critical defense tools are available to victims who need them most.\r\nFor the victims of domestic violence, our justice system should be a safe haven, said Congressman Kennedy. Instead, too many survivors show up in court and face the very same fear and intimidation they are trying to escape. Without access to legal assistance, many confront their abuser alone in court, victimized once again. The POWER Act will help restore the promise of equal protection for the millions of domestic violence victims across our country.\r\nSullivan and Heitkamp's Pro Bono Work to Empower and Represent or POWER Act (POWER Act) would require U.S. Attorneys in each judicial district across the country to work with domestic violence service providers or coalitions and an area volunteer lawyer project to hold at least one event promoting pro-bono legal services. The purpose is to reinforce a critical way to empower survivors of domestic violence, engage citizens, and help lift victims out of the cycle of abuse. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, cosponsored the bill.\r\nAcross Native populations in North Dakota and Alaska, rates of domestic and sexual violence are staggering. To address these crimes specifically in Indian Country and among Native communities, Sullivan and Heitkamp included a provision in the bill mandating U.S. Attorney's offices work with the Native populations in their judicial district in planning and holding an event every few years with a focus on addressing these crimes in Indian Country and among Native populations.\r\nSenators Sullivan and Heitkamp are both former attorneys general of their states and understand how the legal system can help prevent the probability that victims will again be abused.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398782", "Young Files Letter with House Clerk Updating Financial Disclosure Statements", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Young Files Letter with House Clerk Updating Financial Disclosure Statements \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        September 21, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C. - Alaska Congressman Don Young today filed a letter with the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives updating his previous years Financial Disclosure (FD) statements. The letter amends Congressman Young\u2019s FD statements between 1992\u20132014 to correct a clerical error within his May 2016 amendment that misidentified the date in which he became a one-third owner in his family\u2019s farm.\r\nFurther, the letter corrects an oversight regarding delayed lease payments Congressman Young received \u2013 totaling $4100 over three years (2001 to 2003) \u2013 from a three-year oil and gas lease sale upon his family\u2019s farm.\r\n* The House Natural Resources Committee \u2013 a committee in which Congressman Young sits \u2013 does not have any jurisdiction involving lease sales upon private lands.\r\nUpon discovering these oversights, and those that preceded them, Congressman Young has taken every action to self-report these incidents to the House. Today\u2019s letter fulfills Congressman Young\u2019s obligations to amend his prior year filings.\r\nClick here to view the letter submitted to the House Clerk.\r\n###  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398784", "Young Introduces Legislation to Rename Section of Federal Law in Honor of Breanna Bree Moore", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Alaska Congressman Don Young today introduced legislation to rename a section of federal education law in honor of Breanna \u201cBree\u201d Moore, a young Alaskan woman murdered by her boyfriend in 2014.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cBreanna Moore will be remembered in so many ways; for her love and passion for life, her kindness and generosity to all those that knew her, and her dedication to make this world a better place. Although I did not personally know Bree, her story and the tragic events that led to her death are a constant reminder that we must never stop working to end this nation\u2019s epidemic of domestic violence and abuse,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cI am thankful to Bree\u2019s parents, Butch and Cindy, for their tireless advocacy to save others from facing the heartbreak and loss their family felt on June 26, 2014. This legislation, introduced alongside Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, is just a small step in honoring the life of Breanna Moore.\u201d\r\n\r\nCongressman Young meeting with Breanna Moore\u2019s parents, Butch and Cindy, in Anchorage.\r\nIn 2015, Congress passed the first major reform and reauthorization to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) since the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) became law in 2002. Section 4108 of that law allows schools to use Safe and Healthy Students program funding to \u201cimprove instructional practices for developing relationship-building skills, such as effective communication, and improve safety through the recognition and prevention of coercion, violence, or abuse, including teen and dating violence, stalking, domestic abuse, and sexual violence and harassment.\u201d Congressman Young\u2019s legislation would allow Section 4108 to be referred to as \u201cBree\u2019s Law.\u201d\r\nThe legislation would:\r\n \r\n    Allow clause (iv) of section 4108(5)(C) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to be cited as \u201cBree\u2019s Law.\u201d\r\n    Allow programs or activities carried out under this clause to be referred to as \u201cBree\u2019s Law programs\u201d or \u201cBree\u2019s Law activities.\u201d\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-launch-senate-opportunity-coalition", "Senators Launch Senate Opportunity Coalition", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.21.16\n\t\t\t Senators Launch Senate Opportunity Coalition \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Scott, Ernst, Lankford, Rubio and Sullivan come together to fight poverty\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  Today U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) joined a group of conservative senators to launch the Senate Opportunity Coalition, a new initiative organized by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), aimed at ensuring that every family across the nation has access to the American Dream. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) are also members of the coalition. Together, the senators will work to alleviate poverty and grow economic opportunity by sharing firsthand experiences from their constituents, highlighting the issues facing low-income families, and working toward conservative solutions that give every American the chance to succeed.\r\nThe Senate Opportunity Coalition also released the first of a series of documents today, entitled Paving the Path to a Brighter Future. Each Senator contributed a story from their home state, showing both the wide variety of issues faced by those seeking opportunity and the Senators' commitment to finding solutions. You can read the entire document here.\r\nIn his story, Senator Sullivan focused on how infrastructure could help Alaska communities have access to lower-cost goods, as well as opportunities for greater economic development. For instance, a roughly 22-mile spur road from Noatak to the haul road used by Red Dog Mine in Alaska's Northwest Arctic Borough could greatly reduce the cost of living in Noatak  which is paying exorbitant prices for heating oil and household goods.\r\nIn a state with abundant natural resources, it's tragic that there are areas in Alaska that have some of the highest costs of living in the nation, and highest rates of poverty, said Senator Sullivan. It doesn't have to be this way. Projects that could provide good, high-paying jobs for Alaskans, and lower cost-goods, are often denied outright, or delayed to death by onerous and expensive permitting.\r\nIn our coalition, all of us are from very different areas of the country, and our specific solutions vary. But we all agree that we need a federal government that is a partner in progress, not an obstacle to success, Senator Sullivan concluded.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-shares-alaskans-concerns-over-northern-edge-with-us-navy", "Murkowski Shares Alaskans Concerns Over Northern Edge with U.S. Navy", "2016-09-20", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.20.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Shares Alaskans' Concerns Over Northern Edge with U.S. Navy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senator Asks Navy Secretary to Engage with Concerned Alaskans Prior to Military Exercise\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t In response to hearing the concerns of coastal Alaskans about the timing and potential impacts of the Navy's involvement in the Northern Edge 2017 joint military exercise, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wrote a letter (attached) to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus urging the Navy to connect with concerned Alaskan communities moving forward. Murkowski cited a recent lack of transparency from the Navy, such as not discussing proposed mitigation and avoidance techniques with stakeholder communities, and wants to ensure greater collaboration and cooperation prior to Northern Edge 2017.\r\nNorthern Edge, a joint training exercise which stretches from the Gulf of Alaska to deep in Alaska's Interior, is designed to sharpen tactical combat skills and improve command. It is a U.S. only exercise, much of which is conducted on a classified basis.\r\nIn her letter, Murkowski pointed out the lack of communication between the Navy and impacted communities prior to Northern Edge 2015, which resulted in public protests over the military exercise.\r\nI hoped that the Navy would learn from this experience and proactively work with stakeholders in planning for Northern Edge 2017. I was encouraged when the Navy took the initiative to participate in COMFISH2016, Alaska's largest commercial fishing show. This was a good start, and I expected that it was the beginning of a sustained proactive outreach effort. Unfortunately, I was proven wrong.\r\nMurkowski argued that any further delay in communicating with the Alaskan communities could endanger support for the Navy's long term involvement in Northern Edge exercise.\r\nI strongly encourage you to direct the Commander, Pacific Fleet, in conjunction with his partners at Alaskan Command, to reengage with stakeholders in the communities adjacent to Northern Edge 2017 with all deliberate speed.\r\nMurkowski noted, The people of coastal Alaska communities, like other Alaskans, are strong supporters of the military. They need to know however that fishery conflicts will be avoided and marine resources will be protected.\r\nBackground: In 2015, Senator Murkowski introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which would require the military to engage with communities about planned training exercises at least six months in advance.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDefense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398780", "Young Recognized for Commitment to Small Business", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week Alaska Congressman Don Young was presented the Guardian of Small Business Award by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) \u2013 the nation\u2019s leading advocate for small businesses. The biennial recognition is given to Members of Congress for their commitment and outstanding support for America\u2019s small business owners.\r\n\r\nNFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan presenting Congressman Young with the Guardian of Small Business Award\r\n\u201cSmall businesses are the economic engine of our nation; they drive innovation, employ more than 70 percent of our nation\u2019s workforce, and support communities and families across our great nation,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cI\u2019m honored to once again receive this recognition, but more importantly proud to support efforts in Congress that strengthen our economies, protect American workers, and reduce regulatory burdens harming our small businesses.\u201d\r\nAs the nation\u2019s leading advocate for small business, the NFIB recognizes Members of Congress on a biennial basis for their record of supporting key legislation identified by American small business owners. In the 114th Congress, NFIB evaluated Members of the House on a range of issues, including efforts to repeal and improve the Affordable Care Act, to reduce the tax burden facing American families and small businesses, and pushing back against job-killing rules and regulations. \r\n\"Many elected officials claim that they are champions of small business, but our Guardian Award shows our members and other small business owners who is really fighting for them,\u201d said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan.\u00a0 \u201cBased on his voting record, Rep. Young is one of the most reliable advocates for small business in Washington.\u201d \r\nCongressman Young, who received a 100 percent voting record by the NFIB, was evaluated on the following pieces of legislation in the 114th Congress:\r\n \r\n    Save American Workers Act of 2015 (H.R.30)\r\n    Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015 (H.R.185)\r\n    Repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R.596)\r\n    Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015 (H.R.527)\r\n    America\u2019s Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 (H.R.636)\r\n    Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 (H.R.1105)\r\n    Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015 (H.R.1732)\r\n    Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 (H.R.758)\r\n    Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act\r\n    Small Business Healthcare Relief Act (H.R. 5447)\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-introduces-bill-to-honor-recent-veterans-of-second-division", "Murkowski Introduces Bill to Honor Recent Veterans of Second Division", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.15.16\n\t\t\t Murkowski Introduces Bill to Honor Recent Veterans of Second Division \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Authorizes Small, but Necessary Modification to Current Memorial\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week introduced S. 3315, the Second Division Memorial Modification Act. The legislation would authorize the modification of the existing Second Division Memorial in Washington, D.C., by allowing the Second Indianhead Division Association Scholarship and Memorials Foundation (Foundation) to add three small benches honoring those who have fallen in service of our country at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), in Iraq, and in Afghanistan.\r\nFound in the southwest corner of President's Park on the Ellipse, this memorial currently honors the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the Second Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War I, World War II and the Korean War, Murkowski said. Because current law prohibits the modification of memorials, I am committed to making this change through new legislation, so that all who have made the sacrifice on behalf of the Second Division, and our country, can be properly honored.\r\nThe Second Division Memorial was originally dedicated in 1936, with additions made in 1962 to honor the men who were lost in World War II and the Korean War. Now, the Foundation, along with other veterans organizations, including the VFW, is working to modify this memorial to honor those who have fallen in service on the DMZ, in Iraq, and in Afghanistan. S. 3315 does not allow for the use of federal dollars to modify or augment the memorial.\r\nThe Second Infantry Division is currently headquartered out of Camp Humphreys, South Korea and also has a base in Fort Lewis, Washington. When under reorganization, the Second Division was temporarily based at Fort Richardson, Alaska from August 1956 through November 1957. Next year will mark the Division's 100th year of active service to our nation.\r\nMurkowski's legislation is a companion bill to H.R. 5684, which was introduced by Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Denny Heck (D-Wash.) in the House of Representatives.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVeterans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/water-infrastructure-development-bill-passes-senate", "Water Infrastructure Development Bill Passes Senate", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.15.16\n\t\t\t Water Infrastructure Development Bill Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Murkowski Votes for Legislation to Advance Alaska Projects and Boost Economic Development\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), legislation that addresses infrastructure priorities on America's coasts and rivers. The bill authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to improve navigation and flood management, construct projects to mitigate storm damage, and to assist state and local governments with safety programs. The legislation also supports a wide range of water quality projects and programs through providing grants and loans to state and local governments, public water systems, and nonprofit organizations. WRDA passed the Senate by a vote of 95-03.\r\nI'm thankful that my Senate colleagues put politics aside and worked together to pass this crucial piece of legislation that will help so many communities across the nation, including Alaska, said Senator Murkowski. As our state grapples with budget woes, this bill will not only help move forward projects which serve as a lifeline to so many coastal communities, but will also provide for economic growth in our state. I've been fighting for many of these projects for a long time in communities all across Alaska  ranging from Saint George to Valdez  and I thank Senator Sullivan for his leadership on the Environment and Public Works Committee as we deliver this good news to Alaskans.\r\n  (Click here to watch Senator Murkowski's remarks prior to final passage of WRDA.)\r\nArctic Deep-Draft Port: Makes progress to build much-needed infrastructure in the region by instructing the Assistant Secretary of the Army in carrying out a feasibility study of an Arctic deep-draft port. This is an important step towards strengthening America's Arctic presence, national security, and economic viability. In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of the Army to consult with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense in order to identify national security benefits associated with an Arctic deep-draft port as a basis for determining feasibility.\r\nSmall, Remote, Subsistence Harbors: Included in the bill is an identical provision to Senator Murkowski's amendment in the Energy & Water Appropriations bill, which expands the language of the Remote and Subsistence Harbors provision to take into account not only local needs, but also regional impacts and effects. When it comes to conducting a study of harbor and navigation improvements, this provision directs the Secretary to take into account the long-term viability, social and cultural value, and welfare of not only the community in which the project is located but communities located in the region that would be served by the project  allowing for the potential for more harbors in rural Alaska.\r\nAlaska Native Corporations: Includes a provision that allows Alaska Native villages and regional and village corporations to be non-Federal sponsors of Corps projects and expands the existing authority of the Corps to accept funds from states and local governments to carry out water resources projects to apply to all projects, not just flood control, and expands the definition of state to include territories and Indian Tribes, including ANC's.\r\nDenali Commission: Senator Murkowski secured an amendment that will reauthorize the Denali Commission, enabling the Commission to continue doing work to build infrastructure in rural Alaska, and to carry out the new mission assigned by the President of being the lead agency in assisting environmentally threatened communities with issues such as coastal erosion.\r\nAdditional Bill Highlights:\r\n \r\nSt. George Harbor: The bill expedites the process for construction of the harbor, and if deemed that a project is justified, allows for the project to proceed directly to project preconstruction, engineering, and design.\r\nCraig Harbor: Authorizes $28,960,000 in both federal and non-federal funds for the construction of the Craig Harbor Project.\r\nLittle Diomede: Authorizes $32,317,000 in both federal and non-federal funds for the construction of the Little Diomede Harbor Project.\r\nElfin Cove: Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the harbor, including addressing the threat of shoaling. \r\nValdez Harbor: Allows development of a new small boat harbor to continue. \r\nSeward Lowell Creek Flood Diversion System: In order to reduce severe flood risk, the bill extends the responsibility of the system's long term maintenance to the Army Corps of Engineers. \r\nSmall and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program: Assists small and disadvantaged communities, while prioritizing areas without basic drinking water or wastewater services.\r\n \r\nAs a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Murkowski has worked to fund critical water infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and authorized by the WRDA bill, including securing a number of provisions to address Alaska's unique infrastructure needs.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tArctic\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-sullivan-secures-victories-for-alaskas-water-infrastructure", "Sen. Sullivan Secures Victories for Alaskas Water Infrastructure", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.15.16\n\t\t\t Sen. Sullivan Secures Victories for Alaska's Water Infrastructure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today praised the Senate for passing theWater Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA),which includes several key provisions vital to Alaska's water and wastewater infrastructure that Senator Sullivan  as a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where the bill originated  fought for. Senator Sullivan was also able to include provisions for increased funding for harbors and emerging ports across the state, and language which encourages the development of a future deep-water Arctic port.\r\nAmong the provisions related to drinking and wastewater is a new water infrastructure grant program for small and disadvantaged communities. The program authorizes $1.4 billion over five years. Working in consultation with Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Senator Sullivan was able to craft the program to specify that grant money go communities without basic drinking water or wastewater services, or communities with a drinking water system that fails to meet health-based standards.\r\nFor Alaska, investment in such infrastructure is crucial, Senator Sullivan said. More than 3,300 rural Alaska homes lack running water and a flush toilet, which leads to serious health issues. This is unacceptable. One of my top priorities has been to ensure that the federal government realizes its responsibilities to provide basic infrastructure for its citizens. That's what this bill does, and I'm grateful that my colleagues in the Senate agree.\r\nThis bill provides authority for funding that would allow for the replacement of aging, failing and outdated water and sewer infrastructure in rural Alaska communities, said Andy Teuber, chairman and president of theAlaskaNative Tribal Health Consortium.The laudable efforts of Senator Sullivan to support first time access to indoor plumbing lays a path forward in improving the health outcomes of a generation of Alaska Native children growing up in remote villages.\r\nMore than 30 communities in Alaska do not have access to water or wastewater services. Funding for rural Alaska sanitation projects dropped by more than 50 percent between FY 2004-2014. If appropriated, this grant money will increase funding to pre-2004 levels.\r\nFurther, the underlying bill provides $100 million in direct spending in the form of grants to respond to the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Senator Sullivan worked to direct any left-over Flint response money to the new Small and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program and the lead pipe replacement program created in the bill.\r\n\"On behalf of AFN, I want to thank Senator Sullivan for his efforts to support safe water in our villages and in other communities in our country like Flint, said Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives. We are glad that the citizens of Flint are getting federal resources to help in that terrible situation. We are also very grateful Senator Sullivan listened to our concerns and acted quickly.\"\r\nAnother key element of the bill instructs the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense to, for the first time, identify national security benefits associated with an Arctic deep draft port and use that as a basis for determining feasibility. Currently, the basis for funding of an Arctic deep draft port is based purely on economics. Important national security implications in the Arctic, including Russia's military buildup in the region, are not taken into account.\r\nAdditionally, WRDA 2016 includes the following priorities for Alaska:\r\n \r\nArctic Deep Draft Port: The bill instructs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in carrying out the study of the feasibility of an Arctic deep draft port, to consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense to identify national security benefits associated with an Arctic deep draft port and use that as a basis for determining feasibility. Last year, the Army Corps paused the feasibility study of an Arctic deep draft port due to the economic loss of Shell's withdrawal from the Chukchi Sea. This provision encourages the Army Corps to justify an Arctic port based on metrics beyond economics. \r\nConstruction Authorization for Little Diomede Harbor: Authorizes: Federal: $26,015,000; Non-Federal: $2,945,000; Total: $28,960,000\r\nConstruction Authorization for Craig Harbor: Authorizes: Federal: $29,062,000; Non-Federal: $3,255,000; Total: $32,317,000\r\nSt. George Harbor: Language is included to expedite completion of the report for St. George Harbor and, if the Secretary determines that a project is justified in the completed report, proceed directly to project preconstruction, engineering, and design.\r\nSt. Paul Harbor: Repeals section 2008 of WRDA 2007 to correct the cost share agreement.St. Paul Harbor construction was completed in September 2005.\r\nElfin Cove: Authorizes the Army Corps to maintain harbors of refuge, which benefit communities such as Elfin Cove, which has experienced shoaling in its entrance channels presenting challenges to safe navigation.\r\nValdez Harbor: Removes federal interests in a portion of land adjacent to Valdez Harbor, allowing local development of this property.\r\nSeward's Lowell Creek Flood Diversion System: Extends the Army Corps' responsibility for operations and maintenance for the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion System in Seward.\r\nSmall, Remote, Subsistence Harbors: Allows regional benefits to be taken into account when justifying the feasibility of small, remote, subsistence harbor projects.\r\nEmerging Ports:Permanently extends the 10% set aside from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for emerging harbors. Emerging harbors are those transiting less than one million tons of cargo annually.\r\nAlaska Native Corporations: Allows Alaska Native Corporations to develop water infrastructure projects as non-federal sponsors.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe House of Representatives is scheduled to take up their WRDA legislation, H.R. 5303, as early as next week.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398778", "Delegation Introduces Bill Returning Healthcare Options to Alaskans", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Don Young introduced the Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act of 2016 which will help Alaskans struggling with the high cost of health insurance, and strive to attract more insurance companies to Alaska.\r\nPresident Obama, and many of those who voted for the Affordable Care Act, promised that those who liked their healthcare coverage could keep it under Obamacare, and that the act would lower costs and increase competition. The President said that every plan would offer an \u201caffordable, basic package.\u201d Six years later, hundreds of thousands of Americans, particularly those in rural states like Alaska, have seen premiums and deductibles skyrocket, and choices decrease with an exodus of insurance companies. A recent Gallup poll reveals that 29% of Americans say they have been directly hurt by Obamacare, and 51% of Americans disapprove of the law.\r\nWhen the Affordable Care Act became law, Alaskans had their choice of five insurers offering individual coverage on the federal exchange. Today, Alaska is one of as many as eight states down to one insurance company offering such policies. Further, one-in-four counties across the county are down to one insurance company offering individual plans.\r\nUntil full repeal is realized, Alaskans are desperate for solutions. The Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act would allow Alaskans, along with residents of states and localities with only one insurance company offering plans on the exchange, the option to buy health insurance that doesn\u2019t include certain Obamacare mandates that might not apply to them, like mental health services, addiction treatment and maternity care \u2013 services which every health care policy today is required to cover.\r\n\u201cThe cost of health care coverage is crippling Alaska\u2019s middle class,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThe stories I hear and the letters I receive from my constituents being forced to buy insurance they can\u2019t afford, and insurance they can\u2019t use because of high deductibles, are heartbreaking. The President and the law\u2019s supporters are M.I.A. as announcement after announcement comes out detailing the abject failure of Obamacare, taking many Americans\u2019 livelihoods with it. Something has to be done. Until we can repeal Obamacare, this bill will provide Alaskans what they have been asking for \u2013 a real choice in policies.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe have seen time and time again that the Affordable Care Act does not work for a low-population, high-risk state such as Alaska. This essential bill would once again give Alaskans a choice in their healthcare coverage, a choice that the Affordable Care Act had taken away,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cI am proud to join with Senator Sullivan and Congressman Young to bring relief and flexibility to Alaskans suffering from the failing ACA\u2019s one-size-fits-all policies.\u201d\r\n\u201cLong before the disastrous rollout of Obamacare, many predicted that this one-size-fits-all healthcare law simply wouldn\u2019t work \u2013 especially in places like Alaska,\u201d said Congressman Don Young. \u201cWith skyrocketing premiums and the loss of all but one healthcare provider, it\u2019s clear that those predictions have come true. Alaskans need and demand relief from this overbearing government mandate, especially as our system faces near collapse. This bill takes serious efforts to confront the many healthcare challenges facing Alaskans by removing some of the most unreasonable requirements of this law, while also giving Alaskans the choice and flexibility they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nBackground on the Ensuring Health Care Opportunities Act:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This bill would allow states that have at least one county (or equivalent municipality) with only one insurer on the health exchange market to be exempted from certain coverage mandates in the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 States are not required to file this exemption, and the authority is left up to the state insurance commissioner or equivalent official.\u00a0\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Individuals will not be required to purchase insurance excluding these coverage mandates.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 States will have 90 days to file this exemption after the law is enacted, or 90 days once a state discovers it will have at least one county with only one insurer.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The waiver is good for 5 years and can be recertified.\u00a0\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No part of this law prevents health insurers from offering a health insurance plan with these mandates. The law simply allows for additional plans to be filed that offer more choice for the consumer as a one-size-fits-all approach has clearly not worked.\u00a0\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The point of this bill is to give consumers more choice in their health insurance options while encouraging insurers to reenter states to offer more plans to meet consumer needs and demands.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This law will not impact the preexisting condition clause of the Affordable Care Act or the ability for parents to keep children on their insurance plans until the age of 26. \u00a0\r\nFacts about the Affordable Care Act:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A new study by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation suggests there could be just one option for coverage in 31% of counties in 2017, and there might be only two in another 31%. That would give exchange customers in large swaths of the U.S. far less choice than they had this year, when 7% of counties had one insurer and 29% had two.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 974 counties have only one insurer and make up part of 23 states.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to the American Action Forum, premium increases associated with coverage of these mandates have ranged from 0.13 percent in Rhode Island to 33 percent in Maine, with most states expecting single-digit increases.\r\nMedia reports on the ACA\u2019s impact on Alaskans:\r\n\u201cPrior to implementation of the ACA, a consumer could choose which services and coverage they were willing to pay for and at what price point. Now, the federal government chooses for them, and they are required to pay up, or pay a penalty.\u201d \u2013 Susan Bell, former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, writing in the Juneau Empire, September 10, 2014.\r\n\u201c\u2018You never want to be without competition \u2013 that's not good for consumers,\u2019 [Alaska Division of Insurance Director Lori] Wing-Heier said. \u2018But in our case in particular it's troubling because [companies are] leaving because they're losing money. That makes it harder to attract new insurers to the market,\u2019 Wing-Heier said.\u201d \u2013 Alaska Dispatch News, July 7, 2016.\r\n\u201cA recent cost-of-living index highlighted what many Alaskans already know: Living up north is pricey, from groceries to housing to utilities. But only in one category -- health care -- did four of the state's cities top the nation. Juneau placed first, then Fairbanks and Kodiak, with Anchorage named fourth for most costly health care, followed by Everett, Wash., and Boston, according to a report released last week by the Council for Community and Economic Research. The organization of researches measured some 300 cities based on the average 2013 prices for visits with optometrists, dentists and physicians.\u201d \u2013 Alaska Dispatch News, March 27, 2016.\r\n\u201cIn health insurance prices, as in the weather, Alaska and the Sun Belt are extremes. This year Alaska is the most expensive health insurance market for people who do not get coverage through their employers, while Phoenix, Albuquerque, N.M., and Tucson, Ariz., are among the very cheapest.\u201d \u2013 NPR, January 15, 2015.\r\n\u201cAlaska Division of Insurance Director Lori Wing-Heier responded that the market is at a point where it may become so costly that Alaskans may flee the marketplace, creating an even smaller pool, and larger rate increase. The individual market could \u2018go into a death spiral,\u2019 she told legislators.\u201d \u2013 Alaska Dispatch News, May 17, 2016.\r\n\u201cAlaskans on the individual market have already seen\u00a0huge increases in their health insurance rates\u00a0over the past two years. Premera's rate increases averaged 37.2 percent in 2015 and 38.7 percent in 2016, while Moda's increases were 27.4 percent and 39 percent.\u201d \u2013 Alaska Dispatch News,\u00a0January 28, 2016.\r\n\u201cIt might not be a surprise to learn that\u00a0Alaskans are much more likely to be uninsured\u00a0than most other Americans. They are also more likely to live in remote areas and more likely to be people of color than those in the continental United States. They\u2019re precisely the sort of population that the Affordable Care Act was designed to serve by expanding coverage, expanding access to health care, and making health care cheaper. But instead of proving the usefulness of health reform, the new health infrastructure in the state is quietly failing.\u201d \u201cHealth Care Falters on the Last Frontier.\u201d \u2013 Atlantic Monthly, July 1, 2016.\r\nEditorials from newspapers across the country:\r\nPITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: \u201cJust around the time that Barack Obama packs his bags and leaves the White House, the house of cards that is ObamaCare could come tumbling down.\u201d (Editorial, \u201cObamacare's Future: Condition Critical,\u201d Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 8/15/16)\r\nNEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER: \u201cThe entire Obamacare scheme was set up on faulty premises. You can\u2019t force people to buy health insurance they don\u2019t want, subsidize mediocre insurance plans people can\u2019t afford, and still claim to hold down rising medical expenses.\u201d (Editorial, \u201cAnother ACA Failure Bad Idea Keeps Getting Worse,\u201d Union-Leader, 9/6/16)\r\nDETROIT NEWS: \u201cThe Affordable Care Act \u2014 commonly called Obamacare \u2014 isn\u2019t working as it was supposed to. Insurance premiums are set to skyrocket in 2017, following increases the past several years. \u2026 President Barack Obama\u2019s signature health care law was built on a dream. But market realities still exist, and taxpayers and patients throughout the country will continue to pay the price for the president and Congress ignoring those realities.\u201d (Editorial, \u201cObamacare Begs For Congressional Review,\u201d The Detroit News, 8/18/16)\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 476, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "AK", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 476, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AK&year=2016&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 476, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "AK", "label": "AK", "count": 476, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 476, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AK", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-09-14,http~3A~2F~2Fdonyoung~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D398778", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AK&year=2016&_next=2016-09-14%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fdonyoung~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D398778&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 134.18542803265154, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}