{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"AK\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-continues-push-for-federal-re-approval-of-the-ambler-access-project", "Alaska Delegation Continues Push for Federal Re-Approval \r\nof the Ambler Access Project", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=15", "scraper", "Anchorage, Alaska\u2014 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) today sent a letter to Secretary Deb Haaland expressing their disappointment and frustration with the Department of the Interior\u2019s (Department) politicization and continued delay of the Ambler Access Project (AAP), which is needed to facilitate road access to the world-class Ambler Mining District in northwest Alaska.\n\nThe delegation\u2019s letter coincides with the closure of the public comment period for the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the AAP, which was necessitated by the Department\u2019s decision last year to seek a voluntary court remand of the permits issued to the project. Despite claiming its supplemental analysis would be complete this year, the Department is already months behind schedule.\n\n\u201cBoth Alaska and the nation need the jobs, revenues, and minerals that the AAP would facilitate access to. ANILCA mandates this project\u2019s approval, and BLM\u2019s extensive analysis indicates that it can be responsibly constructed with reasonable protections. Approving the AAP would deliver significant economic and security benefits for Alaska and the U.S. Rejecting the AAP, or approving it in a non-viable manner, would cost us those benefits, prolong our deep dependence on foreign minerals, and magnify the vulnerabilities and atrocities associated with it.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the delegation explained how Congress intended the AAP to receive expeditious approval:\n\n\u201cInstead of lifting [Public Land Orders], however, BLM has left them in place. Instead of the one- to two-year process envisioned and required by ANILCA, the AAP is now in its eighth year of federal permitting. Instead of the analysis prescribed by ANILCA, BLM remains involved and is now voluntarily in the midst of an SEIS. Further, despite your testimony earlier this year\u2026assuring Congress that the SEIS was on track, and the schedule the Interior Department provided to the courts when seeking a voluntary remand, BLM has failed to keep the schedule and has fallen months behind, making it impossible to complete this process by the end of calendar year 2023.\u201d\n\nThe delegation criticized the 1,283-page draft SEIS for exceeding the scope of the court\u2019s remand. Despite telling the court that the agency would primarily focus on two specific considerations, BLM has reopened nearly its entire analysis, seeking to magnify the potential environmental impacts of the project while minimizing discussion of its economic benefits.\n\n\u201cWe urge BLM to recognize the AAP, which has not yet been constructed, is clearly not responsible for existing fish and wildlife declines. The AAP\u2019s proponents have committed to robust mitigation measures that will help avoid impacts to local resources, and the draft SEIS must recognize that restricted-use haul roads in Alaska can and historically have been carefully constructed and operated to protect the surrounding environment.\u201d\n\nThe delegation next pointed to the urgent need for domestic sources of the minerals within the Ambler Mining District, which include copper, cobalt, gallium, and germanium. Projects to develop those minerals will be subject to a separate permitting process, but none will be able to proceed without a private haul road to transport ore to the Dalton Highway.\n\n\u201cWhile the U.S. has no apparent strategy to ensure a stable domestic supply of these commodities, the Ambler District conveniently contains deposits with all four of them. The Department should thus regard the AAP as strategic infrastructure that can be safely built while simultaneously boosting Alaska\u2019s economy, strengthening our national security, and preventing the energy transition from being abruptly derailed.\u201d\n\nThe delegation also knocked BLM for the broader impacts of its interminable permitting process.\n\n\u201cWhen this administration took office in January 2021, the AAP was fully approved, a right-of-way grant had been issued to the project proponent, and regional stakeholders were able to engage in negotiations on a specific, well-defined project. Three years later, BLM\u2019s permitting process is having a deleterious impact on Alaskans\u2019 ability to understand what this project is, where and how it will be constructed, how it will functionally be operated, and how the environment will be protected through mitigation measures and related protocols.\u201d\n\nThe delegation closed its letter by urging BLM to approve a new Record of Decision (ROD) for the AAP in the second quarter of 2024, to select Alternative A as its preferred alternative, and to ensure the project is approved in an economically viable manner.\n\nThe delegation\u2019s letter is available here.\n\nThe Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 guarantees a right-of-way (ROW) across federal lands to provide access to the Ambler Mining District. Federal permitting for the AAP began in 2015 and included a rigorous environmental review and environmental and economic analysis (EEA). After holding 18 public meetings and considering over 3,000 unique public comments, in July 2020, the Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation signed a ROD selecting the Northern Alignment as the approved route for the road. That same month, after holding 21 public meetings and reviewing over 21,000 public comments, BLM and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) signed a joint ROD choosing Alternative A as the preferred alternative; subsequently BLM and National Park Service issued a 50-year ROW permit for the AAP.\n\nIn February 2022, DOI sought a voluntary court remand to conduct an SEIS for the AAP. President Biden held a roundtable on \u201cSecuring Critical Minerals for a Future Made in America\u201d on the very same day\u2014failing to recognize that the Ambler Mining District is one of the nation\u2019s best options to produce them, but foreshadowing his administration\u2019s incoherence on this issue.\n\nThe court agreed to DOI\u2019s remand request in May 2022, but placed conditions on it to ensure it would move forward expeditiously. In June 2023, Secretary Haaland testified to Congress that permitting would be completed by the end of the year, but just days later, the administration filed a court brief announcing a delay for a new ROD until mid-2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-closure-of-loophole-in-russia-seafood-ban", "Murkowski Welcomes Closure of Loophole in Russia Seafood Ban", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=15", "scraper", "Anchorage, Alaska \u2013 Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed a new Executive Order, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury released new guidance and determinations, clarifying and affirming the U.S. prohibition on Russian-origin seafood imports regardless of where processing occurs.\n\n\u201cIn the midst of a truly difficult time for Alaska\u2019s fishermen, these are stabilizing steps that will help end Russia\u2019s evasion of sanctions and China\u2019s dumping of overharvested Russian fish onto American markets. That, in turn, will help seafood prices recover, restore balance and basic fairness to markets, and cut off a key source of funding for Putin\u2019s catastrophic war in Ukraine, all at the same time,\u201d Murkowski said. \u201cI want to commend the relentless and dogged advocacy of Senator Dan Sullivan and other Alaskans who have led on this charge to protect Alaska\u2019s fishing industry, and thank the Biden administration for coming around and seeing the wisdom in addressing Russia\u2019s malign behavior.\u201d\n\nRussia has maintained a one-sided ban on U.S. seafood imports since 2014. Following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia began to flood the international market with underpriced seafood to help fund its bloody war against an innocent nation. In response, President Biden issued Executive Order 14068 in March 2022, blocking the import of Russia seafood. Russia, however, has largely bypassed those sanctions by reprocessing its seafood harvest in China, making it a product of China for the purposes of U.S. country-of-origin labeling. China then exports those stocks to the United States, undermining the sanctions regime, domestic markets, and the hardworking Alaskan fishermen who sustainably harvest seafood. The Executive Order signed today amends EO 14068 to clarify that Russian-origin seafood import are banned even when that seafood is processed in another country.\n\nThe Executive Order can be read here. More information about Treasury\u2019s guidance and determinations is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-recognizes-miller-family-and-santa-claus-house-as-alaskans-of-the-week", "Sullivan Recognizes Miller Family and Santa Claus House as \u201cAlaskans of the Week\u201d", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA\u2014Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) recognized the Miller Family, longtime owners and operators of the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, on the Senate floor. The Santa Claus House, opened by Con and Nellie Miller more than 70 years ago, is a staple for tourism in Interior Alaska, and attracts thousands of guests every year from across the world to experience the magic of Christmas in the real North Pole. For decades, the Miller family has brought Christmas cheer all year round\u2014all while getting involved in and giving back to the community. The Miller family and Santa Claus House were recognized as part of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s series, \u201cAlaskan of the Week.\u201d\n\nTribute to the Miller Family\n\nMadam President, I am going to end my remarks today on a high note and a very important one.\n\nIt is Wednesday. I like to come down and do what we call the \u201cAlaskan of the Week.\u201d I can see the pages are already kind of excited, right, because, let's face it, this is the most exciting speech of the week and certainly the most interesting.\n\nSo what I like to do is come down--by the way, I know the press generally likes it because it is normally a signal that it is the end of the week. Everybody is going home. This is usually the last speech of the week. I think this might be the last speech of the year this year.\n\nWhat we do with the Alaskan of the Week, we talk a little bit about what is going on in Alaska--I will get to that--and then I like to highlight someone who is doing something great for my State.\n\nIt might be, you know, someone local. Our first Alaskan of the Week, I think, was a librarian who had been a librarian for 40 years--amazing woman--and then we have superstar world athletes, gold medalists in swimming, and things like that. So we just cover the whole gamut.\n\nNow, usually there is a poster board. I made this a very special Alaskan of the Week poster board. This might be the first time ever it has got Santa on it, and you are going to see why--a Santa-oriented speech.\n\nSo, of course, right now, I am getting ready to head home in a couple of hours. I was just home over the weekend. There are no worries in Alaska right now about a white Christmas. Anchorage, my hometown, I think we have had close to 100 inches of snow already. Look, for us, that is a lot. I am talking about November, right. So we have a white Christmas coming, for sure.\n\nIt is magical, of course, in Alaska. We have got reindeer. We have got one that actually lives in downtown Anchorage. We have visitors coming. We have got a great town called North Pole, AK--North Pole, AK--and we have the Santa Claus House in North Pole, where Santa lives. By the way, this is true. This is what my Alaskan of the Week speech is all about.\n\nIf you write a letter to Santa addressed to the North Pole, your letter will end up at the Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK. Why wouldn't it?\n\nBy the way, this house is not to be confused with the abode of a North Pole city council member. North Pole, AK, is a city a little bit north of Fairbanks. This city council member, by the way, his name is Santa Claus. His legal name is Santa Claus. He is a member of the city council. I know him well. Look, I am not ripping him. He is a Bernie Sanders Socialist, true. Now, why wouldn't he be? You know, the guy gives out free gifts to everybody. That is true. He is a good guy. So, Santa, if you are watching, hello--Santa Claus, city council member, North Pole.\n\nBut in all seriousness, Interior Alaska--this is in the interior part of our State--has the greatest, most kind people and generous. And in keeping with the spirit of Christmas, our Alaskan of the Week is the Miller family who is the owner of Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK, which has been a fixture in our State--and really for the country--for over 70 years--70 years. The Miller family founded Santa Claus House and has been running it for 70 years, making North Pole, AK, literally what it is today. They built the whole community.\n\nLet me help you get into the holiday spirit by describing just how magical the Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK, really is. If you drive down Saint Nicholas Drive--I am not kidding--by St. Nicholas Catholic Church, by the way, you will see a huge house lined with red trim and murals of a reindeer and Santa's sleigh. Just outside is a barn with a real reindeer, a massive, decked-out Christmas tree, and a 42-foot-tall Santa Claus statue welcoming you to Santa's workshop.\n\nThe magic does not end there. Inside the house, you are greeted by a Christmas tree decorated with every ornament you can imagine, a live countdown to Christmas Day--of course. Why wouldn't there be one every day of the year--and a professional Santa Claus ready to hear every Christmas wish from the thousands of visitors--and I am not just talking Alaskans but Americans, people from all over the world who visit Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK, every year. And you are also likely to meet and see several members of the extended Miller family working to make the Santa Claus House the winter wonderland it is. They have been doing it for four generations, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.\n\nLet me take you back four generations to the original founder of Santa Claus House. That is Con and Nellie Miller. Born in 1913, Con and his mother just didn't see eye to eye. They decided that it was best that he join the Navy.\n\nHe joined when he was 15--a little young. This is just in the great Alaska spirit. You know, I have talked about it a lot over the years. We have more veterans per capita than any State in the country, so being in the military and a veteran is very normal in Alaska. It is a great part of our culture.\n\nThis young guy Con left Colorado and spent 3 years in the Navy, starting at the age of 15. How he got in, I have no idea. He was on a gun boat in China. Then he got out. Then Pearl Harbor happened. And of course he is a patriot so he rejoined the Navy. He fought in the South Pacific during the Second World War--so a great American, \u201cgreatest generation\u201d individual, Con Miller.\n\nAfter the war ended, Con and his wife Nellie ended up in Fairbanks with the goal of running a clothing store. To supplement their income, Con sold clothes in the surrounding rural villages, often donning a red Santa suit each Christmas. He quickly earned celebrity status as the local Santa Claus in Interior Alaska--the first that many children had ever seen--ever--in rural Alaska.\n\nIn 1952, the Millers built a trading post 13 miles south of Fairbanks in the newly named North Pole, AK. So just a little south of Fairbanks, the big city in the interior. One day, while working hard at his new store, a young Alaskan boy recognized Con and asked: Well, hello, Santa. Are you building a new house? The inspiration clicked, and Con thought, Hey, why not? Let's do this. And so the Santa Claus House was born.\n\nIn addition to purchasing groceries, locals could mingle at the soda fountain and pick up their daily mail at the Santa Claus House under the direction of the post mistress, Nellie Miller--Con's, a.k.a. Santa's, wife. It was a mail contract station that served North Pole's first post office for almost 20 years. So there you have it, North Pole, AK, became a post office for America.\n\nThe Miller family lived above the store and was essential to its operation. All three kids: Terry, Mike, and Merry--yes, Merry Christmas, spelled M-E-R-R-Y, not M-A-R-Y--worked alongside their parents. Despite their insight behind the scenes as employees, current owner and manager Mike said they believed in Santa as much as anyone else. Of course, they did. Everybody believes in Santa.\n\nAs North Pole grew--it is growing; it is a great community, like I said, just a few miles outside of Fairbanks--the Santa Claus House grew with it. Inside the store's emphasis on Christmas delights slowly replaced the aisles of canned goods. Meanwhile, the Miller family established themselves as pillars of the North Pole community--not only North Pole but all of Interior Alaska.\n\nCon Miller served as the mayor of North Pole for 19 years--the city's longest serving mayor-while Nellie Miller acted as a marriage commissioner for the community. Back then, that was a real job, a marriage commissioner.\n\nEventually, both of their sons, Terry and Mike, also found politics. The late Terry Miller was a State legislator. He was president of the State senate and was elected to be our Lieutenant Governor in 1978. Mike, who was helping around the Santa Claus House, also served in the legislature as senate president from 1983 to 2001. This is a dominating political family in Alaska, two State senate presidents.\n\nI knew the Millers. They are a great, great family. Both Miller brothers, very highly respected across the aisle. This is, and was, and has been a great family committed to public service.\n\nBegun over 70 years ago by Con and Nellie Miller, the Santa Claus House continues as following generations of Millers keep up that Christmas spirit and keep it thriving in North Pole, AK. It is still a family-run business.\n\nMike Miller is looking forward to the next generation continuing to run the family business with his daughter Carissa and son-in-law Paul and staffed by several grandchildren. Isn't this just a wonderful story? It really warms your heart as we head into the holiday season.\n\nWe all know Santa's job is a hard one, and it is also no small job running the Santa Claus House for the world. In addition to the family, there are between 40 and 60 employees year-round working there.\n\nBesides being a delightful tourist attraction worldwide, the Santa Claus House understands the true meaning of Christmas and uses its name recognition for good works in the community, organizing food drives for the Fairbanks Food Bank that is used throughout Interior Alaska and many other charities.\n\nMike said: I think we have really worked hard to bring the spirit of Santa to our community, \u201cthe spirit of giving and family and caring about one another. I hope we have done a small slice [in this service] of helping people to realize that Christmas is about caring about one another, giving, and [about] being good neighbors.''\n\nThat is Mike Miller.\n\nThey have done that in a huge way. They have done more than give a small slice. For the past 70 years, they have given their all toward spreading the magic, the wonder, and the joy of Christmas to Alaskans, to Americans, to people all over the world.\n\nSo thank you to the Miller family and to the incredible institution of the Santa Claus House in North Pole for making our State a more jolly place, a more generous place, a more caring place, and for keeping the spirit of Christmas alive--not just now during the holidays but year-round in the great State of Alaska.\n\nAnd, of course, to the Millers and Santa Claus House, congratulations on being our Alaskan of the Week.\n\nI yield the floor.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/us-treasury-finally-takes-action-on-russian-seafood-imports-following-2-year-sullivan-led-campaign", "U.S. Treasury Finally Takes Action on Russian Seafood Imports Following 2-Year Sullivan-Led Campaign", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Determination Advances Reciprocity in U.S.-Russian Seafood Trading Relationship\n\nANCHORAGE, ALASKA\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today lauded a new Executive Order and resulting U.S. Department of the Treasury determination that will finally revise current guidance that has allowed all Russian-origin seafood to bypass an earlier Executive Order banning its import into the United States. The new determination states that the current prohibition on Russian imports applies to salmon, pollock, cod and crab products harvested in waters under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation or by Russian-flagged vessels outside of Russian waters, even if this seafood has later been reprocessed and substantially transformed in another country, most frequently in Communist China and sometimes using slave labor. For nearly two years, Sen. Sullivan has been tirelessly advocating for the Treasury Department and other federal agencies to expand the current prohibition of Russian seafood into the U.S. market in dozens of meetings, advocacy and engagement with senior Biden administration officials and his congressional colleagues, and through legislation he\u2019s authored and championed in the Senate.\n\n\u201cRussia\u2019s decade-long ban on nearly all American-produced seafood products has created a completely unfair, one-sided trade relationship that has significantly hurt Alaska fishermen. In spite of an Executive Order issued in March of 2022 that I strongly advocated for that sought to level the playing field and correct this injustice, Russia and Communist China\u2014which have some of the worst labor and environmental standards in the world\u2014have aggressively exploited a gaping loophole that has given hundreds of millions of dollars\u2019 worth of Russian seafood continued access to the U.S. market,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cThis unfair arrangement was wrong on so many levels: Not only did it drive down seafood prices and hurt hardworking American fishermen, especially in Alaska, it has also provided substantial revenue to support Vladimir Putin\u2019s brutal invasion of Ukraine and has bolstered human rights abuses in China. Additionally, Russian and Chinese fisheries have some of the worst environmental standards for the sustainability of our oceans and fishing stocks in the world, while we have the highest.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve relentlessly pressed this issue with senior members of the Biden administration, expressing my frustration\u2014and the frustration of Alaskans\u2014that our own government has allowed this damaging injustice to go on for far too long. The administration has finally listened and taken action on this ridiculously unfair notion that \u2018reprocessed\u2019 Russian fish, pumped with chemicals in China, could be classified as the product of another country and still sold on the U.S. market almost duty-free. Our advocacy and unyielding determination have finally paid off, delivering a blow to the authoritarian regimes in Russia and China, and their fishing industries, which dramatically undermine the health of our oceans and promote human rights abuses. Most importantly, this is a long overdue win for Alaskan and American fishermen, for sustainable and environmentally-sound fisheries, and for the numerous coastal communities in Alaska that they support.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nIn March 2022, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and at the strong urging of Sen. Sullivan, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14068, which prohibits the import of seafood originating in Russia. However, Russian and Chinese industry officials quickly exploited a loophole that gave them continued access to the U.S. market by sending Russian seafood to be substantially transformed in another country through reprocessing. Consequently, the Biden administration\u2019s original prohibition was largely ineffective since the vast majority of Russian seafood is shipped to and reprocessed in other countries, such as China, and then shipped to the U.S. for consumption.\n\nToday\u2019s executive order will close this loophole and prevent any fish caught in Russian waters, or caught by Russian fishermen, from entering the U.S. market, regardless of where it goes for additional processing.\n\n\u201cUnited Fishermen of Alaska and the commercial fishing industry in Alaska thanks Senator Sullivan for his strong leadership on this issue, and for his years of support for the commercial fishing industry, particularly his support for seafood trade issues we are facing during this challenging time\u201d said Matt Alward, president of the United Fishermen of Alaska. \u201cSenator Sullivan\u2019s work to enact meaningful prohibition of Russian seafood is a welcome step towards stabilizing the Alaska seafood industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cSilver Bay Seafoods is owned by more than 550 fishermen, each of which operates an Alaskan small business and complies with stringent sustainability, environmental, and labor standards to ensure our customers get top quality seafood. Russian seafood cannot make the same claims, and although the Biden administration acted to ban imports of Russian seafood after the invasion of Ukraine, imports continued with impunity when routed through other countries. This action rights that wrong and ensures that the American consumer can feel good about the seafood they purchase,\u201d said Cora Campell, CEO of Silver Bay Seafoods. \u201cSenator Sullivan has shown tireless leadership on this issue and an unwavering commitment to Alaska\u2019s fishermen and our coastal economy. He has doggedly pursued a level playing field, sound policy, and solutions that are good for seafood producers and consumers. Senator Sullivan\u2019s work ethic is unmatched, and the Alaska seafood industry is fortunate to have such a stalwart advocate.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is an enormous win for the nation\u2019s effort to impose meaningful economic sanctions on Russia. Consumers throughout the United States have been unknowingly purchasing Russian-harvested seafood and indirectly supporting Russia\u2019s war on Ukraine. That\u2019s simply wrong,\u201d said Joe Bundrant, CEO of Trident Seafoods. \u201cWe are grateful for the time and effort the administration, Senator Sullivan and other congressional offices have put into strengthening these sanctions and assuring U.S. consumers that their seafood purchases are not fueling the Russian war.\u201d\n\n\u201cMembers of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association applaud today\u2019s action by the Treasury Department to increase economic sanctions on Russia by closing U.S. markets to Russian seafood,\u201d said Julie Decker, president of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association. \u201cNow, Russian seafood will not be able to enter the U.S. via other countries, fund Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine, unfairly compete with domestic seafood, and depress U.S. seafood markets. We thank Senator Sullivan and our Congressional Delegation for their leadership on this issue, which is vital to U.S. fishermen and processors, and an important step toward ending the unjust war in Ukraine. Today\u2019s action allows the U.S. to lead by example and we encourage other nations to follow suit.\u201d\n\nSenator Sullivan has strongly advocated for a fix\u2014through legislative or administrative action\u2014to meaningfully prohibit Russian seafood imports until American fishermen and processors are afforded reciprocal access to the Russian market and until Russia ends its brutal, illegal war against Ukraine.\n\nBelow is a timeline of the Russian seafood reciprocity issue, and Sen. Sullivan\u2019s work to resolve it:\n\nIn 2014, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. In response, the United States and its allies imposed a suite of sanctions. Russia then enacted retaliatory sanctions that barred the importation of any American fish into the Russian market. This created a very uneven seafood trade relationship: Russia could export as much seafood as it wants into the United States and we couldn\u2019t export any Alaskan fish into Russia. This severely economically damaging injustice between America\u2019s and Russia\u2019s fishing industries continued to exist for almost a decade.\n\nSen. Sullivan pressed the issue of Russian seafood trade reciprocity\u2014encouraging the federal government to ban the importation of Russian seafood into the United States\u2014for years prior to Russia\u2019s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including in numerous meetings with the Commerce Secretaries and U.S. Trade Representatives under Presidents Obama, Trump and Biden\u2014all to get the United States to level the playing field with regard to seafood trade with Russia.\n\nOn March 11, 2021, Sen. Sullivan pressed the issue of the lack of reciprocity in the Russian-U.S. seafood trading relationship with Wally Adeyemo, nominee to be deputy secretary of the Treasury. In their conversation, the deputy secretary committed to Sen. Sullivan to address this issue.\n\nOn February 9. 2022, Sen. Sullivan introduced the U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act, cosponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). This legislation would impose a ban on the import of all Russian seafood products into the United States, regardless of such seafood being reprocessed in another country.\n\nOn February 15, 2022, Sen. Sullivan included a provision in the Never Yielding Europe\u2019s Territory (NYET) Act that directs the federal government to prohibit Russian seafood imports into the U.S.\n\nOn February 17, 2022, Sen. Sullivan attempted to pass the U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act by unanimous consent, but the bill was blocked by Senate Democrats. Attempts to pass a revised version of S.2011 later in Spring 2022 were similarly blocked by Senate Democrats.\n\nOn February 24, 2022, Russia initiated its brutal invasion of Ukraine.\n\nIn the days following the invasion, Sen. Sullivan relentlessly pressed senior Biden administration National Security Council, Treasury Department, Commerce Department, and White House officials to include the banning of the importation of Russian seafood into the United States as part of the President\u2019s broader sanctions package against the Putin regime.\n\nOn March 11, 2022, as a result of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s advocacy, the Biden administration announced it would prohibit the importation of Russian seafood into the United States, in addition to banning goods from several other signature sectors of Russia\u2019s economy. President Biden also announced his intention to revoke Russia\u2019s \u201cmost-favored nation\u201d status as a member of the World Trade Organization.\n\nDespite this success, it became clear that Russian seafood oligarchs began to bypass the Biden administration\u2019s sanctions by shipping their seafood to other countries, especially China, to then have the Russian seafood transformed and shipped into the United States almost duty-free. This loophole allowed hundreds of millions of dollars\u2019 worth of Russian seafood to escape sanctions and make it into the U.S. market, while significantly harming Alaskan and other American fishermen.\n\nOn April 7, 2022, Sen. Sullivan pressed Chris Magnus, then-commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB), about closing the existing loophole that gives Russian seafood non-reciprocal access to the U.S. market.\n\nOn March 3, 2023, Sen. Sullivan pressed Troy Miller, acting commissioner of CPB, about the existing loophole that gives Russian seafood non-reciprocal access to the U.S. market.\n\nOn March 21, 2023, Sen. Sullivan pressed the Russian seafood loophole issue with Wally Adeyemo, deputy secretary of the Treasury.\n\nThroughout 2023, Sen. Sullivan pressed the Russian seafood loophole issue with high-level, senior Treasury, CPB and White House officials on a very regular basis, including in text messages and phone calls on June 9, June 23, August 6, August 13, October 24, October 25, November 21, December 8, and December 13.\n\nOn June 15, 2023, Sen. Sullivan again pressed the continued Russian seafood prohibition issue with Wally Adeyemo, deputy secretary of the Treasury.\n\nOn June 15, 2023, led by Sen. Sullivan, Sens. Sullivan and Murkowski introduced the updated U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act of 2023, legislation that would impose a comprehensive ban on the import of all Russian-origin seafood products into the United States. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Garret Graves (R-La.) and Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska).\n\nOn June 22, 2023, Sen. Sullivan attempted to pass the U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity by unanimous consent, but the bill was again blocked by Senate Democrats.\n\nOn August 30, 2023, Sen. Sullivan again pushed the Russian seafood loophole issue with Wally Adeyemo, deputy secretary of the treasury, and Troy Miller, CBP acting commissioner.\n\nOn September 26, 2023, at Sen. Sullivan\u2019s urging, the Treasury Department\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and CBP personnel convened a seafood industry roundtable in Anchorage to discuss the Russian seafood loophole issue and to get agreement on a detailed plan to close this loophole. This was a result of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s many discussions with both CBP and Treasury pressing them to place a meaningful prohibition on Russian seafood imports.\n\nOn October 24, 2023, Sen. Sullivan again pressed the Russian seafood prohibition issue in a call with Wally Adeyemo, deputy secretary of the Treasury, and continued to follow-up over the ensuing weeks.\n\nOn December 19, 2023, Sen. Sullivan spoke on the Senate floor about the Russian seafood prohibition issue and again urged his colleagues to pass his U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act of 2023.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-calls-on-postal-regulatory-commission-to-reject-unjust-postal-rate-increases-for-alaskans", "Alaska Delegation Calls on Postal Regulatory Commission to Reject Unjust Postal Rate Increases for Alaskans", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) called on the Postal Regulatory Commission to reject consideration of the United States Postal Service\u2019s (USPS) proposal to establish higher postal rates for mail delivered to the non-contiguous United States. In a letter sent today that was signed by the Alaska and Hawaiian Congressional delegations as well as delegates from each of the U.S. territories, the members of Congress warned that the USPS proposal \u201cto single-out select remote and rural communities for disproportionate price increases is inconsistent with the Postal Service\u2019s Constitutional purpose and with its historical approach of a uniform price structure for customers, no matter where in the nation a resident lives.\u201d\n\nThe USPS\u2019 proposal would establish higher Zone 10 rates for certain \u201cfull network\u201d products, including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage, impacting packages destined for Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. Territories.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.\n\n\u201cThis proposed increase in rates for Alaska and other non-contiguous states and territories is outrageous,\u201d Sen. Sullivan said. \u201cNo state, including Alaska, should be punished by our own federal government because of geography. These hikes have the potential to severely negatively impact Alaskans\u2014already reeling from inflation\u2014who are more reliant on the USPS for basic goods and services than other Americans. I will be meeting with the Postmaster General soon to demand answers about the data they\u2019re using to justify this increase, and the potential tax-payer funded monopolistic behavior of the USPS. I, along with my colleagues from impacted states and territories, will also be heavily weighing in with the Postal Regulatory Commission on this proposed rule. We will be insisting that the commission refuse to approve this rate increase, particularly because the USPS has not been transparent with any evidence justifying a change in rates.\u201d\n\n\u201cPostal Service price increases on Alaskans living in remote and rural communities are unfair, harmful, and go against the USPS mission of uniform delivery for all Americans,\u201dsaid Sen. Murkowski. \u201cThe Alaska delegation calls on the Postal Regulatory Commission to decline price increases in Zone 10 and avoid harming Alaskans who already face some of the highest costs of living in the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans rely on the Postal Service for more than just mail\u2014it is a lifeline to the rest of the world,\u201d said Rep. Peltola.\u201cMedication, food, and more travels through our mail system on a regular basis. Urban and rural parts of our state all depend on reliable, predictable service for mail delivery, and these disproportionate cost increases would have a major impact on our daily lives. The costs of living in Alaska are already high. It makes no sense for the federal government to increase costs for Alaskans, without evidence, when postal services are relied on by so many across the state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-reiterates-call-to-end-russian-seafood-imports-stand-up-for-alaskan-fishermen", "ICYMI: Sullivan Reiterates Call to End Russian Seafood Imports, Stand Up for Alaskan Fishermen", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today spoke on the Senate floor about the continued import of Russian seafood into the U.S., despite there being a prohibition in place. Sen. Sullivan again urged his colleagues to pass his U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act of 2023, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would close a loophole allowing Russian harvested seafood that has been reprocessed in other countries to be imported into the U.S. at the same time American fishermen are afforded zero access to the Russian market. Sullivan has been leading the effort for years to correct the injustice and reestablish reciprocity in the U.S.-Russian seafood trade relationship.\n\nIn his remarks, Sullivan argued that the existing prohibition is failing to meet its objective and undermines American fishermen and seafood processors, enriches Vladimir Putin and Russian oligarchs funding the brutal invasion of Ukraine, and empowers the People\u2019s Republic of China to continue utilizing Uyghur slave labor to process some of this seafood. Sen. Sullivan urged several U.S. based seafood companies who both sell and serve the reprocessed Russian seafood and oppose his legislation to instead buy American-sourced seafood as an input to their seafood supply chain.\n\n\u201cThe authoritarian regimes of Putin and Xi Jinping are working together to avoid American sanctions. They take the Russian seafood caught in Russian waters, and they send it to China and have slave labor transform it, and then sell it to the United States. They are sneaking around our sanctions. That is happening right now,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cAmerican companies importing this reprocessed Russian fish\u2014trust me, it\u2019s not a good business model to be selling Uyghur, slave labor-produced seafood \u2026 That's going to catch up with you. It\u2019s not a good business model to be helping fund the Putin war machine \u2026 My answer is: Come on, be patriotic. Stand with America. Stand with American fishermen. Let's do legislation that can \u2026 help defeat slave labor, help the environment, help strong American fishermen, help workers\u2019 rights, and go after Russian and Chinese abuses in the seafood industry.\u201d\n\nFull transcript:\n\nI want to talk about two issues today here on the Senate floor. One is a really important one\u2014it\u2019s a policy issue that we have to solve. What I'm trying to do today is just make sure my colleagues\u2014because a lot of them get kind of fed some misinformation on this issue\u2014and then the American people writ large know what's going on, so we can fix this issue. And I'm hoping the White House and the administration, Treasury Department, everybody's watching, because this is an easy one.\n\nImagine this, Madam President, if someone came to you and said, all right, let's see, is there legislation that we could pass that would help end slave labor in China with the Uyghurs, help make sure we had a really strong environment for our oceans and our fisheries, help make sure we weren't funding the Russian war machine to go kill innocent civilians in Ukraine, help make sure we keep strong American coastal communities, and help promote the great American fishermen who work so hard all over this great nation and who\u2019ve been doing it way before the founding of the Republic\u2014if there is legislation that could do all those things, wouldn't you want to support it? And, by the way, (it would) undermine our adversaries, the two big adversaries we have, Russia and China. Is there legislation pending in the U.S. Senate that could do all of these things? The answer is yes. Hell, yes!\n\nI would just want to make sure all my colleagues know, because when I bring this to the floor when we come back in the new year, I just want to make sure everyone supports it because it's a no-brainer. It is a no-brainer. So, Madam President, what am I talking about? Well, it's my U.S.-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act. I've got a bunch of co-sponsors, Democrats and Republicans. Senator Cantwell is a big, big promoter of this, just as one example.\n\nLet me just give a little bit of background, because people are saying, you\u2019ve got a piece of legislation can do all that? Yeah, we sure do. And why anyone would not support it? Well, once they get educated, they'll support it. Let's talk about it just very briefly.\n\nMadam President, what's the background here? I'm going to go way back, almost ten years. The Russians invade Crimea. You have the aggressive dictator Vladimir Putin trying to invade everybody, right? We have to make sure he doesn't win in Ukraine. The Obama administration smacks them with sanctions. I wasn't here then, but that's what happened. This is in 2014, but I supported that. And then the Russians retaliate. Now, one of the things they did when they retaliated is that they said we're going to ban the importation of all American seafood into Russia. Now, Russia's got a big seafood market. Russia said no American seafood can come into Russia.\n\nBy the way, my state is the superpower of seafood. The great state of Alaska is responsible for the harvest of over two-thirds of all fish and seafood in America. Two-thirds. 66 percent. We are the superpower of seafood. There\u2019s a lot of other great states that export seafood. I'm not sure the great state of Nevada does, but that's a whole another topic.\n\nThis is really important to my constituents. Tens of thousands of my great constituents are involved with this. So imagine that Russia was still allowed to import in the United States, almost duty free, and we can't export one fish. That's been the situation since 2014. Right there, that's just unfair.\n\nSo I tried to work with the Obama administration, the Trump administration, the Biden administration to fix this. Unfair. By the way, the Russian seafood guys were eating into our fishermen's market, in our own home, in our own U.S. market. Not fair. And, by the way, American fishermen, Alaskan fishermen have the highest standards by far in the world on the environment, on sustainable fisheries, on the management of fisheries in our oceans. This is something Senator Whitehouse and I pass a lot of legislation on. On worker rights\u2014highest in the world. It's not even close. So the highest standards on the planet, right in America, right in Alaska. Russia, China? I'm going to get to them. Lowest in the world. So keep that in mind as we talk about this issue.\n\nThen it literally takes a war to fix this. Russia brutally invades Ukraine. The Biden administration is putting together a sanctions package. I call the White House and say, \u201cHey, look, how about including in your sanctions package a way to fix this unfair trade situation where Russia won't allow us to import one fish and they can export into the United States all they want.\u201d No way! So, to his credit, President Biden said or his team, \u201cHey, I agree with Senator Sullivan. Let's smack them with sanctions on fish.\u201d So the Biden initial executive order hitting Russia after they invaded Ukraine said Russia can't import in the United States. Great. I've been working on that for ten years, and it's only fair.\n\nSo what happened?\n\nThese sneaky authoritarians. By the way, the Russian seafood industry is controlled by oligarchs who are literally taking a lot of that money and funding the Putin war machine. Remember that, my colleagues who might want to object to this later\u2014money going to fund the Putin war machine from fisheries. That's a fact.\n\nSo anyways, the little sneaky authoritarian regimes\u2014Putin, Xi Jinping\u2014they're working together. They're like\u2014Hey, let's avoid those American sanctions. We'll take the Russian seafood caught by Russian fishermen in Russian waters, and we'll send it to China and we'll have slave labor in China transform it, and then we'll send it to the United States. We'll sneak around those sanctions. Big loophole, using slave labor. So that's what they're doing right now. They're doing it every day. Hundreds of millions of dollars, if not in the billions, are avoiding these sanctions by saying, let's take the Russian seafood\u2014worst environmental standards in the world\u2014we'll send it to China. We'll use slave labor by the Uyghurs to transform it, and we'll call it \u201cChinese\u201d fish and then send it into the American market. That is happening right now. Right now.\n\nMy legislation is simple. It closes the loophole.\n\nAnd by the way, Madam President, it's a really good idea because word's getting out that the Chinese fishing industry is a disaster. They take these big fleets, they go all over the world, they ravage the high seas, they ravage fisheries wherever they go. They're like\u2014what's a good analogy? I don't know. Rats in the water. Right? They destroy the high seas fisheries. They go off the coasts of smaller countries in South America and Africa that don't have coast guards, can't afford anything. They're literally like the abuser of the oceans of the world, China. And then they use slave labor. How do I know? Because there has been article after article just in the last several weeks. Politico did a great article. I'd like to submit for the record after my remarks. Madam President, this one's called, it's in Politico magazine: \u201cHow Uyghur Forced Labor Makes Seafood That Ends Up in American School Lunches.\u201d I'd like to submit that for the record, Madam President. Without objection.\n\nThe New Yorker's done great work on this. One was titled, \u201cThe Crimes Behind the Seafood You Eat.\u201d It's from The New Yorker. \u201cAmericans know little about their seafood, how it's sourced\u2014much of it comes from a vast fleet of Chinese ships. Onboard, human rights abuses are rampant.\u201d I\u2019d like to submit that for the record, Madam President. Without objection. And then, another one from The New Yorker: \u201cThe Uyghurs Forced to Process the World's Fish.\u201d Slave labor. You know, the Chinese, they try to dominate everything, trying to dominate the fishing industry at the expense of my fishermen. Unfair practices. \u201cThe Uyghurs Forced to Process the World's Fish.\u201d This is from The New Yorker in October of this year. The subheading: \u201cAs China forces minorities from Xinjiang Province to work in industries around the country, as it turns out, this includes handling much of the seafood sent to America and Europe.\u201d I'd like to submit that for the record, Madam President.\n\nSo this is what's going on. Now, look. There are always a few companies out there, including in our great nation\u2014and I'm not besmirching them or anything\u2014but, they kind of whine. And, remember, this happened at the beginning of the Ukraine war. You might remember, Madam President, a lot of us Democrats and Republicans are like, \u201cHey, let's make sure we stop the Russian war machine, because right now America's importing a lot of Russian oil.\u201d And the Europeans and Germans in particular were saying, \u201cWe're importing a lot of Russian gas.\u201d So some have said, well, hey, we're going to cut that off. Let's cut it off. Let's nail them. And you might remember the beginning of the war, people were saying, even in this country\u2014the Biden administration folks, \u201cWell, we can't really cut off Russian oil. That'll hurt the American economy.\u201d\n\nWhat about those importers of Russian oil in America, those refineries that use Russian oil? What about those guys and the Germans? Same thing. \u201cWell, we can't really cut off the importation of Russian gas because, well, shoot, we use it now.\u201d\n\nNot a lot of people were buying those arguments. I certainly wasn't. And the way we got around those arguments was, well, wait a minute, we know that's going to be a little painful. But here's an idea. Let's not import Russian oil. Let's use American oil! Let's use more oil from Alaska. We have way higher environmental standards, way higher worker standards. And you Germans\u2014don't import Russian gas, don't fund the Putin war machine. We'll send you LNG from America! So the Germans, the Biden administration, everybody was like: That's a good idea. So what did we do? We cut off Russian oil in Europe. They cut off Russian gas. That's hurting those guys. That's good. And what did we do? We said, let's fill it up with American oil and gas.\n\nSo why am I using that as an analogy? Because we have a couple companies. Look, and I get it. But as I said when I debated Senator Markey a couple of months ago, it's not a good business model. American fish importers, trust me\u2014not a good business model to be using slave labor Uyghur seafood from China. At a certain point, Captain D's, you're one of the companies, that's going to catch up with you. It's going to catch up with you. Not a good business model to be helping fund the Putin war machine. I know there's a few companies out there saying, \u201cWe don't like the Sullivan bill.\u201d Shoot. Really?\n\nSo what's the answer? It's the same answer: We have great American fishermen who can make sure you guys, Captain D's, or whoever else\u2014I guess some in Virginia\u2014you get fish! Don't worry. By the way, it's a much higher standard. I just learned today that a lot of the Russian fish sent to China, it gets injected with 40 percent phosphates and water to plump it up to make it look more plump. That\u2019s disgusting. And then it gets sent to America, maybe to Captain D's.\n\nMy point here is, we're not out to hurt you. We can say, use American producers, use great American fishermen from all over. Not just Alaska\u2014Maine, Virginia, California, Oregon, Washington State. Use them! Don't block this legislation. Don't be a Putin lackey. Don't help fund the war machine. Don't help Xi Jinping's forced labor, slave labor with the Uyghurs. Buy American, for goodness\u2019 sake! Stand with American fishermen.\n\nSo when we come back, I'm going to work this hard. And for all of you\u2014and there's not many\u2014but a few importers, I hope NFI is not doing this either. I hear they are, which would be really bad because they're supposed to promote the exporters too. That's the National Fisheries Institute. But what you need to do is not block this. This is a freight train, right? And it's going to pass. You want to get out of the way and you want to help stand with American fishermen. Let us in Alaska supply your company. Don't rely on slave labor Chinese fish. Don't rely on authoritarian aggression, Putin-backed seafood from Russia with low environmental standards.\n\nBy the way, they're flooding the markets globally because they're worried and they're hurting fishermen in America, for sure. My fishermen, my fishing communities in my state are really hurting right now. This can help them.\n\nSo, Madam President, we've been working on this hard. A lot of my Republican and Democratic colleagues are 100 percent with me. Like I said, there are a few importers who are kind of working the halls here. And my answer is: Come on, be patriotic. Stand with America. Stand with American fishermen. Let's do legislation that can\u2014what did I say at the beginning of my remarks? Now do you understand? Help defeat slave labor. Help the environment. Help strong American fishermen. Help workers rights and go after Russian and Chinese abuses in the seafood industry.\n\nIt is all over the place, and it\u2019s only going to grow more widespread in terms of the knowledge of the American people saying: Wait a minute, I won't eat fish if it's slave labor fish, Putin oligarch fish. No! I want to buy fish\u2014by the way with the highest standards in the world by far. We don't inject 40 percent phosphates into this fish. That makes it disgusting. I want to stand with American fishermen and buy seafood from Americans. So that's what we're going to do. We\u2019re going to close that loophole.\n\nMadam President, it's a big issue. Thanks for listening. But I sure hope when we get back that my colleagues will fully support it. I think 99.9 percent of them already do. And that's the right answer. It's the right thing for our country and the right thing for America's fishermen.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-murkowski-duckworth-moran-and-rosen-lead-bill-to-support-military-spouses-and-families", "Senators Murkowski, Duckworth, Moran, and Rosen Lead Bill to Support Military Spouses and Families", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) introduced READINESS Act \u2013 legislation that supports military and foreign service spouses and their families by creating more job flexibility when a servicemember is deployed or transferred. The bill, which was developed by current and former federally employed military spouses, aims to encourage the retainment of military spouses across the federal government and lower high employee turnover. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) introduced the House version of the bill in November.\n\nCurrently, military spouse unemployment has held over 20% for over 30 years, and is 6 times the national unemployment rate. More than one-third of military families cite spouse employment challenges as a reason for leaving active duty.\n\n\u201cMilitary spouses are critical support systems in their families\u2014and I\u2019m proud to lead the bipartisan READINESS Act to provide job and career support to them when their spouse faces deployment or transfer,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cThis legislation creates flexibilities that already exist in the federal government, and can help to retain quality workers while also ensuring that the spouses of servicemembers can support their families. Our military spouses do so much for our country\u2014and we should do what we can to make their service better.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen the brave members of our military and Foreign Service are relocated or transferred to a new duty station, we should be doing everything we can to support their families who sacrifice so much to go with them\u2014including sometimes having to leave their jobs,\u201d said Senator Tammy Duckworth. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Senator Murkowski to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure we provide our military and Foreign Service spouses with the flexibility and job support they need as their families make these transitions, reducing unemployment and strengthening military readiness.\u201d\n\n\u201cMilitary service is family service, and too often the spouses of servicemembers have to upend their career when their spouses are deployed or transferred,\u201d said Senator Jerry Moran. \u201cThis legislation supports the well-being and the readiness of the family by providing increased flexibilities to federal agencies to maintain military and foreign service spouses, allowing continued work despite interruptions associated with their spouse\u2019s military service.\u201d\n\n\u201cServicemembers and their families make tremendous sacrifices for our country, and their frequent relocation to new duty assignments makes it difficult for military spouses to find steady employment,\u201d said Senator Jacky Rosen. \u201cI\u2019m proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation to increase job flexibility for military spouses, easing strain on their families and ensuring stable employment. I\u2019ll always work to provide military families with the tools they need to thrive.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nMilitary and foreign service moves are involuntary, a consideration unique to this small group of federal employees. The lack of agency flexibility often results in spouses being forced to resign under threat of termination. The dearth of available jobs around many military bases then results in career breaks or voluntary demotions, negatively impacting the military family\u2019s financial health. The READINESS Act could incentivize military service members to accept hardship orders or orders to locations with a negative availability of civilian jobs.\n\nThe READINESS Act creates a decision tree when an employee presents their supervisor with military or foreign service orders. 1) Can this employee\u2019s position be performed remotely; 2) can they transfer to an agency position within the commuting area of the new location; or 3) can they transfer to an agency position that can be performed remotely? If not, place them in a nonpay status (i.e., Leave Without Pay) for the greater of their spouse\u2019s orders or 36 months \u2013 with the employing agency able to backfill the position, unencumbered.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-calls-on-postal-regulatory-commission-to-reject-unjust-postal-rate-increases-for-alaskans", "Alaska Delegation Calls on Postal Regulatory Commission to Reject Unjust Postal Rate Increases for Alaskans", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) called on the Postal Regulatory Commission to reject consideration of the United States Postal Service\u2019s (USPS) proposal to establish higher postal rates for mail delivered to the non-contiguous United States. In a letter sent today that was signed by the Alaska and Hawaiian Congressional delegations as well as delegates from each of the U.S. territories, the members of Congress warned that the USPS proposal \u201cto single-out select remote and rural communities for disproportionate price increases is inconsistent with the Postal Service\u2019s Constitutional purpose and with its historical approach of a uniform price structure for customers, no matter where in the nation a resident lives.\u201d\n\nThe USPS\u2019 proposal would establish higher Zone 10 rates for certain \u201cfull network\u201d products, including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage, impacting packages destined for Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. Territories.\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.\n\n\u201cThis proposed increase in rates for Alaska and other non-contiguous states and territories is outrageous,\u201d Sen. Sullivan said. \u201cNo state, including Alaska, should be punished by our own federal government because of geography. These hikes have the potential to severely negatively impact Alaskans\u2014already reeling from inflation\u2014who are more reliant on the USPS for basic goods and services than other Americans. I will be meeting with the Postmaster General soon to demand answers about the data they\u2019re using to justify this increase, and the potential tax-payer funded monopolistic behavior of the USPS. I, along with my colleagues from impacted states and territories, will also be heavily weighing in with the Postal Regulatory Commission on this proposed rule. We will be insisting that the commission refuse to approve this rate increase, particularly because the USPS has not been transparent with any evidence justifying a change in rates.\u201d\n\n\u201cPostal Service price increases on Alaskans living in remote and rural communities are unfair, harmful, and go against the USPS mission of uniform delivery for all Americans,\u201d said Sen. Murkowski. \u201cThe Alaska delegation calls on the Postal Regulatory Commission to decline price increases in Zone 10 and avoid harming Alaskans who already face some of the highest costs of living in the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans rely on the Postal Service for more than just mail\u2014it is a lifeline to the rest of the world,\u201d said Rep. Peltola. \u201cMedication, food, and more travels through our mail system on a regular basis. Urban and rural parts of our state all depend on reliable, predictable service for mail delivery, and these disproportionate cost increases would have a major impact on our daily lives. The costs of living in Alaska are already high. It makes no sense for the federal government to increase costs for Alaskans, without evidence, when postal services are relied on by so many across the state.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-amendments-to-sullivans-save-our-seas-20-act", "Senate Approves Amendments to Sullivan's Save Our Seas 2.0 Act", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, applauded the Senate\u2019s unanimous passage of his legislation amending the 2020 Save Our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act and the 2006 Marine Debris Act. The amendments will provide the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) greater flexibility to deliver federal resources and enter into cooperative agreements to conduct marine debris prevention and clean-up. The legislation also clarifies the function and responsibilities of the congressionally-chartered Marine Debris Foundation, which Sullivan has strongly advocated should be established in Alaska. The legislation was introduced by Sens. Sullivan, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) in the Senate, and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) and Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-P.R.) in the House.\n\nThe SOS 2.0 Act\u2014championed by Sen. Sullivan and signed into law in 2020\u2014is the most comprehensive legislation ever passed by Congress to address the marine debris crisis threatening coastal ecosystems and communities, and harming marine life.\n\n\u201cMarine debris is a serious threat to so many aspects of life in Alaska\u2014communities along our thousands of miles of coastline, our pristine marine ecosystem, and the health our world-class fisheries. Tackling this challenge has been a consistent focus of mine as Alaska\u2019s senator,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cWe\u2019ve made a lot of progress since the 2018 Save Our Seas Act and, last week, we had another win: My Senate colleagues unanimously passed amendments to SOS 2.0 that will, among other updates, give NOAA greater flexibility to deploy funds and work with a broader array of partners in the private and public sector to most effectively prevent and address the trash washing up on our shores. I look forward to keeping the momentum going, working with my colleagues, NOAA, and members of the new Marine Debris Foundation on this critically important\u2014and solvable\u2014environmental challenge.\u201d\n\nSOS 2.0 is composed of three primary pillars:\n\nStrengthening the United States\u2019 domestic marine debris response capability with a Marine Debris Foundation, a genius prize for innovation, and new research to tackle the issue.\n\nEnhancing global engagement to combat marine debris, including formalizing U.S. policy on international cooperation, enhancing federal agency outreach to other countries, and exploring the potential for a new international agreement on the challenge.\n\nImproving domestic infrastructure to prevent marine debris through new grants for and studies of recycling and waste management and mitigation.\n\nSOS 2.0 builds on the success of the Save Our Seas Act, legislation introduced by Sens. Sullivan and Whitehouse in the Senate, and Representatives Bonamici and the late Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) in the House, and signed into law in October 2018.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-hickenlooper-legislation-to-expand-peer-to-peer-mental-health-programs-passes-help-committee", "Murkowski, Hickenlooper Legislation to Expand Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Programs Passes HELP Committee", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Provisions from senators\u2019 bipartisan bill included in SUPPORT Act Reauthorization\n\nA negotiated version of U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and John Hickenlooper\u2019s bipartisan Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee as a provision within the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act.\n\nMore and more studies have highlighted the impact that peer-to-peer programs have in addressing mental health in youth. In Alaska, schools and health organizations have been proactive in creating partnerships to get mental health supports in schools, and this bill provides necessary investments for school districts to incorporate peer-to-peer mental health support programs for middle and high school students.\n\nThe SUPPORT Act, originally passed in 2018 to help combat the opioid crisis, funds prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illness. These critical programs need to be reauthorized by Congress this year.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s important we look to every option possible as we work to address the youth mental health crisis that impacts young people in Alaska and nationwide, including meeting kids where they are. Incorporating peer-to-peer mental health support programs in schools helps reduce access challenges for students and works to address the mental health crisis currently facing our youth. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Hickenlooper on this effort,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski.\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s on the frontline of the youth mental health crisis,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cPeer-to-peer mental health programs help break the stigma around mental health care and connect students to the resources they need.\u201d The senators\u2019 original Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act would help school districts facilitate peer-to-peer mental health programs in middle and high schools. Provisions of the legislation passed as part of the reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act in today\u2019s HELP markup.\u201d\n\nThe program would be administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in consultation with the Department of Education.\n\nCongressman Don Beyer champions the legislation in the House of Representatives and plans to reintroduce a companion this Congress.\n\n\u201cThe suicide rate is at its highest level since 1941. Student-led peer-to-peer initiatives are a key tool that can help prevent needless death, and I\u2019m glad to see it advance on a bipartisan basis,\u201d said Congressman Beyer. \u201cCongress must do all it can to address suicide and mental illness. I thank Senators Hickenlooper and Murkowski for their leadership on this important bill, will continue working on that important effort with colleagues in both parties.\u201d\n\nFull text of the bill available here. View text of the SUPPORT Act here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-condemns-anti-semitic-takeover-of-harvard-library", "ICYMI: Sullivan Condemns Anti-Semitic Takeover of Harvard Library", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014In an opinion published on Saturday in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) describes his confrontation with anti-Israel protesters during a visit to his alma mater, Harvard University. Sen. Sullivan encountered the hostile protesters while inside Harvard\u2019s Widener reading room.\n\n\u201cImagine if you were an 18-year-old Jewish or Israeli student, or even a pro-Israel Catholic like me, and you wanted to study for your chemistry final in the Widener Reading Room on a Sunday morning,\u201d Sen. Sullivan writes in the Wall Street Journal. \u201cImagine being confronted by this protest, obviously condoned by Harvard\u2019s leadership and commandeered by the Palestine Solidarity Committee, the group behind the notorious statement that holds \u2018the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence\u2019 in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack.\n\n\u201cWould you feel welcome in Harvard\u2019s most famous library? Would you feel rattled, intimidated, and harassed by the anti-Israel banner screaming \u2018Stop the Genocide in Gaza\u2019? As Jason Riley has written, \u2018If accusing Israel of genocide isn\u2019t defamation of Jewish people, I don\u2019t know what is.\u2019 If you were that 18-year-old student, would you believe the vacuous statement recently put out by the Harvard Corp., after it decided not to fire Ms. Gay, that \u2018disruptions of the classroom experience will not be tolerated\u2019?\u201d\n\nSenator Sullivan says he plans to work with a bipartisan group of his colleagues in Congress \u201cto save these important and once-respected institutions from themselves and their weak leaders who have lost their moral compasses.\u201d\n\n* * * * *\n\nOpinion: An Antisemitic Occupation of Harvard\u2019s Widener Library\n\nClaudine Gay promised to prevent \u2018disruptions of the classroom experience.\u2019 How\u2019s that working out?\n\nBy: U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan\n\nDecember 16, 2023\n\nI was in Boston last weekend for the Army-Navy game. The day after the game, five days after Harvard President Claudine Gay\u2019s disastrous testimony before Congress, I decided to walk the campus to reminisce about my time at Harvard, where I earned my undergraduate degree in 1987, and reflect about what had gone wrong at this once-great university.\n\nI visited places that held significance to me while I was there: St. Paul\u2019s Catholic Church, my freshman dorm and, of course, Widener Library\u2014a monument to learning, study and contemplation that sits like a temple in the middle of Harvard Yard.\n\nAs I did during my undergraduate years, I spent several minutes staring up at the powerful mural by John Singer Sargent, \u201cDeath and Victory.\u201d It\u2019s one of two Sargent paintings memorializing the men of Harvard who sacrificed their lives for our country in World War I. I\u2019ve thought about the painting often throughout the years\u2014including when I made the decision to join the Marine Corps.\n\nWhen I walked upstairs to the famous Widener Reading Room, I couldn\u2019t believe my eyes. Nearly every student in the packed room was wearing a kaffiyeh. Fliers attached to their individual laptops, as well as affixed to some of the lamps in the reading room, read: \u201cNo Normalcy During Genocide\u2014Justice for Palestine.\u201d A young woman handed the fliers to all who entered. A large banner spread across one end of the room stated in blazing blood-red letters, \u201cStop the Genocide in Gaza.\u201d\n\nCurious about what was going on, I was soon in a cordial discussion with two of the organizers of this anti-Israel protest inside of one the world\u2019s great libraries\u2014not outside in Harvard Yard, where such protests belong. They told me they were from Saudi Arabia and the West Bank. I told them I was a U.S. senator who had recently returned from a bipartisan Senate trip to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. I mentioned the meetings I had. I expressed my condolences when they told me their relatives had been killed by Israeli military action in Gaza.\n\nOne then asked whether I supported a cease-fire in Gaza. I said I didn\u2019t, because I strongly believe Israel had the right both to defend itself and to destroy Hamas given the horrendous attacks it perpetrated against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7.\n\nTheir tone immediately changed. \u201cYou\u2019re a murderer,\u201d one said. \u201cYou support genocide,\u201d said the other.\n\n\u201cExcuse me, what did you say?\u201d I asked in disbelief.\n\n. . .\n\nAs a U.S. senator who has been through two election campaigns, I\u2019ve had plenty of iPhones aggressively shoved in my face by members of radical groups. Nevertheless, I was shocked and, again, ashamed of my alma mater. All of this\u2014the anti-Israel protests, the big banner, the fliers, the iPhones, the taunting questions\u2014took place inside the Widener Library, a revered place of quiet study for tens of thousands of Harvard students and alumni.\n\nMy thoughts then turned to Harvard undergrads. Imagine if you were an 18-year-old Jewish or Israeli student, or even a pro-Israel Catholic like me, and you wanted to study for your chemistry final in the Widener Reading Room on a Sunday morning. Imagine being confronted by this protest, obviously condoned by Harvard\u2019s leadership and commandeered by the Palestine Solidarity Committee, the group behind the notorious statement that holds \u201cthe Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence\u201d in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack.\n\nWould you feel welcome in Harvard\u2019s most famous library? Would you feel rattled, intimidated and harassed by the anti-Israel banner screaming \u201cStop the Genocide in Gaza\u201d? As Jason Riley has written, \u201cIf accusing Israel of genocide isn\u2019t defamation of Jewish people, I don\u2019t know what is.\u201d If you were that 18-year-old student, would you believe the vacuous statement recently put out by the Harvard Corp., after it decided not to fire Ms. Gay, that \u201cdisruptions of the classroom experience will not be tolerated\u201d?\n\nIf students were handing out fliers and hanging large banners in the Widener Library Reading Room denouncing, say, affirmative action or NCAA rules allowing men to compete in women\u2019s swim meets, Harvard leaders would shut them down in a minute. But an anti-Israel protest by an antisemitic group, commandeering the entire Widener Reading Room during finals? No problem.\n\nIs that what Ms. Gay meant when she testified that \u201cit depends on the context\u201d?\n\nNot all university leadership is so craven, morally bankrupt and afraid of the most vocal, radical sects of their own student bodies. I serve on the board of visitors for the U.S. Naval Academy, which is the No. 1 public university in America. The contrast couldn\u2019t be starker between the service academies and the Ivy League on issues like civil discourse, so-called safe spaces, trigger warnings, American history and our unique and, yes, exceptional place in the world.\n\nAmerica\u2019s so-called elite universities used to be a positive source of our nation\u2019s power, strength and influence. No longer. I believe over the past several weeks a bipartisan consensus has emerged: It is time for Congress to save these important and once-respected institutions from themselves and their weak leaders who have lost their moral compasses. I intend to work with my colleagues in the Senate to do so.\n\nClick here to read the full WSJ opinion article.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/landmark-landless-legislation-passes-committee-for-first-time-in-history", "Landmark: \u201cLandless\u201d Legislation Passes Committee for First Time in History", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 For the first time ever, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has favorably reported a bill to right a historical injustice made when five Alaska Native communities were omitted from the 1971 settlement of indigenous claims in Alaska. The bill, the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act, amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to grant the Alaska Native communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Tenakee equitable land ownership and the right to form an Urban Corporation. The measure will provide these \u201cLandless\u201d communities with the rights and benefits of ANCSA recognition, including ownership of culturally relevant lands.\n\nThe Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act is sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is a cosponsor, and Representative Mary Peltola (D-AK) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. During the markup, several Alaska Native leaders were present in the ENR hearing room to support the committee\u2019s passage of the legislation [by voice vote].\n\n\u201cFive southeast Alaska Native communities were left out of ANCSA, hampering their ability to support development and opportunity while protecting their traditional ways of life. Alaskans have been trying to right this wrong for 51 years, and I\u2019m so pleased to worked with so many over the years to right this wrong,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cI also thank my colleagues for supporting our Landless legislation, allowing for this critical legislation to head to the full Senate for consideration. Today was a critical step, and I will do everything I can to see this through.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re so happy of the work that Senator Murkowski has done to advance our cause, which has been going on for 51 years,\u201d said Cecilia Tavoliero, Petersburg Landless and Chair of the Southeast Alaska Landless Corporation board. \u201cWe want to cross the finish line, and we\u2019re just elated and happy today. So folks back home, please keep sending positive thoughts and prayers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe want to thank Senator Murkowski and the Alaska delegation for their support,\u201d said Randy Williams, Ketchikan Landless and Southeast Alaska Landless Corporation board member. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long battle. Senator Murkowski has stayed the course with us for all these years and we certainly appreciate the effort that she\u2019s made to make this happen.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am just so proud to be here in Washington, D.C. for this momentous occasion, reaching a milestone for 4,400 of our brothers and sisters of the landless communities to receive recognition under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act,\u201d said Todd Antioquia, Goldbelt, Inc. board member. \u201cThere\u2019s still a lot of work to be done and we so appreciate the leadership of Senator Murkowski and the rest of the Alaska delegation that support us across Congress. We look forward to working with all of our brothers and sisters across the region to push this over the finish line. Gunalch\u00e9esh.\u201d\n\nThe lands selected for conveyance to the new ANCSA Native Corporations were chosen in consultation with the Alaska Native communities, affected communities, local stakeholders, the U.S. Forest Service, and the public to allow for consideration of existing land uses. Consistent with ANCSA, 23,040 acres will be conveyed to each community to form a Native Corporation. The total amount of land to be transferred equals roughly 115,000 acres and will account for less than 0.7% of the Tongass National Forest\u2019s 17 million acres.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-defense-authorization-bill-invests-in-alaska-defense-capabilities-bolsters-arctic-security-supports-servicemembers", "Murkowski: Defense Authorization Bill Invests in Alaska Defense Capabilities, Bolsters Arctic Security, Supports Servicemembers", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted in favor of the conference report for H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), supporting its passage in the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 87-13. The conference report passed the House Thursday morning by a vote of 310-118, and will now go to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA authorizes $886 billion for national defense and border security, provides servicemembers with a 5.2 percent pay raise, and reinforces support for American allies including Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. The bill also includes a host of Arctic- and Alaska-specific wins that Murkowski and the Alaska delegation secured, including provisions that fund military projects in Alaska, support servicemember quality of life, address overdoses in the military, and work to strengthen relationships between Tribes and the military.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA is one of the most important measures that Congress passes each year because it helps ensure that servicemembers can protect our security and defend our nation. I\u2019m proud of the work we did to ensure this year\u2019s bill invests in Alaska\u2019s defense infrastructure, bolsters Arctic security, and supports our military servicemembers and their families,\u201d said Murkowski. \u201cThis NDAA improves our capabilities, gives our servicemembers a well-earned raise, and simultaneously focuses on everything from food security to new tools to help those in crisis. I\u2019m proud to support it.\u201d\n\nBILL HIGHLIGHTS\n\nImproving Quality of Life for Alaska Military Members and Their Families\n\nImproving Troops\u2019 Basic Needs Allowance: Studies have shown that food insecurity impacts nearly one in four servicemembers, and one in eight military families, highlighting the need to do better to ensure their basic needs are met. That\u2019s why Murkowski fought to help create the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) in FY 2022, and why she pushed for modifications in this year\u2019s NDAA that will create greater efficiencies within BNA while making it easier for servicemembers to apply for it.\n\nUsing Research and Data to Help Troops in Crisis: Building off the work she did through her \u201cDepartment of Defense Overdose Data Act,\u201d Murkowski added requirements for greater reporting on military overdoses, so that the Department of Defense (DOD) will have greater insight and tools to help servicemembers in crisis.\n\nInvestments in Alaska\n\nMilitary Construction: Includes authorizations to begin the planning and design for new construction projects at installations across Alaska. This is the first step in what will be a years-long process to modernize and strengthen Alaska\u2019s military infrastructure. These projects will better serve our warfighters by providing them with state-of-the-art facilities that are conducive to operations in the austere environment that defines service in Alaska. In the years ahead, the new military construction facilitated by these provisions will bring billions of dollars of investment into Alaska.\n\nTaking Advantage of Alaska\u2019s Expansive Range for Military Exercises: DOD reports have highlighted the importance of training exercises that simulate contested and rugged conditions for military readiness. Alaska\u2019s unrivaled, expansive ranges provide the perfect setting for real war conditions, and Murkowski has authorized increased funding for military exercises in the state that will ensure our military is better prepared for challenging combat situations.\n\nImproving Relationships with Local Tribal Partners: Our military works best with our communities when there is a transparent and open dialogue between them. That\u2019s why Murkowski included a Tribal liaison position at DOD installations that have ongoing consultation and coordination with Tribes. When this model has been employed in the past, it has led to remarkable success and improvements between Tribes and DOD.\n\nInfrastructure Authorizations for Alaska\n\n$107.5 million to continue the runway extension at Joint Base Elmendorf\u2013Richardson (JBER).\n\n$34 million to complete the enlisted unaccompanied housing project at Fort Wainwright.\n\n$18.1 million to design a combat alert cell at JBER.\n\n$9.5 million to design a Permanent Party Dorm at Eielson Air Force Base.\n\n$7.9 million to design a soldier performance readiness center at Fort Wainwright.\n\n$7.0 million to design an alert crew facility at JBER.\n\n$6.1 million to design a precision guided missile complex at JBER.\n\n$5.0 million to design a dual bay hangar at Eielson Air Force Base.\n\n$3.0 million to design a joint mobility center expansion at Eielson Air Force Base.\n\n$2.0 million to design a HC-130J simulator facility at JBER.\n\n$1.7 million to design a fire station at Eielson Air Force Base.\n\n$1.4 million to design a Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex at Eielson Air Force Base.\n\n$1.2 million to design a consolidated munitions complex at Eielson Air Force Base.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-fy-2024-defense-authorization-with-25-sullivan-provisions", "Senate Passes FY 2024 Defense Authorization with 25 Sullivan Provisions", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), voted today to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation includes 25 provisions authored by Sen. Sullivan and authorizes roughly $168 million in military construction and equipment for Alaska and the Arctic. This funding is in addition to a $203 million military construction project at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), announced this summer, that Sen. Sullivan was able to secure. The NDAA now goes to the House for approval, and then to the White House for the President\u2019s signature.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA affirms Alaska\u2019s importance to our nation\u2019s defense during the most dangerous period since World War II,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cI authored a number of important provisions that will bolster our state\u2019s military capabilities, including significant military construction funding for our state, a much-deserved increase in pay for our service members, and greater support and resources for their families in Alaska.\n\n\u201cI was also able to secure several provisions that I have long been pushing for to address our military\u2019s readiness to defend our country and counter the aggressive aims of the dictators in Beijing and Moscow. These provisions include forcing the Navy to submit a 30-year shipbuilding plan that addresses serious security challenges across the globe, particularly with regard to protecting Taiwan from a Chinese invasion, and pushing our NATO allies to\u2014at long last\u2014fulfill their treaty obligations and pay their fair share to defend NATO countries in Europe.\n\n\u201cIn spite of these major wins for Alaska and national security, I am concerned that U.S. defense spending will likely drop below three percent of GDP next year, which has only happened a handful of times since the end of World War II. I\u2019ve strongly advocated for more serious increases and warned my Democratic colleagues that President Biden\u2019s anemic defense budgets\u2014all of which have amounted to inflation-adjusted cuts to our joint force\u2014send the wrong signal to America\u2019s adversaries.\u201d\n\nThe FY 2024 NDAA authorizes $168 million in military construction provisions for Alaska, including:\n\nRunway extension at JBER - $107.5 million\n\nUnaccompanied personnel housing at Ft. Wainwright - $34 million\n\nAircrew alert facility at Hangar 18 on JBER - $7 million\n\nSoldier performance readiness center at Ft. Wainwright - $7.9 million\n\nPrecision-guided missile complex at JBER - $6.1 million\n\nAMC standard dual-bay hangar at Eielson Air Force Base - $3.7 million\n\nConsolidated munitions complex at Eielson Air Force Base - $1.2 million\n\nJPARC joint range operations facility at Eielson Air Force Base - $1.1 million\n\nOther Alaska provisions in the FY 2024 NDAA:\n\nAllow the Department of Defense (DOD) to treat PFAS-contaminated soils at Eielson Air Force Base.\n\nGive Alaska\u2019s small businesses a greater ability to secure DOD contracts.\n\nAllow the Army\u2019s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program to be used for natural disaster response in Alaska.\n\nExempt Alaska small businesses, including Alaska Native Corporations, from having to comply with the Biden administration\u2019s burdensome greenhouse gas regulations.\n\nAllow military personnel to receive counseling from licensed mental health professionals residing outside of Alaska.\n\nMake sure that the Biden administration\u2019s unilateral decision to expand the definition of \u201cdomestic source\u201d to include Australia and the United Kingdom under Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA) does not become a backdoor avenue to halt domestic mining operations for critical minerals, including those in Alaska.\n\nBetter positions Alaska ports for infrastructure grants from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), including emphasis for strategic seaports, like the Port of Alaska in Anchorage; adding eligibility for projects that support the seafood industry; adding eligibility for projects that support dock electrification; and permanently waiving the requirement for a cost benefit analysis for projects in Alaska in recognition of the geographic isolation and the reliance of Alaska\u2019s communities on ports.\n\nIn addition to the $168 million authorized in this year\u2019s NDAA, the DOD this summer announced a $203 million military construction project at JBER that Senator Sullivan was able to secure. Construction of the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center, which is the first center capable of joint and multinational force training, is expected to begin in the fall of 2024 and, once fully completed, will require an increase of approximately 116 personnel\u2014for a total of $371 million military construction dollars for Alaska this year.\n\n\u201cAlaska constitutes three pillars of America's military might,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cFirst, we are the cornerstone of missile defense. Almost all of the radar systems and all of the ground-based missile interceptors protecting the whole country are located in Alaska. Second, with over 100 fifth-generation fighter jets, we are the hub of air combat power for the Arctic and Indo-Pacific. Third, we are a platform for expeditionary forces\u2014Arctic-tough warriors of the newly-minted 11th Airborne Division who can quickly get to all parts of the world. We are also home to the DoD\u2019s newest regional center, the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. With an additional $371 million dollars in military construction funding for our state\u2014and many other provisions we were able to secure in this NDAA\u2014Alaska will be further cemented as the center of gravity for America's Arctic and Indo-Pacific security operations.\u201d\n\nOther Sen. Sullivan-authored provisions in the FY 2024 NDAA:\n\nRestrict certain Navy funding if the secretary of the Navy does not submit a 30-year shipbuilding plan that meets the congressionally mandated minimum of 31 amphibious ships, which Sen. Sullivan led in the FY 2023 NDAA.\n\nRequire the secretary of defense to prioritize U.S. military basing, training, and exercises with NATO member countries that have achieved defense spending of no less than 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2024.\n\nRequire an independent assessment of the Marine Corps\u2019 Force Design 2030 modernization effort, along with yearly reports from the Marine Corps about implementing its Force Design 2030 modernization plan.\n\nRequire DOD to develop and submit to Congress a strategy on reducing DOD\u2019s reliance on supply chains for critical and strategic minerals from adversarial countries, like China.\n\nRequire the secretary of defense to assesses whether adequate consideration has been given to fighter aircraft coverage in Alaska to conduct the homeland defense mission.\n\nThe FY 2024 NDAA also includes:\n\nA 5.2 percent pay raise for service members.\n\nSeveral provisions pushing back on the divisive, far-left, \u201cwoke\u201d ideology being pursued by the Biden administration within the DOD. These provisions build on Sen. Sullivan\u2019s successes in the FY 2023 NDAA that focused the military on warfighting and lethality, and directed the DOD to cease a department-wide effort to root out \u201cextremism\u201d in the ranks given the lack of data or evidence warranting such an effort.\n\nA provision that establishes U.S. policy to oppose the granting of \u201cdeveloping nation\u201d status to China in future treaties and international organizations and directs the secretary of state to pursue changing the status of China to \u201cdeveloped nation\u201d in treaties or organizations where a mechanism for change exists. This provision builds on Sen. Sullivan\u2019s 2022 amendment to the Kigali Amendment, which passed unanimously and conditioned the Senate\u2019s advice and consent to the ratification of updates to the Montreal Protocol on the U.S. taking action to remove China\u2019s designation as a \u201cdeveloping nation.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-colleagues-renew-call-for-biden-admin-to-re-designate-iranian-backed-houthis-a-terrorist-org-following-attacks-in-red-sea", "Sullivan, Colleagues Renew Call for Biden Admin to Re-Designate Iranian-Backed Houthis A Terrorist Org Following Attacks in Red Sea", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and several of his colleagues sent a letter this week to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to re-designate Iranian-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), as well as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). The letter comes after the Houthis launched attacks in the Red Sea earlier this month, including on American naval assets. Signatories include Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.). The same group sent a similar letter to Secretary Blinken in May.\n\n\u201cWe write once again urging you to re-designate Iran-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), as well as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT),\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIn the last two months, the Houthis have fired cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones against an array of targets, including toward U.S. naval assets in the region and cities in Israel. On November 19, the Houthis seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea and took twenty-five of its crewmembers hostage. On October 27, the Houthis launched two armed drones that were downed near Egypt, including one that hit a building adjacent to a hospital, injuring six people. On October 19, the Houthis launched a barrage of cruise missiles and armed drones likely headed toward Israel.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cThe Houthis should not be allowed to continually jeopardize the lives of American service members, our regional partners and allies, and innocent civilians, without our nation calling their actions what they truly are - terrorism.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter below or click here.\n\nDear Secretary Blinken:\n\nIn the wake of the December 3 attacks on three commercial vessels in the Red Sea, we write once again urging you to re-designate Iran-backed Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), as well as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT).\n\nSince our May letter, the group has continued to launch provocative attacks against the U.S. and its allies in the region at an alarming pace. In the last two months, the Houthis have fired cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones against an array of targets, including toward U.S. naval assets in the region and cities in Israel. On November 19, the Houthis seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea and took twenty-five of its crewmembers hostage. On October 27, the Houthis launched two armed drones that were downed near Egypt, including one that hit a building adjacent to a hospital, injuring six people. On October 19, the Houthis launched a barrage of cruise missiles and armed drones likely headed toward Israel.\n\nThese actions clearly show the Houthis to be a destabilizing force in the region, and their behavior is becoming even more aggressive. Moreover, we fully agree with CENTCOM\u2019s assessment that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are enabled and backed by Iran.\n\nThe administration should reconsider its decision to revoke Ansarallah\u2019s FTO and SDGT status and add it back to both lists. There is no doubt that they meet the criteria for designation.\n\nThe December 3 attacks illustrate this. The Houthis should not be allowed to continually jeopardize the lives of American service members, our regional partners and allies, and innocent civilians, without our nation calling their actions what they truly are - terrorism.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-colleagues-in-bipartisan-push-condemning-united-nations-inaction-on-hamass-sexual-violence-against-women", "Murkowski Joins Colleagues in Bipartisan Push Condemning United Nations\u2019 Inaction on Hamas\u2019s Sexual Violence Against Women", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Senators Call For An Independent International Investigation Into Hamas\u2019s Use Of Rape And Sexual Assault As \u201cWeapons Of War\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined 30 of Senate colleagues in a letter condemning the inaction of the United Nations (UN) regarding Hamas\u2019s widespread sexual violence, including mass rape and mutilation, against women in Israel on October 7, 2023. The Senators urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to open an independent investigation into Hamas\u2019s acts of sexual violence and to hold the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) -- the organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence -- accountable for its failure to immediately and unequivocally condemn Hamas\u2019s atrocities against women.\n\nSenator Murkowski was joined by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin (D-MD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), James Risch (R-ID), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Fetterman (D-PA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rick Scott (R-FL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).\n\n\u201cWe write to express our profound disappointment with the United Nations\u2019 (UN) response to Hamas\u2019s widespread sexual violence, including rape and mutilation, as a weapon of war against women in Israel on October 7, 2023,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cA growing body of evidence including the testimonies of survivors, witnesses, and first responders makes clear that as part of Hamas\u2019s terrorist attack that killed 1,200 men, women, and children on October 7, the terrorist organization intentionally used rape and sexual assault as weapons of war.\u201d\n\n\u201cSexual violence, particularly on this scale and of this level of brutality, must be condemned unequivocally and without qualification, which is why we were shocked that it took UN Women nearly two months to speak out against these atrocities,\u201d the senators also wrote. \u201c... we urge you to move swiftly to seek the establishment of an independent fact-finding effort through a separate mechanism, tasked with collecting testimonies from survivors and witnesses of Hamas\u2019s sexual violence. An independent investigation is a necessary step to hold perpetrators accountable, support survivors, and provide justice for victims.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-secures-key-legislative-wins-in-fight-against-opioids-and-fentanyl", "Senator Murkowski secures key legislative wins in fight against opioids and fentanyl", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) secured several key provisions in legislation crafted to combat the opioid crisis in America. During yesterday\u2019s Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing, Senator Murkowski supported the inclusion of several critical pieces of legislation in the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities, otherwise known as the SUPPORT Act. The SUPPORT Act passed through committee on a 19-1 vote.\n\n\u201cAlaska has been one of the hardest hit states in the opioid crisis, with devasting impact on lives affecting every community, culture, gender, and age,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cThe SUPPORT Act includes a variety of tools that will assist in the fight against the opioid epidemic, including bolstering the substance use and peer specialists workforces, integrating resources within schools to meet youth where they are, and educational resources on the dangers of fentanyl and risks of opioid addiction. To make progress in combatting the opioid epidemic, we\u2019re going to need all hands on deck, and the SUPPORT Act will be a major asset in this fight.\u201d\n\nSenator Murkowski fought for the following provisions to be included in SUPPORT:\n\nSubstance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment: One of the largest challenges the health care sector faces are workforce shortages. Many Alaskans have shared the challenges they have had finding a provider in state. Reauthorizing the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program helps to address this issue by providing loan repayment assistance to individuals who want to work in substance use disorder treatment in areas that have workforce shortages.\n\nPreventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Act: It is clear that the connection of trauma, substance use, and mental health needs to be addressed, and that we need to be doing more upstream to prevent trauma in the first place. Improving data collection and analysis on ACEs and investing in direct preventions are a critical part of moving upstream. This bill authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants to public health entities to provide critical investments in primary prevention of negative behavioral health outcomes.\n\nPeer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act: More and more studies have highlighted the impact that peer-to-peer programs have in addressing mental health in youth. In Alaska, schools and health organizations have been proactive in creating partnerships to get mental health supports in schools, and this bill provides necessary investments for school districts to incorporate peer-to-peer mental health support programs for middle and high school students.\n\nBruce\u2019s Law: This bill was introduced after the passing of Bruce Snodgrass, an Alaskan that died of an overdose. Fentanyl contamination and poisonings have plagued the United States, including Alaska. More education and awareness campaigns on the harms of addiction and the danger of fentanyl are desperately needed. The provisions included in SUPPORT would direct HHS to conduct these campaigns and create an interagency work group to improve federal efforts to reduce and prevent overdoses involving fentanyl-contaminated drugs.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongress passed the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) in 2018, which authorized funding for community-based treatment and recovery programs. That year, America saw a then record ~70,000 deaths from overdose, which has ballooned to nearly 110,000 this year. In response to this rise of fentanyl overdoses and deaths, Congress is looking to reauthorize the SUPPORT Act with new tools that will help organizations in multiple different fields address this crisis.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-highlights-bill-to-help-fix-housing-crisis-for-low_and-middle-income-alaskans-and-americans", "ICYMI: Sullivan Highlights Bill to Help Fix Housing Crisis for Low- and Middle-Income Alaskans & Americans", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) spoke on the Senate floor yesterday about the housing crisis in Alaska and across the country, emphasizing the importance of expanding low- and middle-income housing in rural and urban communities. Sen. Sullivan last week introduced the Workforce Housing Tax Credit (WHTC) Act with Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to increase the supply of affordable housing for families by broadening a tried-and-true federal tax incentive program\u2014the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)\u2014to include rental housing for middle-income earners. This will catalyze the private sector to build more affordable housing for those who earn too much to qualify for low-income affordable housing and not enough to afford housing near where they work. U.S. Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Mike Carey (R-Ohio) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cEverywhere I travel in the great state of Alaska, I hear from Alaskans reeling from the scarcity of housing\u2026Teachers, law enforcement, first responders, nurses, health care officials, electricians\u2014the backbones of so many communities\u2014are priced out of the market to buy a home,\u201d Sen. Sullivan said. \u201cExpanding the low-income housing credit will help address the core issues of not just homelessness and overcrowding, particularly in rural Alaska, but it will also empower hard-working Alaskans to stay in our communities and build a more robust workforce.\u201d\n\nSee the full transcript of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s remarks below.\n\nMr. President, I want to begin by offering my sincere thanks to the chairman of the Finance Committee, my friend, Senator Wyden of Oregon. I'm honored to be on the floor with him today to talk about these housing issues and this really important bill, the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act, which is, as he already mentioned, bipartisan and bicameral.\n\nNow, as Senator Wyden already mentioned, our country is facing a lot of challenges right now. Inflation, fentanyl coming through our borders, national security threats all over the place and overseas. But it's very obvious-- anyone reading the paper knows that we're also experiencing in rural and urban America a severe housing crisis. Everywhere I travel in the great state of Alaska, I hear from Alaskans reeling from the scarcity of housing.\n\nAnd it is everywhere. Anchorage, Fairbanks, Sitka, Ketchikan, Kodiak. Every single small rural village in my state. It\u2019s everywhere, Mr. President, and I know it's a big challenge in Oregon. It's a big challenge all over the country, and it's a challenge that impacts low and middle income families. It stands as a stark obstacle to getting and keeping jobs, to having a family, to building communities.\n\nThis is really foundational stuff in terms of what matters in communities: Housing. Solving this challenge has been one of my top priorities, and I really want to thank Senator Wyden and his team on being so patient and working with us, he\u2019s a real good partner here. This is going to take all kinds of solutions. There's no silver bullet here.\n\nIt's going to take everybody pulling on the same oar-- the Feds, state, private sector, tribes, nonprofits. But this is an important start. And, Mr. President, I actually hosted the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia Fudge, in Alaska this past August. We held a roundtable and some meetings on urban housing issues, on rural housing issues, it was very well attended.\n\nI want to thank all the Alaskans who took part. They weren't shy with Secretary Fudge. She got an earful. And there's a whole host of things we're going to follow up on with her-- challenges dealing with overregulation from HUD, homelessness definitions, housing formulas for cities. But it was progress, getting her up to Alaska.\n\nAnd so this is progress. Mr. President. This is progress. What Senator Wyden and I have introduced is an exciting and creative bill that will broaden a tried and true federal tax incentive program, the low income housing tax credit. This all started during the 1980s, during the Reagan Administration. It's market based, it\u2019s private sector focused, it's a proven, successful formula that will help catalyze the private sector to build more housing in urban and rural areas for working families.\n\nThat's why we actually named it the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act. Teachers, law enforcement, first responders, nurses, health care officials, electricians-- the backbones of so many communities-- are right now priced out of the market to buy a home. Expanding low income housing credit will help address the core issues of not just homelessness and overcrowding in many places in Alaska, particularly rural Alaska, but it will empower hard-working Alaskans to stay in our communities and build a more robust workforce.\n\nNow, Mr. President, sometimes when you bring legislation down on the Senate floor, you're not sure who's going to support it. Well, I am very proud to say that back home in Alaska, this bill has enormous support-- liberals, conservatives, mayors, our governor, the mayor of Anchorage, our biggest city, the chair of the Anchorage Assembly.\n\nI know these guys really well. They don't actually get along on much, but they support this bill. We have tribal groups, we have private sector groups, we have homebuilder groups. It is a super big list. And I think that's the signal for Senator Wyden and I that we're on to something here. We're on to something here. If there aren't homes in communities for hard working families, then entire communities are shut off for growth.\n\nHousing is a catalyst for community and economic development and good jobs and pride in where you live. This bill offers one solution that will actually lead to construction of these kind of housing developments. How do I know that? How can I say that? Because as the chairman of the Finance Committee already said, we know this works.\n\nThe low income tax credit already works. We know that. And we're building on that program in the best way to ensure that the private sector will actually use this program to break open other bottlenecks for economic development. So importantly, Mr. President, this bill provides flexibilities to states and developers to decide what's best for their communities, not a one-size-fits-all Washington mandate. We don't like those in Alaska.\n\nSo, as I mentioned, this bill has broad support-- bipartisan, bicameral. And once again, to my friend from Oregon, I really want to thank Senator Wyden. He was very patient with me and my team. We had a number of edits trying to make sure this would work for America and Alaska. Sometimes my state has some really unique challenges and he accommodated so much and was very patient with us.\n\nYou can tell from the reaction of this broad based group of stakeholders back home in my state, this has a lot of support. So thank you, Senator Wyden again. I look forward to working with you and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle getting this over the goal line and addressing one of the big challenges in America that I think impacts every state in the country. And this is a way one of the many tools we will use to help address it.\n\nI yield the floor.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-blumenthal-urge-secretary-blinken-to-meet-with-masih-alinejad-provide-more-security-for-the-iranian-american-human-rights-activist", "Sullivan & Blumenthal Urge Secretary Blinken to Meet with Masih Alinejad, Provide More Security for the Iranian-American Human Rights Activist", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the International Republican Institute (IRI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) expressed concern to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the safety of Iranian-American human rights activist Masih Alinejad in a letter sent on Tuesday. In response to the Biden administration\u2019s suggestion that Alinejad enter witness protection, the senators called on the United States government \u201cto do much better by her.\u201d They also urged Secretary Blinken to meet with Alinejad. In recent years, the human rights activist has become a globally-known critic of the Iranian regime, highlighting its abysmal human rights record, particularly its policy of gender apartheid.\n\n\u201cAs a result of her determined opposition to the Iranian regime, there have been 31 threats on her life and two actual attempts to kill her, on American soil,\u201d Sens. Sullivan and Blumenthal wrote. \u201cWe are increasingly concerned that one day these thugs will succeed. Masih\u2019s precarious situation is unacceptable.\n\n\u201cWhile we understand law enforcement is monitoring her predicament at both the local and federal level, we can do much better by her. In many ways, Masih Alinejad represents what makes America great. As a people, we don\u2019t stay silent and idle in the face of oppression. We stand up to it. We strongly urge you to sit down with Masih to personally listen to her concerns. She deserves all the understanding the U.S. government can muster for speaking out about the suffering caused by the regime in Iran.\u201d\n\nSenator Sullivan met with Alinejad in his DC office in September.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Blinken:\n\nWe write to express our grave concern for the safety of the very courageous and bold Iranian-American human rights activist, Masih Alinejad.\n\nAs you know, Masih\u2019s \u201coffense\u201d is speaking out against the mullahs that run Iran. Her efforts to bring global attention to their brutal gender apartheid regime in Iran, and the role compulsory head covering plays in it, predates by a decade the \u201cwomen, life, freedom\u201d movement that took off last year in the aftermath of the tragic death of Mahsa Amini.\n\nSince, however, Masih has gained even greater prominence for her boldness.\n\nUnfortunately, as a result of her determined opposition to the Iranian regime, there have been 31 threats on her life and two actual attempts to kill her, on American soil. We are increasingly concerned that one day these thugs will succeed.\n\nMasih\u2019s precarious situation is unacceptable. Equally unacceptable is any suggestion that she enter a witness protection program. This would be a significant hardship that would include going silent, changing her identity, and essentially disappearing. While we understand law enforcement is monitoring her predicament at both the local and federal level, we can do much better by her.\n\nIn many ways, Masih Alinejad represents what makes America great. As a people, we don\u2019t stay silent and idle in the face of oppression. We stand up to it. We strongly urge you to sit down with Masih to personally listen to her concerns. She deserves all the understanding the U.S. government can muster for speaking out about the suffering caused by the regime in Iran.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-colleagues-condemn-un-inaction-on-hamass-sexual-violence-against-women", "Sullivan & Colleagues Condemn UN Inaction on Hamas\u2019s Sexual Violence Against Women", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and 30 of his Senate colleagues this week sent a bipartisan letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemning the inaction of the UN regarding Hamas\u2019s widespread sexual violence, including mass rape and mutilation, against women in Israel on October 7, 2023. The senators urged Guterres to open an independent investigation into Hamas\u2019s acts of sexual violence and to hold the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women\u2014the organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence\u2014accountable for its failure to immediately and unequivocally condemn Hamas\u2019s atrocities against women.\n\nJoining Senator Sullivan were Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-N.M.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Cardin (D-M.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).\n\n\u201cWe write to express our profound disappointment with the United Nations\u2019 (UN) response to Hamas\u2019s widespread sexual violence, including rape and mutilation, as a weapon of war against women in Israel on October 7, 2023,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cA growing body of evidence including the testimonies of survivors, witnesses, and first responders makes clear that as part of Hamas\u2019s terrorist attack that killed 1,200 men, women, and children on October 7, the terrorist organization intentionally used rape and sexual assault as weapons of war.\u201d\n\n\u201cSexual violence, particularly on this scale and of this level of brutality, must be condemned unequivocally and without qualification, which is why we were shocked that it took UN Women nearly two months to speak out against these atrocities,\u201d the senators also wrote. \u201c... we urge you to move swiftly to seek the establishment of an independent fact-finding effort through a separate mechanism, tasked with collecting testimonies from survivors and witnesses of Hamas\u2019s sexual violence. An independent investigation is a necessary step to hold perpetrators accountable, support survivors, and provide justice for victims.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/schatz-murkowski-lead-oversight-hearing-on-federal-resources-to-address-fentanyl-in-native-communities", "Schatz, Murkowski Lead Oversight Hearing On Federal Resources To Address Fentanyl In Native Communities", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Second Hearing In Series On Fentanyl Impacts In Native Communities\n\nU.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, led an oversight hearing titled, \u201cFentanyl in Native Communities: Federal Perspectives on Addressing the Growing Crisis,\u201d a continuation of the Committee\u2019s oversight work on fentanyl.\n\n\u201cOur hearing last month was important \u2013 not just for our work in this Committee and Congress, but also for the Executive Branch \u2013 to better understand the situation on the ground and inform our next steps. That\u2019s why today\u2019s hearing with our federal panel is an important follow-up,\u201d said Chairman Schatz. \u201cThe United States must live up to its trust and treaty responsibilities to promote the health and wellbeing of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and that responsibility must include responding to modern threats, including illicit fentanyl.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn our second hearing in a series on fentanyl, federal witnesses outlined the challenges that they face as they work to address the health and public safety impacts affecting Native people,\u201d said Vice Chairman Murkowski. \u201cDrug traffickers are targeting Native communities because so many of these communities are more rural, isolated, with less law enforcement presence, and traffickers can charge more for their products. Congress must provide better support for federal agencies, law enforcement at all levels, and Native communities to end this crisis.\u201d\n\nThe following witnesses participated in the oversight hearing:\n\nAdam W. Cohen, Deputy Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Washington, DC\n\nThe Honorable Roselyn Tso, Director, Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC\n\nThe Honorable Vanessa Waldref, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Washington, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC\n\nRichard \u201cGlen\u201d Melville, Deputy Bureau Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC\n\nThe full video of the oversight hearing is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-calls-out-house-leaders-for-backing-down-from-china-threat", "Sullivan Calls Out House Leaders for Backing Down from China Threat", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), in remarks on the Senate floor Thursday, asked House Speaker Mike Johnson to ensure legislation is brought up for a vote before the end of January that, at a minimum, would require U.S. firms to report foreign investments that could pose a threat to American national security. The request comes after House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) blocked inclusion of the Senate-passed Outbound Investment Transparency Act amendment in the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) during conference negotiations. In the House, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has introduced similar legislation, however McCaul\u2019s legislation would also restrict certain investments.\n\nOn November 20, Senator Sullivan and Select Committee on the CCP Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.) led a bipartisan letter with 41 of their colleagues in the House and Senate urging congressional leaders to ensure \u201cthat robust language addressing the threat posed by outbound investments in countries like the PRC is included in the 2024 NDAA.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have American financial companies that are investing in Chinese Communist Party companies and are producing things like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonics-- all technologies that are critical to dominating the 21st century battlefield,\u201d Senator Sullivan said on the Senate floor Thursday. \u201cThis is a giant American national security issue. . . Right now, we have Republican House Members\u2014hopefully not the Speaker, but certainly the chairman of the Financial Services Committee\u2014who are saying: No, I want to keep it in the dark, what Americans [firms] are doing to make [Chairman Xi Jinping] stronger. That is wrong. Mr. President, 99.9 percent of Americans would think that is wrong. So we need to fix it. The House needs to take leadership on this issue. My Republican colleagues keep talking tough on China. It is time to act.\u201d\n\nBelow is a transcript of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s remarks on the Senate floor.\n\nMr. President, I am going to pose a simple question here related to this guy. That is the dictator of China, Xi Jinping. Imagine if a Chinese financial institution, one of their banks, one of their private equity funds--they have a lot of them. Imagine if a Chinese financial institution started to invest in the United States in big technologies that would make the U.S. military much stronger. What do you think would happen to those executives in China? They are taking Chinese money, and they are pouring it into companies that work directly with the Pentagon, making the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force stronger and more lethal. What would this dictator do to those Chinese executives?\n\nI will tell you what he would do. A, he would never let them do it. But if they did do it, he would arrest them, put them in jail, and shoot them at sunup. That is what he would do.\n\nThere is not one person in this body, not one person in America--heck, not one person in China--who would disagree with that.\n\nThat is what he would do.\n\nSo what happens when American investment companies--financial institutions, private equity firms, hedge funds, venture capital firms, investment banks--what happens when they invest in Chinese companies that make the Chinese military more lethal and stronger? What happens?\n\nThe answer: pretty much nothing. Worse, we have a hard time knowing which American firms are even doing this.\n\nThis is a huge knowledge gap in an asymmetrical advantage that our biggest adversary--right here, Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party--has over us.\n\nThey can't invest. They won't invest. They will get the death penalty if they invest in an American company that will help our military become stronger.\n\nWe have, who knows, a lot of financial institutions investing in Chinese companies to make their military stronger. We have financial companies that are investing in the Chinese Communist Party, companies that are producing things like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonics--all technologies that are critical to dominating the 21st century battlefield. This is a giant American national security issue.\n\nI don't normally come down to the Senate floor and quote Lenin. I am not a big fan of Lenin. But he purportedly said that ``capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.''\n\nThere is a little bit of that going on right now here in the United States of America. We have executives in this country and certain financial institutions--by the way, these American financial institutions and executives owe everything to their success by being American, being in the greatest country in the world, with the rule of law and our capital markets and our dynamic economy. Their success is because of the great Nation we live in, and yet some, kind of addicted to making more money--listen to Lenin. They are like, you know, maybe I will do that advanced chip manufacturing investment in the Chinese economy; maybe I will help them a little bit with artificial intelligence or quantum computing.\n\nBy the way, quantum computing, if you get really good at that, you can break any code that our military uses. You are toast if you can't communicate in a covered fashion--encrypted.\n\nThis is really dangerous stuff. I was first, actually, made aware of this many years ago by, in my view, one of the best Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for our military that we have had in decades, Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford. He is just a fantastic Marine officer, just a fantastic Chairman. He is very measured, very smart, very strategic.\n\nHe raised this issue with me many years ago: Senator, we, America, have financial institutions--American financial institutions using American investment money--you know, teachers' retirement plan, the laborers' retirement plan. They are taking that money, and they are investing it in China in some really advanced technologies.\n\nThere is a problem. The Chinese don't have that kind of investment capital and professionalism to grow these companies, but we do.\n\nSo this was first brought up to me by a great Marine general. So I started digging into it over the years and years, and it is a giant problem. Senior administration officials in the Biden administration agree. A whole host of top national security officials in the Trump administration agree. This is a bipartisan issue in terms of the concern. It is a blinking red light for our national security.\n\nSo some might ask: Well, wait a minute. What is wrong with an American financial company making an investment in the Chinese private economy?\n\nWell, look, it depends on what part of the Chinese private economy. If you want to go make more hamburgers over there and sell--I don't know--refrigerators, that is fine. But these are investments in some of the critical technological needs of the military that will enable whichever military dominates these sectors to dominate the 21st century battlefield.\n\nAnd, by the way, there is no such thing as a private company in China. If you are a private equity firm in America, you are saying: Well, I am just investing in this private company in China to help them with their quantum computing capability.\n\nWe all know that this guy and the Chinese military--the PLA and the Chinese Communist Party--they own that. They own that. They will take it, use it, dominate it.\n\nSo what can we do about this problem? Well, look, there are a lot of ideas on what we can do about this problem. I am working on legislation that would actually have the U.S. Government, believe it or not--and I am not a big government guy--look into the investments being made by American financial institutions into some of the most high-tech areas of China, what we would call outbound CFIUS. CFIUS is this process for inbound investment.\n\nLet's look at what is happening outbound. It is a little more controversial. I think we need it, unfortunately, because we have a lot of--not a ton but, certainly, a number of--American financial executives who are like: Look, man, whatever--patriotism, I will leave that at the door. I am not really worried about that. I am not worried about that guy. I just want to make a big buck. It is too bad, but we got them. So we need this.\n\nHere is an easier starting point. Let's have a transparency provision that enables us, the U.S. Government, to say: All right, big financial American firms or private equity firms or hedge funds, the American investment dollars that you are getting from the teachers' retirement fund, we want to know if you are putting that into quantum computing that can help this guy dominate Taiwan.\n\nWe want to know that. We want transparency. It is pretty good idea.\n\nNow, Senator Cornyn offered a bill--I was a cosponsor of it--that we attached to the NDAA, saying we want outbound investment transparency. We want to know: What are American financial firms doing helping this guy become stronger?\n\nIt is pretty easy. Guess what, Mr. President. It is super bipartisan. That bill is brought to the floor as part of the National Defense Authorization Act and passed 91 to 6--91 to 6. Very few things pass 91 to 6 here. That did because it made sense. It is very bipartisan and relatively simple. It is just transparency.\n\nHey, Sequoia Capital--I am going to talk about them in minute--a big private equity firm, are they investing in quantum computing that can help this guy dominate the world? We should know, especially if it is American investment dollars, right?\n\nSo that is a good start. There is a lot of agreement.\n\nHere is a letter from Dr. Kevin Roberts, the head of the Heritage Foundation.\n\nHe was talking about how we need to be able to track U.S. capital flowing into China, and it would be extremely concerning if that Cornyn amendment didn't make it into the final NDAA.\n\nSo he is saying: Hey, Senators, House Members, make sure that stays in.\n\nThank you, President Roberts of Heritage.\n\nHe also wrote the leadership of the House and Senate: Senator McConnell, Senator Schumer, Speaker Johnson, and Congressman Jeffries.\n\nThe letter says this is really important--this Outbound Investment Transparency Act, 91 to 6. Let's get it in the final NDAA.\n\nIt is pretty simple, pretty noncontroversial.\n\nBut, Mr. President, as you know, nothing here is ever simple. Evidently, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Patrick McHenry--I don't know him. He seems like a nice guy, from what I hear. But, boy, is this guy misguided because it is all over the press that he fought like crazy to strip this provision out of the NDAA.\n\nWhy would he do that? By the way, he is retiring. So I am not sure why we give him a lot of say anymore. But somehow, some way, one Congressman--Republican, by the way--over in the House convinced the House to strip this transparency provision that is meant to undermine this bad guy. They stripped it out of the NDAA. So it is not in the National Defense Authorization Act because one Congressman said: I don't want it in. Ninety-one Senators said: We need it in. And, by the way, the vast majority of the House wants it in.\n\nYou have a really strong House Member, Congressman Gallagher, who is leading this bipartisan China committee. He says it is really important.\n\nThe Biden administration wants it in. I have talked to Secretary of Commerce Raimondo and the Secretary of Defense. They all want it in. But one Congressman, who is not even going to be around anymore, gets to strip it out so we don't know what American investments are going to make this guy stronger? He gets the final say?\n\nThis is an outrage. And this is enough of an outrage that Senator Cornyn and I, 2 weeks ago, in a lunch, when the Speaker of the House came to visit us, we said: Hey, Mr. Speaker, we are hearing some things about this really important, simple transparency investment provision, that you guys might strip it out. Why?\n\nCome on. Some of us have been focused on the China threat for years, and now, we have one Congressman, who is leaving, and he says we strip it out, when 91 Senators say we need it.\n\nSo the Speaker said to me and Senator Cornyn--we were pretty forceful in the meeting. I am a big fan of the new Speaker, Speaker Johnson. But he said: Well, it might not make it in the NDAA, but we will bring to the floor of the House a vote on the McCaul bill.\n\nThis is the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman McCaul, who has a bill that is very similar to the Cornyn amendment. Actually, it is a little bit tougher. So he doesn't like it. Xi Jinping doesn't like it. So we said: All right, Mr. Speaker. It sounds like a good compromise. Let's do it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.\n\nSince that meeting, I think I have gotten a commitment, and I think Senator Cornyn thinks he has gotten a commitment from the Speaker of the House to a bunch of U.S. Senators, saying: Don't worry, we got this.\n\nSince that time, I have been reading press reports. Now, look, the press can get a lot of things wrong. The press is saying: No, actually, the Speaker is not going to bring up a vote on the McCaul bill--which, by the way, in the House, will get 340 votes easy, and if that came back here, it would get 91, maybe more. So it would be super bipartisan, and this guy, this dictator, would hate it. Let's do it. Let's do it.\n\nBut just lately, the press is reporting that the Speaker is now saying: Maybe I won't do what I told the Senators. Maybe I am going to put some kind of Commission together, and we will study it.\n\nWell, as you know, when you start studying things here, that is a way to kick the can down the road.\n\nSo my first priority here is to call out the Speaker of the House and say: Mr. Speaker, I am pretty sure you said you were going to bring the McCaul bill to the House floor soon--maybe before Christmas but certainly January. Let's get it voted on. We will pass it here in the Senate, I guarantee you. The majority leader will bring it up. Let's do that.\n\nSo I hope you continue to make that commitment, Mr. Speaker. It would be really disappointing if somehow a Congressman who is leaving--leaving--teams up with the people who don't want us to know how Americans are investing in this guy's military industrial complex. That wouldn't be good.\n\nSo I call on the Speaker to keep that commitment that he made to a bunch of U.S. Senators recently and not put forward some kind of baloney Commission that is just kicking the can down the road. That wouldn't be good.\n\nBut let me end with just a reason--like, why does transparency matter? Why does it matter? Well, I am going to give one small example, but it is a pretty good one.\n\nThis is a venture capital firm called Sequoia. Very successful. Americans. They benefited from being an American company working in the American economy. Really, really smart guys and women. Highly successful. Their executives are very wealthy, and that is great. This is a capitalist country; I love that.\n\nBut they were also known as one of these firms that were doing what I said: making big investments over many, many years in very high-tech components of the Chinese economy--advanced computer chip manufacturing, quantum computing, things like that. I think that is wrong, that Americans and American executives and American investment dollars are going to China to help develop weapon systems that will be used to kill U.S. marines and U.S. sailors if we ever get in a fight in the Taiwan Strait.\n\nSo Sequoia Capital came to meet with me a couple years ago, and I essentially told them that. Hey, look, you are very successful. That is great. You live in the greatest country in the world. You have done a lot to help our economy. But why are you helping the Chinese economy? Why are you investing in things that are going to give them a military advantage over our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines? Why are you doing that?\n\nThey didn't have a good answer.\n\nIt wasn't a very cordial meeting, to be honest, because we didn't see it the same way. But at the very end of the meeting, actually, one of them got up and said: Well, you know, Senator, if we don't do these kinds of investments in China, the Saudis and Emirates will.\n\nI was like: Wait. What? That is your drop-the-mic argument at the end? You requested the meeting with me. That is a pathetic argument. What about patriotism? What about American interests?\n\nSo I started kind of blowing the whistle a little bit on this company in hearings and stuff. We did a lot of research. They were doing a lot of big-time investments in some of the highest tech elements of the Chinese economy that will help their military kill American sailors and soldiers if we ever get in a fight. That is wrong.\n\nSo we started--some of us--putting a little pressure on these guys. Transparency. Calling them out--Americans doing this kind of thing. Well, some of that worked. They announced a big separation agreement. They are not going to do it anymore. They are getting pressure from the Congress--by the way, legitimate pressure.\n\nHere is a headline from the Wall Street Journal: ``Sequoia Made a Fortune Investing in the U.S. and China''--China high technology that will help their military--``Then It Had to Pick One.'' It had to pick one because Members of Congress were saying: Enough. That is transparency.\n\nSo we want to know how many more Sequoias are out there. It is a pretty legitimate ask. It is actually a very legitimate ask. It is so legitimate that 91 U.S. Senators voted for this. And we have one Congressman over there who is leaving--not sure where he is going; maybe he is going to Sequoia Capital--and he is blocking it.\n\nSo we need to fix this. We need to make sure the vast majority of U.S. Senators and U.S. House Members who want transparency on this really important national security issue--that this gets fixed.\n\nSo once again I am calling on the Speaker to keep his commitment, bring the McCaul bill to the floor soon--next week, 2 weeks, January. But don't let one Congressman who is walking out the door thwart the vast, vast majority of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House on a very important national security issue.\n\nYou know, a lot of us talk a lot about China and the threats. I have been coming out here since I got elected in 2015 to talk about the challenges of this dictator. He is a menace, dangerous, and they are growing their power. But do you know what? A lot of it is talk. A lot of it is talk. This was something that was action. It wasn't a huge deal--transparency, action.\n\nRight now, we have Republican House Members--hopefully not the Speaker, but certainly the chairman of the Financial Committee, their Financial Services Committee--who are saying: No, I want to keep it in the dark, what Americans are doing to invest in making this guy stronger.\n\nThat is wrong. Mr. President, 99.9 percent of Americans would think that is wrong. So we need to fix it. The House needs to take leadership on this issue. And my Republican colleagues keep talking tough on China. It is time to act. It is time to act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-sullivan-introduce-congressional-review-act-to-overturn-epa-avgas-regulations-and-support-alaska-aviation", "Murkowski, Sullivan Introduce Congressional Review Act to Overturn EPA Avgas Regulations and Support Alaska Aviation", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution disapproving of the Environmental Protection Act\u2019s (EPA) recent finding requiring the EPA to regulate the use of leaded avgas for aircraft pursuant to the Clean Air Act\u2014an effort that ignores Alaska\u2019s unique geographic reliance on aviation, and will cause real harm to indigenous and rural communities across the state by potentially increasing fuel costs and impacting flight availability.\n\n\u201cThis effort by the EPA completely ignores Alaska\u2019s unique geography, our dependence on aviation in rural settings, and the realities of Alaska\u2019s aviation abilities. Our vast size and remote communities mean smaller, piston aircrafts that use leaded avgas are often the only means of transportation for some Alaskans, and the only way to get food, building materials, and medical supplies. This EPA decision could have a deeply negative impact on the affordability and accessibility of fuel, availability of travel, and safety for Alaskans across the state\u2014and it must be stopped,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead effort with Senator Sullivan to rescind this regulation and force the EPA to make a decision that recognizes the needs of rural Alaskans and Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EPA\u2019s finding stands to set off a devastating chain of events that could lead to supply chain disruptions and severe price hikes for Alaskans,\u201d said Senator Dan Sullivan. \u201cOur aviation operators require the certainty of an affordable, widely available fuel that has been fully vetted for use in each and every aircraft in the state. As part of the FAA reauthorization, I\u2019ve been working to provide this certainty for the availability of 100LL fuel at our airports, and to require the executive branch to consider the affordability and availability of fuel as vital safety considerations when approving any regulation. I\u2019m glad to introduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski today to rescind this misguided effort, and protect the safety of our airspace and continued service for Alaskans.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn October 18, 2023, the EPA announced an \u201cEndangerment Finding\u201d for leaded avgas for aircraft. Due to this finding, the Clean Air Act will now require the EPA to regulate the use of avgas. Regulations are anticipated in 2024. Avgas is the most commonly used fuel used by piston-engine aircraft, which are most often used for intrastate travel in Alaska.\n\nThe Congressional Review Act was enacted in 1996 and provides Congress with a tool to overturn Administrative regulations. If a CRA joint resolution is approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, the rule at issue cannot go into effect or continue in effect.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murkowski-sullivan-introduce-congressional-review-act-to-overturn-epa-avgas-regulations-and-support-alaska-aviation", "Murkowski, Sullivan Introduce Congressional Review Act to Overturn EPA Avgas Regulations and Support Alaska Aviation", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutiondisapproving of the Environmental Protection Act\u2019s (EPA) recent finding requiring the EPA to regulate the use of leaded avgas for aircraft pursuant to the Clean Air Act\u2014an effort that ignores Alaska\u2019s unique geographic reliance on aviation, and will cause real harm to indigenous and rural communities across the state by potentially increasing fuel costs and impacting flight availability.\n\n\u201cThis effort by the EPA completely ignores Alaska\u2019s unique geography, our dependence on aviation in rural settings, and the realities of Alaska\u2019s aviation abilities. Our vast size and remote communities mean smaller, piston aircrafts that use leaded avgas are often the only means of transportation for some Alaskans, and the only way to get food, building materials, and medical supplies. This EPA decision could have a deeply negative impact on the affordability and accessibility of fuel, availability of travel, and safety for Alaskans across the state\u2014and it must be stopped,\u201dsaid Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this effort with Senator Sullivan to rescind this regulation and force the EPA to make a decision that recognizes the needs of rural Alaskans and Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EPA\u2019s finding stands to set off a devastating chain of events that could lead to supply chain disruptions and severe price hikes for Alaskans,\u201d said Senator Dan Sullivan. \u201cOur aviation operators require the certainty of an affordable, widely available fuel that has been fully vetted for use in each and every aircraft in the state. As part of the FAA reauthorization, I\u2019ve been working to provide this certainty for the availability of 100LL fuel at our airports, and to require the executive branch to consider the affordability and availability of fuel as vital safety considerations when approving any regulation. I\u2019m glad to introduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski today to rescind this misguided effort, and protect the safety of our airspace and continued service for Alaskans.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn October 18, 2023, the EPA announced an \u201cEndangerment Finding\u201d for leaded avgas for aircraft. Due to this finding, the Clean Air Act will now require the EPA to regulate the use of avgas. Regulations are anticipated in 2024. Avgas is the most commonly used fuel used by piston-engine aircraft, which are most often used for intrastate travel in Alaska.\n\nThe Congressional Review Act was enacted in 1996 and provides Congress with a tool to overturn administrative regulations. If a CRA joint resolution is approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, the rule at issue cannot go into effect or continue in effect.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-wyden-panetta-carey-introduce-legislation-to-improve-housing-affordability-for-middle-income-families", "Sullivan, Wyden, Panetta, Carey Introduce Legislation to Improve Housing Affordability for Middle-Income Families", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish a Workforce Housing Tax Credit to increase the supply of housing for middle-income Americans\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, (R-Alaska), Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Mike Carey (R-Ohio), today introduced the Workforce Housing Tax Credit (WHTC) Act to increase the supply of affordable housing for middle income families who earn too much to qualify for low-income affordable housing and not enough to afford housing near where they work.\n\nThe Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act would help to close this gap by establishing the first-ever middle-income housing tax credit, which is estimated to finance approximately 344,000 affordable rental homes. The legislation also provides flexibility so that states can maximize their resources and best meet community housing needs by allowing housing finance agencies to transfer their middle-income allocation to their Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation at any time. It also allows buildings to combine the two credits to help make more low-income housing projects financially feasible.\n\n\u201cEverywhere I travel in our state, I hear from Alaskans reeling from the scarcity of housing. It\u2019s a challenge that afflicts rural and urban communities, low- and middle-income families, and stands as an obstacle to greater economic opportunity,\u201d said Sullivan. \u201cSolving this challenge is a top priority for me, and it will take multifaceted solutions with everyone pulling on the same oar. On the federal level, my colleagues and I are introducing theWorkforce Housing Tax Credit Act to broaden a tried-and-true federal tax incentive program\u2014the low-income housing tax credit. This will catalyze the private sector to build more housing in urban and rural areas for working families\u2014teachers, law enforcement, first responders, nurses\u2014the backbone of so many communities. Expanding LIHTC will help address the core issue of homelessness and overcrowding in Alaska and empower hard-working Alaskans to stay in our communities and build a more robust workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201cRight now, America\u2019s nurses, firefighters and teachers are struggling to find affordable housing near the communities they serve. More must be done to fill the \u2018missing middle\u2019 between low-income housing and million dollar homes,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cEstablishing a middle-income tax credit will guarantee more housing, and the flexibility our bill provides will help housing finance agencies best meet the needs of their individual communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the 19th Congressional District, there are many working families who earn living wages but make too much to qualify for low-income housing and too little to afford to buy a home in this area,\u201d said Panetta. \u201cOur bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act would address that gap by incentivizing investment in the development of middle-income housing for middle income families. This legislation would help ensure that middle-income working families spend time in our communities rather than spend time in their commute and that people who work here, can afford to live here, and call California\u2019s 19th Congressional District home.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many Americans are in the difficult position of making too much money to qualify for housing tax credits, but not enough money to afford to live where they work,\u201d said Carey. \u201cOur legislation seeks to bridge the gap by creating a new housing tax credit for middle-class families. A strong middle class means a strong America, and that starts in the home.\u201d\n\nOn August 31, Senator Sullivan hosted Housing & Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge in Anchorage for roundtable discussions with Alaska stakeholders\u2014rural and urban\u2014on the challenging lack of housing availability in all parts of the state. Below are statements from Alaska leaders on the WHTC Act.\n\n\u201cWe have a pressing demand for diverse and affordable housing options that can address the unique challenges posed by the state's extreme climate and vast geographical expanse,\u201d said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. \u201cA combined effort between state, federal, and local governments can bring forward innovative housing solutions for Alaskans.\u201d\n\n\u201cLack of affordable housing is a big issue facing both rural and urban communities. This bill will help working families in Alaska who don\u2019t qualify for low income housing to be able to afford a home. These Alaskans include teachers, health professionals, public safety officers, our first responders and others who make up the backbone of our communities. I thank Senator Sullivan for reaching across the aisle to come up with creative solutions to our housing challenges,\u201d said Bryan Butcher, CEO and executive director of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.\n\n\u201cProviding affordable housing has been one of my top priorities during my time in office. I have had numerous conversations with Senator Sullivan about Anchorage\u2019s housing crisis\u2014a crisis exacerbated by the pandemic and rising inflation. I also attended the roundtable in Anchorage that the Senator co-hosted with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, where I was able to talk to her directly about our housing concerns. I thank Senator Sullivan for his work on this important legislation that can incentivize additional home building, especially for hard-working families and individuals here in Anchorage. I look forward to its passage and to working with him to ensure a smooth implementation,\u201d said Dave Bronson, mayor of Anchorage.\n\n\u201cAs we all know, we are experiencing a housing crisis in Anchorage and across the state. I have been working closely with Senator Sullivan\u2019s office on potential solutions, and this bipartisan legislation is a key component, along with the Anchorage Assembly\u2019s many legislative efforts addressing housing and homelessness, to ensure Anchorage residents have safe affordable places to call home. This bill will help Alaskans who don\u2019t make enough to afford the high cost of housing, but make too much to qualify for other programs. I thank Senator Sullivan for reaching across the aisle to come up with creative solutions to our housing crisis,\u201d said Chris Constant, chairman of the Anchorage Assembly.\n\n\u201cAny effort to increase access to attainable housing in Alaska is another tool in the tool box of addressing Alaska\u2019s severe housing crisis. We thank Senator Sullivan for his continued focus and work on this critical issue for all Alaskans,\u201d said Meg Zaletel, Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness.\n\n\u201cThe lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing both rural and urban communities in Alaska. This bill will help low- and middle-income working families in Alaska to be able to afford a home. These include teachers, police officers, our first responders and so many other hard workers who make up the backbone of our communities. I thank Senator Sullivan for reaching across the aisle to come up with creative solutions to our housing crisis,\u201d said Curtis McQueen, Alaska Native Village Corporation Association.\n\n\u201cThe lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing both rural and urban communities in Alaska. This bill will help working families in Alaska with low- or middle- incomes to be able to afford a home. These include teachers, police offices, our first responders and so many other hard workers who make up the backbone of our communities. I thank Senator Sullivan for reaching across the aisle to come up with creative solutions to our housing crisis,\u201d said Eric Visser, Alaska State Homebuilding Association.\n\n\u201cThe Matsu Home Builders Association serves the home building community in the Matsu and appreciates the efforts of Senator Sullivan, his staff and others to reduce regulatory barriers to homeownership. This bill proposed to amend the Internal Revenue Code and provide a credit for middle income housing helps to counter many of the adverse conditions that have developed in recent years such as supply chain shortages, labor shortages, inflation and building material price increases. As the fastest growing community in Alaska, the Matsu recognizes that quality, healthy affordable homes are in short supply and the recent increase to costs make housing affordability and accessibility tougher. This bill will provide a small but needed step to helping working families from teachers to electricians, first responders to small business owners who are the backbone of our community. We appreciate sound efforts to help make the dream of home ownership a reality,\u201d said David Miller, President of Matsu Homebuilders Association.\n\n\u201cAs Alaska\u2019s tourism industry works to recover from the pandemic, housing challenges have hampered the industry\u2019s ability to rebuild a full workforce, especially in rural areas. This tax incentive will help alleviate this complex challenge and I thank Senator Sullivan for leading the effort on this important bipartisan bill,\u201d said Jillian Simpson, Alaska Travel Industry Association president & CEO.\n\n\u201cThe ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) applauds Senator Sullivan\u2019s proposal to tackle the workforce and housing shortages in our state through the Workforce Housing Tax Credit and expanding the existing Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). As employers in the state, ARA members understand how much the lack of affordable housing issues impacts Alaskans and we look forward to seeing this legislation move through the process,\u201d said Kim Reitmeier, ANCSA Regional Association.\n\n\u201cThe lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing both rural and urban communities in Alaska. This bill will help working families in Alaska who don\u2019t qualify for low income housing and are priced out of market rents in our communities. This includes the professional workforce that play a vital role to ensure our communities are thriving: teachers, public safety, and health care workers. Senator Sullivan has been an advocate to increase housing across Alaska and we thank him for reaching across the aisle to expand a program and bring more housing units to our communities and families,\u201d said Colleen Dushkin, executive director of Alaska Association of Housing Authorities.\n\n\u201cThe Kenai Peninsula Builders Association fully supports the Workforce Housing Tax Credit. Homeownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream and the single greatest wealth creator for all Americans, affordable housing is being attacked from many angles by Federal, State and Local regulations and moving this legislation forward will provide an avenue that our parents and grandparents were afforded in the past. Alaskans particularly face extra challenges with high utility and living expenses, especially in rural Alaska and this will help keep their dreams of home ownership alive. We appreciate your efforts in moving this legislation forward,\u201d said Jeff Twait, Kenai Peninsula Home Builders.\n\nHighlights of the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act include:\n\nSimilar to LIHTC, state housing finance agencies allocate the tax credits to developers through a competitive process. The tax credits would be provided to developers over a 15-year period, with a 15-year compliance period and 30-year extended commitment.\n\nTax credits are allocated to states based on population. For 2024, the allocation would be $1 per capita with a $1.5 million small state minimum. An additional 5% of the allocation is made available and reserved for middle-income housing developed in rural areas.\n\nFor new buildings, the credit would equal 50% of the cost of the building over the lifetime of the credit. For rehabilitated buildings and bond-financed buildings, the credit would equal 20% of the cost of the building. More credit can be awarded for buildings in difficult development areas, as designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, state housing agencies would only allocate the amount of credit needed to make a housing project financially feasible.\n\nTo qualify for the credit, at least 60% of the building\u2019s units must be occupied by individuals with area median incomes of 100% or less where the rents are restricted to 30% of the designated income. The affordability restrictions would remain in place for up to 15 years after the compliance period (for a total 30-year affordability period).\n\nWHTC also works in conjunction with LIHTC to support low-income affordable housing. First, a state can tailor the allocation to its needs: it can elect to transfer any portion of their middle-income allocation to LIHTC at any point during the year. Second, WHTC can help the financial feasibility of affordable buildings by combining LIHTC and middle-income housing tax credits for different units as long as at least 20% of the total units are middle-income units.\n\nThe effective date for this provision is buildings placed in service after 2023, in taxable years after 2023.\n\nBelow are statements from national housing leaders on the WHTC Act.\n\n\u201cMore and more Americans are finding themselves struggling to make rent or find housing in the communities where they work. Teachers, nurses, and fire fighters often find themselves priced out of living in the communities they serve,\u201d said Alicia Huey, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home developer from Birmingham, Ala. \u201cThe Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act would provide states and developers with a new source of funding to produce affordable rental housing serving workers earning up to 100% of the Area Median Income. This is exactly the type of solution we need Congress to enact in order to begin solving the housing affordability crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is no secret that the nation faces a severe affordable housing shortage. Senator Wyden has led the charge to address this crisis through his efforts to secure and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Now, along with Senator Sullivan in the Senate and Congressmen Panetta and Carey in the House, these leaders are expanding on those efforts with the introduction of the Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit,\u201d said David Gasson, executive director of the Housing Advisory Group. \u201cAs the LIHTC does for families, seniors and veterans, the MIHTC will address the vital need for housing of our workforce and those not able to afford market rate housing. We are very appreciative of these housing champions and their efforts to address the nation\u2019s housing crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cNMHC and NAA strongly support the introduction of the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act by Senators Wyden and Sullivan and Representatives Panetta and Carey. The Workforce Housing Tax Credit would complement the widely successful Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) by supporting moderate income households that are also facing rising housing costs. It would help expand the supply of housing available in communities across the country which, in turn, will help create more housing affordability,\u201d said National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) President Sharon Wilson G\u00e9no and National Apartment Association (NAA) President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Pinnegar.\n\nA one-page summary of the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act can be found here.\n\nLegislative text can be found here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-keeps-commitment-to-military-members-and-families-as-421-officers-promoted", "Sullivan Keeps Commitment to Military Members & Families as 421 Officers Promoted", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement today after the Senate confirmed more than 400 military officer promotions.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been working this issue for months and several weeks ago, Senators Joni Ernst, Lindsey Graham, Todd Young, and I, all veterans and all strongly pro-life, promised our military members and their families that we have their backs,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cI made a commitment then to the men and women of our military and I keep my commitments.\n\n\u201cWhile I wish we had resolved this sooner, I\u2019m pleased that at this very dangerous time in our nation\u2019s history, our country will once again have our best and most combat-capable military officers on the field.\n\n\u201cMy intense focus on this issue was driven by the fact that these blanket holds on military officers\u2014who are not policy makers\u2014were doing very serious damage to military readiness and the morale of our troops and their families and these military officers were being punished over a policy dispute they had nothing whatsoever to do with. Going forward, Democrats and Republicans should commit to not using blanket holds on military officers again. Our brave troops and their families deserve nothing less.\u201d\n\nFor an audio recording of this statement by Senator Sullivan, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-presses-for-greater-taiwan-military-aid-in-supplemental-preemptive-sanctions-to-deter-a-ccp-invasion", "ICYMI: Sullivan Presses for Greater Taiwan Military Aid in Supplemental, Preemptive Sanctions to Deter a CCP Invasion", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014In a letter to the editor published on Sunday in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) argues that a policy of deterring a Chinese military invasion of Taiwan should consist of three layers: first, bolstering Taiwan\u2019s defense capability; second, bolstering America\u2019s capability to defend Taiwan; and third, leveraging America\u2019s economic and energy strengths to dramatically raise the potential costs of a conflict for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Sullivan says the White House\u2019s recent national security supplemental budget request fails to adequately arm and equip Taiwan, and will need to be significantly increased by the Congress.\n\nRegarding the third layer of deterrence, Sen. Sullivan has introduced theSTAND with Taiwan Act, legislation to establish a suite of debilitating economic, financial and energy sanctions on the CCP that would take effect if China militarily invades Taiwan. Sullivan points to the Ukraine war as evidence that sanctions have the best chance of deterring a war if they are ready and clearly articulated before a conflict breaks out.\n\n* * * * *\n\nLETTER: Sen. Dan Sullivan on How to Deter a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan\n\nIt requires a three-layered approach.\n\nBy: U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan\n\nDecember 3, 2023\n\nFor the past three months I\u2019ve been pressing my colleagues to significantly strengthen the weapons systems provided to Taiwan so it can prevail in a conflict in the Taiwan Strait (\u201cHow Joe Biden Can Deter China,\u201d Review & Outlook, Nov. 18).\n\nThe national security supplemental request that the White House sent to Congress in October fails to do this. Out of $106 billion, there is a mere $5.4 billion to deal with the aggressive Chinese Communist Party, which is undertaking the largest peacetime military buildup in history with a clear goal of conquering Taiwan.\n\nPresident Biden\u2019s anemic request was almost certainly the result of doves in the administration not wanting to spoil the mood music during President Xi Jinping\u2019s recent visit.\n\nYour editorial succinctly lays out critical immediate needs to bolster deterrence in the Taiwan Strait. But equipping Taiwan with the arms it needs to defend itself is only one layer of a three-layered approach to deter a military conflict over Taiwan.\n\nThe second layer involves America\u2019s own capability to defend Taiwan militarily should the president decide to do so. This layer has proven decisive in keeping the Taiwanese people free over the decades. Unfortunately, Mr. Biden\u2019s budgets have eroded this important element of deterrence.\n\n[Click here to read the full letter]\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-sullivan-markey-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-physical-and-behavioral-health-in-commercial-fishing-industry", "Senators Sullivan, Markey Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Physical and Behavioral Health in Commercial Fishing Industry", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Legislation would expand life-saving safety training and research grant opportunities for the commercial fishing industry\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act, bipartisan legislation that would build upon the success of theCommercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research & Training Program to better address the range of occupational safety and health risks facing fishermen in this highly strenuous and dangerous industry, including worker fatigue and substance use disorder. This legislation would also increase the authorized funding for the program and make these research and training grants more accessible on every coast by eliminating the match requirement.\n\n\u201cFishermen contend with extreme weather, long distances and periods away from shore and family, and often strenuous working conditions\u2014factors that contribute to the industry being consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the country,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cI\u2019m glad to introduce the FISH Wellness Act with Senator Markey, which would expand job safety training opportunities to support our fishermen as they sustainably harvest a world-class renewable resource and strengthen our coastal economies.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery day, our fishermen are faced with demanding and dangerous working conditions that take both a physical and mental toll, all while they work to bring food to the tables of families across the country,\u201d said Sen. Markey. \u201cThe FISH Wellness Actwill provide much needed funding to ensure that fishermen are getting the information and resources they need to stay safe and healthy on the job.\u201d\n\nA copy of the?FISH Wellness Act?can be found?HERE.\n\nCosponsors in the Senate include Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nSenators Markey, Sullivan, Shaheen, Collins, Murkowski, Angus King (I-Maine), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced the Funding Instruction for Safety Health, and Security Avoids Fishing Emergencies (FISH SAFE) Act in 2019 and secured its inclusion in the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The legislation reauthorized the program and enacted a 75 percent federal cost share for fishing safety grants, an increase from the previous maximum of a 50 percent federal share.\n\nThe FISH Wellness Act is endorsed by the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, Alaska Marine Conservation Council, Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association, Fishing Partnership Support Services, Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance, Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association, Massachusetts Fishermen Partnership, Massachusetts Seafood Collaborative, New England Young Fishermen's Alliance, Fishing Communities Coalition, and the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association.\n\n\u201cFishermen's health and wellness are critical but often overlooked aspects of functional and vibrant coastal communities,\u201d said Theresa Peterson, policy director at the Alaska Marine Conservation Council\u2019s Fisheries. \u201cWe applaud an expansion of the nation\u2019s most successful fishermen's safety programs and bringing their funding opportunities in line with other CDC-funded health and safety grants.\u201d\n\n\u201cSuicides and drug overdoses have become an increasingly large share of onboard fatalities in the commercial fishing industry. An updated program will better protect these critical domestic workers,\u201d said Leann Cyr, Ph.D., executive director of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association. \u201cCurrently, this is the only NIOSH program with a cost-share requirement. A waiver of the 25 percent match requirement will ensure that access to safety training in fishing communities will not be blocked by financial barriers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Alaska Marine Safety Education Association worked to save fishermen\u2019s lives by empowering them with hands-on, data-informed training programs thanks to the funding it receives from this essential program,\u201d said Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen\u2019s Association. \u201cExpanding this program to help fishermen understand and mitigate a wider range of professional health and safety risks will not only continue to save lives but also improve them. We thank Senators Markey, Sullivan, and Murkowski for their continued leadership supporting their coastal community constituents by?introducing this bill.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-alaska-native-leaders-unleash-on-biden-admin-for-cancelling-indigenous-voices-promoting-eco-colonialist-climate-agenda", "ICYMI: Alaska Native Leaders Unleash on Biden Admin for Cancelling Indigenous Voices, Promoting \u201cEco-colonialist\u201d Climate Agenda", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Indigenous elected leaders of Alaska\u2019s North Slope criticized Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland and the Biden administration for failing to consult with their communities in recent decisions to lock up millions of acres of land from economic development. In a story published this morning on FoxNews.com, Thomas Catenacci reported on how Alaska Native leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. in recent weeks to testify about the administration\u2019s actions that are forcing the residents of their region to \u201cbecome conservation refugees on [their] own land.\u201d\n\nOn November 8, Alaska Native leaders also held a press conference on the same issues with U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Sen. Sullivan released a video yesterday highlighting the leaders\u2019 calls for Secretary Haaland to \u201chear our voices\u201d after the DOI secretary has rejected seven meetings with the leaders over the past two years.\n\n\u201cCongress needs to fulfill its promises made to us over 40 years ago,\u201d said Charles Lampe, president of the Kaktovik I\u00f1upiat Corporation, in testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee. \u201cWe will not succumb to eco-colonialism and become conservation refugees on our own land. The I\u00f1upiat people have every right to pursue economic, social and cultural self-determination. The laws of the U.S. should support indigenous populations, not interfere with these basic human and political rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe will not be snuffed out. We will not be silenced. It\u2019s insulting,\u201d said Josiah Patkotak, mayor of Alaska\u2019s North Slope Borough, at the press conference in November. \u201cWe hoped with this opportunity, by having a Native American as a cabinet member for the Department of the Interior, our own I\u00f1upiat people wouldn\u2019t be given this runaround, but we still see that\u2019s the case today.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe North Slope I\u00f1upiat deserve to be more than an afterthought by the federal government,\u201d said Nagruk Harcharek, president of the Voice of the Arctic I\u00f1upiat, at the press conference in November. \u201cIt\u2019s time for Secretary Haaland and the Biden administration to live up to their promises of engagement by meeting with our elected leadership and including us at the policy table starting now.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nOn September 6, 2023, the Biden DOI announced plans to cancel all seven remaining oil and gas leases issued under the Trump administration on up to 2,000 federal acres of the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)\u2014roughly one ten-thousandth of all of ANWR. Concurrently, the Biden DOI announced a rule locking up 13 million acres within the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska (NPR-A) from oil and gas production. Both actions were taken without notice to or meaningful consultation with the Alaska Native communities most impacted by these decisions.\n\nSens. Sullivan and Murkowski have introduced Alaska\u2019s Right to Produce Act of 2023, legislation that would reverse the Biden DOI\u2019s decisions on ANWR and the NPR-A. Representatives Pete Stauber (Minn.-08), Mary Peltola (Alaska-At Large), August Pfluger (Texas-11), and Kevin Hern (Okla.-01) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n* * * * *\n\nAlaskan Native Americans unleash on Biden admin's climate agenda: 'Communities and culture are at risk'\n\n'We will not succumb to eco-colonialism and become conservation refugees on our own land,' Native Alaska leader says\n\nBy Thomas Catenacci, Fox News\n\nDecember 1, 2023\n\nThe Biden administration is facing heavy criticism from Native Alaskans over its crackdown on oil and gas drilling in Alaska, activity which generates tax revenue vital for key state and local programs.\n\nNative Alaskan leaders have particularly taken issue with the Department of the Interior's (DOI) recent actions blocking future oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve (NPR), an area in North Slope Borough, Alaska, specifically set aside by Congress for resource development, in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and in federal offshore waters off the state's coast.\n\n\"My community unapologetically supports the leasing program,\" Charles Lampe, the president of the Kaktovik I\u00f1upiat Corporation, told lawmakers in testimony this week. \"Many people try to steer the debate to caribou. For Kaktovik, it's about our people and having an economy to survive.\"\n\n\"Congress needs to fulfill its promises made to us over 40 years ago,\" Lampe added. \"We will not succumb to eco-colonialism and become conservation refugees on our own land. The people have every right to pursue economic, social and cultural self-determination. The laws of the U.S. should support indigenous populations, not interfere with these basic human and political rights.\"\n\nIn addition to Lampe, Nagruk Harcharek, the president of Voice of the Arctic I\u00f1upiat; Josiah Patkotak, the I\u00f1upiaq mayor of the North Slope Borough; Morrie Lemen, the executive director of the I\u00f1upiat Community of the Arctic Slope; and Nathan Gordon Jr., the vice president of the Native Village of Kaktovik, among others have similarly condemned federal restrictions on resource development near their communities.\n\nAccording to the leaders, who collectively represent the region most impacted by the Biden administration's recent slate of actions targeting oil and gas drilling in Alaska, Secretary Deb Haaland and other Biden administration officials have repeatedly rebuked their attempts to arrange meetings and voice their concerns.\n\nHaaland \u2014 the first Native American cabinet member in U.S. history and who has pledged to prioritize Indigenous perspectives throughout her tenure, but who has also pursued an aggressive climate agenda \u2014 has yet to hold a single consultation with North Slope communities about either the NPR or ANWR actions. There have been zero public meetings held regarding ANWR and just two such meetings held about NPR.\n\n\"The North Slope I\u00f1upiat deserve to be more than an afterthought by the federal government,\" Harcharek said earlier in November. \"It\u2019s time for Secretary Haaland and the Biden administration to live up to their promises of engagement by meeting with our elected leadership and including us at the policy table starting now.\"\n\n\"Roughly 95% of our region\u2019s tax base comes from taxation on the development of land on the North Slope,\" added Patkotak. \"Without these funds and a strong regional economy in the long term, our communities and culture are at risk. Going forward, it is vital that the administration include us at the policymaking table and share information when developing policies affecting our people and lands.\"\n\n\u2026\n\n[Click here to read the full story on FoxNews.com]\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/131-million-more-in-infrastructure-funds-to-support-rural-ferry-service", "$131 Million More in Infrastructure Funds to Support Rural Ferry Service", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today announced the Federal Transit Administration is awarding $131 million more in bipartisan infrastructure investments to support the Alaska Marine Highway System\u2019s operations and recapitalize portions of the fleet.\n\nIn January, Senator Murkowski announced $285 million in infrastructure funding to improve the reliability and service Alaska\u2019s ferry system\u2014an announcement she marked as a \u201cbig fat deal\u201d for Alaska and its ferry system which serves more than 30 communities across 3,500 miles of coastline.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the FTA is another \u2018big fat deal\u2019 for the Alaskans who rely on our critical ferry system\u2014this transformational funding will help address the system\u2019s crumbling operations and ensure sustainable connections to rural communities,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cI grew up using the ferry system to get around Southeast, and I know how important the Alaska Marine Highway System is to so many Alaskan families. By supporting operations across the state and replacing the M/V Tustumena serving Southwest Alaska, we are helping connect coastal communities across the state. When leading negotiations of the bipartisan infrastructure law, I was focused on ensuring our Alaska Marine Highway System would be healthy and strong, and today\u2019s announcement will help that vision succeed. I encourage the State to smartly take advantage of these investments\u2014the future of the Alaska Marine Highway System depends on their efforts and contribution. We cannot miss this transformational opportunity.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe major awards announced today for the Alaska Marine Highway System are excellent news for Alaska\u2019s coastal communities and the thousands of Alaskans who rely on the ferry system,\u201d said Senator Dan Sullivan. \u201cThe vast majority of Alaska\u2019s communities have no connection to the road system, which means ports and ferries are as essential in our state as roads and bridges are in most other parts of the country. I commend Senator Murkowski for championing this ferry program in the bipartisan infrastructure law, which continues to bear fruit for Alaska. As a member of the Commerce and EPW Committees, I will continue to press for investments in Alaska\u2019s ports and ferries, which are vital to the economic interests and well-being of Alaskans across Southeast, the Gulf and the Aleutians.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to Senators Murkowski and Sullivan for their continued support in funding the much needed replacement for the M/V Tustumena and operational funds for the Alaska Marine Highway System,\u201d said State Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak).\n\n\u201cIt is great news to have more financial assistance from the Federal Government to facilitate the rejuvenation of the operations of the Alaska Marine Highway,\u201d said State Senator Bert Stedman (R-Sitka). \u201cI want to thank both Senator Murkowski and Senator Sullivan for their hard work in helping to stabilize the Marine Highway, and I look forward to working with the delegation to secure the necessary matching funding from the State.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese dollars are critical to rebuild our coastal infrastructure,\u201d said State Senator Jesse Kiehl (D-Juneau). \u201cReplacing ships and investing in crews builds a sustainable, more efficient ferry system for the next generation of Alaskans. This summer I reassured Sen. Murkowski and Sec. Buttigieg: \u2018Alaska is investing this once-in-a-generation funding with an eye on the far horizon.\u2019 We\u2019re grateful for these targeted investments in the ferry system from our federal partners\u2014and we\u2019re putting them to wise use.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Alaska Marine Highway System serves a critical role in Alaska's transportation system. I thank our federal delegation for their continued bipartisan efforts to secure investments for the Alaska Marine Highway System,\u201d said State Senator James Kaufman (R-Anchorage). \u201cI also applaud the AMHS Organization and the Operations Board for their work developing a system-wide long-range strategic plan to guide the effective deployment of these dollars. This announcement highlights a shared commitment to the ongoing success of our ferry system.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is incredibly exciting news,\u201d said State Representative Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak). \u201cThis funding supports the crucial transportation system that is our Alaska Marine Highway. I and all Alaskans are grateful for all the work that Senators Murkowski and Sullivan have put into obtaining this funding for our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cA huge thanks for the tireless, successful efforts put forward by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan on behalf of Alaska\u2019s vitally important Marine Highway system,\u201d said State Representative Dan Ortiz (I-Southern Southeast AK). \u201cThese investments in the main cog of Coastal Alaska\u2019s transportation infrastructure will strengthen the statewide economy and help assure continued access to vital goods and services for coastal Alaskans.\u201d\n\nProject Announcements:\n\n$38 million through the Rural Ferry program to restore the health of the Alaska Marine Highway System for sustainable operations to rural communities. This award does not require a match by the State thanks to Senator Murkowski\u2019s advocacy with the Department of Transportation.\n\n$92 million through the Rural Ferry program to support the replacement of the M/V Tustumena Vessel serving Southwest Alaska. With the $23 million local match requirement, the total award amount is $115.9 million.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis funding was made possible by H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), in which Senator Murkowski played a lead role writing and negotiating for Alaska. These awards are part of the IIJA\u2019s newly established Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program\u2014Senator Murkowski\u2019s new program to provide competitive funding to states which will allow for basic essential ferry service in rural areas.\n\nIn January 2023, Senator Murkowski announced $285 million for Alaska\u2019s ferry system. In July 2022, she announced an historic $300 million in funding being made available for ferries. This brings a total of $716 million thus far to support the Alaska Marine Highway System. To date, Alaska has received over $6 billion and counting in infrastructure investments as a result of the IIJA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/131-million-more-in-infrastructure-funds-to-support-rural-ferry-service", "$131 Million More in Infrastructure Funds to Support Rural Ferry Service", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today announced the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is awarding $131 million more in bipartisan infrastructure investments to support the Alaska Marine Highway System\u2019s operations and recapitalize portions of the fleet.\n\nIn January, Senator Murkowski announced $285 million in infrastructure funding to improve the reliability and service Alaska\u2019s ferry system\u2014an announcement she marked as a \u201cbig fat deal\u201d for Alaska and its ferry system which serves more than 30 communities across 3,500 miles of coastline.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the FTA is another \u2018big fat deal\u2019 for the Alaskans who rely on our critical ferry system\u2014this transformational funding will help address the system\u2019s crumbling operations and ensure sustainable connections to rural communities,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cI grew up using the ferry system to get around Southeast, and I know how important the Alaska Marine Highway System is to so many Alaskan families. By supporting operations across the state and replacing the M/V Tustumena serving Southwest Alaska, we are helping connect coastal communities across the state. When leading negotiations of the bipartisan infrastructure law, I was focused on ensuring our Alaska Marine Highway System would be healthy and strong, and today\u2019s announcement will help that vision succeed. I encourage the State to smartly take advantage of these investments\u2014the future of the Alaska Marine Highway System depends on their efforts and contribution. We cannot miss this transformational opportunity.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe major awards announced today for the Alaska Marine Highway System are excellent news for Alaska\u2019s coastal communities and the thousands of Alaskans who rely on the ferry system,\u201d said Senator Dan Sullivan. \u201cThe vast majority of Alaska\u2019s communities have no connection to the road system, which means ports and ferries are as essential in our state as roads and bridges are in most other parts of the country. I commend Senator Murkowski for championing this ferry program in the bipartisan infrastructure law, which continues to bear fruit for Alaska. As a member of the Commerce and EPW Committees, I will continue to press for investments in Alaska\u2019s ports and ferries, which are vital to the economic interests and well-being of Alaskans across Southeast, the Gulf and the Aleutians.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to Senators Murkowski and Sullivan for their continued support in funding the much needed replacement for theM/V Tustumena and operational funds for the Alaska Marine Highway System,\u201d said State Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak).\n\n\u201cIt is great news to have more financial assistance from the Federal Government to facilitate the rejuvenation of the operations of the Alaska Marine Highway,\u201d said State Senator Bert Stedman (R-Sitka). \u201cI want to thank both Senator Murkowski and Senator Sullivan for their hard work in helping to stabilize the Marine Highway, and I look forward to working with the delegation to secure the necessary matching funding from the State.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese dollars are critical to rebuild our coastal infrastructure,\u201d said State Senator Jesse Kiehl (D-Juneau). \u201cReplacing ships and investing in crews builds a sustainable, more efficient ferry system for the next generation of Alaskans. This summer I reassured Sen. Murkowski and Sec. Buttigieg: \u2018Alaska is investing this once-in-a-generation funding with an eye on the far horizon.\u2019 We\u2019re grateful for these targeted investments in the ferry system from our federal partners\u2014and we\u2019re putting them to wise use.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Alaska Marine Highway System serves a critical role in Alaska's transportation system. I thank our federal delegation for their continued bipartisan efforts to secure investments for the Alaska Marine Highway System,\u201d said State Senator James Kaufman (R-Anchorage). \u201cI also applaud the AMHS Organization and the Operations Board for their work developing a system-wide long-range strategic plan to guide the effective deployment of these dollars. This announcement highlights a shared commitment to the ongoing success of our ferry system.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is incredibly exciting news,\u201d said State Representative Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak). \u201cThis funding supports the crucial transportation system that is our Alaska Marine Highway. I and all Alaskans are grateful for all the work that Senators Murkowski and Sullivan have put into obtaining this funding for our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cA huge thanks for the tireless, successful efforts put forward by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan on behalf of Alaska\u2019s vitally important Marine Highway system,\u201d said State Representative Dan Ortiz (NA-Southern Southeast Alaska).\u201cThese investments in the main cog of Coastal Alaska\u2019s transportation infrastructure will strengthen the statewide economy and help assure continued access to vital goods and services for coastal Alaskans.\u201d\n\nProject Announcements:\n\n$38 million through the Rural Ferry program to restore the health of the Alaska Marine Highway System for sustainable operations to rural communities. This award does not require a match by the State thanks to Senator Murkowski\u2019s advocacy with the Department of Transportation.\n\n$92 million through the Rural Ferry program to support the replacement of the M/V Tustumena Vessel serving Southwest Alaska. With the $23 million local match requirement, the total award amount is $115.9 million.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis funding was made possible by H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), in which Senator Murkowski played a lead role writing and negotiating for Alaska. These awards are part of the IIJA\u2019s newly established Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program\u2014Senator Murkowski\u2019s new program to provide competitive funding to states which will allow for basic essential ferry service in rural areas.\n\nIn January 2023, Senator Murkowski announced $285 million for Alaska\u2019s ferry system. In July 2022, she announced an historic $300 million in funding being made available for ferries. This brings a total of $716 million thus far to support the Alaska Marine Highway System. To date, Alaska has received over $6 billion and counting in infrastructure investments as a result of the IIJA.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-cardin-titus-and-buchanan-aim-to-deepen-us-mongolia-trade-thwart-ccp-interests", "Sullivan, Cardin, Titus & Buchanan Aim to Deepen US-Mongolia Trade, Thwart CCP Interests", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Representatives Dina Titus (D-Nev.) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), introduced legislation today to increase direct trade between the United States and Mongolia by providing Mongolian cashmere products with duty-free access to the American market.\n\nThe Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act would grant Mongolia this preferential trading relationship in order to strengthen the economy of a critical U.S. partner in central Asia and strengthen the young democracy against the threats and economic coercion of its only two geographic neighbors, the People\u2019s Republic of China and Russia. The legislation contains the same safeguards as other U.S. preferential trade arrangements to ensure, among other things, that its benefits are not diverted to the People\u2019s Republic of China.\n\n\u201cMongolia is an island of democracy in a sea of despotism,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cAs Mongolia\u2019s \u2018third neighbor,\u2019 America has an opportunity to bolster a vital element of our partner\u2019s economy, deepen the ties between our two nations, and shield Mongolia against the designs of America\u2019s number one geopolitical adversary, the Chinese Communist Party regime. I hope my colleagues, many of whom speak strongly about the China threat, will support our legislation and back up those strong words with action that demonstrates America\u2019s unflinching commitment to our allies and our resolve to confront this new era of authoritarian aggression.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor over three decades, the U.S. and Mongolia have shared a strong commitment to democratic governance, free trade, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region as Third Neighbor partners,\u201d said Sen. Cardin. \u201cMongolia remains a beacon of democracy in an otherwise authoritarian corner of the world. Our bipartisan bill will facilitate job and economic growth for both countries while also bringing stability and economic empowerment to the women of Mongolia, the backbone of Mongolia\u2019s cashmere industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cThroughout Mongolia\u2019s historic democratic transition, the United States has proudly stood by our ally,\u201d said Rep. Titus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Mongolia Caucus. \u201cEstablishing duty free trade from Mongolia to the United States will create a stronger Mongolian economy and benefit American consumers by specifically targeting the Mongolian cashmere industry which produces around 40% of the world\u2019s supply. This bill is yet another way to compete economically with China and boost the strategic Third Neighbor partnership between Mongolia and the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cA stronger bilateral trade relationship between Mongolia and the United States will help bolster a democratic-ally in the Indo-Pacific region,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cBordered by China and Russia, Mongolia stands alone as a stable democracy surrounded by authoritarian regimes. Sharing similar democratic values and national security priorities, it is critical to further strengthen our economic and trade ties with countries like Mongolia. Enacting the Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act would solidify our national security goals in the region as well as support the economic and job growth for both countries.\u201d\n\nMongolia\u2019s agricultural sector employs roughly one-quarter of Mongolian citizens and accounts for roughly 40 percent of the world\u2019s raw cashmere. The legislation intends to support the growth of Mongolia\u2019s domestic textile industry so that the Mongolian people can benefit from the value-added processing of cashmere, which has historically been done in the People\u2019s Republic of China.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-colleagues-demand-epa-repeal-rule-increasing-us-dependence-on-china-produced-electric-vehicles", "Sullivan, Colleagues Demand EPA Repeal Rule Increasing U.S. Dependence on China-Produced Electric Vehicles", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and a group of senators and representatives recently sent a letter requesting the immediate repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) May 5, 2023 proposed rule, which sets stringent emission standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gasses, a de facto mandate for electric vehicles (EVs). This rule requires that over two-thirds of all vehicles sold in the United States be fully electric in less than nine years, effectively forcing Americans to exclusively buy and produce EVs and increasing U.S. reliance on China\u2019s domination of the EV supply chain.\n\n\u201cThe EPA\u2019s proposed mandate will increase dependency on supply chains controlled by the Chinese government,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cToday, up to 90 percent of the electric vehicle battery supply chain relies on China. The batteries that power electric vehicles require critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and manganese\u2014and China processes 75 percent of these minerals.\u201d\n\n\u201cNot only would the EPA\u2019s proposed regulation hurt America\u2019s national security, but it would severely limit consumer choice for affordable vehicles that fit the needs of the average American,\u201d the members continued. \u201cAt a time of inflation, high interest rates, and rising costs, the last thing Americans need is to find both new and used vehicles unaffordable because of an EPA mandate.\u201d\n\nU.S. car dealerships across the country, including 10 in Alaska, also sent a letter to President Biden highlighting the extreme challenges this rule would pose to consumers and dealers alike, including unaffordable prices, weather concerns, and range capabilities. This letter can be found here.\n\nBelow is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s work to combat EV mandates and U.S. reliance on China\u2019s supply chain:\n\nOn June 21, 2023, Senator Sullivan was an original cosponsor of S.2090, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2023 to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from barring the sale of motor vehicles fueled by gasoline, protecting consumer choice by maintaining competition in the automotive sector.\n\nOn April 28, 2023, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Directing Independent Research To Yield Carbon Assessment Regarding Electric Vehicles (DIRTY CAR EV) Act to conduct a study on the true carbon footprint of electric vehicles and research the ramifications of widespread electric vehicle usage on the country\u2019s electrical grids.\n\nOn December 7, 2022, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Critical Mineral Independence Act to help ensure that the U.S. achieves critical mineral independence from China.\n\nOn May 4, 2022, the U.S. Senate approved a motion offered by Sen. Sullivan to include language prohibiting new renewable energy projects receiving federal funds from purchasing materials, technology or critical minerals sourced in the People\u2019s Republic of China or the Russian Federation in the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2022(USICA) and the America COMPETES Act.\n\nClick here to see the full text of the letter.\n\nDear Speaker Johnson and Republican Leader McConnell,\n\nThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule that will effectively require that over two-thirds of all vehicles sold in the United States be fully electric in less than nine years. While we are supportive of the free market producing electric vehicles to satisfy a market need, this misguided EPA mandate would have an immediate, detrimental impact on the choices and affordability of cars, trucks, and SUVs available to our constituents. It also increases America\u2019s dependence on China.\n\nThe House Appropriations Committee recognized this threat and included language in the Interior-Environment Appropriations bill to prevent the EPA from using any funding to finalize or implement this unachievable mandate. We believe this limitation of funds must be included in any FY24 government funding package.\n\nThe EPA\u2019s proposed mandate will increase dependency on supply chains controlled by the Chinese government. Today, up to 90% of the electric vehicle battery supply chain relies on China. The batteries that power electric vehicles require critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and manganese -- and China processes 75% of these minerals. Additionally, China controls 76% of global battery cell production capacity. China\u2019s dominance is only expected to continue for the foreseeable future with 67% of all forecasted battery cell manufacturing controlled by China in 2032. In contrast to China, the United States has 7% of global battery production capacity.\n\nNot only would the EPA\u2019s proposed regulation hurt America\u2019s national security, but it would severely limit consumer choice for affordable vehicles that fit the needs of the average American. At a time of inflation, high interest rates, and rising costs, the last thing Americans need is to find both new and used vehicles unaffordable because of an EPA mandate.\n\nThe EPA mandate would also radically reshape America\u2019s auto industry and the types of vehicles in America\u2019s driveways. Battery electric vehicles may or may not be the right choice for everyone. If required to haul, drive long distances in areas without charging infrastructure, or live in a colder climate, a fully battery electric vehicle may not meet the needs of our constituents. In recent months, evidence is emerging that the current supply for electric vehicles is exceeding current demand.6 Americans \u2013 not the government -- should be able to choose which vehicle is right for them.\n\nWe strongly oppose the EPA\u2019s misguided attempt to force the production of a vehicle mix that fails to meet the transportation needs or fit within the budgets of American families. For over 100 years, the automobile has given Americans the freedom to live and work where they choose. EPA\u2019s proposed mandate goes too far too fast and will take that freedom away. To prevent this precipitous attempt to limit consumer choice, Congress should enact the provision included in the FY24 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill which prevents taxpayer funding from being used to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the proposed rule titled \u201cMulti-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles\u201d and published May 5, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 29184), or any substantially similar rule.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-baldwin-bonamici-and-joyce-lead-legislation-to-improve-harmful-algal-bloom-response", "Sullivan, Baldwin, Bonamici & Joyce Lead Legislation to Improve Harmful Algal Bloom Response", "2023-11-28", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) and Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), have introduced the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act (HABHRCA) of 2023, legislation to reauthorize the HABHRCA of 1998 and to improve monitoring, forecasting, prevention, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia by requiring better coordination among task force agencies, and state and local entities, including Indian tribes.\n\nThis legislation comes in response to the increasing severity of harmful algal blooms in Alaska, with the 2022 algal bloom in the Bering Strait region being one of the largest and most toxic blooms ever observed nationwide. HABs directly threaten food security and subsistence in Alaska. Additionally, HABs can reduce oxygen levels in the water in events called hypoxia, killing fish and other marine life and harming coastal ecosystems and economies. HABs occur in all 50 states, in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.\n\n\u201cAs America\u2019s leading seafood producer and home to more coastline than the contiguous Lower 48 states combined, Alaska is particularly vulnerable to harmful algal blooms,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cUnchecked HABs can threaten our marine life and coastal ecosystems, the livelihoods of our commercial fisheries and coastal communities, and the health and well-being of Alaskans. It is critical that we develop and coordinate effective responses to harmful algal blooms and efficiently monitor the health of our oceans for the sake of coastal communities, especially subsistence communities, and ecosystems across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur Great Lakes and abundant fresh waters are among Wisconsin\u2019s most valuable resources, supporting wildlife, our economy, and our way of life. I am proud to be a partner in protecting these critical ecosystems from harmful algal blooms that have the potential to endanger our Made in Wisconsin economy and public health,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cThe critical support provided by this bipartisan legislation ensures that we can monitor algal bloom and hypoxia growth in our fresh waters, while preventing and mitigating their spread. I am proud to lead this legislation with Senator Sullivan to ensure generations to come can enjoy and benefit from the Great Lakes and Wisconsin\u2019s inland waters.\u201d\n\n\u201cHarmful algal blooms and hypoxia events are occurring with increasing frequency, threatening the health of our marine and freshwater ecosystems and communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Bonamici. \u201cI\u2019m introducing the bipartisan Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act to help people in NW Oregon and across the country better protect against and respond quickly to these disasters.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe shallowest of all the Great Lakes, Lake Erie, is particularly vulnerable to harmful algal blooms, which have plagued the lake for more than 45 years. Any threat to Lake Erie is also a threat to the drinking water supply for 11 million people, our tourism industry, and all the plants and animals that are part of the lake\u2019s ecosystem,\u201d said Congressman Joyce. \u201cI am proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure Lake Erie and every state in America is protected from these dangerous threats to our bodies of water.\u201d\n\nA copy of the bill, S.3348, can be found here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe original Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) was passed in 1998 and established an interagency task force to assess the distribution of harmful algal blooms and their impacts on coastal waters and human health. HABHRCA has since been reauthorized three times, through FY 2023, and is currently due for reauthorization. This bill reauthorizes the original 1998 HABHRCA, and improves coordination among state and local entities, as well as Indian tribes, to improve monitoring, forecasting, prevention, and mitigation of HABs and hypoxia.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/11/27/2023/schatz-murkowski-lead-bipartisan-national-native-american-heritage-month-resolution", "Schatz, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan National Native American Heritage Month Resolution", "2023-11-27", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, led passage of a Senate resolution recognizing November 2023 as National Native American Heritage Month.\n\n\u201cIn November we celebrate Native American Heritage Month to recognize American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples and their diverse cultures, achievements, and contributions to the United States,\u201d said Chairman Schatz. \u201cI am honored to lead this year\u2019s Senate resolution with Vice Chairman Murkowski and remain committed to upholding the federal trust responsibility and strengthening self-determination for Native communities across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis November we continue to honor and recognize the many contributions that Native people have made to the United States through the passage of this bipartisan Senate Resolution, which recognizes our commitment and responsibility to all American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian people. I am honored to co-lead this resolution with Chairman Schatz and thank all of my colleagues who joined in support,\u201d said Vice Chairman Murkowski.\n\nSenators Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bennet (D-Colo.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), Collins (R-Maine), Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Cramer (R-N.D.), Crapo (R-Idaho), Daines (R-Mont.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Fetterman (D-Pa.), Fischer (R-Neb.), Heinrich (D-N.M), Hickenlooper (D-Colo,), Hirono (D- Hawai\u2018i), Hoeven (R-N.D.), Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Kaine (D-Va.), King (I-Maine), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Lankford (R-Okla.), Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Lummis (R-Wyo.), Marshall (R-Kan.), Menendez (D-N.J.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Moran (R-Kan.), Mullin (R-Okla.), Murray (D-Wash.), Padilla (D-Calif.), Risch (R-Idaho), Rosen (D-Nev.), Rounds (R-S.D.), Schumer (D-N.Y.), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sinema (I-Ariz.), Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tester (D-Mont.), Warren (D-Mass.),Wicker (R-Miss.), and Wyden (D-Ore.) joined the resolution as original co-sponsors.\n\nFor more information on S.Res.459, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-colleagues-demand-answers-on-biden-administrations-unprecedented-pause-of-firearms-export-licenses", "Sullivan, Colleagues Demand Answers On Biden Administration\u2019s Unprecedented Pause of Firearms Export Licenses", "2023-11-20", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and 46 of his Senate colleagues last week sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo raising questions over the decision announced last month by the Bureau of Industry and Security to pause for 90 days the issuance of export licenses for firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories to most overseas markets. This unprecedented move is the latest chapter in the Biden administration\u2019s hostility towards America\u2019s firearms industry.\n\n\u201cThis pause puts at stake U.S. commercial and economic interests, as well as those business interests of firearm exporters whose pending exports are now subject to pause, in addition to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cAs of today, the industry estimates a direct cost of at least $89 million associated with the 90 day pause and at least $238 million annually should the pause become permanent.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have significant concerns about the justifications for and ramifications of this pause,\u201d the senators continued. \u201cWe are concerned the unmet demand created by this action will promote opportunities for less scrupulous, professional, or conscientious sources of supply to fill the void, thereby strengthening illicit arms markets\u2026 (W)e ask that you respond to the following questions and requests by November 30, 2023.\u201d\n\nClick here to read the full text of the letter:\n\nDear Secretary Raimondo:\n\nWe write regarding the October 27 announcement from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce (the Department) that \u201c[e]ffective immediately\u201d, the Department \u201cis pausing for approximately 90 days the issuance of new export licenses involving certain firearms, related components, and ammunition\u201d as well as \u201cthe provision of new export assistance activities for such products to all non-governmental end users worldwide\u201d with the exception of \u201cthose located in Ukraine, Israel, or a country in Country Group A:1 (Wassenaar Arrangement Participating States).\u201d Further, this announcement stated that the Department will, during this \u201c\u2018pause\u2019 period\u201d, conduct an urgent review of \u201ccurrent firearm export control review policies\u201d in light of \u201cU.S. national security and foreign policy interests\u201d to \u201cenable the Department to more effectively assess and mitigate risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities.\u201d\n\nWe recognize the crucial need for firearms for civilian self-defense in Ukraine and Israel, which are exempted from this pause, and note the actions by the Ukrainian and Israeli governments to fulfill those needs. For example, in response to the Hamas attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that part of the war against Hamas involves \u201cencouraging civilians and helping civilians to arm themselves for their self-defence.\u201d The Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, promised to distribute 10,000 free weapons, including 4,000 rifles to settlers in the West Bank, and has relaxed rules for permits to allow 400,000 new people to qualify to carry a firearm. Similarly, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on February 24, 2022, that the Ukrainian government \u201cwill give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country.\u201d By June 2022, Ukraine had distributed \u201ctens of thousands\u201d of firearms to civilians \u201cfor national defense\u201d, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky.\n\nHowever, we also recognize the significance of exports that are now put on pause by the Department\u2019s announcement. As you know, firearms exports to non-government users in countries not covered by the exception constitute a significant percentage of overall U.S. firearm exports. This pause puts at stake U.S. commercial and economic interests, as well as those business interests of firearm exporters whose pending exports are now subject to pause, in addition to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. According to a survey conducted by NSSF, the firearm and ammunition industry trade association, this decision would have a severe negative economic impact. As of today, the industry estimates a direct cost of at least $89 million associated with the 90 day pause and at least $238 million annually should the pause become permanent. Furthermore, it is our understanding that the Department has never before imposed such a 90 day pause on such a wide range of firearms exports. We have significant concerns about the justifications for and ramifications of this pause. Finally, we are concerned the unmet demand created by this action will promote opportunities for less scrupulous, professional, or conscientious sources of supply to fill the void, thereby strengthening illicit arms markets.\n\nThus, for the purpose of congressional oversight regarding the Department\u2019s announcement we ask that you respond to the following questions and requests by November 30, 2023:\n\n1. Please explain the reasoning for this pause and identify the specific U.S. national security and foreign policy interests that are part of this reasoning.\n\n2. What specific situations has the Department identified where the current export policies affected U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, and contributed to regional instability, violated human rights, or fueled criminal activities?\n\n3. Did BIS engage with firearm and ammunition industry stakeholders prior to the October 27 announcement to understand the impact this unprecedented decision would have on their industry?\n\n4. Did BIS engage with advocacy organizations prior to the October 27 announcement to provide advance knowledge of this announcement?\n\na. If yes, then please provide a list of these organizations.\n\n5. Has BIS held a meeting with firearm and ammunition industry stakeholders since making the October 27 announcement?\n\n6. Please provide data on the number of export license applications covered by the Department\u2019s October 27 announcement for all countries (disregarding any exceptions) that were pending on October 27, and the number submitted over the previous six months.\n\n7. Please provide data on export license applications submitted for non-governmental users in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 that are of the same type covered by the Department\u2019s October 27 announcement.\n\n8. Please provide data on export license applications submitted for non-governmental users in Israel since Hamas\u2019 attacks began in October 2023 that are of the same type covered by the Department\u2019s October 27 announcement.\n\n9. Please provide data on the number of Department employees reviewing export license applications related to the October 27 announcement.\n\n10. Please provide data on the average number of export license applications related to the October 27 announcement reviewed per day.\n\n11. Please provide data on the average time to review export license applications related to the October 27 announcement to non-governmental users in Ukraine.\n\n12. Please provide data on the average time to review export license applications related to the October 27 announcement to non-governmental users in Israel.\n\n13. Are supplemental funds needed to add more Department employees to review applications so that reviews can be completed in a timely manner?\n\na. If so, what is the needed level of supplemental funding and how many additional employees should the Department add?\n\n14. What is your estimate of potential economic loss, measured in dollars, to U.S. firearms industry as a result of this pause?\n\n15. What is your estimate of potential economic loss, measured in job losses, to U.S. firearms industry as a result of this pause?\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-gallagher-colleagues-press-for-ndaa-language-to-better-prevent-china-from-acquiring-sensitive-us-technologies", "Sullivan, Gallagher, Colleagues Press for NDAA Language to Better Prevent China From Acquiring Sensitive U.S. Technologies", "2023-11-20", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "Senators, Congressmen Seek Improved Screening of Outbound Investments\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.) urged strong language in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to address the national security threat posed by sensitive technologies with dual-use applications being acquired by America\u2019s adversaries, particularly the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC), through American businesses\u2019 outbound investments. Sullivan and Gallagher led a letter today with 41 of their congressional colleagues to the chairmen and ranking members of both the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.\n\n\u201cThere is strong bipartisan consensus in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives that Congress must act to address the national security threat posed by these outbound investments,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe have known for some time that U.S. companies are sending capital, intellectual property, and innovation to the PRC, fueling its advance in dual-use critical technology areas. To safeguard our national security, the U.S. needs visibility into our vulnerabilities by requiring, at a minimum, notification of sensitive investments by U.S. firms in these countries.\u201d\n\n\u201cNone of the tools currently at the government\u2019s disposal, however, fully address the specific risk posed by the transfer of U.S. capital and know-how to our adversaries,\u201d the senators added. \u201cIn order to protect our interests, we need to evaluate the full scope of our vulnerabilities and use the data and insight provided by outbound investment screening to implement tools that ensure sensitive technologies with dual-use applications are not further ceded to adversaries.\u201d\n\nOn the Senate side, the letter is signed by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-M.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).\n\nBelow is the full text of the letter.\n\nDear Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith:\n\nWe are deeply concerned about the potential national security threats posed by outbound capital flows and knowledge transfer to the United States\u2019 adversaries, particularly the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC). To this end, we write urging you to ensure that language addressing outbound investments in certain sectors of foreign countries of concern is included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2024, and ideally strengthen the language.\n\nOn July 25, 2023, the Senate voted overwhelmingly (91-6) to include Amendment No. 931 in the NDAA, which would establish an outbound investment screening program led by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce. It requires United States entities to notify the U.S. government of investments and activities in specific technology sectors in countries of concern.\n\nThere is strong bipartisan consensus in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives that Congress must act to address the national security threat posed by these outbound investments. The Administration is also focused on the issue. On August 9, 2023, the President issued an Executive Order (E.O. 14105) titled Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern, seeking to deal with this same issue set. In fact, the E.O. goes beyond notification to consider prohibition of investment in some sectors.\n\nWe have known for some time that U.S. companies are sending capital, intellectual property, and innovation to the PRC, fueling its advance in dual-use critical technology areas. To safeguard our national security, the U.S. needs visibility into our vulnerabilities by requiring, at a minimum, notification of sensitive investments by U.S. firms in these countries.\n\nOutbound investment screening will fill a gap in our ability to combat this growing national security threat. This is not novel, nor a threat to America\u2019s outwardly facing economy. The United States has deployed a number of tools to protect against technology theft by our adversaries, including export controls, sanctions, and inbound foreign investment screening, even as it remains one of the most open economies in the world.\n\nNone of the tools currently at the government\u2019s disposal, however, fully address the specific risk posed by the transfer of U.S. capital and know-how to our adversaries. In order to protect our interests, we need to evaluate the full scope of our vulnerabilities and use the data and insight provided by outbound investment screening to implement tools that ensure sensitive technologies with dual-use applications are not further ceded to adversaries.\n\nThe last thing we should be doing is facilitating technology that could one day be used against us, whether through espionage at home or against our servicemen and women deployed to fight for their nation.\n\nIn the interest of U.S. national security, we urge you to ensure that robust language addressing the threat posed by outbound investments in countries like the PRC is included in the 2024 NDAA that goes to the President for his signature.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-senate-delegation-welcomes-22-million-for-alaska-waste-and-recycle-infrastructure", "Alaska Senate Delegation Welcomes $22 Million for Alaska Waste and Recycle Infrastructure", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement of $22.4 million in in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants from the bipartisan infrastructure law for Alaska. This funding will support Alaska\u2019s solid waste infrastructure for recycling, trash processing, and solid waste collection.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan infrastructure law continues to bring home significant investments that support Alaska\u2019s infrastructure, and these awards to communities and Tribal governments will help us build out waste management and processing systems across the state. Trash, and our ability to deal with it\u2014while not a glamorous issue\u2014is critical to everyone,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cWhen I was working on the bipartisan infrastructure law, I listened to Alaskans and conveyed their needs\u2014and waste and trash were issues in every community. These funds will result in better waste processing by investing in recycling and composting infrastructure, waste collection, and more.\u201d\n\n\u201cI often say that Alaska is a resource rich, infrastructure poor state, and this extends to waste and trash management,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThese awards, authorized through my Save Our Seas 2.0 Act and funded through the bipartisan infrastructure bill, will invest in waste collection, recycling and composting for Alaskan communities and tribes. This multi-year program will build out efficient waste management programs and prevent pollution, helping ensure that our lands and waters are some of the most pristine in the world.\u201d\n\nAlaska communities and Tribal governments awarded SWIFR funding:\n\nMatanuska-Susitna Borough ($3,540,340): To develop a local sustainable materials management system with residential recycling and composting.\n\nAleut Corporation ($1,500,000): To establish a solid waste collection and recycling program on Adak Island.\n\nAleutian Pribilof Islands Association ($1,499,090): To develop a regional sustainable materials management plan to reduce landfilling and burning of solid waste.\n\nCook Inlet Tribal Council ($1,500,000): To establish and expand materials management infrastructure to support plastics recycling, 3D printing, and other fabrication technologies in Alaska Native villages. For example, a community may wish to use recycled plastic to create toys for in-school use, while another may envision a use that supports local fishing operations or produces beads for traditional crafting activities.\n\nNative Village of Ekwok ($817,497): To expand solid waste recycling program activities and increase community participation with a new stand-alone Solid Waste Recycling program.\n\nIgiugig Village ($1,475,782): To build a new year-round Igiugig Village Recycling Center.\n\nKawerak ($1,497,988): To develop a regional recycling center serving Nome and surrounding communities, diverting materials from 16 local, unlined landfills in rural and remote areas.\n\nKnik Tribe ($212,197): To establish green waste collection and composting systems on tribal land in coordination with the food bank, schools and partners.\n\nKodiak Area Native Association ($1,338,254): To assist all six Kodiak village communities with rural waste stream inventories and improve waste management infrastructure for efficient management, waste reduction, and recycling.\n\nMetlakatla Indian Community ($555,707): To develop a community composting program with the MIC S\u2019ndooyntgm Galts\u2019ap Community Garden by building a composting facility and providing community education.\n\nNelson Island Consortium ($1,500,000): To backhaul hazardous waste materials from each of the seven communities in the Consortium by building capacity through training and community engagement, purchasing shipping equipment and recycling sheds.\n\nNenana Native Association ($973,500): To provide dumpsters and logistics support for local use and recycling, collection and transfer to the landfill in Fairbanks for recycling and proper disposal, and cleanup of illegal dump sites.\n\nOrutsararmiut Native Council ($1,372,833): To expand the Bethel Community Recycling Program with recycling accessibility, e-waste and hazardous waste backhaul, and establish a community composting program.\n\nQawalangin Tribe of Unalaska ($1,186,753): To build a recycling hub and recycling program for the Aleutian Island chain, raise awareness on the recycling process, produce recycled end products, and educate on the use of these recycled products.\n\nNative Village of Shaktoolik ($1,413,014): To expand the local waste management system by purchasing five pieces of heavy equipment which will allow the community to relocate recyclables to a safe and easily accessible area to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream.\n\nCentral Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes ($1,499,998): To expand the Tribe\u2019s composting and food waste reduction program and bolster its recycling program while serving Southeast Alaska\u2019s broader tribal network by establishing a regional solid waste management hub.\n\nYakutat Tlingit Tribe ($559,548): To develop a community-wide composting program, create and share outreach and education materials with the community to help the program succeed in diverting food waste from the community landfill, and support the tribal greenhouse and community garden.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-senate-delegation-welcomes-22-million-for-alaska-waste-and-recycle-infrastructure", "Alaska Senate Delegation Welcomes $22 Million for Alaska Waste and Recycle Infrastructure", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement of $22.4 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants from the bipartisan infrastructure law for Alaska. This funding will support Alaska\u2019s solid waste infrastructure for recycling, trash processing, and solid waste collection.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan infrastructure law continues to bring home significant investments that support Alaska\u2019s infrastructure, and these awards to communities and Tribal governments will help us build out waste management and processing systems across the state. Trash, and our ability to deal with it\u2014while not a glamorous issue\u2014is critical to everyone,\u201d said Senator Murkowski.\u201cWhen I was working on the bipartisan infrastructure law, I listened to Alaskans and conveyed their needs\u2014and waste and trash were issues in every community. These funds will result in better waste processing by investing in recycling and composting infrastructure, waste collection, and more.\u201d\n\n\u201cI often say that Alaska is a resource-rich, infrastructure-poor state, and this extends to waste and trash management,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThese awards, authorized through my Save Our Seas 2.0 Act and funded through the bipartisan infrastructure bill, will invest in waste collection, recycling and composting for Alaskan communities and tribes. This multi-year program will build out efficient waste management programs and prevent pollution, helping ensure that our lands and waters are some of the most pristine in the world.\u201d\n\nAlaska communities and tribal governments awarded SWIFR funding:\n\nMatanuska-Susitna Borough ($3,540,340): To develop a local sustainable materials management system with residential recycling and composting.\n\nAleut Corporation ($1,500,000): To establish a solid waste collection and recycling program on Adak Island.\n\nAleutian Pribilof Islands Association ($1,499,090): To develop a regional sustainable materials management plan to reduce landfilling and burning of solid waste.\n\nCook Inlet Tribal Council ($1,500,000): To establish and expand materials management infrastructure to support plastics recycling, 3D printing, and other fabrication technologies in Alaska Native villages. For example, a community may wish to use recycled plastic to create toys for in-school use, while another may envision a use that supports local fishing operations or produces beads for traditional crafting activities.\n\nNative Village of Ekwok ($817,497): To expand solid waste recycling program activities and increase community participation with a new stand-alone Solid Waste Recycling program.\n\nIgiugig Village ($1,475,782): To build a new year-round Igiugig Village Recycling Center.\n\nKawerak ($1,497,988): To develop a regional recycling center serving Nome and surrounding communities, diverting materials from 16 local, unlined landfills in rural and remote areas.\n\nKnik Tribe ($212,197): To establish green waste collection and composting systems on tribal land in coordination with the food bank, schools and partners.\n\nKodiak Area Native Association ($1,338,254): To assist all six Kodiak village communities with rural waste stream inventories and improve waste management infrastructure for efficient management, waste reduction, and recycling.\n\nMetlakatla Indian Community ($555,707): To develop a community composting program with the MIC S\u2019ndooyntgm Galts\u2019ap Community Garden by building a composting facility and providing community education.\n\nNelson Island Consortium ($1,500,000): To backhaul hazardous waste materials from each of the seven communities in the Consortium by building capacity through training and community engagement, purchasing shipping equipment and recycling sheds.\n\nNenana Native Association ($973,500): To provide dumpsters and logistics support for local use and recycling, collection and transfer to the landfill in Fairbanks for recycling and proper disposal, and cleanup of illegal dump sites.\n\nOrutsararmiut Native Council ($1,372,833): To expand the Bethel Community Recycling Program with recycling accessibility, e-waste and hazardous waste backhaul, and establish a community composting program.\n\nQawalangin Tribe of Unalaska ($1,186,753): To build a recycling hub and recycling program for the Aleutian Island chain, raise awareness on the recycling process, produce recycled end products, and educate on the use of these recycled products.\n\nNative Village of Shaktoolik ($1,413,014): To expand the local waste management system by purchasing five pieces of heavy equipment which will allow the community to relocate recyclables to a safe and easily accessible area to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream.\n\nCentral Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes ($1,499,998): To expand the Tribe\u2019s composting and food waste reduction program and bolster its recycling program while serving Southeast Alaska\u2019s broader tribal network by establishing a regional solid waste management hub.\n\nYakutat Tlingit Tribe ($559,548): To develop a community-wide composting program, create and share outreach and education materials with the community to help the program succeed in diverting food waste from the community landfill, and support the tribal greenhouse and community garden.\n\n# # #\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-baldwin-bipartisan-bill-to-connect-veterans-with-earned-benefits-unanimously-passes-senate", "Sullivan, Baldwin Bipartisan Bill to Connect Veterans with Earned Benefits Unanimously Passes Senate", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014On Wednesday evening, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin\u2019s (D-Wisc.) Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. The bipartisan legislation would expand and support Tribal Veterans Service Officers and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO), the community-based employees who work directly with veterans to inform them of eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services, file pension and compensation claims, and help them enroll in job, housing, disability, and education benefits. CVSOs play an outsized role in helping veterans in rural and other hard to reach communities connect with VA services.\n\n\u201cLess than half of Alaska\u2019s more than 75,000 veterans are currently enrolled in the VA system, meaning a majority are not accessing the benefits and health care services that they have earned, including those struggling with mental illness,\u201d said Senator Sullivan. \u201cThat is unacceptable. Alaska\u2019s vast size and sparse population certainly contribute to this challenge, but local partners and veteran service officers present an opportunity to reach these off-the-grid veterans. I\u2019m grateful that the Senate passed the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, introduced by Senator Baldwin and me. This legislation will reinforce the VA\u2019s mission to expand its reach and ensure veterans who live in rural, frontier states\u2014like Alaska\u2014do not get left behind.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans have sacrificed so much to serve their country and we owe it to them to make it as easy as possible to access the benefits they\u2019ve earned,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cI am proud my bipartisan legislation to help our veterans access their hard-earned benefits is moving forward so we can do right by those who served us.\u201d\n\nOut of the estimated 19 million veterans in the United States, only a small fraction utilizes the care and benefits they are entitled to.\n\nWhile CVSOs work tirelessly to connect veterans with their federal benefits, they currently receive zero funding from the federal government. Specifically, the legislation would create a grant program to improve outreach to veterans and increase the number of county and tribal veterans service officers. By increasing the number of CVSOs, states will also be better able to leverage their local and federal resources to serve our veterans.\n\nThe Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act is supported by the National Association of Counties, the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, the Wisconsin and Alaska Departments of Veterans Affairs, the Wisconsin State Association of County Veterans Service Commissions and Committees, the Wisconsin Association of Counties, and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-gop-senate-veterans-keep-commitment-to-military-members-and-their-families-to-work-to-bypass-blanket-holds-and-confirm-military-nominees-one-by-one", "Sullivan, GOP Senate Veterans Keep Commitment to Military Members & Their Families to Work to Bypass Blanket Holds and Confirm Military Nominees One-by-One", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Late Wednesday night, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and the only member of the Senate currently serving in the military, led Republican senators and military veterans, Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), in again trying to confirm a number of the 450 general military officer promotions\u2014one-, two-, three-, and four-star generals and admirals\u2014that have been held for nine months. This is the second attempt by the senators to confirm these military nominees in the past month.\n\nSen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) put a blanket hold on these promotions beginning in February in response to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin\u2019s new abortion travel policy. Sen. Sullivan, who is pro-life, also strongly objects to the Defense Department (DOD) policy, and has been working with Sen. Tuberville for months to try to find a solution, including putting a targeted hold on the confirmation of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, the number-three civilian official at the Pentagon who actually makes and implements policy. But Sen. Sullivan strongly opposes blanket holds on military officials\u2019 promotions, which only punishes military members and their families when they have absolutely nothing to do with the policy dispute.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to be here again with Senators Graham, Ernst, and Young,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cWe were down on the floor two weeks ago, and at that time we promised military members and their families that we had their back, that we would keep coming down to the Senate floor to try to move forward their nominations and confirmations that have been stalled. We told them we're going to do that\u2026My colleagues and I will keep our word. We keep our word to our military.\u201d\n\nSen. Sullivan, ranking member of the SASC Readiness Subcommittee, emphasized the Republican commitment to taking care of America\u2019s military service members and their families.\n\n\u201cMy colleagues standing with me tonight and I have two big things in common: We\u2019re pro-life and we\u2019re pro-military,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cWe\u2019ve all served and understand the sacrifice of service, and we also understand that this blanket hold is punishing people who are seriously sacrificing for our country. It is a core principle, certainly of Republicans, to support our brave military members as they protect all of us.\u201d\n\nSen. Sullivan pointed out that the process he and his colleagues were undertaking was one that Senator Tuberville had previously agreed too.\n\n\u201cMy colleague from Alabama said many times that if you bring up nominees one by one, he'd be fine with it\u2026On September 6th, he said: \u2018I'm not holding up nominees from being approved. They can bring them to the floor one at a time and I won't block them.\u2019 That's what we're doing,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan.\n\n\u201cThis is the most important question [for Sen. Tuberville],\u201d Sen. Sullivan added. \u201cWhy punish patriotic military members over a policy dispute they have nothing to do with and can't fix? Why punish people who have seriously sacrificed for America\u2014more than anyone else on the floor here, certainly\u2014over a policy dispute they have nothing to do with? Why punish their families and the war heroes supporting these families that you will hear about tonight who served their country so faithfully when they have nothing to do with the dispute on the floor? Why punish some of the most experienced combat officers, when they have nothing to do with this dispute?\u201d\n\nFinally, in his attempt to get more nominees confirmed until almost 4:00 in the morning, Sen. Sullivan highlighted the fact that, right now, members of our military, including some whose promotions are being held, are under fire and in combat in the Middle East, and are deployed around the world over the holidays.\n\n\u201cThis is having a huge readiness challenge and a huge morale challenge while our troops are literally in combat, literally under fire,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cSome of these officers being held in the Middle East in terms of their promotions are in combat right now.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nFor months, Sen. Sullivan has been advocating for challenging the DOD policy by putting a hold on the confirmation of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, the number-three civilian official at the Pentagon who actually makes and implements policy; trying to change the policy through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference committee process; and having Congress bring litigation to challenge the new policy.\n\nBut Sen. Sullivan does not support a blanket hold that punishes and disrupts the careers and lives of hundreds of military officers\u2014some of the most combat-experienced men and women who have served our country honorably for decades\u2014who have nothing to do with this dispute and no power to resolve it. Sen. Sullivan and his colleagues have been bringing each nominee up, one by one, as Senator Tuberville has requested, but he continues to block all of these promotions.\n\nThe Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)\u2014representing millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Alaskans\u2014have also voiced their opposition to Sen. Tuberville\u2019s blanket hold on military officer promotions, because these holds are severely damaging our military, its readiness, and military families during one of the most dangerous times since World War II. Sen. Sullivan also said he has heard from hundreds of military members across the nation thanking him for standing up for America\u2019s troops and their families when so many in Congress have been silent.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/11/16/2023/alaska-senate-delegation-leads-effort-to-restore-energy-production-on-alaskas-north-slope", "Alaska Senate Delegation Leads Effort to Restore Energy Production on Alaska\u2019s North Slope", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) have introduced Alaska\u2019s Right to Produce Act of 2023, legislation that would reverse the Biden Department of the Interior\u2019s (DOI) decision to prohibit oil and gas development on 13 million acres within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) and reinstate the lawfully awarded leases that the Biden DOI cancelled within the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Representatives Pete Stauber (Minn.-08), Mary Peltola (Alaska-At Large), August Pfluger (Texas-11), and Kevin Hern (Okla.-01) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nThe legislation addresses two of the most onerous of the 56 anti-Alaska actions taken by the Biden administration in direct contravention to Alaska-specific federal laws. The senators argue the Biden DOI\u2019s decisions lack scientific backing or consultation with Alaska Native stakeholders who live in the region, and come at a critical geopolitical moment when energy security is more necessary than ever.\n\n\u201cJust last week, I hosted leaders of the Voice of the Arctic I\u00f1upiat, I\u00f1upiat Community of the Arctic Slope, the North Slope Borough, and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation here in D.C. to elevate their voices and bring attention to their communities\u2019 strong opposition to the Biden administration\u2019s illegal cancellation of lawfully-issued leases in ANWR, and the NPR-A rule that will lock up their lands,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThere is palpable anger and frustration among Alaskans about the Biden administration\u2019s unrelenting assault on our economy and our ability to lawfully access our lands. This is a grave injustice to the people who actually live on the North Slope. They have been disregarded entirely during this process and denied consultation as the Biden administration locks up their lands. Alaska has a right to produce our own energy for the sake of quality economic opportunities and good-paying jobs, and for the energy security of the entire nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans are deeply frustrated with the Biden administration\u2019s repeated pushback of responsible resource production in our state,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cThere is no better example than what we see happened on the North Slope now\u2014illegally canceling valid leases in ANWR and pushing to foreclose future development in our petroleum reserve\u2014while wholly neglecting the voices of the Alaska Natives who actually live there, all while loosening restrictions on the likes of Iran and Venezuela. Alaskans must be able to produce our vast resources for the good of the nation and our allies, and I\u2019m pleased to be able to join Senator Sullivan and Congresswoman Peltola in this effort.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), former President Donald Trump established an oil and gas leasing program in ANWR. The TCJA restricted energy development in the Coastal Plain of ANWR to 2,000 acres, and production could result in the development of an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of oil.\n\nOn September 6, 2023, the Biden DOI announced plans to cancel all seven remaining oil and gas leases issued under the Trump administration in ANWR while concurrently locking up 13 million of acres within the NPR-A from oil and gas production. Both actions were taken without notice to the Alaska Native communities most impacted by these decisions.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-reintroduces-resolution-calling-on-us-senate-to-ratify-law-of-the-sea", "Murkowski Reintroduces Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify Law of the Sea", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Yesterday, on the 29th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) entering into force, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced a resolution calling on the U.S. Senate to ratify UNCLOS. UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 168 nations and the European Union, details the rights and responsibilities of countries regarding the world\u2019s oceans, including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources, and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict.\n\n\u201cThe longer we sit out, the longer the rest of world will continue to set the agenda of maritime domain, from seabed mining to critical subsea infrastructure,\u201d said Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Murkowski. \u201cRatifying the Law of the Sea Treaty will help us keep China\u2019s illegal territorial advances at bay in the South China and is also critical to our national interest in the maritime domain, especially as other Arctic nations look to define their rights to seabed areas beyond their existing exclusive economic zones. It is time for America to not just join the world at the table, but to make sure we are helping to set the rules going forward.\u201d\n\nUNCLOS is a comprehensive legal framework governing all uses of the world\u2019s oceans and seas, and their resources. It also allows for further development of specific areas of the law of the sea. It is the globally recognized framework for dealing with all matters relating to the law of the sea, governing areas including, but not limited to, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters.\n\nThe treaty was opened for signature on December 10, 1982 and was entered into force on November 16, 1994. The United States signed UNCLOS on July 29, 1994, but the U.S. Senate has not yet voted to ratify the treaty, despite urging from environmental, scientific, labor, and industry organizations. This resolution has been previously introduced by Senators Murkowski and Hirono in the 116th and 117th Congresses.\n\nSenators Hirono and Kaine have joined Senator Murkowski as the lead on the resolution, and Senators Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) have joined on as co-sponsors.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/two-years-of-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-over-6-billion-and-counting-invested-in-alaskas-infrastructure", "Two Years of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Over $6 Billion and Counting Invested in Alaska\u2019s Infrastructure", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Two years ago today, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), was signed into law, and over $6 billion and counting has been announced for Alaska\u2019s infrastructure.\n\nSenator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) took a leading role in writing, negotiating, and shepherding the bipartisan infrastructure bill into law. These efforts have led to announcements to the state totaling $6.39 billion in investments to the state\u2019s road, bridges, broadband, water and wastewater, energy, airport, ferry, and port infrastructure. Alaskans are receiving the highest funding per capita of infrastructure funding in the nation, at about $8,700 per person.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan infrastructure law was one of the most consequential legislative efforts I\u2019ve worked on in the U.S. Senate, and I am proud to have played a leading role on something that brings such significant benefits to Alaska,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cCommunities across the state, in every region, will see benefits to their core infrastructure. This bill provides investments that enhance transportation abilities\u2014from supporting the Alaska Marine Highway System, to fixing runways at airports. It supports broadband connections for rural communities so hospitals and schools have better access to high-speed internet. And it works to provide access to clean drinking water for rural communities who have lacked access. I\u2019ll continue pushing for Alaskans to apply for grant opportunities, and implement this historic funding so Alaskans can fully reap the benefits of this transformative law.\u201d\n\nClick here to visit Murkowski\u2019s Infrastructure webpage. To view a full list of announced projects through the bipartisan infrastructure law, click here.\n\nNotable Infrastructure Announcements for Alaska:\n\nBroadband: $1 Billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) announcement to build out Alaska\u2019s broadband and connect communities to high speed internet.\n\nFerries: $285 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System to improve the reliability and service of the system while supporting vessel acquisitions and shore side infrastructure.\n\nPorts: $72 million for critical maritime infrastructure in seven coastal communities in Alaska.\n\nElectrical Grid Resilience: $206.5 million to fund an Anchorage-Kenai subsea cable, and battery storage throughout the Alaska Railbelt.\n\nRelated Issues: Infrastructure", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/vice-chairman-murkowski-leads-us-senate-committee-field-hearing-in-bethel-to-hear-about-impacts-of-salmon-declines", "Vice Chairman Murkowski Leads U.S. Senate Committee Field Hearing In Bethel To Hear About Impacts Of Salmon Declines", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Dozens Testify and Provide Public Statements From Yukon-Kuskokwim Communities and Call for Action to Address Salmon Declines\n\nU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indians Affairs (SCIA), recently chaired a field hearing and public listening session in Bethel, Alaska on \u201cThe Impact of the Historic Salmon Declines on the Health and Well-Being of Alaska Native Communities Along Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Rivers.\u201d The event was held at the Yukon Kuskokwim He Corporation\u2019s \u201cGathering Place.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is significant and historic to bring the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to Bethel to understand how the salmon crashes in the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim region are affecting those of you who live here,\u201d said Vice Chairman Murkowski. \u201cI have traveled through most of the villages in this region over the course of many years. I've been into many of the fish camps up and down the Kuskokwim and the Yukon. I have heard how the lack of salmon is affecting your ways of life and the need for the federal government to pay attention, to understand, and to act. We brought the Committee to Bethel so those in the region and surrounding villages who are most impacted can be heard and offer potential solutions on the official record.\u201d\n\nPictured: Senator Lisa Murkowski with witnesses following SCIA field oversight hearing on November 10, 2023\n\nFor additional photos, click here.\n\nThe following witnesses testified at the field hearing:\n\nThe Honorable Thaddeus Tikiun, Jr., Chairperson, Association of Village Council Presidents, Bethel, AK\n\nThe Honorable Brian Ridley, Chief/Chairman, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Fairbanks, AK\n\nMr. Jonathan Samuelson, Chair, Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Bethel, AK\n\nMs. Karma Ulvi, Chair, Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Fairbanks, AK\n\nMr. Dan Winkelman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK\n\nMs. Nicole Borromeo, Executive Vice President, Alaska Federation of Natives, Anchorage, AK\n\nMs. Tisha Neviq\u2019aq Kuhns, Vice President of Land and Natural Resources, Calista Corporation, Anchorage, AK\n\nMr. Charles Menadelook, Subsistence Director, Kawerak, Inc., Nome, AK\n\nVice Chairman Murkowski underscored some of the goals of the hearing and listening session. \u201cTraditional ecological knowledge must inform our actions and decisions,\u201d said Vice Chairman Murkowski. \u201cI am interested to hear more from our witnesses about how we can strengthen co-management relationships and help improve the federal subsistence management program.\u201d\n\nVice Chairman Murkowski asked witnesses, when they do not have salmon, what do they do, given the high cost of living?\n\n\u201cI had an elder talk to us from our region who said they lived through the Great Depression, but they didn\u2019t even know there was a Great Depression, because we had all that we needed,\u201d said Chief/Chairman Ridley. \u201cWe had all the fish and game that we needed. I\u2019m seeing the economy the way it is, the cost of living, and all the issues that we are dealing with. And if our people had the fish and game and all those things, we\u2019d have full freezers, and all those things about the economy wouldn\u2019t even matter. But that\u2019s not the case.\u201d\n\nVice Chairman Murkowski asked witnesses about the impact on young people.\n\n\u201cThe provider role in our communities is so important,\u201d said Chair Samuelson. \u201cWhen we are forced to deviate from our traditional ways of life, it only amplifies our unwellness. Our way of life and our cultural knowledge and the way that we are in the world is our path to wellness. We know that. When we\u2019re forced to go off that track and we have no means to get back to wellness, we end up with things like mental illnesses, suicide, physical unwellness. [\u2026] It all comes back to the fish. It\u2019s at the heart of it. So our people really suffer when everything is not in balance.\u201d\n\nDuring the listening session, Vice Chairman Murkowski heard from more than 30 individuals who addressed the Committee on the record.\n\nRay Oney from the village of Alakanuk described the importance of salmon.\n\n\u201cThe salmon is who identifies us as people of the Yukon River. And as you heard, many a times we haven\u2019t had an opportunity to subsist or even to put salmon on the table, even to taste. I recall when the elders heard that they were going to be allowed to harvest Chinook salmon, the elders cried. They relied on that resource from their ancestors, from their parents and their ancestors that taught them that way of living. Because that was the only way of living that we knew,\u201d said Ray Oney.\n\nNick Andrew from Bethel and Marshall described the significance of salmon.\n\n\u201cWe come from the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region, the size of Oregon. Everything\u2019s up in the stratosphere here where we live. The cost of living, crime, violent crime, all the disparities in the book are here. I am a hunter, fisher, and gatherer. I was born into a culture that prioritized food and shelter. Food meant salmon. It meant smoked salmon. It meant salted salmon, salmon in the freezers. [\u2026] People in my village, the fish camps are empty. The cultural activity that involves family is gone, meaning cutting salmon, preparing salmon, spending time with family, sharing with the elders \u2013 that has been broken. There was a time, our world was complete, when the rivers were teeming with salmon on both rivers. Our people were happy. Not only the people, but the animals that rely on the salmon were also happy. We need some answers. We need to be heard,\u201d said Nick Andrew.\n\nTim Andrew from Bethel described the cultural value of salmon.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve seen all these cultural values that people are fighting to retain our salmon, retain our cultural way of life, return to sharing our salmon that we harvest, with our elders, with the people that we feed. All we want to do is accommodate our guests. All we want to do is feed our families. All we want to do is continue with our ceremonies. The beat of the drum is common through the entire area. All the Native people in Alaska want to beat that drum, beat that drum of sharing our salmon resources,\u201d said Tim Andrew.\n\nJoseph Asuluk Sr. of Toksook Bay spoke in Yup\u2019ik and issued a call to action.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s too much. That\u2019s enough. On the Yukon and Kuskokwim, it\u2019s not the people\u2019s fault. Think about it. Think about it. [\u2026] Lisa, you have to fight for us. We believe in you. Let\u2019s wake up. Let\u2019s wake up, become one voice. We won\u2019t always be alive. Our children and our great grandchildren \u2013 let\u2019s leave some salmon for them,\u201d said Joseph Asuluk Sr.\n\nNikki Pollack from Bethel spoke about the salmon declines and impacts to health.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m Yup\u2019ik from the river. I have a background in nursing. I graduated in 2010 from the University of Anchorage as a registered nurse. I've been a lifelong Kuskokwim fisher woman, subsistence gatherer. I'm a mother. I've spent my entire life on the river just like many of us here. I want to speak to the disparities that are affecting our people particularly our health and well-being. I want to talk about the amounts necessary for subsistence. This jar is what we now use to put our jarred fish away. In our family, our fish camp alone has six families that we feed. This is a jar that we used we used to use about 10 years ago. We used to use larger jars. I don't have any of those anymore because we don't use them in our family because there is simply not enough fish to go around. It's no surprise that there are direct correlations with health consequences and increasing insecurity for food, housing, and economics,\u201d said Nikki Pollack.\n\nGabe Canfield from the Yukon River Drainage Fishers Association shared the importance of the youth perspective.\n\n\u201cThe first thing that we see and hear from this crisis is the physical effects, the actual tangible results of not having salmon in our rivers. We don't see birds, bears, wolves, and animals alongside the banks of our rivers whenever there's a salmon crash. We don't see our neighbors in fish camps. And we don't see our children cutting fish. We don't see the salmon bright pink bellies and we don't see the smoke rising from the smoke house and the scented dry fish filling the air. We don't see the kings, chums and cohos that have been coming for a hundred generations or more. We can see the cultural costs and impacts of this. We see less of our traditional foods in our homes, less potlucks and gatherings, less fish camps, less fish skin arts and handicrafts that we adorn throughout our lives. We see mental health impacts from not practicing our culture and falling into harmful habits that have taken up our time. We see monetary costs in our community members who spend their own money to get more expensive and less valuable foods,\u201d said Gabe Canfield.\n\nAt the end of the Listening Session, Vice Chairman Murkowski thanked everyone who shared.\n\n\u201cI want to share with you my deep appreciation, because for some of you the comments that you shared are very deeply personal and that you were willing to share them is very meaningful,\u201d said Vice Chairman Murkowski. \u201cI've also heard that the traditional knowledge that you bring to the table has led long before much of the science or the actual management actions that come. We need to be paying attention to that aspect of knowledge that you bring to the table. You have given me a great deal to consider here today along with my staff. I want to be able to report back. I owe it to those of you who've come, those of you who have spoken, those who have just listened, those who are living with the reality that your way of life is being threatened right now. And as Vivian [Korthuis] reminded us all at the beginning, your way of life matters. Know that I carry that with me back to Washington, DC. Thank you for the time that you've given me and know that together we've got some work to do.\u201d\n\nFor thousands of years, salmon have been critical to the survival of the people in the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim region. However, low Chinook and chum salmon runs in the Yukon and Kuskokwim river systems have led to restrictions on commercial and subsistence fisheries, causing severe hardship to Alaska Native communities in this region.\n\nTo read witness written testimony, click here. And to watch the field hearing and listening session, click here.\n\nRelated Issues: Alaska's Fisheries", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-senate-delegation-leads-effort-to-restore-energy-production-on-alaskas-north-slope", "Alaska Senate Delegation Leads Effort to Restore Energy Production on Alaska\u2019s North Slope", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) have introduced Alaska\u2019s Right to Produce Act of 2023,legislation that would reverse the Biden Department of the Interior\u2019s (DOI) decision to prohibit oil and gas development on 13 million acres within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) and reinstate the lawfully awarded leases that the Biden DOI cancelled within the non-wilderness Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Representatives Pete Stauber (Minn.-08), Mary Peltola (Alaska-At Large), August Pfluger (Texas-11), and Kevin Hern (Okla.-01) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nThe legislation addresses two of the most onerous of the 56 anti-Alaska actions taken by the Biden administration in direct contravention to Alaska-specific federal laws. The senators argue the Biden DOI\u2019s decisions lack scientific backing or consultation with Alaska Native stakeholders who live in the region, and come at a critical geopolitical moment when energy security is more necessary than ever.\n\n\u201cJust last week, I hosted leaders of the Voice of the Arctic I\u00f1upiat, I\u00f1upiat Community of the Arctic Slope, the North Slope Borough, and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation here in D.C. to elevate their voices and bring attention to their communities\u2019 strong opposition to the Biden administration\u2019s illegal cancellation of lawfully-issued leases in ANWR, and the NPR-A rule that will lock up their lands,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThere is palpable anger and frustration among Alaskans about the Biden administration\u2019s unrelenting assault on our economy and our ability to lawfully access our lands. This is a grave injustice to the people who actually live on the North Slope. They have been disregarded entirely during this process and denied consultation as the Biden administration locks up their lands. Alaska has a right to produce our own energy for the sake of quality economic opportunities and good-paying jobs, and for the energy security of the entire nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans are deeply frustrated with the Biden administration\u2019s repeated pushback of responsible resource production in our state,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cThere is no better example than what we see happened on the North Slope now\u2014illegally canceling valid leases in ANWR and pushing to foreclose future development in our petroleum reserve\u2014while wholly neglecting the voices of the Alaska Natives who actually live there, all while loosening restrictions on the likes of Iran and Venezuela. Alaskans must be able to produce our vast resources for the good of the nation and our allies, and I\u2019m pleased to be able to join Senator Sullivan and Congresswoman Peltola in this effort.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), former President Donald Trump established an oil and gas leasing program in ANWR. The TCJA restricted energy development in the Coastal Plain of ANWR to 2,000 acres, and production could result in the development of an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of oil.\n\nOn September 6, 2023, the Biden DOI announced plans to cancel all seven remaining oil and gas leases issued under the Trump administration in ANWR while concurrently locking up 13 million of acres within the NPR-A from oil and gas production. Both actions were taken without notice to the Alaska Native communities most impacted by these decisions.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-rounds-and-colleagues-urge-biden-to-tackle-fentanyl-crisis-during-meeting-with-xi", "Sullivan, Rounds & Colleagues Urge Biden to Tackle Fentanyl Crisis During Meeting with Xi", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), along with six of their Senate colleagues, yesterday sent a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC). In their letter, the senators focus on the devastating impact of fentanyl in the United States and the PRC\u2019s role in the fentanyl supply chain. The letter calls on President Biden to urge President Xi to do more to stop the flow of precursor chemicals that are sent from the PRC to Mexico. These chemicals are used to manufacture deadly drugs, which are then trafficked across the southern border. From 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\n\n\u201cIt is evident that the PRC plays a significant role in the production of fentanyl making its way into our country; contributing to the alarming rates of addiction and fatal overdoses across the United States,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter continued, \u201cBeyond supplying the chemicals to produce the deadly drug, businesses in the PRC are also assisting Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in laundering the money that comes from selling the illicit drugs in the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is our understanding it is not only a priority of the United States to minimize the PRC\u2019s involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, as even Mexico has urged President Xi to stop the flow of fentanyl,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cIf Mexican TCOs have a large portion of their supply chain effectively cut off by the PRC, it is likely we will see a drastic drop in illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and killing vulnerable Americans.\u201d\n\nSullivan and Rounds were joined by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in sending the letter.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\n# # #\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nThe devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic on our communities and families cannot be overstated. We strongly request that you urge President Xi Jinping, in this week\u2019s meeting, to take decisive action in curbing the production and export of fentanyl-producing precursor chemicals from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).\n\nIt is evident that the PRC plays a significant role in the production of fentanyl making its way into our country; contributing to the alarming rates of addiction and fatal overdoses across the United States. Prior to 2019, the PRC was the world\u2019s primary source of fentanyl until the substance was effectively banned. Despite the prohibition on producing fentanyl itself, pharmaceutical labs in the PRC still profit from the drug through the development and sale of precursor chemicals that are used to make fentanyl. Beyond supplying the chemicals to produce the deadly drug, businesses in the PRC are also assisting Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in laundering the money that comes from selling the illicit drugs in the United States.\n\nDespite many of the precursor chemicals being technically legal to sell, it is clear the PRC can do much more to adequately regulate the businesses that sell these chemicals to eager buyers. For example, responsible sellers in the chemical industry typically implement required identity checks of those who are attempting to buy their product. According to a former DEA agent, \u201c\u2026 to sell non-listed chemicals, a good-faith seller would normally ask a buyer about the intended use of the compound and whether the buyer had the backing of a company or institution, such as a research organization or university.\u201d It is clear PRC companies are not voluntarily inquiring about the potential nefarious uses of their products when they are selling to international buyers. As such, there is undoubtedly more oversight the PRC can be conducting to make certain these precursor chemicals do not end up in the hands of illegal drug manufacturers.\n\nAs we all understand, tackling this crisis will require a multifaceted approach, and a crucial element is holding those responsible accountable. Addressing the role of the PRC in the fentanyl trade is paramount to our collective efforts in combating this epidemic. It is our understanding it is not only a priority of the United States to minimize the PRC\u2019s involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, as even Mexico has urged President Xi to stop the flow of fentanyl. If Mexican TCOs have a large portion of their supply chain effectively cut off by the PRC, it is likely we will see a drastic drop in illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and killing vulnerable Americans.\n\nFrom 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 26.1 out of 100,000 deaths in the United States are related to fentanyl up from 5.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2016. With each passing day, our nation\u2019s fentanyl crisis continues to intensify, with no end in sight without prompt action from our Chinese counterparts. We strongly urge you to use this opportunity to implore President Xi to finally put an end to the manufacturing of illicit fentanyl and hold the PRC accountable for its role in contributing to the fentanyl crisis.\n\nThank you for your attention to this very important matter, and we look forward to your timely response and action.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-graham-blumenthal-and-colleagues-introduce-resolution-supporting-us-efforts-to-deter-iran", "Sullivan, Graham, Blumenthal & Colleagues Introduce Resolution Supporting U.S. Efforts to Deter Iran", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today introduced a resolution emphasizing the fact that deterrence is most credible when the President keeps all options on the table, including the use of military force, to deter attacks from Iran and its proxies.\n\nOn November 2, Sen. Sullivan led a letter with 12 of his Senate Republican colleagues to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding the Biden administration press for a broader, more permanent framework of sanctions on Iran from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no disputing the malign influence of Iran in the Middle East, nor the role the regime has played in recent attacks on Israel,\u201d said Sullivan. \u201cThere is no Hamas without Iran. There is no Hezbollah without Iran. There are no Houthis without Iran. All of these terrorist organizations are funded, trained and supplied by the Iranians. It\u2019s also important for the American public to remember that, for decades, Iran\u2019s Quds Force and their proxies have targeted and killed American citizens\u2014including wounding or killing over 2,000 American service members. I have been critical of the Biden administration\u2019s policies toward Iran, but today, we are looking forward. This resolution builds on the strong bipartisan support for reimposing a broad suite of sanctions against Iran\u2014including on oil and ballistic missiles\u2014and being prepared to use military force against Iran if they kill Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur resolution urges the Biden Administration to keep all options on the table, including the military option against Iran, if there is continued escalation against our forces in Syria and Iraq by Iranian proxies or an effort by Hezbollah to expand in the north of Israel, which would also be supported by Iran,\u201d said Graham. \u201cThe bipartisan resolution urges peace, but is prepared to hold Iran accountable for terrorist activities and any escalation. If Iran escalates, the set of targets should be in Iran \u2013 not Syria or Iraq. In addition, our resolution encourages Saudi Arabia and Israel to continue their effort to normalize relations between their two nations. I, along with most in the region, believe the barbaric attack by Hamas was designed to stop this effort, because it would be a nightmare for Iran.\u201d\n\n\u201cIran is a toxic, malign influence. The purpose of this resolution is very simply to deter Iran by showing we\u2019re behind the president as he seeks to stop the war in Israel from escalating. Iran is responsible for the actions of its surrogates and must pull them back. There is strong bipartisan common ground here at home and consensus in the region: deterrence it is critical to prevent a widening war,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cMake no mistake, as the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terrorism, Iran cannot successfully be appeased. The regime in Tehran funded and trained Hamas before the barbaric October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, fuels the proxies that have attacked American troops in Iraq and Syria, and continues to funnel resources to Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups across the region. Peace will only come through strength, and this bipartisan resolution sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate attacks on Americans in the Middle East and across the globe,\u201d said Britt.\n\n\u201cIran is the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and its actions are destabilizing the Middle East,\u201d said Rosen. \u201cIran\u2019s support has been instrumental for terrorist groups like Hamas \u2013 which carried out brutal attacks on innocent Israelis \u2013 and its proxies who attack U.S. troops and pose the greatest threat to their safety. The U.S. must continue to stand with our allies and keep pushing back on Iran\u2019s support of terrorism and attempts to thwart regional normalization and peace.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must send a strong message of deterrence to Iran as Israel defends themselves following the horrific Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, and to ensure this war does not further escalate in the Middle East,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce this bipartisan resolution that advocates for meaningful steps to make very clear that the United States will not tolerate Iran\u2019s continued attacks. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to explore all avenues to stand with Israel and prevent a regional conflict.\u201d\n\nThe resolution:\n\nSupports the President\u2019s efforts to deter the Islamic Republic of Iran, the IRGC, Hamas, Hezbollah, Ansar Allah, PIJ, and other proxies from expanding the ongoing conflict, and recognizes deterrence is most credible when the President keeps all options on the table, including the use of military force in accordance with constitutional processes.\n\nRecognizes Israel\u2019s right to self-defense and its operations to ensure Hamas can never again terrorize innocent Israelis and Palestinians.\n\nEncourages the President to work to secure the safe release and return of all hostages held by Hamas.\n\nCommends the President\u2019s decision to position military and diplomatic assets in the region to deter escalation of the conflict by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the IRGC, Hamas, Hezbollah, Ansar Allah, PIJ, and other proxies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Iraq or Syria.\n\nRecognizes that all responsible nations agree that Hamas is a terrorist organization that must be fought, dismantled and prevented from having the capacity to further terrorize Israel and the region.\n\nUrges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Israel, with the support of the United States, to continue diplomatic negotiations to normalize relations and establish lasting peace, prosperity, and stability in the Middle East.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\nSenators Graham, Blumenthal, and Sullivan discussed the resolution earlier today on Capitol Hill. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6MBMfCh8ok&t=2s\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/sens-murkowski-and-coons-introduce-landmark-bipartisan-climate-resilience-legislation", "Sens. Murkowski and Coons Introduce Landmark Bipartisan Climate Resilience Legislation", "2023-11-13", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "Lawmakers seek to build a federal strategy to increase resiliency and protect Americans from natural disasters\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), and U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Mar\u00eda Salazar (R-Fla.) introduced the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security Act (NCARS) to streamline the federal response to climate hazards that threaten human health and well-being, critical infrastructure, and natural environments.\n\nIncreasingly severe weather events are a stark reminder that Alaska, which has more coastline than the entire Lower 48 combined, is at increasing risk from climate change, particularly coastal erosion. Last year, total natural disaster damages in the U.S. reached $165 billion, and they are increasing every year. According to FEMA, each dollar invested in resilience saves roughly $6 when disaster strikes. Vulnerable populations also face increasing harm from slow-onset climate hazards like coastal erosion, sea level rise, and permafrost thaw, which are often overlooked in comparison to punctuated disaster events but can also have a significant impact on human health as well as property and critical infrastructure.\n\n\u201cAlaskan communities are facing an increasing number of damaging weather events bringing flooding, coastal erosion, severe winter storms, permafrost melt, and wildfires. Just this past year, communities across our state were impacted by several natural disasters that caused great damage to our infrastructure and put Alaskans lives at risk,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cI\u2019m glad to be working once again with my colleague Senator Coons on bipartisan legislation to appoint a Chief Resilience Officer to develop and implement a unified National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy, with the input of partners across sectors and localities. A single clear and coordinated federal approach to disaster preparedness and climate resilience is the right thing to do for communities in Alaska and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cA coordinated government strategy for resilience is critical to help vulnerable communities that face increasing risk from hurricanes, floods, winter storms, and other weather events,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cHaving a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House, advised by a non-federal Partners Council, will improve accountability and fiscal responsibility in disaster preparedness, following the model of nearly a dozen states, including Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Resilience is critical not only for Delaware, but for Americans in frontline communities across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaska is experiencing climate change at twice the rate of the planet and the Arctic is warming at four times the rate. That means than our communities are experiencing disproportionate impacts from coastal erosion to loss of traditional subsistence foods,\u201d said Ivy Spohnholz, Alaska State Director of The Nature Conservancy. \u201cThis legislation would create the position of a Chief Resilience Officer who would lead the creation of a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy. Thank you to Senators Murkowski and Coons, and Representatives Peters and Salazar for introducing a bipartisan, practical proposal.\u201d\n\nThe National Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy Act would:\n\nSet a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and an Implementation Plan with federal, state, local, private sector, and non-profit partners.\n\nEstablish a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House to implement the plan.\n\nCreate interagency working groups to streamline efforts and ensure accountability.\n\nCreate a federal information hub to streamline resilience resources to communities.\n\nAdditional cosponsors include Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/honoring-alaskas-veterans-murkowski-shares-veterans-day-message", "Honoring Alaska\u2019s Veterans: Murkowski Shares Veterans Day Message", "2023-11-11", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:\n\n\u201cI'm Senator Lisa Murkowski, and I want to share my appreciation, and my thanks for all who have served our great nation. To Alaska\u2019s veterans, and to all of our veterans: Thank you for your service. We honor you on this Veterans Day.\u201d\n\nFor a downloadable video of Sen. Murkowski, click here.\n\nSenator Murkowski honored Alaska WWII Veteran Harry Olivas for his service with several campaign medals during an impromptu ceremony. Mr. Olivas was part of the10th anniversary of the Last Frontier Honor Flight, where a group of 21 Alaska-based veterans and their chaperones traveled to Washington, DC to visit the national memorials which are dedicated in honor of the wartime service and sacrifice of our veterans.\n\nTo honor Alaska\u2019s Veterans, Senator Murkowski is spotlighting Veterans from around the state through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Her first spotlight is Emmet Heidemann, who served in the Korean War. You can view his interview here.\n\nRelated Issues: Veterans", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-honors-incredible-service-and-sacrifice-of-americas-veterans", "Sullivan Honors Incredible Service and Sacrifice of America\u2019s Veterans", "2023-11-11", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, today released the following video message in honor of Veterans Day.\n\nBelow is a transcript of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s Veterans Day message:\n\nToday, across Alaska and across our great nation, American communities throughout our country will be taking the time to recognize, celebrate and honor their veterans and those who continue to serve.\n\nFor our state, this is a really important day, and I'm looking forward to spending time in Anchorage and in the Mat-Su Valley on Veterans Day.\n\nWhy is this so important to us? Because we are the state with more veterans per capita than any state in the country. That is a special patriotic element of our culture and heritage in Alaska, and it means so much to everybody.\n\nSpeaking of Alaska veterans, we just had the opportunity here in D.C. to honor Alaska veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, who came to Washington, D.C. as part of the Last Frontier Honor Flight. This is such a great organization, and they're just celebrating this year, their 10th anniversary. They do incredible work for our great state.\n\nI have tried to make sure, whenever the Honor Flights come to Washington, D.C., and I'm here, I am ready to greet these great American and Alaskan heroes at the monuments. And we always bring donuts! \u201cPogey bait,\u201d as we call it in the Marine Corps. But our veterans love the Dunkin Donuts that we bring.\n\nMy message to all of our veterans on this Honor Flight and to all veterans today is this: Thank you for protecting our liberties and defending our nation.\n\nAnd, importantly, it's not just what you've done to protect America. Think about this fact, and it is a fact that is not often repeated: Whether you're a World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, War on Terror\u2014any veteran, any American who has put on the uniform of your nation, you are part of an incredible heritage. And that heritage is this: The U.S. military over the years has done more to liberate men and women and children around the world from oppression and tyranny than any other force in human history. Hundreds of millions of people are free today because of America's military. That is an incredible legacy. That is one of the many things that makes our nation, America, an exceptional nation.\n\nOn this Veterans Day, I want to again thank all of our Alaska veterans, all veterans across the United States, and, of course, their families who, in many ways, sacrifice as much, if not more, than so many of our veterans.\n\nI tell my wife, Julie, and our three daughters, even though they're not wearing the uniform, they have sacrificed for their country so much in support of someone who has worn the uniform.\n\nSo for all Alaskans on this very special day, thank you to our veterans for their service. God bless our great state and God bless our great country.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-recognizes-gene-horner-as-alaskan-of-the-week", "Sullivan Recognizes Gene Horner as \u201cAlaskan of the Week\u201d", "2023-11-10", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014On the floor of the U.S. Senate yesterday, in honor of Veterans Day, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) recognized Gene Horner, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a skilled bugler who has volunteered his time to play Taps at hundreds of funerals for fallen service members in Alaska over the past 25 years. Horner first joined the Army in 1967 and first came to Alaska in 1968 during a short stopover on his way to Vietnam for his deployment. He has logged 10,000 volunteer hours for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Alaska. Horner was recognized as part of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s series, \u201cAlaskan of the Week.\u201d\n\nTribute to Gene Horner\n\nMadam President, it is Thursday afternoon here on the Senate floor. It is one of my favorite times. We have some new pages, so they are going to, I think, at a certain point, consider some of this their favorite time on the Senate floor. It is when I get to come out on the floor and talk about the Alaskan of the Week--the Alaskan the Week.\n\nI have been doing this for several years now. I try to get down here most weeks. I don't make it every week. I have had a couple of weeks off. There is a lot going on here in the Senate, as many people know. But as we are heading into Veterans Day weekend, I am making sure that we reignite our \u201cAlaskan of the Week\u201d special for this weekend.\n\nThere are so many special Alaskans working to make our State the best State in this country. Some Senators might disagree, but, hey, we are all proud of our States.\n\nI will tell you this, when it comes to veterans and patriotism, I am pretty sure my State tops the list of any State in the country. We have more veterans per capita than any State in America. Alaska Natives, a big part of our population, serve at higher rates in the military than any another ethnic group in the country. Patriotism, military service, it is in our DNA.\n\nI am getting on a plane here in about an hour with my wife Julie. We are heading home to celebrate Veterans Day.\n\nJust looking back over several years, a lot of my Alaskans of the Week were veterans\u2014100 percent\u2014so it is not surprising that this one is as well.\n\nAs we head into Veterans Day weekend, I want to talk about a special veteran, a really special veteran\u2014people are going to love this story\u2014a Vietnam vet named Gene Horner. He is actually a bugler. He plays the trumpet and the bugle.\n\nIf you have gone to a military funeral in Alaska, chances are the man behind the bugle breathing out the 24 notes of \u201cTaps\u201d \u2014the most poignant 24 notes of music ever played--is Gene Horner, our Alaskan of the Week.\n\nWherever he is and whatever he is doing, if he gets the call to play at a veteran's funeral in Alaska, he grabs his instrument, jumps into his car, and Gene is there.\n\nSo who is Gene Horner, and how did he become known as the best \u201cTaps\u201d player in Alaska, and, I would say, the best \u201cTaps\u201d player in America?\n\nA self-described, unruly teenager from Texas and California, Gene joined the Army when he was 17, in 1967.\n\nIt was go in the Army or get into more trouble; one or the other.\n\nThat is what Gene said. So he joined the Army.\n\nBy the way, many great veterans, many great Americans have started their service to America this way: Hey, join the Marines, join the Army, or you are going to jail. So he did that.\n\nGene was assigned a regular duty station in Alabama, and it was here that he was given the opportunity to play in his post band at his Army station in Alabama. While he considered himself a very \u201cmediocre trumpet player,\u201d Gene proved to be indispensable.\n\nDuring the height of the Vietnam war, before he, himself, was deployed to Vietnam, he sounded \u201cTaps\u201d for 187 funerals throughout Alabama and the South in just 3 months. Think about that. That is a big reminder of the service our Vietnam generation did--187 funerals in just 3 months, 1 guy.\n\nWhen Gene received his own orders to head to Vietnam in 1968, his route stopped through Anchorage, my hometown. It was August 1. The midnight Sun was out. It was sunny, 75 degrees. Anyone who has ever flown into Anchorage--which I highly recommend everybody watching do. Come on up. Visit our great State. You will love it. There is a point when you are coming in, you are flying over the mountains, the engines kind of silence themselves, you head to the ground, and you see the glaciers, the mountains.\n\nGene said to himself, when he was landing in Anchorage:\n\nThis is the last I'll see of America.\n\nThink about that. It is very poignant: Heading to Vietnam; he did not think he was coming home. A lot of people didn't come home.\n\nDuring his 6-hour layover on the ground in Anchorage to refuel before he went to Vietnam, he and his fellow soldiers sat at the airport bar. This is another great story. You can't make this up. After he sat down at the bar, the soon-to-be Alaska U.S. Senator Mike Gravel walked in and told the bartender:\n\nBuy a drink for all these soldiers.\n\nThat is pretty cool, Senator for Alaska\u2014about to become a Senator for Alaska, buys a round for the soldiers heading to Vietnam.\n\nGene thought to himself, If I live through this deployment, I am going to come back to Alaska. It is a pretty cool place; U.S. Senators buying you beers.\n\nWhen he was in Vietnam and a battlefield memorial was required, Gene would fly out on a helicopter with a chaplain for the service. \u201cOver there,\u201d he said, \u201cI didn't know the names of half the people I played Taps for. I seldom knew their names [at all], but those 24 notes [in Taps] pulled on my heart all the same.\u201d\n\nWhen Gene's Vietnam service ended 15 months later, he went to California, he said, in search of a beautiful woman he knew named Priscilla, whom he had met on his way to Vietnam. And like a good soldier, he accomplished the mission because Priscilla would later become his wife. Together, Gene stuck to the promise he had made for himself with Priscilla. They moved to Alaska in 1972. And Alaska, of course, benefited tremendously.\n\nHe joined the Carpenters Union and became a pilot driver, and his wife Priscilla was a CPA. They settled in the beautiful Mat-Su Valley. By the way, I will be heading there tomorrow and Saturday for Veterans Day services. They had a son. They had a nice life.\n\nDuring this whole time, for 20 years, Gene, like so many veterans, did not talk about his service in Vietnam at all. Nobody he knew\u2014he didn't talk to anybody about it. He kept it to himself. He did not want to relive the past.\n\nIt was not until 1999, during the funeral of a coworker and a close friend who served in World War II, that Gene took his trumpet back up and played \u201cTaps\u201d in 1999\u2014the first time.\n\nWhen he arrived at the funeral and asked: Hey, where is the bugler for the service, Gene was directed to a boom box\u2014a boom box, just a recording. But as faith would have it, Gene had just picked up his trumpet from repair that day. He asked: Hey, instead of the boom box, can I sound \u201cTaps\u201d for my friend, the World War II veteran?\n\nThey said: Of course, do it.\n\nGene said this: It just goes against everything when I am at a funeral for a servicemember to leave \u201cTaps\u201d to a recording.\n\nBy the way, that is happening more and more as military bands get cut.\n\nIt was this experience that ignited Gene's passion for sounding \u201cTaps\u201d at military funerals. Twenty years after his Vietnam service, 20 years since he had even talked about \u201cTaps\u201d and what he did in Vietnam, Gene began performing at veterans' funerals in Alaska and recruiting other trumpet players to join the ranks.\n\n\u201cIt wasn't until I started playing Taps locally that I realized, you're never really out of the military,\u201d Gene said, \u201cYou are just one breath away from it. And every veteran deserves a live breath coming from a bugle [at his or her funeral].\u201d\n\nPlaying \u201cTaps\u201d is emotional work, he said. You are not just sending off an individual veteran; you are sounding the call that has sent millions of veterans off to be buried for hundreds of years. You are sounding the mystic chords of memory that Abraham Lincoln spoke of:\n\n[S]tretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this [great] land.\n\nThat is Abraham Lincoln.\n\nBecause of this, many buglers who have taken up this honor has said that \u201cTaps\u201d is the hardest 24 notes they will ever play, the hardest 24 notes you can play as a trumpeter. Gene has likely played them more times than anyone else in Alaska and\u2014who knows\u2014many more times than most people in America.\n\nHe said this:\n\nPlaying at Carnegie Hall would be nice. But for a trumpet player, I don't think there is a greater honor than sounding \u201cTaps\u201d for a soldier's final farewell.\n\nGene plays at dozens, sometimes hundreds, of funerals a year. He has logged in over 10,000 volunteer hours with the VA in Alaska. Let me repeat that, as we go into Veterans Day weekend: over 10,000 volunteer hours for the VA in Alaska. That is patriotism. That is patriotism.\n\nHe remembers all of them, but he has a distinct memory of sounding \u201cTaps\u201d at the funeral for a beloved young marine named Grant Fraser, one of the first Alaskans to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.\n\nLCpl. Grant Fraser was an actor who loved the works of Homer and Shakespeare. He was a mountain biker, a skier, a pianist, a SCUBA diver, a rock climber, a tennis player. He was a light-hearted, mischievous U.S. marine. After the Marines, he was planning on coming back to Anchorage, his hometown, to work as a paramedic with the fire department.\n\nShortly after 9/11, like so many patriotic young Americans across our Nation, Grant surprised his family and friends when he announced he was joining the Marines. He served with Echo Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, in Anchorage, my old unit.\n\nThe battalion was later deployed to Iraq in 2005, and it was there, on a mission in Anbar Province on August 3, 2005, that Grant Fraser was killed in action and made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. He was 22 years old, not much older than the pages right here.\n\nI went to LCpl Grant Fraser's burial here at Arlington National Cemetery, and, I will tell you, it was the most moving burial I have ever been to. Everybody from the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps on down and many, many Alaskans came to that funeral.\n\nBut there was also a funeral service for Grant in Anchorage, and this is the funeral that Gene Horner said was the most moving funeral he had ever been to, of the hundreds that he has played \u201cTaps\u201d for. He said that, first of all, the funeral was packed. It was like the entire town of Anchorage showed up.\n\nAnd, for him, it brought back memories of young men and women sacrificing their lives in foreign lands. It brought back all of those battlefield funerals he had done in Vietnam, that he had played for, and all the funerals he had played in Alabama and all the funerals he would play for in Anchorage. It brought back battlefields and violence and heroism and sacrifice.\n\nBut on that August day in Anchorage, like he did in Vietnam, like he had done for so many others in Alaska and in Vietnam and in Alabama, Gene was there for one man: the young marine hero LCpl Grant Fraser. So he got that feeling in his stomach as he was sounding \u201cTaps,\u201d the one he always gets at funerals and burials when he is sounding \u201cTaps,\u201d the one that travels to his chest and makes it swell. He picked up his American Heritage Field Trumpet, took a breath, and sounded \u201cTaps\u201d for this young marine.\n\nSo, Gene, as we are coming into Veterans Day in Alaska, I want to thank you for your great service; I want to thank you for being there for literally hundreds, if not thousands, of veterans in Alaska and across our Nation. I am going to actually see you tomorrow at an event in the valley. And, of course, congratulations on one of the biggest honors anyone can achieve: being our Alaskan of the Week. Semper fi, Gene. Happy Veterans Day. See you tomorrow.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/federal-judge-rejects-lower-48-legal-challenge-to-alaskas-willow-project", "Federal Judge Rejects Lower 48 Legal Challenge to Alaska\u2019s Willow Project", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=16", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), hailed a federal judge\u2019s ruling today dismissing a legal challenge filed by Lower 48 environmental groups against ConocoPhillips\u2019 Willow Project within the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska (NPR-A). In September, Sen. Sullivan led an amicus brief with his Alaska congressional delegation colleagues to the court in support of Willow. The federal judge referenced arguments presented in the amicus in her decision today.\n\nIn her ruling, the judge stresses that \u201cthe NPR-A was set aside by Congress to be a petroleum reserve to help meet the Nation\u2019s need for oil and gas,\u201d and \u201c[leaving] considerable quantities of economically recoverable oil in the ground is quite simply inconsistent with the Congressional policy objective of resource extraction in the NPR-A.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis ruling is a victory for Alaskans\u2019 right to responsibly produce our energy resources in the National Petroleum Reserve and to contribute to American energy security,\u201d said Sen. Murkowski. \u201cThe claims against Willow were not just dismissed, but dismissed with prejudice. This should mark the end of litigation against this important project, because as Alaskans know and Judge Gleason affirmed today, Willow clearly meets the high standard for development in our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe judge\u2019s ruling today is another victory for the critically-important Willow Project, and excellent news for Alaska\u2019s economy, good-paying jobs for our families, and the future prosperity of our state,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cWhen we secured the reapproval of Willow in March, Alaskans demonstrated that, when we come together, we can overcome powerful Outside groups and eco-colonialists who want to shut down our economy, kill our jobs, and cancel the voices of Alaska Native people. But we knew then as we know now\u2014this fight is not over. These Outside groups will continue their battle to shut down Alaska\u2019s future and undermine America\u2019s energy security. We will continue to fight them with everything we have.\u201d\n\n\"This decision is a major win for Alaska and all of us who worked so hard to bring Willow across the finish line,\" said Representative Peltola. \"Thanks to a historic coalition of Alaska Natives, laborers, our business community, the state legislature, and everyday Alaskans, our voices were loud and persistent enough to carry through the noise of Lower 48 activists. Alaskans have worked for years on this--weighing in on comment period after comment period and attending public meeting after public meeting. Now, we are seeing that hard work pay off as the courts recognize what we have said all along: this well-planned, locally-supported project will create thousands of jobs, reinvigorate our Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, and boost our economy for years to come. I am so proud of the way Alaskans, our Congressional delegation, the Governor, and our state lawmakers came together to make Willow happen and I hope to continue this momentum to bring home more projects that will benefit our state.\"\n\nTimeline\n\nOn April 20, 2023, the Alaska delegation welcomed a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision to deny an injunction requested by environmental groups against Alaska\u2019s Willow Project in the NPR-A.\n\nOn April 3, 2023, the Alaska delegation welcomed a federal judge\u2019s decision denying a preliminary injunction requested by Lower 48 environmental groups against Alaska\u2019s Willow Project in the NPR-A. The judge cited the delegation\u2019s amicus, as well as the Alaska Legislature\u2019s unanimous resolution in support of Willow, in the ruling against the injunction.\n\nOn March 24, 2023, the Alaska delegation filed an amicus brief against Lower 48 environmental groups\u2019 request for a preliminary injunction of the Willow Project.\n\nOn March 13, 2023, after litigation, a court remand, years of supplemental environmental analysis, and a united statewide push in strong support, the Biden administration issued a final Record of Decision that reapproves an economically viable three-pad project.\n\nOn March 1, 2023, the Alaska delegation held a press conference, joined by leaders from labor unions, Alaska Native organizations, and the state Legislature outside of the United States Capitol. They spoke to the importance of reapproving the Willow Project on Alaska\u2019s North Slope and selecting the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) Preferred Alternative E.\n\nOn February 27, 2023, the Alaska Legislature passed a unanimous resolution supporting the pending Willow Project on Alaska\u2019s North Slope.\n\nOn February 6, 2023, the BLM\u2019s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) for ConocoPhillips\u2019 Willow Project was published in the Federal Register. The Biden administration committed to the Alaska congressional delegation that the ROD would be issued 30 days after publication of the SEIS.\n\nOn February 1, 2023, DOI released a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) for the Willow Project on Alaska\u2019s North Slope.\n\nOn December 21, 2022 the Alaska congressional delegation received a commitment from the Biden administration that the FSEIS would be released by the end of January 2023 and the Record of Decision completed by the end of February 2023.\n\nOn September 20, 2022 the Alaska delegation sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland urging the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to complete the permitting process for the Willow Project in the NPR-A by the end of the year, in time for the winter construction season.\n\nIn July 2022, BLM Alaska issued a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for the Willow Project.\n\nOn July 15, 2022, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan wrote a letter to Secretary Haaland reiterating their strong support of the Willow Project and urging the Department of the Interior to promptly approve it.\n\nOn March 8, 2022, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and the late Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) wrote a letter to Secretary Haaland urging the Department of the Interior to expeditiously complete an SEIS and re-approve the Willow Project.\n\nOn May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief with the U.S. District Court for Alaska defending the Willow Project. After reviewing the final ROD for the Willow Master Development Plan (MDP), approved in October 2020 by the Trump administration, for consistency with the Biden administration\u2019s initial executive orders on addressing climate change, the administration found the ROD legally sufficient. The filing followed weeks of advocacy and outreach by the Alaska delegation to President Biden and his administration.\n\nOn April 26, 2021, the municipal mayors of Utqiagvik, Wainwright, and Atqasuk\u2014three communities located within the boundaries of NPR-A\u2014wrote to Secretary Haaland asking her to allow the Willow MDP to move forward.\n\nOn April 21, 2021, George Edwardson, president of the I\u00f1upiat Community of the Arctic Slope, wrote to Secretary Haaland in support of the Willow MDP.\n\nOn April 15, 2021, North Slope Borough Mayor Harry Brower, Jr. and Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige wrote to Secretary Haaland urging her to allow responsible oil and gas development on federal lands in Alaska to proceed.\n\nOn February 13, 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals extended a District Court injunction of the Willow MDP, pending appeal.\n\nOn February 1, 2021, the U.S. District Court for Alaska issued an injunction on the Willow MDP.\n\nOn October 27, 2020, BLM under the Trump administration issued the ROD for the Willow MDP.\n\nOn August 14, 2020, BLM under the Trump administration published the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Willow MDP.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-raises-concern-over-alarming-flow-of-fentanyl-into-alaska-native-communities-during-senate-hearings", "Murkowski Raises Concern Over Alarming Flow of Fentanyl into Alaska, Native Communities During Senate Hearings", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) raised the alarm over the rise of fentanyl flowing into communities across Alaska and Indian Country during Senate hearings on Capitol Hill yesterday.\n\nDuring a Senate Appropriations hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Murkowski noted that the emergency at the southern border is exacerbating the opioid crisis impacting the entire country\u2014and called for meaningful support for border security. Murkowski stated the need for even incremental gains to reform of broken border policies, including supporting efforts to strengthen the United States\u2019 northern border. Murkowski also pointed out that this isn\u2019t exclusive to our southern border \u2013 America\u2019s northern border saw hundreds of individuals on the terrorist watchlist attempt to enter the U.S., and an increased flow of fentanyl to Alaska.\n\nClick here to watch Senator Murkowski\u2019s statement at the Senate Appropriations hearing.\n\nKey takeaways on improving border security:\n\n\u201cWe have got to do more to demonstrate to the people in this country, that our borders are safe, and that our borders are secure\u2026 The people of this country are not feeling secure. They are not feeling secure about our own borders.\u201d\n\n\u201c[Alaska is] a long way from the southern border. But I will tell you that looking at the numbers that we see coming across our northern border, and the number of those on the terrorist watch list\u2014what we're seeing almost 500 individuals on the terrorist watch list attempting to enter the U.S. at Northern Border points of entry.\u201d\n\nKey takeaways on the flow of fentanyl into Native communities:\n\n\u201cWe are looking at a situation right now, where our smallest of small native villages are receiving amounts of fentanyl that are breathtaking in their scope.\u201d\n\n\u201c130 pounds of fentanyl in the last 15 months coming in to Alaska into communities as small as Savoonga and Tyonek.\n\n\u201cWe have got to look really critically at what is happening to our Native American Alaskan Native population with fentanyl.\u201d\n\nLater that day during a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs oversight hearing, Vice Chairman Murkowski noted that small villages across Alaska are seeing a dangerous increase in deaths caused by drug overdoses, and referred to recent reporting by the Anchorage Daily News on the flow of fentanyl into Native communities in Alaska. In Savoonga alone, a community of just 826 people, 1,877 grams of fentanyl were found.\n\nClick here to watch Vice Chairman Murkowski\u2019s statement at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing.\n\nKey takeaways from the SCIA hearing:\n\n\u201cWe know the numbers, and we know that Native Americans and Alaska Natives as a population demographically are dying of drug overdoses more than any other population over the past two years.\u201d\n\n\u201cI'm looking at the situation in communities like Tyonek, Savoonga, Dillingham\u2014tiny little Native communities that are so far off the grid. Most people don't even know that they exist and yet, the drugs are coming in and they're killing people.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe need this data. We need to understand how it is moving so rapidly. I think we all recognize that we've gotten to be doing more when it comes to treatment, but we're dealing with a drug. The lethality of which is almost incomprehensible for most people\u2026We've got a challenge that is so big and so enormous.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/schatz-murkowski-lead-oversight-hearing-on-fentanyl-in-native-communities", "Schatz, Murkowski Lead Oversight Hearing On Fentanyl in native communities", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Hearing Underscored Native Perspectives On Addressing Fentanyl Crisis\n\n\u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, led an oversight hearing titled, \u201cFentanyl in Native Communities: Native Perspectives on Addressing the Growing Crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cFentanyl \u2013 a potent synthetic opioid \u2013 is contributing to a rapid rise in opioid-related deaths across the country, and Native communities are getting hit extra hard,\u201d said Chairman Schatz. \u201cWe have to listen to Native leaders, organizations, and health care professionals and support Native-led solutions to fight fentanyl in their homelands and surrounding communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, the Indian Affairs Committee held the first in a series of hearings on the fentanyl crisis,\u201d said Vice Chairman Murkowski. \u201cAmerican Indian and Alaska Native populations had the highest drug overdose rates in both 2020 and 2021. Expert witnesses from Native communities shared how tribal leaders and Native health experts are responding to the crisis. I thank the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) for their testimony on the impacts to Alaska Natives and for recommending ways to provide better intervention, treatment, and prevention.\u201d\n\nThe following witnesses participated in the oversight hearing:\n\nThe Honorable Tony Hillaire, Chairman, Lummi Nation, Bellingham, WA\n\nThe Honorable Jamie S. Azure, Chairman, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota, Belcourt, ND\n\nThe Honorable Bryce Kirk, Councilman, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation, Poplar, MT\n\nDr. A. Aukahi Austin Seabury, Ph.D., Executive Director & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I Ola L?hui, Inc., Honolulu, HI\n\nMr. Eric M. Gettis, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health, Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, Juneau, AK\n\nDr. Claradina Soto, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA\n\nThe full video of today\u2019s oversight hearing is available here.\n\nRelated Issues: Alaska Natives & Rural Alaska", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/federal-judge-rejects-lower-48-legal-challenge-to-alaskas-willow-project", "Federal Judge Rejects Lower 48 Legal Challenge to Alaska\u2019s Willow Project", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), hailed a federal judge\u2019s ruling today dismissing a legal challenge filed by Lower 48 environmental groups against ConocoPhillips\u2019 Willow Project within the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska (NPR-A). In September, Sen. Sullivan led an amicus brief with his Alaska congressional delegation colleagues to the court in support of Willow. The federal judge referenced arguments presented in the amicus in her decision today.\n\nIn her ruling, the judge stresses that \u201cthe NPR-A was set aside by Congress to be a petroleum reserve to help meet the Nation\u2019s need for oil and gas,\u201d and \u201c[leaving] considerable quantities of economically recoverable oil in the ground is quite simply inconsistent with the Congressional policy objective of resource extraction in the NPR-A.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe judge\u2019s ruling today is another victory for the critically-important Willow Project, and excellent news for Alaska\u2019s economy, good-paying jobs for our families, and the future prosperity of our state,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cWhen we secured the reapproval of Willow in March, Alaskans demonstrated that, when we come together, we can overcome powerful Outside groups and eco-colonialists who want to shut down our economy, kill our jobs, and cancel the voices of Alaska Native people. But we knew then as we know now\u2014this fight is not over. These Outside groups will continue their battle to shut down Alaska\u2019s future and undermine America\u2019s energy security. We will continue to fight them with everything we have.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis ruling is a victory for Alaskans\u2019 right to responsibly produce our energy resources in the National Petroleum Reserve and to contribute to American energy security,\u201d said Sen. Murkowski. \u201cThe claims against Willow were not just dismissed, but dismissed with prejudice. This should mark the end of litigation against this important project, because as Alaskans know and Judge Gleason affirmed today, Willow clearly meets the high standard for development in our state.\u201d\n\n\"This decision is a major win for Alaska and all of us who worked so hard to bring Willow across the finish line,\" said Representative Peltola. \"Thanks to a historic coalition of Alaska Natives, laborers, our business community, the state legislature, and everyday Alaskans, our voices were loud and persistent enough to carry through the noise of Lower 48 activists. Alaskans have worked for years on this--weighing in on comment period after comment period and attending public meeting after public meeting. Now, we are seeing that hard work pay off as the courts recognize what we have said all along: this well-planned, locally-supported project will create thousands of jobs, reinvigorate our Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, and boost our economy for years to come. I am so proud of the way Alaskans, our Congressional delegation, the Governor, and our state lawmakers came together to make Willow happen and I hope to continue this momentum to bring home more projects that will benefit our state.\"\n\nTimeline\n\nOn April 20, 2023, the Alaska delegation welcomed a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision to deny an injunction requested by environmental groups against Alaska\u2019s Willow Project in the NPR-A.\n\nOn April 3, 2023, the Alaska delegation welcomed a federal judge\u2019s decision denying a preliminary injunction requested by Lower 48 environmental groups against Alaska\u2019s Willow Project in the NPR-A. The judge cited the delegation\u2019s amicus, as well as the Alaska Legislature\u2019s unanimous resolution in support of Willow, in the ruling against the injunction.\n\nOn March 24, 2023, the Alaska delegation filed an amicus brief against Lower 48 environmental groups\u2019 request for a preliminary injunction of the Willow Project.\n\nOn March 13, 2023, after litigation, a court remand, years of supplemental environmental analysis, and a united statewide push in strong support, the Biden administration issued a final Record of Decisionthat reapproves an economically viable three-pad project.\n\nOn March 1, 2023, the Alaska delegation held a press conference, joined by leaders from labor unions, Alaska Native organizations, and the state Legislature outside of the United States Capitol. They spoke to the importance of reapproving the Willow Project on Alaska\u2019s North Slope and selecting the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) Preferred Alternative E.\n\nOn February 27, 2023, the Alaska Legislature passed a unanimous resolution supporting the pending Willow Project on Alaska\u2019s North Slope.\n\nOn February 6, 2023, the BLM\u2019s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) for ConocoPhillips\u2019 Willow Project was published in the Federal Register. The Biden administration committed to the Alaska congressional delegation that the ROD would be issued 30 days after publication of the SEIS.\n\nOn February 1, 2023, DOI released a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) for the Willow Project on Alaska\u2019s North Slope.\n\nOn December 21, 2022 the Alaska congressional delegation received a commitment from the Biden administration that the FSEIS would be released by the end of January 2023 and the Record of Decision completed by the end of February 2023.\n\nOn September 20, 2022 the Alaska delegation sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland urging the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to complete the permitting process for the Willow Project in the NPR-A by the end of the year, in time for the winter construction season.\n\nIn July 2022, BLM Alaska issued a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for the Willow Project.\n\nOn July 15, 2022, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan wrote a letter to Secretary Haaland reiterating their strong support of the Willow Project and urging the Department of the Interior to promptly approve it.\n\nOn March 8, 2022, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and the late Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) wrote a letter to Secretary Haaland urging the Department of the Interior to expeditiously complete an SEIS and re-approve the Willow Project.\n\nOn May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief with the U.S. District Court for Alaska defending the Willow Project. After reviewing the final ROD for the Willow Master Development Plan (MDP), approved in October 2020 by the Trump administration, for consistency with the Biden administration\u2019s initial executive orders on addressing climate change, the administration found the ROD legally sufficient. The filing followed weeks of advocacy and outreach by the Alaska delegation to President Biden and his administration.\n\nOn April 26, 2021, the municipal mayors of Utqiagvik, Wainwright, and Atqasuk\u2014three communities located within the boundaries of NPR-A\u2014wrote to Secretary Haaland asking her to allow the Willow MDP to move forward.\n\nOn April 21, 2021, George Edwardson, president of the I\u00f1upiat Community of the Arctic Slope, wrote to Secretary Haaland in support of the Willow MDP.\n\nOn April 15, 2021, North Slope Borough Mayor Harry Brower, Jr. and Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige wrote to Secretary Haaland urging her to allow responsible oil and gas development on federal lands in Alaska to proceed.\n\nOn February 13, 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals extended a District Court injunction of the Willow MDP, pending appeal.\n\nOn February 1, 2021, the U.S. District Court for Alaska issued an injunction on the Willow MDP.\n\nOn October 27, 2020, BLM under the Trump administration issued the ROD for the Willow MDP.\n\nOn August 14, 2020, BLM under the Trump administration published the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Willow MDP.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-murkowski-and-hassan-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-grow-addiction-care-workforce-through-student-loan-debt-relief-program", "Senators Murkowski and Hassan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Grow Addiction Care Workforce Through Student Loan Debt Relief Program", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and double the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program, which provides student loan repayment for health care workers who focus on addiction treatment and recovery in underserved areas. This program, which Senators Murkowski and Hassan helped create, is a key part of helping recruit a strong health care workforce of physicians, nurses, social workers, and mental health workers to combat the opioid epidemic, but authorization for the program expired on September 30. This legislation would reauthorize the program, double its authorization from $25 to $50 million, and also make the loan payments tax exempt, bringing it in line with similar programs like the National Health Service Corps and the Perkins Loan programs.\n\n\u201cWe see healthcare workforce shortages across the board, especially for substance use disorder treatment specialists,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cThis isn\u2019t just an issue in our rural communities \u2013 Alaskans in urban centers are experiencing challenges in accessing care as well, requiring travel out of state for treatment or prolonged time spent in emergency rooms due to the lack of providers. When people in crisis are ready to seek help, services need to be available. This legislation will reduce barriers to training and education, and help bolster our treatment and recovery services in the fight against the opioid epidemic.\u201d\n\n\u201cResponding to the opioid epidemic requires building a robust health care workforce, and this bipartisan legislation will help recruit more doctors, nurses, and social workers to help get Granite Staters struggling with addiction the treatment that they need,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cThis program has made a significant impact in our ability to recruit and retain the professionals needed to combat this crisis, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.\u201d\n\nThe STAR Loan Repayment Reauthorization Act of 2023 would reauthorize and expand a program that was first created through the SUPPORT Act \u2013 a landmark investment into substance misuse prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts. Projections from last year showed that there will be a shortage of 24,060 behavioral health providers by 2030.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-daines-american-legion-celebrate-caps-on-camp-lejeune-attorney-fees-protecting-marines-and-families", "Sullivan, Daines, American Legion Celebrate Caps on Camp Lejeune Attorney Fees, Protecting Marines & Families", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and American Legion Commander Daniel J. Seehafer, today hosted a press conference celebrating newly-imposed caps on the fees trial lawyers can charge in cases representing Marines, their families, and other individuals impacted by water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The caps, announced in September, came after Sen. Sullivan, with the strong support of the American Legion, fought to resolve the issue for more than a year in the Senate. In September, Sen. Sullivan pressed the issue with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland two weeks prior to the announcement of caps by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Click here to watch the full press conference.\n\n\u201cI've seen a lot of issues that call out for justice, but I've never seen one that calls out for justice as much as this one does,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cFor the past year, law firms across the country have unleashed a billion-dollar-plus ad campaign, with many aiming to steal the bulk of the compensation due to Marines by charging contingency fees as high as 60 to 70 percent. After a year of fighting this injustice, I spoke with the attorney general and we were able to get the Department of Justice to finally impose caps and protect our veterans. Now we want to get the word out: If you're a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune and a law firm is trying to take 60 to 70 percent of your money\u2014wrong answer. The maximum lawyers can charge now is 20 to 25 percent. That\u2019s it. I want to thank the American Legion for being by our side from day one. They made this their top priority. This is a major victory for our veterans as we approach Veterans Day.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn Saturday, November 11th, it's called \u2018Veterans Day.\u2019 We didn't call it \u2018Trial Lawyers Day.\u2019 We call it \u2018Veterans Day\u2019 for a reason,\u201d said Sen. Daines. \u201cThere's one thing standing between the veterans and their Camp Lejeune benefits, and it's the VA Committee and trial lawyers. Senator Sullivan has been the leader on this issue, exposing the scandal. This is a scandal that's going on right now where dollars that should be going to Marines from Camp Lejeune exposure are instead being directed to trial lawyers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you, Senator Sullivan, for bringing us together here today. On behalf of our 1.6 million dues-paying members, the American Legion shares our gratitude for your servant leadership and continued dedication to Marines impacted by water contamination at Camp Lejeune,\u201d said Commander Seehafer. \u201cWhile we rejoiced upon the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the need for modifications to streamline its implementation and protect veterans from bad actors quickly emerged \u2026 Thankfully, the Department of Justice recently announced the institution of caps on fees trial lawyers can charge in representing Marines and others impacted by Camp Lejeune toxic exposure.\u201d\n\n* * *\n\nMarines and impacted individuals can seek compensation as a result of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which became law in August 2022 in the larger Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. In May 2022, the Biden Justice Department provided technical guidance on the PACT Act, recommending the legislation cap attorney\u2019s fees. During consideration of the PACT Act, Senate Democrats blocked votes on any amendments, including an amendment to cap legal fees. Since passage of the law, trial lawyers across the country have unleashed over a billion dollars in television ads and social media campaigns, seeking out Marines and other victims for Camp Lejeune-related cases and charging contingency fees reportedly as high as 60 percent.\n\nSen. Sullivan has been fighting to cap lawyers\u2019 fees in Camp Lejeune cases for more than a year, introducing the Protect Camp Lejeune Victims Ensnared by Trial-lawyers\u2019 Scams (VETS) Act. Sen. Sullivan had pressed for caps of 12 percent for filing paperwork and 17 percent for going to trial. DOJ settled on caps that align with the Federal Tort Claims Act, which are 20 percent and 25 percent, respectively.\n\nTimeline\n\nOn March 26, 2021, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced in the House with attorney\u2019s fees capped at the Federal Tort Claims Act level.\n\nOn November 4, 2021, companion legislation to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced in the Senate, but without attorney\u2019s fees capped.\n\nOn January 25, 2022, a new version of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced in the House without attorney\u2019s fees capped, aligning with the Senate version.\n\nOn May 2, 2022, the Justice Department published technical assistance on the PACT Act that recommended including caps on attorney\u2019s fees, \u201censuring that the bulk of recovery in each case will go to the veterans themselves and not to their lawyers.\u201d\n\nOn August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, without caps on Camp Lejeune attorney\u2019s fees.\n\nIn October 2022, the American Legion passed a resolution asking Congress to pass legislation capping the Camp Lejeune attorneys\u2019 fees.\n\nOn November 11, 2022, Sen. Sullivan criticized some of his committee colleagues in an SVAC hearing for enabling predatory trial lawyers to take advantage of Marines and called on the committee to institute caps through legislation immediately.\n\nOn November 30, 2022, Sens. Sullivan, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) attempted to pass Sullivan\u2019s Protect Camp Lejeune VETS Act by unanimous consent, but the motion was blocked by Senate Democrats.\n\nOn December 15, 2022, Sen. Sullivan spoke on the Senate floor about the Camp Lejeune issue.\n\nOn February 10, 2023, Sens. Sullivan, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and nine other senators were joined by Representatives Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Mike Bost (R-Ill.) in re-introducing the Protect Camp Lejeune VETS Act in both the Senate and the House.\n\nOn March 1, 2023, in a joint hearing of SVAC and the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Sen. Sullivan again called on his SVAC colleagues to institute caps.\n\nOn March 6, 2023, the Wall Street Journal published an editorial on the topic titled, \u201cThe Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Racket.\u201d\n\nOn May 17, 2023, in an SVAC hearing, Sen. Sullivan again urged his committee colleagues to institute caps.\n\nOn July 13, 2023, Sen. Sullivan filed his Protect Camp Lejeune VETS Act as an amendment to the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but it was blocked by Senate Democrats.\n\nIn September 5, 2023, Sen. Sullivan and Rep. Issa sent a letter to the Navy requesting that they create an expedited and optional pathway for veterans and their families in order to settle Camp Lejeune cases faster.\n\nOn September 6, 2023, Sen. Sullivan spoke with Attorney General Garland about the issue, reminding the attorney general that DOJ had strongly supported the inclusion of caps in its guidance on the PACT Act before it passed.\n\nOn September 7, 2023, the Navy announced an optional pathway to expedite claims for veterans, following all of the requests included in Sen. Sullivan\u2019s letter, but without attorney\u2019s fees capped.\n\nOn September 15, 2023, Attorney General Garland called Sen. Sullivan to inform him that DOJ would be instituting attorney\u2019s fees caps in Camp Lejeune cases.\n\nOn September 18, 2023, Sen. Sullivan spoke with Veterans Affairs Secretary McDonough and Navy Secretary Del Toro about coordinating an effort to communicate these new fee caps to Camp Lejeune victims and attorneys.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-on-military-nominees-driving-best-flag-officers-out-of-the-military-would-be-a-national-security-suicide-mission", "Sullivan on Military Nominees: Driving Best Flag Officers Out of the Military Would Be a \u201cNational Security Suicide Mission\u201d", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), the only member of the Senate currently serving in the military, said Monday he is concerned that the ongoing holds on military nominees presents a long-term strategic risk to America\u2019s armed forces. In an interview on Fox News Channel\u2019s \u201cAmerica Reports,\u201d Sen. Sullivan told John Roberts he has heard from officers, who have served their nation honorably for decades, indicating they are strongly considering retirement due to the holds placed on their positions. Sen. Sullivan also encouraged Senator Tuberville to hold Biden\u2019s civilian Department Defense nominees who craft policy, not uniformed military officers who have put their lives on the line for their country.\n\nSULLIVAN: We need these great warriors on the field and we shouldn't be punishing them for a policy they have nothing to do with.\n\nSenator Sullivan: A number of veterans came on the floor, Senate Republican veterans came on the floor. I am a pro-life senator. I'm against the Biden Department of Defense policy. I've worked with Senator Tuberville for months on this. But, right now, what he's doing is the wrong timing and wrong target. Like I said, the timing is, as you just mentioned, we have a very dangerous world right now and his hold is impacting close to 400 military uniformed one-star, two-star, three-star, four-star generals. He's not going after the civilians. That's what I say. Let's put a hold on the civilians who make the policy! John, it\u2019s the wrong target because these are the warriors who have been fighting wars for the last 30 years, deploying. The first guy I tried to bring to the floor Wednesday night was a Silver Star recipient, a Purple Heart recipient, from colonel to brigadier general. Senator Tuberville is blocking all of these great warriors. It makes no sense because they don't have the power to change the policy and they have nothing to do with it. We need those warriors on the field. And this is personal to me. These are my peers. I'm a colonel in the Marines, and this is my peer group. These are great warriors. We need them, and we shouldn't be punishing them. It's not only undermining readiness, it's undermining morale. I can tell you that for sure.\n\nSULLIVAN: Driving our best flag officers out of the military would be a national security suicide mission.\n\nJR: No sign that he's going to back down on this. Can you convince him?\n\nDS: We'll see. I mean, I still have very open channels with Senator Tuberville. He's a friend of mine. He's a colleague. You know, we went at it on Wednesday night because I feel so personally committed to this, but we're going to keep working it. But I think the issue of readiness today and the strategic risk to the force\u2014what I'm starting to hear is our general officer corps saying, you know what, I've done 30 years and seven deployments. I'm going to be held up. I'm going to get out. If we start driving our best flag officers out of the military, this is going to be viewed as a national security suicide mission.\n\nClick here to watch the full interview.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-honors-alaska-wwii-veteran-for-his-service", "Murkowski Honors Alaska WWII Veteran for His Service", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Click here or the image above to watch a video of Senator Murkowski presenting campaign medals to World War II veteran Harry Olivas.\n\nDuring the 10th anniversary mission of the Last Frontier Honor Flight, a group of 21 Alaska-based veterans and their chaperones traveled to Washington, DC to visit the national memorials which are dedicated in honor of the wartime service and sacrifice of our veterans.\n\nAmong the group was World War II veteran Harry Olivas of Wasilla, Alaska. The now 97-year-old Mr. Olivas served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. For his distinguished service, Mr. Olivas was eligible for several campaign medals, but never received them.\n\nUpon learning about this, Murkowski and her team worked to ensure that Mr. Olivas could receive the awards he earned. After reaching out to the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy, it was determined that Mr. Olivas was eligible for several campaign medals. Murkowski\u2019s office coordinated with the Navy to obtain the medals for Mr. Olivas before his Last Frontier Honor Flight to Washington, DC.\n\nTo honor Mr. Olivas\u2019 service to our nation, Murkowski presented him with the following medals during an impromptu ceremony on the National Mall:\n\nAmerican Campaign Medal\n\nEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal\n\nAsiatic Pacific Campaign Medal\n\nWorld War II Victory Medal\n\nHonorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck)\n\nNavy Honorable Discharge Pin\n\nClick here for photos of Murkowski at the 2023 Last Frontier Honor Flight to Washington, DC.\n\nTranscript of Video\n\n[Senator Murkowski]: This morning was particularly wonderful because I was able to greet one of our treasured World War II veterans, Mr. Olivas.\n\nMr. Olivas fought in four different campaigns during World War II, but had yet to receive certain of his pins and medals. And so, this morning, in an impromptu ceremony, I was able to present him with two of his pins and four medals from his participation and service in World War II.\n\n[Speaking to Mr. Olivas]: This medal is the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.\n\nThis one is the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. And here is your medal for your service in World War II.\n\n[[cheers]]\n\nTo be here this morning and make the day particularly meaningful for a World War II veteran was absolutely beautiful.\n\nWe\u2019re so thankful for all those who have served our country, but particularly thankful for our Alaska veterans.\n\nRelated Issues: Veterans", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-wsj-anchorage-daily-news-editorial-boards-support-sullivan-led-effort-to-confirm-military-nominees", "ICYMI: WSJ, Anchorage Daily News Editorial Boards Support Sullivan-Led Effort to Confirm Military Nominees", "2023-11-06", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan\u2019s (R-Alaska) efforts last week to confirm nearly 370 military nominees received support from the Wall Street Journal and Anchorage Daily News Editorial Boards.\n\n\u201cSome on the right are unloading on Sen. Sullivan and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst for disagreeing with a fellow Republican,\u201d the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board wrote. \u201cBut these GOP Senators are right to alert their colleagues to the growing political and strategic risks of Sen. Tuberville\u2019s counterproductive stand.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the record, Sullivan has a similar opinion on abortion to Tuberville,\u201d the Anchorage Daily News Editorial Board wrote. \u201cBut unlike Tuberville, Alaska\u2019s senator understands that such extreme measures are counterproductive and damaging to our country.\u201d\n\nThe Wall Street Journal\n\nEDITORIAL: Sen. Tuberville\u2019s Misguided Stand\n\nHe\u2019s right about Biden policy, but he has the wrong political targets.\n\nBy The Editorial Board\n\nNovember 3, 2023\n\nAmericans are watching a bizarre split screen. Two wars are raging abroad. Meanwhile, much of Washington is mired in partisan spectacles, such as a fight over abortion policy in the U.S. military. The Biden Administration launched the opening salvo, but Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is looking like an unguided torpedo.\n\nA handful of Republican Senators on Wednesday evening tried to advance 61 military promotions on the floor. More than 370 are on hold by Sen. Tuberville. \u201cWe are in a very dangerous world right now,\u201d Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan said. \u201cAmerica needs to have our best players, most combat-capable leaders on the field. Right now, that\u2019s not happening.\u201d\n\nRepublicans agree that the Biden Administration provoked a fight when the Pentagon rewrote its travel policy to cover leave and travel expenses for service members traveling to obtain an abortion. In other words, the Biden Pentagon deliberately waded into the most inflamed cultural issue in America.\n\n. . .\n\nMany of Sen. Tuberville\u2019s colleagues have suggested, to no avail, that he express his dissent by focusing on civilian Pentagon nominees who \u201cactually make policy, as opposed to our military heroes,\u201d as GOP Leader Mitch McConnell said earlier this week. That is better both on the politics and the merits. President Biden\u2019s nominee for under secretary of defense for policy would be one example.\n\n. . .\n\nThe blockade has evolved into a larger mood association on the right for fighting wokeness in the U.S. military. It isn\u2019t obvious how blocking promotions in bulk will improve the ideological direction of the institution. The real risk is that the most talented service members decide that retirement sounds better than a promotion\u2014even as the U.S. military weathers an acute personnel shortage and rapidly expanding security threats.\n\n\u201cThe idea that some of these officers are supposedly woke or desk jockeys is ridiculous,\u201d as Sen. Sullivan put it. One example he cites is a Marine colonel, held up for promotion to one-star general, who has made six deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and won a silver star for valor in a multi-hour fire fight.\n\nSome on the right are unloading on Sen. Sullivan and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst for disagreeing with a fellow Republican. But these GOP Senators are right to alert their colleagues to the growing political and strategic risks of Sen. Tuberville\u2019s counterproductive stand.\n\nClick here to read the full editorial.\n\nAnchorage Daily News\n\nEDITORIAL: Sullivan combats fellow Republican\u2019s \u2018national security suicide mission\u2019\n\nBy The Editorial Board\n\nNovember 5, 2023\n\nValuing decorum, Sen. Dan Sullivan isn\u2019t often one to speak out against a fellow Republican senator. But this past week, circumstances forced his hand\u2026\n\nAs you can imagine, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that have the potential to spin further out of control, this is an even worse time than usual for the U.S. military to have its command structure resembling Swiss cheese.\n\nAs a Marine Corps reservist and member of the Armed Services Committee, Sullivan is well aware of the consequences Tuberville\u2019s intransigence is wreaking on U.S. military readiness. \u201cAll attempts at compromise aren\u2019t making progress, and the readiness issues are very real,\u201d Sullivan told reporters. By this past week, he and Sen. Joni Ernst had enough.\n\n. . .\n\nFor the record, Sullivan has a similar opinion on abortion to Tuberville.\n\n. . .\n\nPolitical considerations aside, however, Sullivan is right that the most important casualty is the U.S. readiness to deal with global threats and our standing on the world stage. \u201cXi Jinping is watching this right now, he\u2019s loving this,\u201d Sullivan said on the Senate floor Wednesday night. \u201cSo is (Vladimir) Putin. How dumb can we be, man?\u201d\n\n. . .\n\nThis pointless blockade is eroding the morale of these committed warriors who have spent decades protecting our way of life. There is an unwritten compact in America between the military and the citizen government \u2014 that they will dedicate their lives to keeping us safe and that in return we\u2019ll honor their sacrifices and pay them the respect and courtesy they deserve. They don\u2019t, after all, do it for the fantastic pay. Right now, one side is not living up to their end of that bargain.\n\n. . .\n\nWe owe Sen. Sullivan our thanks for standing up for what\u2019s right.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-gop-colleagues-urge-blinken-to-marshal-new-suite-of-un-sanctions-on-iranian-regime", "Sullivan, GOP Colleagues Urge Blinken to Marshal New Suite of UN Sanctions on Iranian Regime", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), this week led a letter with 12 of his Senate Republican colleagues to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding the Biden administration press for a broader, more permanent framework of sanctions on Iran from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). On October 18, the UN\u2019s sanctions on Iran\u2019s ballistic missile and drone programs expired, and in October 2020, the UN\u2019s conventional arms embargo against Iran expired\u2014both of which are delayed consequences of the Obama administration\u2019s disastrous Iran nuclear deal.\n\n\u201c[Iran\u2019s] systemic support of terror merits broader, permanent treatment by the UN Security Council,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cIf the Russian Federation and the People\u2019s Republic of China wish to demonstrate their opposition to the UN Charter\u2019s call to advance peace and security, it would provide important clarity to other nations suffering from Iranian terror threats of their true allegiances.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cA new UNSC resolution should target the same activity the UN permanently sanctioned prior to the 2015 enactment of Resolution 2231, including\u2026involvement in Iran\u2019s enrichment, reprocessing, and heavy water production; assistance with its ballistic missile testing, development, and launches; transfer of nuclear and missile technology to Iran; transfer of conventional weapons, rockets, and drones to and from Iran. It should also add a multilateral prohibition on the import of Iranian oil, petroleum products, metals, or investment in its energy sector, essentially multi-lateralizing the objective of American secondary sanctions in these areas.\u201d\n\nThe senators argued that Iran\u2019s material support for terrorist organizations\u2014especially after the recent Hamas massacre in Israel\u2014poses a significant threat to the world and merits strong sanctions, just like Iran\u2019s nuclear program.\n\nThe letter is signed by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Thune (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-merkley-press-for-sanctions-of-hong-kong-judiciary", "Sullivan, Merkley Press for Sanctions of Hong Kong Judiciary", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014This week, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chair of the CECC, introduced the Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act, which would hold officials of Hong Kong\u2019s judiciary accountable for human rights violations and support Hong Kongers facing persecution under Beijing\u2019s \u201cnational security law.\u201d\n\nThe Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act requires the President to determine whether certain Hong Kong officials violated human rights and whether sanctions should be imposed in accordance with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, or the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.\n\nRepresentatives Young Kim (Calif.-40), Jim McGovern (Mass.-02), and John Curtis (Utah-03) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cWe all know Hong Kong\u2019s judiciary isn\u2019t the source of pride and independence it used to be,\u201dsaid Senator Dan Sullivan. \u201cSince the 2019 - 2020 crackdown, the judiciary in Hong Kong has become an instrument of the CCP to target innocent civilians. My colleagues and I are introducing legislation to focus the Biden administration\u2019s attention on this insidious aspect of the CCP\u2019s takeover of Hong Kong and the regime\u2019s flagrant violation of the civil rights and autonomy promised to Hong Kongers in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The Biden administration must let Beijing and their CCP lackeys in Hong Kong know that we are not fooled for a second.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Chinese and Hong Kong officials continue to undermine Hong Kong\u2019s autonomy, freedoms, and the human rights of its people, the U.S. must continue to send a clear message to the Chinese government that we will not tolerate this,\u201d said Senator Jeff Merkley. \u201cWe will continue to speak and act in defense of the Hong Kong people against the oppression of an authoritarian system. That includes imposing sanctions against PRC and Hong Kong officials for their brazen disregard of their commitments to the people of Hong Kong as well as their obligations under treaties.\"\n\n\u201cI am pleased to join with my colleagues to shine a light on those responsible for the deterioration of freedom in Hong Kong and the persecution of pro-democracy activists. The United States has laws to sanction bad actors and we ask the Administration to review Hong Kong\u2019s judicial system officials to see if they meet the criteria,\u201d said Congressman John Curtis.\n\n\u201cJimmy Lai\u2019s case is unfortunately just the latest example of Beijing exploiting its \u2018national security law\u2019 to exert control of Hong Kongers,\u201d said Congresswoman Young Kim, who serves as Chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee. \u201cI am proud to lead the Hong Kong Sanctions Act so the United States can take strong, decisive action to support the freedom-loving people of Hong Kong and hold officials accountable in violation of human rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe national security law imposed by the People\u2019s Republic of China in 2020 delivered a body blow to human rights and democracy in Hong Kong,\u201d?said Congressman Jim McGovern.?\u201cU.S. law already authorizes sanctions on the officials responsible for enforcing that unjust law. Our bill simply asks the administration to explain whether certain officials meet the criteria for sanctions in light of their alleged actions that violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. America must stand with Hong Kong\u2019s brave activists who are being repressed for defending human rights and democracy.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-seeks-comment-deadline-extension-for-coastal-plain-seis", "Alaska Delegation Seeks Comment Deadline Extension for Coastal Plain SEIS", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Requests 180-Day Extension Based on Interior\u2019s Compounding Failures on Substance, Process, and Consultation\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Alaska\u2019s Congressional Delegation yesterday sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) requesting a 180-day extension to the current comment deadline for the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Program (the Program). While pointing out failures across the board related to this 1,430-page SEIS, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) asked BLM to \u201cfulfill its responsibilities to engage in meaningful consultations with affected Tribes and ANCSA Corporations,\u201d by extending the comment deadline well past November 7, 2023.\n\n\u201cWhile our analysis of the draft SEIS has only just begun, it is already clear that this is a significant effort to destroy any remaining confidence in the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Program,\u201d the Delegation wrote. \u201cIt is unclear to us how it can take the Department nearly three years\u2014and hundreds of public meetings and government-to-government consultations\u2014to establish that program, but only a matter of months to rewrite it, without consultation, in a manner that prioritizes the fulfillment of a presidential campaign pledge rather than compliance with federal law.\u201d\n\nThe delegation cited the SEIS\u2019 attempt to fundamentally alter the management of the Program, despite the plain text of the law and clear congressional intent; the Department\u2019s failure to engage in meaningful consultation with the Alaska Natives who live on the North Slope; multiple process-related failures, including insufficient notice of public meetings, lack of time to read the 1,430-page SEIS, and a request from BLM for the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation to combine consultations on multiple major actions; the Department\u2019s apparent efforts to minimize opportunity for Alaskans to provide comment; and the torrent of comment deadlines Alaskans face, at a time when many have faced fiber optic outages and are busy working to fill their freezers for the winter.\n\nWith regard to the lack of consultation on the SEIS, the Delegation wrote:\n\n\u201cBeyond our substantive concerns on the SEIS are an array of process-related matters, led by the utter lack of consultation with Alaska Native Tribes and ANCSA Corporations. As with the proposed NPR-A rule, it is our understanding that the Department did not meet any of these commitments when promulgating and publishing this SEIS with an artificially short comment period. In fact, we understand that BLM-Alaska received explicit instructions not to inform or consult with the residents of communities on the North Slope prior to revoking all valid existing leases in the 1002 Area and releasing the SEIS.\n\n\u201cStunningly, the people of Kaktovik, the only community located within ANWR, learned about these actions while subsistence whaling. Neither the Native Village of Kaktovik, the federally recognized tribe, nor the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation, Kaktovik\u2019s Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), were consulted prior to or during BLM\u2019s SEIS process. It seems BLM intentionally violated its own Departmental and administration consultation policy with regard to the Tribe and ANC most impacted by these actions.\u201d\n\nWith regard to substantive defects within the SEIS, the Delegation wrote:\n\n\u201cThe Department\u2019s SEIS would fundamentally alter the management of the Coastal PlainOil and Gas Program. Our preliminary review of the complex documents released in September makes clear that ample time is needed to understand and provide comment on what the Department is proposing, how it interacts with Congress\u2019 clear mandate for responsible oil and gas development on the Coastal Plain (also called the \u201c1002 Area\u201d), and how a lack of such development\u2014which is the administration\u2019s unstated goal\u2014will impact Alaska, and especially the Alaska Native people on the North Slope.\n\n\u201cAs you know, Congress explicitly set aside a small portion of the 1002 Area for responsible development. Nullifying that through overly burdensome or impossible-to-meet conditions would harm Alaskans, especially those who live on the North Slope, by reducing employment, growth, and the revenue available for schools, public health, and emergency services. It would also harm our energy security, national security, and the global environment as energy responsibly produced from the Coastal Plain would be a substitute for dirtier fuels produced by adversarial nations.\u201d\n\nThe Delegation also urged the administration to withdraw and unwind its harmful resource policies in Alaska:\n\n\u201cWhile proper consultation and extended comment periods are necessary for the Department to do right by Alaskans, that would also give the administration time to reconsider and withdraw the rules and plans it has proposed that will harm Alaska resource development and, by extension, U.S. energy security. We fail to understand why the administration has remained so intent on loosening sanctions on Iran and Venezuela while punishing Alaska and restricting our opportunities to responsibly produce our vast resources. Recent global events have shown the horrors that pro-Iran, anti-Alaska resource policies deliver. We urge you to take advantage of the window a longer comment period provides to unwind these damaging policies.\u201d\n\nTheir full letter to DOI is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-senate-military-vets-attempt-to-bypass-hold-confirm-military-nominees-one-by-one", "Sullivan & Senate Military Vets Attempt to Bypass Hold, Confirm Military Nominees One-by-One", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Last night, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), the only member of the Senate currently serving in the military, led Republican senators and military veterans, Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), in trying to confirm 61 of the nearly 370 military promotions that have been held for nine months. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) put a blanket hold on these promotions beginning in February in response to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin\u2019s new abortion policy. Sen. Sullivan, who is pro-life, also strongly objects to the policy, and has been working with Sen. Tuberville for months to try to find a solution, including putting a targeted hold on the civilian Defense Department (DOD) officials who make policy.\n\n\u201cI am as pro-life as they come,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cI strongly disagree with what Secretary Austin and President Biden have done with their politicization of the military on a whole host of fronts, including the abortion policy\u2026But I also firmly believe that one of our most core basic principles\u2014certainly as Republicans\u2014which I think in many ways distinguishes us from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, is our serious focus on national security, readiness, a strong military, and taking care of our troops and their families.\u201d\n\nSen. Sullivan, who is the ranking member of the Readiness Subcommittee on the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that holding these nominations is putting a strain on military families and impacting our nation\u2019s military readiness.\n\n\u201cWe are in a very dangerous world right now,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cOur country is being challenged on multiple fronts across the globe. We literally have American troops under attack in the Middle East. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, as a U.S. Marine Corps colonel, I know\u2014we all know here in the Senate\u2014that America needs to have our best players, our most combat-capable leaders, on the field, and, right now, that is not happening. It needs to change\u2026Many of the one-star and two-star [generals] who are being held right now are in my peer group. I have known these men and women for 30 years. There is growing bitterness within the ranks of our military, driven by this fact, and I want people to understand this: The men and women in the military who served our country so well for decades\u2014probably the most combat-experienced generation since World War II\u2014have made huge sacrifices, multiple deployments, and now their careers are being punished over a policy dispute they had nothing to do with and no power to resolve.\u201d\n\nSen. Sullivan highlighted the service of the military members whose promotions he was trying to confirm.\n\n\u201cDo you know who these people are, the one- and two-stars we are holding up right now?\u201d Sen. Sullivan asked. \u201cThese were the Captains and Lieutenants who were fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. These were the people who were kicking in doors in Fallujah, shooting terrorists in the face, and we have people saying they are desk jockeys and they are not warriors? That is just ridiculous. It is ridiculous, and it is insulting.\u201d\n\nToday, Sen. Sullivan received much outreach from military members and their families in America and serving across the globe, thanking him for fighting for them\u2014further bolstering his resolve to continue to move these promotions, including continuing to bring these names for individual votes on the Senate floor.\n\nTo watch the full floor event, click here. For a transcript of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s opening and closing remarks, click here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-provision-closes-another-loophole-to-keep-american-fish-in-foreign-fish-out-of-national-school-lunch-program", "Sullivan Provision Closes Another Loophole to Keep American Fish In, Foreign Fish Out of National School Lunch Program", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and 81 of his fellow senators yesterday passed legislation that included a Sullivan amendment to close a loophole allowing Chinese seafood, or Russian seafood laundered through China, to be purchased by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Sullivan previously championed a \u201cBuy American\u201d provision in the 2018 Farm Bill that requires the NSLP to only purchase domestically landed and processed fish, but School Food Authorities (SFAs) have been given discretion to bypass this requirement when a foreign bid costs less than a domestic bid. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already put forward a rule to limit SFAs\u2019 discretion to buy foreign-sourced seafood to just five percent of their purchasing budget, but Sullivan\u2019s amendment removes that discretion entirely.\n\n\u201cIn 2018, we fought for and delivered a \u2018Buy American\u2019 provision in the Farm Bill to give our students fresh, delicious, sustainable seafood caught by American fishermen,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cUnfortunately, a loophole allows National School Lunch Program purchasers to keep buying foreign fish\u2014possibly even Russian-sourced fish breaded and pumped with phosphates in China that we thought we\u2019d already banned\u2014if they can demonstrate it saves even one percent of the cost relative to domestic fish. This has to end once and for all. \u2018Buy American\u2019 should mean \u2018Buy American.\u2019 I want to thank my colleagues who\u2019ve joined me in standing up for our fishermen, our coastal communities, and our children in Alaska and throughout the country.\u201d\n\nThe legislation, including Sullivan\u2019s amendment, now goes to the House for consideration.\n\nSen. Sullivan has been a leading advocate for American fishermen in Congress, including fighting against the non-reciprocal seafood trading relationship that enabled Russians to access the U.S. market while blocking American seafood imports. Since the signing of an executive order in March of 2022 banning Russian seafood imports, Russia has been able to evade this prohibition by having their seafood processed in China, products that are then labeled \u201cProduct of China.\u201d Russian seafood could potentially be accessing the NSLP through this same mechanism. In June, Sen. Sullivan put forward legislation to close this larger loophole once and for all.\n\nBelow is background on Sen. Sullivan and the Alaska congressional delegation\u2019s work on behalf of the Alaska seafood industry:\n\nIn 2014, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. In response, the United States and its allies imposed a suite of sanctions, not including Russian seafood imports. Russia then enacted retaliatory sanctions, including against U.S. seafood imports, creating the imbalanced seafood trade relationship that exists today between the two countries.\n\nIn 2016, President Barack Obama signed legislation that included a provision authored by Sen. Sullivan that requires fisheries to be included as a principal negotiating objective for all future trade agreements.\n\nIn August of 2018, Sen. Sullivan testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission against the inclusion of Alaska seafood products in the $200 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese imports proposed by the Trump administration, and highlighted the economic impact of the Russian embargo on U.S. seafood.\n\nIn October of 2018, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) removed proposed tariffs on Alaska salmon from the tariff package.\n\nOn December 20, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which included a Sullivan-authored \u201cBuy American\u201d provision requiring the NSLP to only purchase domestically landed and processed fish.\n\nOn June 9, 2019, the Alaska congressional delegation sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging the Trump administration to provide relief for Alaska fishermen and seafood processors, as it has for the domestic agriculture industry, from the devastating impacts of retaliatory tariffs inflicted on American products by China.\n\nIn January of 2020, the Senate passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal, which included an entire chapter on fisheries, including phasing out subsidies, combatting illegal fishing, prohibitions on certain vessels and operations, and reducing and removing tariffs.\n\nOn January 28, 2021, the Alaska congressional delegation sent a letter calling on Acting Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Shea to expeditiously develop and robustly fund a program to provide grants and forgivable loan support to seafood processing facilities and processing vessels for COVID-19 response measures, in fulfillment of language Sen. Murkowski included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.\n\nOn May 14, 2021, the Alaska congressional delegation welcomed the USDA\u2019s approval of a Section 32 purchase of up to $159.4 million in domestically-produced seafood, fruits, legumes, and nuts for distribution to food assistance programs in Alaska and across the country, to help offset the impacts of market restrictions by foreign countries.\n\nOn February 9. 2022, Sens. Sullivan and Murkowski introduced the U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act, legislation that would impose a ban on the import of all Russian seafood products into the United States.\n\nOn February 15, 2022, Sen. Sullivan included a provision in the Never Yielding Europe\u2019s Territory (NYET) Act that directs the federal government to prohibit Russian seafood imports into the U.S.\n\nOn February 17, 2022, Sen. Sullivan attempted to pass the U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act by unanimous consent, but the bill was blocked by Senate Democrats.\n\nOn March 11, 2022, the Biden administration announced it will prohibit the import of Russian seafood into the United States, in addition to banning goods from several other signature sectors of Russia\u2019s economy. President Biden also announced his intention to revoke Russia\u2019s \u201cmost-favored nation\u201d status as a member of the World Trade Organization. Sen. Sullivan called for this sanction on Saturday, March 5, 2022, after hearing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a congressional Zoom meeting.\n\nOn April 20, 2023, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act, legislation to combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s enforcement capabilities, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties.\n\nOn June 15, 2023, Sens. Sullivan and Murkowski introduced the U.S-Russian Federation Seafood Reciprocity Act of 2023, legislation that would impose a comprehensive ban on the import of all Russian-origin seafood products into the United States. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Garret Graves (R-La.) and Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska).\n\nOn June 22, 2023, Sen. Sullivan introduced the National Seafood Supply Act of 2023, comprehensive seafood-related legislation intended to bolster USDA support for domestic fishermen and seafood producers.\n\n# # #\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-senators-warn-new-permitting-rule-imperils-americas-mineral-needs-adds-red-tape", "Sullivan, Senators Warn New Permitting Rule Imperils America\u2019s Mineral Needs, Adds Red Tape", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and 21 of his Senate colleagues yesterday sent a letter to the executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC) demanding the council rescind its proposal to limit the type of mining projects eligible for the improved permitting process established under Title 41 of the Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). The senators warn the proposed rule will hinder mining permitting predictability and efficiency; threaten America\u2019s manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and national security needs; and further empower China\u2019s near-monopoly on the global supply of critical minerals.\n\n\u201cPermitting delays have been, and continue to be, one of the most significant risks to meeting domestic mineral production goals - a fact clearly recognized by FPISC in 2021,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cFPISC should be doing all it can to facilitate the addition of mining projects to the FPISC dashboard of covered projects, as significant investments are being made daily in such projects, regardless of the type of minerals being mined. Unfortunately, this misguided and shortsighted proposal disincentivizes such investment.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cFPISC\u2019s proposal sends the wrong message to investors, industry stakeholders, and our nation\u2019s allies\u2026[and] will hinder mining permitting predictability and efficiency while further empowering China with its near-monopoly on the global supply of critical minerals\u2026We urge FPISC to abandon this proposal and use its existing authority to actively support all mining infrastructure projects to unleash America's national supply chains and processing capabilities.\u201d\n\nBelow is the full text of the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/media-advisory_--vice-chairman-murkowski-announces-upcoming-field-hearing-in-alaska", "***MEDIA ADVISORY***    Vice Chairman Murkowski Announces Upcoming Field Hearing in Alaska", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "***MEDIA ADVISORY***\n\nVice Chairman Murkowski Announces Upcoming Field Hearing in Alaska\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs announced a field hearing for next week in Bethel, Alaska. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), will chair a Field Oversight Hearing titled, \u201cThe Impact of the Historic Salmon Declines on the Health and Well-Being of Alaska Native Communities along Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Rivers,\u201d followed by an open forum Listening Session.\n\nDetails\n\nWhat: SCIA Field Oversight Hearing, followed by an open forum Listening Session, on \u201cThe Impact of the Historic Salmon Declines on the Health and Well-Being of Alaska Native Communities along Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim Rivers\u201d\n\nWhen: Friday, November 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. AKST\n\nWhere: Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), 700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK\n\nThe Field Oversight Hearing and Listening Session will be open to the public. In addition, live webcast of the events will be available here.\n\nInvited witnesses will provide testimony during the Field Oversight Hearing, and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide comments on the record during the Listening Session, which will begin upon conclusion of the Field Hearing. The hearing record will be open for two weeks after the hearing for public written comments to be submitted at testimony@indian.senate.gov.\n\nAs it becomes available, more information can be found by visiting the Committee's website here.\n\nCredentialed press interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Jacqueline Bisille at jacqueline_bisille@indian.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-three-fiscal-year-24-appropriations-bills", "Senate Passes Three Fiscal Year 24 Appropriations Bills", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Measures Include Funding Murkowski Added for Over 50 Projects Across 27 Alaska Communities\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a senior Appropriator, today voted for a package of three annual funding bills that include a number of wins for Alaskans that she secured in the committee process. Themeasures passed by the Senate through a bipartisan vote of 82-15 are the FY 2024 bills for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.\n\nThe bills provide funding for key programs to support our military and veterans, Alaska\u2019s transportation infrastructure, food security, and rural development and housing projects across the state. Through the Congressionally Directed Spending process, Senator Murkowski also secured federal investments for more than 50 projects in communities across Alaska.\n\n\u201cToday was a good step forward in the appropriations process, and each of these bills is significant for Alaskans,\u201d Murkowski said. \u201cFrom the Haines Community Safety and Training Center and a child care facility at UAF to the Northwest Arctic Borough\u2019s Public Safety, Fire and Rescue Facilities, these measures fund critical projects that will improve the quality of life in communities across Alaska.\u201d\n\nFollowing passage by the Senate, these bills are expected to be negotiated in conference with the House of Representatives. For a list of Alaska-specific priorities included in these bills, please click the links below:\n\nAgriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies\n\nMilitary Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies\n\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/speech-sen-sullivan-gop-colleagues-brings-up-military-nominees-individually-for-a-vote", "SPEECH: Sen. Sullivan, GOP Colleagues Brings Up Military Nominees Individually for a Vote", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "Sen. Sullivan's Opening Remarks:\n\nMr. President, I want to thank my colleagues for coming down here tonight. It is a very important issue that we are getting ready to talk about.\n\nWe are in a very dangerous world right now. Our country is being challenged on multiple fronts across the globe. We literally have American troops under attack in the Middle East.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, as a U.S. Marine Corps colonel, I know--we all know here in the Senate--that America needs to have our best players, our most combat-capable leaders on the field, and, right now, that is not happening. It needs to change.\n\nI just want to begin by saying something very clear. You are going to hear this a lot. I am as pro-life as they come. I strongly disagree with what Secretary Austin and President Biden have done with their politicization of the military on a whole host of fronts, including the abortion policy, which I think is illegal and violates the Hyde amendment.\n\nAnd I have been working with many colleagues, but especially Senator Tuberville from Alabama, side by side, for months, trying to get this reversed, trying to get compromises. At the same time, we have been telling the majority leader: Do your job. Do your job. Bring up nominees so we can vote on them.\n\nNow, we have had to force them to do it. Tomorrow, we are going to be voting on the CNO of the Navy, a member of the Joint Chiefs; the Chief of Staff of the Air Force; the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps--not because the majority leader brought them up, but because we forced them to. He needs to do his job.\n\nBut I also firmly believe that one of our most core basic principles--certainly, as Republicans--which I think in many ways distinguishes us from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, is our serious focus on national security, readiness, a strong military, and taking care of our troops and their families.\n\nWe all know there are current holds on our military. I want the American people to know right now, 376 promotions to one-, two-, three-, and four-star generals and admirals are being held. It is estimated that, by the end of this year, 89 percent of all general officer positions in the U.S. military will be affected by the current holds from Senator Tuberville. Either the members have to be forced to retire, positions not filled, in acting capacity, or will be unable to retire--this is pretty much the entire officer corps. This is hugely disruptive to readiness.\n\nA couple of examples: 288 one- and two-star generals are being held. These are the men and women who run the military right now. We are going to talk about other places. The First Marine Expeditionary Force, the Third Marine Expeditionary Force--these are the war fighting organizations of the Marine Corps--the Seventh Fleet, which is our fighting naval force in the Taiwan Strait; the Fifth Fleet, the fighting naval force in the Middle East. It goes on and on. NATO Deputy Chairman, a three-star job, empty; Deputy U.S. CENTCOM Commander, empty. The head of the Navy nuclear program, the head of missile defense--all nonconfirmed.\n\nWe have a big challenge right now. Let me be a bit more blunt on the issue of morale. The military has a huge readiness and retention problem. These holds are not helping.\n\nAs I mentioned, I am a senior colonel in the Marines. Many of the one-star and two-star who are being held right now are in my peer group. I have known these men and women for 30 years. There is growing bitterness within the ranks of our military, driven by this fact, and I want people to understand this. The men and women in the military who served our country so well for decades--probably the most combat-experienced generation since World War II--have made huge sacrifices, multiple deployments, and now their careers are being punished over a policy dispute they had nothing to do with and no power to resolve.\n\nThat is what is happening right now, and the idea that some of these officers are supposedly woke or desk jockeys is ridiculous. These are some of the most combat-experienced generals and admirals we have ever had in our country.\n\nFinally, these holds also pose strategic risks to our force. What does that mean? We are starting to see military officers saying: Admirals and generals, I am getting out. Or they have to get out if they are going to be timed out.\n\nWe had a scandal in the U.S. Navy several years ago called the ``Fat Leonard'' scandal. It literally wiped out a generation of Navy officers who had Pacific experience. We do not want to be responsible for a Senate-inflicted hollowing out of our most experienced military officers, especially given how dangerous the world is right now.\n\nSo I have mentioned this before. I have worked closely with Senator Tuberville for months, always defending his holds, always looking for compromise. The one we are working on now: Lift the hold on the military officers who have nothing to do with this dispute and can't resolve it anyway, and put a hold on the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, who is in charge of this issue. Let's do that.\n\nThat is a good compromise.\n\nBut we haven't made progress, and the world is a dangerous place. So tonight we are taking another approach. For months, Senator Tuberville has said, if individual nominees are brought up for a vote one at a time, he will be fine with that. On September 6, he said: I am not holding up nominations for being approved. They can bring them to the floor one at a time.\n\nWell, tonight, that is exactly what we are going to do--individual votes on individual nominees, just as Senator Tuberville has requested. We have dozens. I hope the Senator from Alabama meant what he said on this issue, and he backs our troops, who are true warriors and, yes, heroes, who along with their families have dedicated their lives to this country, risked their lives for this country, and have nothing to do with this current policy dispute--nothing at all.\n\nLast night on TV, Senator Tuberville said he was ``all for the military''--in particular, our military heroes.\n\nYou are going to hear a lot about military heroes tonight, and, hopefully, we are going to get a bunch of them confirmed, one by one, as we bring them up.\n\nI yield the floor to my colleague from Iowa.\n\nSen. Sullivan Brings Forward His First Military Nominee of the Night:\n\nMr. President, we are going to start moving through some of these nominations. My colleague from Alabama has said publicly, hey, bring them up one at a time. And we are asking for a voice vote, so that is a vote. So we are doing what he said, not sure why he is objecting. Maybe he can explain that in a minute when I bring up another--a real hero by the way.\n\nAnd, look, what Senator Tuberville said about the policy and Austin and Biden on this abortion policy, I fully agree with him. We should be suing to stop it. I think it is illegal. And he is also right; everybody uses holds. I certainly use holds.\n\nBut the key is you put a hold on someone who typically has some kind of control over the issue that you are trying to fix, some kind of responsibility. One of the things I have been talking to the Senator from Alabama on is, all right, let's put a hold on the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. He is the guy. He is a civilian, and he is in charge of this policy dispute. Let's put a hold on him--that is the right guy--and squeeze him. But why are we putting holds on war heroes? I am going to get to one here in a minute.\n\nAgain, I just--I don't understand. And, look, we can go in and out of readiness, but my colleague from Alabama is 100 percent wrong, no kidding. The readiness is being impacted when you have--I will just give a couple of examples here. This is just from one theater: EUCOM, the Deputy Chairman of NATO, pretty important job. It is a three-star billet. It is empty.\n\nThe Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe--really important job--empty.\n\nLike I said, I MEF--that is the big Marine Corps combined force that fights anywhere in the world; 25,000 marines, commanded by a three-star--it is a two-star. Now, for those who did serve in the military, we understand this is a problem. Same with III MEF. OK. This is just from EUCOM, European Command--72 officers are unable to assume their new positions. These 72 officers include 52 who cannot move because they have been nominated for a position that requires Senate confirmation, as well as 20 other officers who are projected to be assigned to a new position now held by one of the previous 52 officers. It is creating a giant blockage in the way in which the military operates.\n\nTo say there are no readiness issues--I am the ranking member of the Readiness Subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee. There are readiness issues. And that is the whole point. We have a really dangerous world, a really dangerous world right now, and to say, ``Oh, don't worry; this isn't impacting readiness,'' with all due respect to my colleague, that is just wrong. It is not even a close call. It is wrong, and it matters to this country.\n\nLet me give you another example: the head of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the nuclear navy--one of the best run organizations on planet Earth, if you know anything about the military or just its organizations. It was started by Admiral Rickover. To not have the leadership in charge of the nuclear navy? That is a problem. To not have the leadership in charge of missile defense for America? That is a problem.\n\nSo, look, we can debate readiness, but my colleague on this, in my view, is respectfully quite misinformed.\n\nI am going to bring up my first nominee. Now, this goes to the issue of some comments that have come out during this: Well, these one-star and two-star generals are kind of desk jockeys, right?\n\nThese comments have been made.\n\nThey are not warriors, right? The real warriors are the captains and the sergeants.\n\nLook, I love the whole military, but the one- and two-star Generals--I know a lot of them. That is my peer group in the Marine Corps. I am a little bit behind them. I am not going to be promoted. I am getting out here probably soon. But I know these guys, and the idea that somehow these are desk jockeys? Do you know who these people were, the one- and two-stars we are holding up right now, 289 of them? These were the Captains and Lieutenants who were going fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11.\n\nThe current Commandant of the Marine Corps--by the way, every American should be praying for him; big health issues--he has a Purple Heart, distinguished combat.\n\nThese were the people who were kicking in doors in Fallujah, shooting terrorists in the face, and we have people saying they are desk jockeys and they are not warriors? That is just ridiculous. It is ridiculous, and it is insulting.\n\nSo I am going to talk about a warrior. I am getting ready to call up Col. Robert Weiler. He has been nominated to be a one-star Brigadier General, to be the 1st Marine Division Assistant Commander. That is the big division on the west coast of the U.S. Marine Corps infantry. I used to be part of the 1st Marine Division. I am proud of that. You need a Deputy Commander. They don't have one, OK?\n\nLet's talk about Colonel Weiler--28-year career; commanded the 5th Marine Regiment--I was in that regiment, the most decorated regiment in the Marine Corps; 2d Battalion 4th Marines; 2d Battalion 24th Marines; deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan I think six times.\n\nThink about what his family went through, OK? Think about what his family has sacrificed. And right now, people are being told: You are not going anywhere, Colonel, because we have a dispute on an issue you have nothing to do with that you can't resolve.\n\nLet's hear a little bit more about this Colonel in the Marine Corps. He received a Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Weapons Company, 2d Battalion 4th Marines, 5th Marine Regiment, 6 through 10 April 2004, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; heavily engaged by enemy forces for an over 4-hour firefight while wounded by enemy fire, OK? Purple Heart. He continued to fearlessly lead marines as they destroyed this tenacious enemy. He is no woke guy. He is no desk jockey. Oh, what else did he do? He got a Purple Heart in that vicious combat.\n\nHe received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat distinguishing device for heroic action in another deployment--2d Battalion 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, on 6 September in Ramadi, Iraq. He took decisive action by directing fires of his raid force, quickly gaining fire superiority and suppressing and killing the enemy. Although dazed by a major blast, he continued to lead and direct his team in combat, where they killed and captured all five insurgents on their target raid list. So we are going to block him tonight?\n\nThe Senator from Alabama last night on TV said he respects all military, especially the heroes.\n\nWell, you got one coming. You got one coming, Senator.\n\nSo we are going to do what you asked, which is do a vote individually on this American hero.\n\nI ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for consideration of the following nomination: Col. Robert S. Weiler to be Brigadier General in the U.S. Marine Corps under Executive Calendar No. 95; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.\n\nSen. Sullivan's Closing Remarks:\n\nI am just going to conclude. I am disappointed. We are done here. We don't have any more for tonight, but I think this has been enlightening. I think this has been enlightening because what we have been able to do--hopefully, some people are watching in our great Nation--is to distill to the people of the country: Look at how blessed we are to have these incredible Americans. Look at how blessed we are, how heroic they are.\n\nSo my message to our Generals and Admirals who are being held up: Hang in there. Hang in there. Some of us have your back. We have your back. We will be coming here every night to try and get you guys confirmed.\n\nI have been very honored to be here with Senator Ernst on the floor. And I will tell you that I think she and I both have a feeling that I think a lot of people have--but people who served, mostly--just the love for our military, military families.\n\nI am coming up, just at 30 years in the Marine Corps. The INDOPACOM theater has been the bookends of my career. My first deployment was the INDOPACOM, a Marine amphibious ready group, in the Taiwan Strait.\n\nWhen the Chinese were threatening to invade Taiwan, we sent a Marine amphibious ready group. I was on that as a young infantry officer, in two carrier strike groups. And we went in the Taiwan Strait and looked at the Chinese and said: Not today, guys. Not today. Not today. The U.S. Marine Corps is here. The U.S. Navy is here. Don't even think about it.\n\nThat was almost 27 years ago, and I am out at the Marine Force's Pacific Command. In between, I have deployed as a staff officer in the Middle East, in Afghanistan.\n\nBut I think, like Senator Ernst, the biggest honor of my life has been serving and leading marines. I have a lot of good friends in the Senate. I have met a lot of good people in the U.S. Senate. The best people I have ever met in my life by far--not even close--are U.S. marines. They are the best.\n\nAnd I think what is happening right now--you know, the Marine Corps' motto is Semper Fi, always faithful. And this body is not keeping faith with our military right now. It is not, and the military knows it, and they are frustrated.\n\nSo many of these officers had 30 years or more of experience, thousands of years of experience we are putting on hold. The distinct comparative advantages we have say, for example, in submarine forces in the Indo-Pacific theater that the Chinese fear--they fear it--we are putting that on hold.\n\nSo I am hopeful that my colleague who left, Senator Tuberville, can work with us. I have been working with him for months. This is just kind of a frustration moment, right? Enough. But I am hopeful we can still work together. I am hopeful we can find a way forward. The idea that I have been pitching to him: Hey, let's lift the hold on the men and women who have nothing to do with this and put a hold on the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, who is in charge of the abortion issue, and he is a civilian. That is the way to use the hold, not to take out a Marine Corps Brigadier General who is a war hero.\n\nSo I am hopeful that we are going to make progress on that. We are facing a really dangerous period right now, as you know, as Senator Ernst knows, and we are impacting readiness. We are definitely impacting morale, and that is readiness.\n\nSo, again, to my colleague saying, ``Don't worry; there is no problem, no readiness problems,'' no offense, but that is just ridiculous, and he knows it. We all know it.\n\nSo we are going to keep working this. I am honored to be on the floor with Senator Ernst. I appreciate, Mr. President, your sticking around.\n\nWe are not done. If you are a flag officer--one-star, two-star, three-star, or four-star General--we have got your back. We are going to work this. We are going to work it. You deserve it, and our Nation has to have it.\n\nMr. President, I yield the floor.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/72-million-announced-for-alaska-maritime-infrastructure-projects", "$72 Million Announced for Alaska Maritime Infrastructure Projects", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) announced today that seven coastal communities in Alaska will receive more than $72 million in investments this year for critical maritime infrastructure. These grants, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), will benefit port, harbor, and dock improvement and development in communities across Alaska. The IIJA provided $2.25 billion in funds available over five years to the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which is a key funding avenue for Alaska coastal communities. These grants, from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Maritime Administration (MARAD), are also partially funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.\n\n\u201cIt was great to get a call from Secretary Buttigieg today, sharing the good news about how Alaska fared in the competitive Port Infrastructure Development grants. Coastal Alaska communities rely on ports and harbors for transportation, trade, and subsistence activities\u2014and that\u2019s why I fought to ensure funding for these projects in the bipartisan infrastructure law. Today\u2019s grant announcements are the direct result of that work, funding planning, development, and construction activities as we seek to ensure that our rural ports can support the needs of Alaska communities,\u201dsaid Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cProjects like the Port of Nome aren\u2019t just crucial for economic development and transportation improvements, but will also provide strategic capability for our country in the Arctic in furtherance of our national security interests. I\u2019m proud to support and help advance them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs I often say, Alaska is a resource-rich but infrastructure-poor state. With more coastline than the rest of the United States combined, maritime infrastructure is critical to our state,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThe large number of grants awarded to our coastal communities is a reflection of Alaska\u2019s dependence on waterfronts and the great need we have across our state for infrastructure improvements. As a member of the Commerce Committee, which oversees transportation and maritime issues, I always request that senior administration officials come to Alaska to understand our state\u2019s unique needs. The many visits by federal officials over the last few months, including Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, who I hosted in Kotzebue, are clearly paying off. I appreciated Secretary Buttigieg\u2019s call today to share this good news. These awards are hugely beneficial to Alaska\u2019s maritime economy and transportation abilities, and will improve our coastal supply chain.\u201d\n\nGrant recipients (information provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation):\n\nCold Bay Dock Infrastructure Replacement (Cold Bay): $43.3 million for the construction of a new dock in Cold Bay, in the Aleutian Islands, to complete necessary surveys, geotechnical work and analysis, design, permitting and replacement of the aging and only existing dock in the community.\n\nCape Blossom Port Planning Project (Kotzebue): $2.4 million for the planning of a new port at Cape Blossom. The planning project will assess the viability of developing the first U.S. deep-water port north of the Arctic Circle and will include a feasibility and cost-benefit analysis.\n\nMetlakatla Port Improvements Project (Metlakatla Indian Community): $3.4 million for the improvement of the Port of Metlakatla, including the installation of barge fender and batter piles, preparation for the replacement of breakwater infrastructure, and repairs to the boat haul out mechanism.\n\nArctic Deep Draft Project (Nome): $11.2 million for the construction of water and wastewater, fuel, power, and communications infrastructure to expand and deepen the Port of Nome.\n\nDeep Water Port Development (Wrangell): $421,000 for the planning and engineering of a 40-acre deep water port site in Wrangell in Southeast Alaska. This includes environmental risk assessment, permitting, assessment of property bulkhead and utility extension requirements, and a feasibility study update.\n\nYakutat Small Boat Harbor (Yakutat): $8.9 million to replace the existing 60-year-old harbor in Yakutat. This includes the replacement of the floating dock, stringers, and steel pipe mooring piles, as well as the installation of a fire suppression system, covered gangway, and relocation of the existing seaplane float.\n\nJackolof Bay Dock Replacement Project (Seldovia): $2.3 million for the replacement of the Jackolof Bay Dock, including a floating pier that supports commercial and subsistence fishing, freight services, and transportation to and from Seldovia on the Kenai Penninsula.\n\nRelated Issues: Infrastructure", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/72-million-announced-for-alaska-maritime-infrastructure-projects", "$72 Million Announced for Alaska Maritime Infrastructure Projects", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=18", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) announced today that seven coastal communities in Alaska will receive more than $72 million in investments this year for critical maritime infrastructure. These grants, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), will benefit port, harbor, and dock improvement and development in communities across Alaska. The IIJA provided $2.25 billion in funds available over five years to the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which is a key funding avenue for Alaska coastal communities. These grants, from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Maritime Administration (MARAD), are also partially funded by theConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.\n\n\u201cIt was great to get a call from Secretary Buttigieg today, sharing the good news about how Alaska fared in the competitive Port Infrastructure Development grants. Coastal Alaska communities rely on ports and harbors for transportation, trade, and subsistence activities\u2014and that\u2019s why I fought to ensure funding for these projects in the bipartisan infrastructure law. Today\u2019s grant announcements are the direct result of that work, funding planning, development, and construction activities as we seek to ensure that our rural ports can support the needs of Alaska communities,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski.\u201cProjects like the Port of Nome aren\u2019t just crucial for economic development and transportation improvements, but will also provide strategic capability for our country in the Arctic in furtherance of our national security interests. I\u2019m proud to support and help advance them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs I often say, Alaska is a resource-rich but infrastructure-poor state. With more coastline than the rest of the United States combined, maritime infrastructure is critical to our state,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThe large number of grants awarded to our coastal communities is a reflection of Alaska\u2019s dependence on waterfronts and the great need we have across our state for infrastructure improvements. As a member of the Commerce Committee, which oversees transportation and maritime issues, I always request that senior administration officials come to Alaska to understand our state\u2019s unique needs. The many visits by federal officials over the last few months, including Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, who I hosted in Kotzebue, are clearly paying off. I appreciated Secretary Buttigieg\u2019s call today to share this good news. These awards are hugely beneficial to Alaska\u2019s maritime economy and transportation abilities, and will improve our coastal supply chain.\u201d\n\nGrant recipients (information provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation):\n\nCold Bay Dock Infrastructure Replacement (Cold Bay): $43.3 million for the construction of a new dock in Cold Bay, in the Aleutian Islands, to complete necessary surveys, geotechnical work and analysis, design, permitting and replacement of the aging and only existing dock in the community.\n\nCape Blossom Port Planning Project (Kotzebue): $2.4 million for the planning of a new port at Cape Blossom. The planning project will assess the viability of developing the first U.S. deep-water port north of the Arctic Circle and will include a feasibility and cost-benefit analysis.\n\nMetlakatla Port Improvements Project (Metlakatla Indian Community): $3.4 million for the improvement of the Port of Metlakatla, including the installation of barge fender and batter piles, preparation for the replacement of breakwater infrastructure, and repairs to the boat haul out mechanism.\n\nArctic Deep Draft Project (Nome): $11.2 million for the construction of water and wastewater, fuel, power, and communications infrastructure to expand and deepen the Port of Nome.\n\nDeep Water Port Development (Wrangell): $421,000 for the planning and engineering of a 40-acre deep water port site in Wrangell in Southeast Alaska. This includes environmental risk assessment, permitting, assessment of property bulkhead and utility extension requirements, and a feasibility study update.\n\nYakutat Small Boat Harbor (Yakutat): $8.9 million to replace the existing 60-year-old harbor in Yakutat. This includes the replacement of the floating dock, stringers, and steel pipe mooring piles, as well as the installation of a fire suppression system, covered gangway, and relocation of the existing seaplane float.\n\nJackolof Bay Dock Replacement Project (Seldovia): $2.3 million for the replacement of the Jackolof Bay Dock, including a floating pier that supports commercial and subsistence fishing, freight services, and transportation to and from Seldovia on the Kenai Penninsula.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-and-hawaii-congressional-delegations-introduce-bill-to-expand-opportunities-for-alaska-natives-and-native-hawaiian-in-agriculture", "Alaska and Hawai\u2019i Congressional Delegations Introduce Bill to Expand Opportunities for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian in Agriculture", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) joined Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai\u2019i) in introducing the Parity for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Students in Agriculture Act. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2019i), and Representatives Ed Case (HI-02) are also original co-sponsors of the bill.\n\nThe bill would reauthorize the Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program for another five years and increase the authorized funding level of the program from $10 million to $15 million. The bill would also ensure grant awards could be used over multiple years to reduce administrative burdens on institutions.\n\nThe program promotes the ability of institutions like the University of Hawai\u2018i and University of Alaska to improve and expand their capacity to provide supplemental educational services to Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. Grant funds can be used to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs and to address educational needs within food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines. Priority is given to projects that enhance educational equity for underrepresented students; strengthen institutional educational capacities; prepare students for careers related to the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems; and maximize the development and use of resources to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs.\n\n\u201cThe potential of Alaska\u2019s agriculture industry continues to grow \u2014and it\u2019s critical we ensure young Alaska Natives take an active role in its growth. This bill will invest in Alaska Native students, preparing them for future careers that will strengthen food security and feed communities in the state. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in the Alaska and Hawai\u2019i Delegations on this effort that will not only support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students in the agriculture field, but also enhance traditional Indigenous farming practices that will feed communities for generations to come,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski.\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce this legislation to support our Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native students in food, agriculture, and ecosystem stewardship education and research,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda. \u201cThis is especially important for rural and remote areas like Hawai?i and Alaska where food costs are higher and fresh produce and food are hard to access. By increasing educational equity and investing in our students, we are promoting indigenous and traditional farming techniques and systems and providing economic opportunities for the next generation.\n\n\u201cAt a time when people in Hawaii and across the country lack access to healthy and affordable food and produce, it is important that we invest in institutions that are working to address these issues,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis grant program provides essential funding for institutions that support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursuing these issues. By investing in our students, we are also investing in the future of our communities and economies\u2014helping to strengthen long-term food sustainability.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur bill is about investing in Hawaii agriculture and our next generation of farmers. This federal program will give students the chance to learn more about indigenous farming practices and food production, engage Native Hawaiian perspectives, and will help grow Hawaii\u2019s agricultural economy,\u201d said Senator Schatz.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-delivers-for-sick-marines-doj-begins-implementing-camp-lejeune-trial-lawyer-fee-caps", "Sullivan Delivers for Sick Marines: DOJ Begins Implementing Camp Lejeune Trial Lawyer Fee Caps", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), welcomed a report Monday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had begun enforcing caps on the fees trial lawyers can charge in cases representing sick Marines and other individuals impacted by water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The caps, which were announced in September, came after Sen. Sullivan pressed the issue for more than a year in the Senate, and discussed the issue with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland two weeks prior to the announcement of caps by the DOJ.\n\nOn Monday, Bloomberg News reported that the DOJ had begun requesting attorney fee caps be enforced \u201cfollowing the guidelines in Federal Tort Claims Act, which limits attorney fees to 20% for administrative settlements, and 25% for claims resulting from litigation.\u201d The story also notes Sullivan\u2019s role in \u201cappealing\u201d to General Garland to institute the caps.\n\n\u201cIn my eight years in the U.S. Senate, there are few issues I\u2019ve been involved with that more desperately cry out for a just resolution. My Democratic colleagues fought hard to keep attorney\u2019s fees caps out of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, with the predictable result of unscrupulous trial lawyers trying to grab sixty to seventy percent of the compensation owed to sick Marines and their families, and spending hundreds of millions of dollars to lure Marines into these ultra-high contingency fee arrangements,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cI\u2019ve been fighting this injustice tooth and nail for over a year with legislation, unanimous consent requests on the Senate floor, and repeated engagement with the administration. I\u2019m pleased to say, after several productive phone calls, the Attorney General agreed with me and the DOJ is now enforcing these caps. I want to thank Attorney General Garland for doing the right thing, and the countless Marines and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) who courageously spoke out and demanded Congress and the administration fix this. While this is excellent news for the thousands of Americans who suffered after serving at Camp Lejeune, I am still concerned that the new caps are too high, given the fact that Congress reduced the burden of proof for these cases, making them significantly easier to win. I\u2019ll continue working with my colleagues to advance my Protect Camp Lejeune VETS Act to set these caps at a just and reasonable level and maximize the compensation for the individuals who actually deserve it.\u201d\n\nMarines and impacted individuals can seek compensation as a result of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which became law in August 2022 in the larger Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. In May 2022, the Biden Justice Department provided technical guidance on the PACT Act, recommending the legislation cap attorney\u2019s fees. During consideration of the PACT Act, Senate Democrats blocked votes on any amendments, including an amendment to cap legal fees. Since passage of the law, trial lawyers across the country have unleashed over a billion dollars in television ads and social media campaigns, seeking out Marines and other victims for Camp Lejeune-related cases and charging contingency fees reportedly as high as 60 percent.\n\nTimeline\n\nOn March 26, 2021, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced in the House with attorney\u2019s fees capped at the Federal Tort Claims Act level.\n\nOn November 4, 2021, companion legislation to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was introduced in the Democrat-controlled Senate, but without attorney\u2019s fees capped.\n\nOn August 10, 2022, President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, without caps on Camp Lejeune attorney\u2019s fees.\n\nIn October 2022, the American Legion passed a resolution asking Congress to pass legislation capping the Camp Lejeune attorneys\u2019 fees.\n\nOn November 11, 2022, Sen. Sullivan criticized some of his committee colleagues in an SVAC hearing for enabling predatory trial lawyers to take advantage of sick Marines and called on the committee to institute caps through legislation immediately.\n\nOn November 30, 2022, Sens. Sullivan, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) attempted to pass Sullivan\u2019s Protect Camp Lejeune VETS Act by unanimous consent, but the motion was blocked by Senate Democrats.\n\nOn December 15, 2022, Sen. Sullivan spoke on the Senate floor about the Camp Lejeune issue.\n\nOn February 10, 2023, Sens. Sullivan, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and nine other senators were joined by Representatives Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Mike Bost (R-Ill.) in re-introducing the Protect Camp Lejeune VETS Act in both the Senate and the House.\n\nOn March 1, 2023, in a joint hearing of SVAC and the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Sen. Sullivan again called on his SVAC colleagues to institute caps.\n\nOn March 6, 2023, the Wall Street Journal published an editorial on the topic titled, \u201cThe Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Racket.\u201d\n\nOn May 17, 2023, in an SVAC hearing, Sen. Sullivan again urged his committee colleagues to institute caps.\n\nOn July 13, 2023, Sen. Sullivan filed his Protect Camp Lejeune VETS Act as an amendment to the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but it was blocked by Senate Democrats.\n\nIn September 5, 2023, Sen. Sullivan and Rep. Issa sent a letter to the Navy requesting that they create an expedited and optional pathway for veterans and their families in order to settle Camp Lejeune cases faster.\n\nOn September 6, 2023, Sen. Sullivan spoke with Attorney General Garland about the issue, reminding the attorney general that DOJ had strongly supported the inclusion of caps in its guidance on the PACT Act before it passed.\n\nOn September 7, 2023, the Navy announced an optional pathway to expedite claims for veterans, following all of the requests included in Sen. Sullivan\u2019s letter, but without attorney\u2019s fees capped.\n\nOn September 15, 2023, Attorney General Garland called Sen. Sullivan to inform him that DOJ would be instituting attorney\u2019s fees caps in Camp Lejeune cases.\n\nOn October 27, 2023, the Department of Justice responded to an inquiry Senator Sullivan had sent two weeks prior, asking for more details on the application of the attorney fee provisions Senator Sullivan and General Garland had discussed. The full letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/schatz-murkowski-lead-roundtable-on-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-inflation-reduction-act-implementation-in-native-communities", "Schatz, Murkowski Lead Roundtable On Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act Implementation In Native Communities", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, led a roundtable discussion, titled \u201cImplementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act in Native Communities,\u201d to hear directly from Tribal and Native organization leaders on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act programs serving Native communities.\n\n\u201cNative communities know best how to use these once-in-a-generation investments to address their wide-ranging infrastructure needs. Federal agencies must ensure no community is left out of these funding opportunities,\u201d said Vice Chairman Lisa Murkowski. \u201cI thank the tribal leaders and advocates for their insights into how these investments make the most difference in American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cLast Congress, we passed two big bills making historic investments to bolster our nation\u2019s infrastructure and support climate solutions,\u201d said Chairman Schatz. \u201cThe administration is doing a great job so far, but there\u2019s a lot to be done. \u2026 Let this [roundtable] be the beginning of a longer-term dialogue with all of the participants but also across Indian Country and Native communities in Hawai\u2018i and Alaska.\u201d\n\nThe following panelists participated in the roundtable:\n\nThe Honorable Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Nespelem, WA\n\nThe Honorable Jacob Keyes, Chairman, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Perkins, OK\n\nThe Honorable Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Chairman, Hopi Tribe, Kykotsmovi, AZ\n\nThe Honorable Sherry Parker, Chairwoman, Hualapai Tribe, Peach Springs, AZ\n\nMs. Shawn Malia Kana?iaupuni, President & Chief Executive Officer of Partners in Development Foundation, Honolulu, HI\n\nMs. Jasmine Boyle, Chief Development Officer, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc., Anchorage, AK\n\nMs. Susan Masten, Acting Executive Director, Native American Finance Officers Association, Washington, DC\n\nThe full video of the roundtable is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-courtney-durbin-and-gallagher-host-australian-prime-minister-at-the-capitol", "Sullivan, Courtney, Durbin & Gallagher Host Australian Prime Minister at the Capitol", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014The Friends of Australia Caucus, led by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Representatives Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) and Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a breakfast meeting with Senate and House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committee leaders. This was an opportunity for top congressional leaders with jurisdiction over the alliance and the AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) trilateral security partnership to talk about common interests, including confronting threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nFollowing the meeting, the co-chairs hosted over 60 members of the House and Senate for a reception to hear directly from and meet with the Prime Minister.\n\n\u201cIt is an honor to host the Prime Minister of Australia, one of America\u2019s closest allies and a vital partner in the pursuit of a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific,\u201d Sen. Sullivan said. \u201cOur countries face the most dangerous period since World War II, led by a new axis of authoritarian aggressors\u2014the dictators in Moscow, Tehran, and Beijing. To succeed in this challenging environment, America and Australia must take advantage of the extraordinary advantages we have relative to these dictatorships: our lethal militaries, our world-class resources, our dynamic economies, our global network of allies, our democratic values, and our commitment to liberty. If we stand firmly together in countering this axis, I am convinced we will succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cPrime Minister Albanese\u2019s visit allows us to celebrate over 100 years of U.S.-Australia \u2018mateship,\u2019 bound by shared values and a commitment to democracy and international rule of law. As a Co-Chair of the Friends of Australia Caucus, I have been pleased to support the AUKUS partnership, which will develop cutting-edge capabilities mutually beneficial to the U.S., Australia, and the UK. With so many global challenges, it is reassuring to have friends like Australia to stand with us and I look forward to our diplomatic partnership for years to come,\u201d Senator Durbin said.\n\n\u201cPrime Minister\u2019s Albanese\u2019s trip to Capitol Hill was critical in emphasizing the importance of the AUKUS enabling legislation that came out of the \u2018Optimal Pathway\u2019, which was announced by the three heads of government last March. As Prime Minister Albanese said in this morning\u2019s meeting, there\u2019s a true bipartisan commitment to AUKUS in Australia. The strong showing of Members from both parties across the House and Senate, as well as Committee leaders responsible for advancing AUKUS legislation, underscores that there is also a strong bipartisan commitment in the U.S. Congress to execute this vital security agreement. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues to advance legislation through this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act,\u201d Rep. Joe Courtney said.\n\n\u201cThe AUKUS alliance is a game-changer that will play a critical role in deterring CCP aggression and protecting the Free World\u2019s interests in the Indo-Pacific. Today\u2019s meeting demonstrated the bipartisan and bicameral support for building on the successes of this alliance by taking steps to enhance our submarine industrial base for our subsea goals and reform ITAR. We have no more trustworthy nor capable ally than our mates in Australia and must move with a sense of urgency to ensure the AUKUS framework has the tools and resources it needs to reach the next level,\u201d Rep. Gallagher said.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-padilla-seek-to-expand-legal-representation-for-survivors-of-violence", "Sullivan, Padilla Seek to Expand Legal Representation for Survivors of Violence", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) have introduced S. 3124, the Ensuring Representation for Survivors Act, legislation that works to ensure that all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault have access to free legal representation, if they need it. Studies have shown that when survivors are represented by an attorney, their ability to break out of the cycle of violence increases dramatically.\n\n\u201cToo often, domestic and sexual violence survivors can\u2019t afford lawyers. This is just wrong, especially when perpetrators enjoy a Sixth Amendment constitutional right to counsel. And it\u2019s bad policy,\u201d said SenatorSullivan. \u201cWhen survivors have a lawyer, their ability to break out of the cycle of violence increases dramatically. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I\u2019ve reintroduced the Ensuring Representation for Survivors Act with Senator Padilla to make sure the legal needs of survivors are met. This bill is the third pillar of my three-part Choose Respect legislative initiative. This is one of the most important initiatives I\u2019ve worked on during my years as a senator and I\u2019ll continue to work relentlessly to try to break this cycle of abuse and violence.\u201d\n\n\u201cSurvivors of sexual assault and domestic violence should never have their voices silenced, but too often, they face significant barriers to legal representation,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cRepresentation is essential: when survivors have access to an attorney, they are more than twice as likely to win their cases. As we approach the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I\u2019m proud to join Senator Sullivan in continuing our bipartisan efforts to ensure these survivors have their voices heard in the court of law.\u201d\n\nThe Ensuring Representation for Survivors Act expands and improves the Legal Assistance for Victims grant program, managed by the Office of Violence Against Women. Specifically, the bill:\n\nIncreases the authorized amount of the grant program to $80 million.\n\nAllows states to receive and distribute a designated percentage of total grant funding to implement, expand, and establish advocacy efforts, including through pro bono representation. The legal support provided can include asserting a victim\u2019s rights in a criminal proceeding, obtaining a protective order, and support in related civil proceedings, like divorce, custody, housing or health care.\n\nThe Ensuring Representation for Survivors Act is one pillar of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s three-part \u201cChoose Respect\u201d legislative initiative to empower survivors and end the culture of violence. The first two pillars\u2014the Choose Respect Act and the E-SERVICE Act\u2014have previously been signed into law. Sen. Sullivan has also worked to expand the availability of pro bono legal services for survivors through the Pro bono Work to Empower and Represent (POWER) Act, first signed into law in 2018 and later made permanent in 2022. Since enactment, the POWER Act has reached more than 61,000 attorneys across the country, encouraging them to offer free legal services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.\n\nBelow is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan\u2019s legislative work on domestic violence and sexual assault issues:\n\nAs Alaska\u2019s attorney general, Sen. Sullivan organized pro bono legal summits throughout the state as part of the \u201cChoose Respect\u201d initiative to end the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to provide resources to survivors.\n\nOn March 23, 2017, Sen. Sullivan introduced the POWER Act, modeled after his Choose Respect initiative in Alaska, to encourage lawyers across the country to offer pro bono legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.\n\nOn September 4, 2018, the POWER Act was signed into law by President Trump after passing the House and Senate.\n\nOn November 20, 2019, Sen. Sullivan joined his colleagues in introducing the reauthorization and modernization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), including multiple provisions authored by Sen. Sullivan to modernize protective service order delivery and to spread awareness of legal and other assistance for survivors.\n\nOn March 10, 2022, the VAWA reauthorization passed both bodies of Congress as part of a larger appropriations bill, including two provisions authored by Sen. Sullivan as part of his national Choose Respect initiative: The Choose Respect Act created a national media campaign focused on preventing and responding to violence, including spreading awareness of legal and other assistance for survivors; and the E-SERVICE Act, which established a new pilot program with grants to explore the electronic service of protection orders.\n\nOn August 19, 2022, Senator Sullivan celebrated the unanimous vote in the Senate to make the POWER Act permanent.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/arctic-caucus-co-chairs-commend-implementation-plan-for-the-high-north-region", "Arctic Caucus Co-Chairs Commend Implementation Plan for the High North Region", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Angus King (I-Maine), co-chairs of the Congressional Arctic Caucus, released the following statements after the Biden Administration released its detailed Implementation Plan for the U.S. National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR). The NSAR Implementation Plan builds upon past efforts to increase security, environmental protection, sustainable economic development and international governance in the High North.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve led the effort to increase U.S. attention and investment in the Arctic, and am encouraged we are progressing from simply publishing policies to prioritizing implementation and real-world leadership,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cThe United States must lead in the Arctic. The next step is for the Biden administration to reflect the Arctic as a priority in the President\u2019s Budget by requesting funding and resources for 21st century infrastructure, icebreakers, and domain awareness. I will keep pressing this administration and all future administrations as we continue to invest in America\u2019s Arctic.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs an Arctic Nation with land, economic interests and national security stakes in the High North, the United States must develop policies for the region in a thoughtful, comprehensive way. The Administration\u2019s approach takes a clear-eyed view of the need to pursue responsible opportunities across the Arctic; curb and limit carbon emissions to protect the region, and strengthen international relationships \u2013 a significant priority given Russia\u2019s aggression and defiance of global norms. I take pride in my work as Co-Chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, and will continue to work in a bipartisan way to promote America\u2019s leadership and active role in the High North,\u201d said Senator Angus King.\n\nAlong with Caucus co-chair Senator Angus King, Murkowski introduced the Arctic Commitment Act last year to improve America\u2019s posture and opportunities in the Arctic.\n\nA copy of the implementation plan can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-announces-191-million-for-alaskans-facing-high-energy-costs", "Murkowski Announces $19.1 Million for Alaskans Facing High Energy Costs", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Alaska $11.2 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to help low-income households lower their energy bills this winter, and $7.9 million in LIHEAP funds to help Tribes in Alaska.\n\nLIHEAP is a congressionally funded program that provides financial assistance for heating costs for qualifying households. The program is administered at the state level by the State of Alaska and 13 Tribal Agencies across Alaska.\n\n\u201cWith Alaskans continuing to face high energy costs, the support LIHEAP provides is more vital than ever,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cAs a senior appropriator, I\u2019ve championed LIHEAP and related programs to support Alaska families, while we simultaneously try to address the root causes of harmful energy costs in our state.\u201d\n\nThis year\u2019s LIHEAP funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Murkowski helped craft portions of the bill and supported its passage.\n\nMaintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly in winter months and for households that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children. By helping to reduce the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and providing for minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps ensure that thousands of Alaskans can meet their home energy needs and stay safe in their homes.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Murkowski, along with U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) urged the Biden administration to swiftly release congressionally appropriated LIHEAP funds. Murkowski and Reed also led a bipartisan letter urging the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and HHS to take additional steps to reduce energy costs.\n\nApplications for LIHEAP assistance are available at Public Assistance offices throughout the state and online at www.heatinghelp.alaska.gov.\n\nHouseholds can help determine if they are eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us.\n\nThere are two components to the LIHEAP program:\n\nHeating Assistance: A grant to assist a household in meeting heating costs. The grant may be paid to a heating fuel vendor or utility company, or in a few cases, directly to the applicant.\n\nCrisis Assistance: A grant to help resolve a home heating crisis caused by a heat shut-off because of failure to pay a regulated energy bill, the inability to pay for deliverable fuel, or the failure of a heating system that is not repairable.\n\nDuring Fiscal Year 2023, a total of 4,251 households and 13 Tribal organizations across Alaska received non-crisis heating assistance grants through LIHEAP.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-encourages-israelis-to-show-the-world-there-is-no-moral-equivalence-to-hamas-actions", "Sullivan Reiterates \"No Moral Equivalence\" Between Hamas\u2019 Barbaric Actions, Israel's Self-Defense", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), just hours after returning to the United States from a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Israel, told Harris Faulkner on Fox News Channel today that he is calling on Israel to release the horrific videos filmed by Hamas terrorists. Sullivan added it is important to show the world there is no moral equivalence between the terrorist group\u2019s barbaric actions and Israel\u2019s right to defend its very existence.\n\n\u201c[Visiting Israel] underscored my commitment, and every senator on that CODEL that I was just with, our commitment to stand with Israel, to enable them to defend their country, to literally defend their existence,\u201d Senator Sullivan said during his interview. \u201cI met with families of hostages. We got very detailed briefings, including videos, unbelievable videos taken by these terrorists, Hamas terrorists, showing them killing, and chopping up people. It was just hard to even look at what we were seeing. I encourage the Israelis to get that out to the world. Where's the moral outrage? What I'm concerned about on a whole host of fronts is, number one, just watch our media. Watch the media around the world. They're already saying \u201cmoral equivalence.\u201d There's no moral equivalence here. You had a rampage of thousands of terrorists who were purposely trying to kill civilians. There needs to be outrage on that.\u201d\n\nThe Senator also discussed Secretary of State Antony Blinken\u2019s remarks to the United Nations made this morning and the Biden administration\u2019s failed policy of appeasing Iran. Click here to watch the full interview or below to watch excerpts from the interview.\n\nSullivan: At U.N., Blinken Missed Opportunity to Restore Deterrence\n\nDAN SULLIVAN: The Biden administration has been reluctant to mention Iran. But right there in front of the U.N., two days ago, the U.N. lifted its sanctions on ballistic missiles on Iran. Why didn't the secretary just now say, let's put that regime back in place?\n\nHARRIS FAULKNER: That's a great point. That's a great point.\n\nSULLIVAN: There you go. The U.N. just lifted sanctions. The Houthis, who are attacking Israel, a proxy of Iran, is shooting missiles that they're getting from Iran. Hamas gets its missiles from Iran. Hezbollah gets its missiles from Iran. And right then the U.N. two days ago lifted sanctions on ballistic missiles from Iran. This underscores a bigger problem. The discussions on Iran, they're starting to name Iran. That's positive. But with this administration, it has to be actions. It has to be actions to be tough on Iran, because the Biden administration, like the Obama administration, had an undeniable strategy of appeasement with regard to Iran. If you want me to go through the list, I will, Harris. Hopefully they're going to finally recognize this fever dream of the Democrats to appease Iran has to stop.\n\nSullivan: Israelis Need to Show the World There Is No Moral Equivalence to Hamas\u2019 Actions\n\nSULLIVAN: Just getting back from Israel and actually Saudi Arabia and Egypt with a CODEL, I can tell you, in Israel, I was in a country that's shocked, that's outraged, that is in deep, deep grief. But there's also a huge sense of vulnerability that probably hasn't happened in Israel since any time since the Holocaust when you think about it, which was pre-Israel.\n\nSo, Harris, it certainly underscored my commitment, and every senator on that CODEL that I was just with, our commitment to stand with Israel, to enable them to defend their country, to literally defend their existence.\n\nAnd I think one thing that Secretary Blinken said just now, which I would agree with is, where is the moral outrage? I met with families of hostages. We got very detailed briefings, including videos, unbelievable videos taken by these terrorists, Hamas terrorists, showing them killing, chopping up people. It was just hard to even look at what we were seeing. I encourage the Israelis to get that out to the world. Where's the moral outrage? What I'm concerned about on a whole host of fronts is, number one, just watch our media. Watch the media around the world. They're already saying \u201cmoral equivalence.\u201d There's no moral equivalence here. You had a rampage of thousands of terrorists who were purposely trying to kill civilians. There needs to be outrage on that.\n\nSullivan: The Malign Influence of Iran is Everywhere\n\nSULLIVAN: The malign influence of Iran is everywhere. Every leader that we met with started with this. There is no doubt that Iran ultimately was behind this. Remember, there's no Hamas without Iran. There's no Hezbollah without Iran. They fund them. They train them. They supply them. That is a fact.\n\nAnd so, what happened at the beginning of the Biden administration, after the Trump administration, to its credit, reestablished deterrence by killing the Iranians\u2019 top terrorist, the Quds Force Commander Soleimani. But also, the Trump administration launched a peace initiative\u2014the Abraham Accords, which was having a tremendously positive impact on the region. Guess who hated the peace breaking out in the Middle East? Iran. A big part of what happened here with regard to Hamas\u2019 brutality against Israel was also Iran's attempt to stop the peace in the region. They hated that. And the Biden administration came in, undid all of the tough sanctions on Iran, and have essentially allowed oil to be exported. You saw this $6 billion hostage deal. It has to stop.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-van-hollen-seek-to-establish-reciprocity-in-us-china-relationship", "Sullivan, Van Hollen Seek to Establish Reciprocity in U.S.-China Relationship", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) have introduced the True Reciprocity Act of 2023, legislation to address the substantial imbalance in the relationship between the United States and China across a number of sectors, including diplomacy, trade, media, and non-governmental organization (NGO) activity. Specifically, the legislation directs the Biden administration to develop an in-depth report to Congress detailing the lack of reciprocity in these areas and a strategy for addressing them.\n\n\u201cFor decades, American citizens, businesses and organizations operating in China have faced significant restrictions and censorship, in sharp contrast to the treatment faced by their CCP counterparts who operate largely unencumbered in the United States,\u201d said Senator Sullivan. \u201cOur government has raised this lack of reciprocity with the most senior government and CCP officials, and these officials have consistently committed to leveling the playing field but never take concrete actions to right this wrong. In fact, the imbalance continues to worsen\u2014in favor of the CCP. The result is an unacceptable, unreciprocated level of CCP access and influence in the U.S. It is up to Congress to act, establish the principle of reciprocity, and protect the interests of American citizens and businesses. Senator Van Hollen and I are continuing to push this very basic concept, the lack of which puts the U.S. at considerable disadvantage in our global competition with China. We encourage our colleagues to join us in pursuing a bilateral relationship defined by something understood by every American citizen: reciprocity and fairness.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long, the Government of China has imposed a double standard \u2013 their officials and organizations take advantage of the openness and transparency of our society but they deny similar access to our diplomats, businesses, media, and other entities. We must insist that the PRC extend reciprocal access to American entities if they want their officials and organizations to continue receiving those benefits from the United States. This bipartisan legislation will help enforce the principle of equal treatment by identifying the key sectors that lack reciprocity and developing a coherent strategy for closing those gaps,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-seeks-80-day-extension-of-comment-period-for-blms-proposed-npr-a-rule", "Alaska Delegation Seeks 80-Day Extension of Comment Period for BLM\u2019s Proposed NPR-A Rule", "2023-10-23", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Alaska\u2019s Congressional Delegation today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) requesting an 80-day extension to the current comment deadline for the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) proposed rule to impose sweeping restrictions across 13.1 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) requested the extension based on a range of substantive and process-related issues with the proposed rule, and \u201cto allow for the full participation of all communities and stakeholders on the North Slope, especially the indigenous people who have called the region home for millennia.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans are asking for more time,\u201d the delegation wrote in its letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. \u201cSince the release of this proposed rule on September 8, 2023, our offices have received hundreds of questions and inquiries about it. An overwhelming sentiment among these requests is that the initial comment period was insufficient, a 10-day comment period extension is essentially meaningless, and the comment period must be extended to provide enough time to actually and properly understand and react to the rule. This is especially true for the Alaska Natives who live on the North Slope, who have been engaged in their traditional whaling hunts for subsistence throughout the fall. As these Alaskans work to provide for their families and winter food security, little time is left for them to pore through a complex rule with an artificially short comment period that will affect their regional economy and homelands for decades to come.\u201d\n\nThe delegation also cited the lack of meaningful consultation from DOI.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration has touted Tribal consultation as a cornerstone of its policymaking efforts. The Department\u2019s own Manual, as revised by this administration and extended to Alaska Native Corporations, requires that \u201call Bureaus and Offices shall make good-faith efforts to invite Tribes to consult early in the planning process and throughout the decision-making process and engage in robust, interactive, pre-decisional, informative, and transparent consultation when planning actions with Tribal implications. It is the policy of the Department to seek consensus with impacted Tribes in accordance with the Consensus-Seeking Model.\u201d It is our understanding that the administration did not meet any of these commitments in promulgating this proposed rule and then publishing it with an artificially short comment period. These failures of the Department are unconscionable. We demand that meaningful consultations and engagement occur with Alaska Native communities in the region before any further action is taken on this proposed rule.\u201d\n\nAmong other issues, the delegation cited the issues that Alaskans have encountered in their attempts to provide comment on the proposed rule.\n\n\u201cAt the time of this letter, the Department has held one public meeting in a virtual capacity, one public meeting in Anchorage, and zero in North Slope communities,\u201d the delegation wrote. \u201cPublic meetings scheduled for Atqasuk and Nuiqsut have been postponed indefinitely, while public meetings in Utqiagvik and Wainwright have not even been scheduled. BLM also randomly noticed a meeting for Washington, DC, and then almost immediately thereafter canceled it, creating even more confusion. Meanwhile, the Department has refused to schedule meetings with Alaska Native stakeholders on the North Slope to discuss this rule \u2013 in fact, your office has refused meeting requests from them on seven different occasions. None of these considerations remotely suggest that the comment period should close at the time that BLM has proposed; rather, these considerations reveal the need for significant extension.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\nThe NPR-A was first set aside by Congress in 1923 for the purposes of oil and gas development. In 1980, Congress amended the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act to direct the Secretary to \u201cconduct an expeditious program of competitive leasing\u201d in the area. On September 8, 2023, DOI proposed to withdraw millions of acres within the NPR-A, by suddenly and dramatically reinterpreting the law so that it can treat 13.1 million acres of Special Areas in the NPR-A as de facto federal wilderness.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-seeks-80-day-extension-of-comment-period-for-blms-proposed-npr-a-rule", "Alaska Delegation Seeks 80-Day Extension of Comment Period for BLM\u2019s Proposed NPR-A Rule", "2023-10-23", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Alaska\u2019s congressional delegation today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) requesting an 80-day extension to the current comment deadline for the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s (BLM) proposed rule to impose sweeping restrictions across 13.1 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) requested the extension based on a range of substantive and process-related issues with the proposed rule, and \u201cto allow for the full participation of all communities and stakeholders on the North Slope, especially the indigenous people who have called the region home for millennia.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans are asking for more time,\u201d the delegation wrote in its letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. \u201cSince the release of this proposed rule on September 8, 2023, our offices have received hundreds of questions and inquiries about it. An overwhelming sentiment among these requests is that the initial comment period was insufficient, a 10-day comment period extension is essentially meaningless, and the comment period must be extended to provide enough time to actually and properly understand and react to the rule. This is especially true for the Alaska Natives who live on the North Slope, who have been engaged in their traditional whaling hunts for subsistence throughout the fall. As these Alaskans work to provide for their families and winter food security, little time is left for them to pore through a complex rule with an artificially short comment period that will affect their regional economy and homelands for decades to come.\u201d\n\nThe delegation also cited the lack of meaningful consultation from DOI.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration has touted Tribal consultation as a cornerstone of its policymaking efforts. The Department\u2019s own Manual, as revised by this administration and extended to Alaska Native Corporations, requires that \u201call Bureaus and Offices shall make good-faith efforts to invite Tribes to consult early in the planning process and throughout the decision-making process and engage in robust, interactive, pre-decisional, informative, and transparent consultation when planning actions with Tribal implications. It is the policy of the Department to seek consensus with impacted Tribes in accordance with the Consensus-Seeking Model.\u201d It is our understanding that the administration did not meet any of these commitments in promulgating this proposed rule and then publishing it with an artificially short comment period. These failures of the Department are unconscionable. We demand that meaningful consultations and engagement occur with Alaska Native communities in the region before any further action is taken on this proposed rule.\u201d\n\nAmong other issues, the delegation cited the issues that Alaskans have encountered in their attempts to provide comment on the proposed rule.\n\n\u201cAt the time of this letter, the Department has held one public meeting in a virtual capacity, one public meeting in Anchorage, and zero in North Slope communities,\u201d the delegation wrote. \u201cPublic meetings scheduled for Atqasuk and Nuiqsut have been postponed indefinitely, while public meetings in Utqiagvik and Wainwright have not even been scheduled. BLM also randomly noticed a meeting for Washington, DC, and then almost immediately thereafter canceled it, creating even more confusion. Meanwhile, the Department has refused to schedule meetings with Alaska Native stakeholders on the North Slope to discuss this rule \u2013 in fact, your office has refused meeting requests from them on seven different occasions. None of these considerations remotely suggest that the comment period should close at the time that BLM has proposed; rather, these considerations reveal the need for significant extension.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\nThe NPR-A was first set aside by Congress in 1923 for the purposes of oil and gas development. In 1980, Congress amended the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act to direct the Secretary to \u201cconduct an expeditious program of competitive leasing\u201d in the area. On September 8, 2023, DOI proposed to withdraw millions of acres within the NPR-A, by suddenly and dramatically reinterpreting the law so that it can treat 13.1 million acres of Special Areas in the NPR-A as de facto federal wilderness.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-in-israel-be-warned-iran-the-united-states-will-defend-its-friend-and-ally", "Sullivan in Israel: Be Warned, Iran. The United States Will Defend its Friend and Ally.", "2023-10-23", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "TEL AVIV, ISRAEL \u2013 U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues, led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.), for a press conference Sunday in Tel Aviv, Israel. The senators discussed their thoughts after visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Senator Sullivan warned Iran not to widen the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and condemned the vicious nature of the Hamas terrorist regime.\n\n\u201cBe warned, Iran, be warned,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cThere are so many U.S. Senators on both sides of the aisle who view the terrorist leadership in Iran as the biggest malign threat in this region and in many ways, the world. And we won't stand for you widening the war. We have military assets here and the United States is going to defend its friend and ally.\u201d\n\nMembers of the bipartisan delegation include U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).\n\nTo watch Senator Sullivan\u2019s remarks, click here.\n\nSenator Sullivan delivers remarks at a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 22, 2023. (Source: U.S. Embassy Israel).\n\nClick here to download this photo in high resolution.\n\nSenator Sullivan and a bipartisan Senate delegation meet with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (Source: U.S. Embassy Israel).\n\nClick here to download this photo in high resolution.\n\nFULL REMARKS FROM SENATOR SULLIVAN:\n\n\u201cWell, thank you, Lindsay. And I want to thank all my colleagues for being here. You know, we do CODELS for a whole host of reasons: To send messages, to stand with our allies like we're standing here with Israel, and also to learn. And I will tell you, and I think you're getting the impression here, this is a very sobering day meeting with the families of the hostages, seeing videos that I actually think the whole world should see of the just severe brutality and viciousness and evil.\n\n\u201cThese are GoPro head mounted killings by the Hamas terrorists. And the point here is that we're just talking about it. And this is really important to our friends in the media. There's no moral equivalence here. There's no moral equivalence. Every civilian death in a war is horrible. But what we're seeing and what we saw with regard to Hamas was an attempt to actually make more civilian deaths as bloody and vicious as possible.\n\n\u201cThat's not what Israel does That's not Israel. That's not what Israel is doing right now. It's not what the United States does. It's what terrorist groups like Hamas and ISIS, too. You've heard this issue that Hamas should be viewed as ISIS. I couldn't agree more. I think we all agree. The good news is I think not just in Israel, but in other parts of the region. Leaders agree. What does that mean?\n\n\u201cWe undertook a global campaign to defeat ISIS in every country in the world joined us. That's what we need to do now with Hamas. So countries that fund Hamas, countries that keep their leadership like Qatar, they need to get with the program. This is just like ISIS and the world needs to know that.\n\n\u201cFinally, Iran appears to be loosening its leash on its proxies. Look, at what happened with the Houthis just last couple of days. We know for a fact the Houthis wouldn\u2019t act like that, firing missiles and rockets and drones without Iran's permission. Be warned, Iran, be warned. There are so many U.S. Senators on both sides of the aisle who view the terrorist leadership in Iran as the biggest malign threat in this region and in many ways, the world. And we won't stand for you widening the war. We have military assets here and the United States is going to defend its friend and ally.\n\n\u201cAnd finally, one other thing we're also trying to do is look around the corner of history. What do I mean by that? The Middle East is going to be changed, there's no doubt, because of this horrendous, vicious terrorist attack.\n\n\u201cAnd it's either going to change for good or for evil. But a lot of historic positive changes in the Middle East have actually arisen out of the ashes of major conflict. Think about the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago. And we've had very fruitful discussions in that regard. And we've got to keep our focus on that kind of bright future.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-bipartisan-senate-delegation-arrive-in-middle-east", "Sullivan, Bipartisan Senate Delegation Arrive in Middle East", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and a bipartisan group of United States Senators arrived in Saudi Arabia today as part of a larger trip to the Middle East to show solidarity and support for Israel and speak with officials regarding current political affairs and ensure stability and security in the region.\n\nThe United States and Saudi Arabia have a common interest in preserving the stability, security, and prosperity of the Gulf region and consult closely on a wide range of regional and global issues. Saudi Arabia plays an important role in working toward a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.\n\nMembers of the bipartisan delegation include U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).\n\nSenator Sullivan is a strong supporter of Israel and has advocated for increased conversation with the United States\u2019 Middle Eastern allies to prevent the worsening of the conflict, especially in regards to the role Iran played in the devastating Hamas terror attacks earlier this month. In a recent appearance on The Fox News Rundown Podcast, Senator Sullivan emphasized the Biden Administration\u2019s dangerous appeasement of Iran and called for freezing $6 billion in Iranian assets and immediate action by the administration in the form of stronger sanction enforcement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-emphasizes-power-of-working-together-at-alaska-federation-of-natives-convention", "Sullivan Emphasizes Power of Working Together at Alaska Federation of Natives Convention", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA \u2013 U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), in a virtual address to the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) annual convention on Friday, spoke to the strength and connection of family and cultural ties within Alaska Native communities and the value of using this unity to address vital topics and celebrate successes. Senator Sullivan is currently traveling to the Middle East with a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues to show solidarity and support for Israel and to ensure there is common interest among America\u2019s partners in preserving the stability, security, and prosperity in the Middle East.\n\n\u201cWhile we all live in different parts of the state, come from different areas, different backgrounds, there are really strong ties that bind all of us,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cWhen we're all working together, it's amazing. Unlimited, in my view, is the amount of things that we can get done for our Native communities, for our state, and for our country.\u201d\n\nSenator Sullivan discussed his focus on reviving healthy salmon runs in Alaska and the passage of his Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act; his work to address the lack of affordable housing in rural Alaska and to increase broadband connectivity throughout the state and the vital role of responsible resource development for better health outcomes and life expectancy. Sullivan also stressed the importance of urging federal officials attending AFN\u2014including Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland\u2014 to stop delaying the issuance of Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans land allotments\u2014only 14 out of 2500 have been granted during the Biden administration. He also urged the members of AFN to demand consultation from the federal officials attending AFN.\n\nClick here to watch Senator Sullivan\u2019s remarks.\n\nFULL TRANSCRIPT:\n\nIntroduction\n\nHello, AFN, and greetings from Washington, D.C.! I want to begin by just saying I really wish I could be with all of you. AFN is certainly one of the highlights of my and Julie's year. I've never missed an AFN as your U.S. Senator.\n\nUnfortunately, you\u2019re probably seeing-- I'm sure you're seeing-- all the very dramatic world events that are happening right now. I am going to be heading out to the Middle East with a bipartisan group of senators to show our solidarity and support for our most important ally in the Middle East. That's the state of Israel and the people of Israel. We are also going to Egypt and Saudi Arabia to look at ways in which we can try to make sure that the conflict there does not broaden into a broader conflict, and we are also looking for opportunities for humanitarian assistance for the people in Gaza, the civilians who are suffering, while backing Israel's ability to defeat the terrorist group Hamas.\n\nAs you all know, I talk a lot about how it's becoming a dangerous world, the new era of authoritarian aggression with dictators in Beijing, China, in Moscow, in Tehran, the Iranian terrorists, dictators. We know as Alaskans in many ways we are on the front lines. We saw that joint Chinese-Russian patrol near our shores this past summer. Alaska natives have been great patriots and veterans defending our country for generations. I thank you for that.\n\nThat's unfortunately why I'm not going to be with all of you. I would love to. When I when I gave Julie Kitka-- by the way, she's doing a great job as president of AFN-- a call and said, \u201cHey, Julie, I'm not going to be able to make it,\u201d and I told her why, she said, and I quote, \u201cSenator, don't worry, I don't think you're going to be missed as long as your wife, Julie, is here.\u201d\n\nShe literally said that. So Julie is there. So, hello, Julie. I miss you. And so you'll be in great hands with my amazing wife.\n\nRecent Travel Across Rural Alaska\n\nSo, I want to give a DC update for all of you. I first want to talk about some of the travels that I've been doing in rural Alaska. Our recent trip to Bethel, of course, was under very tragic circumstances with our Congresswoman Mary Peltola and the loss of her beloved husband, Buzzy. Julie and I traveled to the services there in Bethel. The community and outreach was really powerful. I would ask you to continue to keep Congresswoman Peltola and her family in your prayers. It's just an unbelievable, tragic situation that Mary's going through right now.\n\nThis August, I was able to see, with Julie, a number of you. We hosted the Secretary of Transportation with all of you in Kotzebue. We were in a Kiana, Shungnak, Kobuk, Huslia, Hughes, and Allakaket. In Allakaket, my wife Julie had an amazing homecoming because her great grandmother, Josephine Yeedohdelnoh Evans, is actually originally from that community.\n\nNow, Josephine Yeedohdelnoh Evans is a legend in that community. During a time of great famine, she actually walked by herself over 100 miles from Allakaket to Rampart when she was just 13 years old. Think about how tough that was. A trek by herself in the winter. What a brave, tough woman.\n\nMy wife obviously got those genes. It was so wonderful because so many of the elders in the community of Allakaket came out to greet Julie like a long lost daughter in a homecoming. It was a really, really special day that we will remember the rest of our lives.\n\nYou know, like I said, that grit and determination from Julie's great grandmother, Yeedohdelnoh, certainly reminds me of the women in my family-- my mother in law, my wife, my daughters-- it reminds me of so many of our strong Alaska Native women across the state. Those kinds of trips also remind me that while we all live in different parts of the state, come from different areas, different backgrounds, there are really strong ties that bind all of us. And that was a really good example of that, when we had the opportunity to travel in rural Alaska for a good part of August.\n\nSalmon\n\nLet me let me go to some of the big issues. The number one issue that I know all of you are focused on, probably your number one issue, is salmon and subsistence, and the way of life that's so important from a food security, cultural perspective, heritage perspective. Unfortunately, we have seen shocking declines of some species of salmon on our major rivers like the Yukon and Kuskokwim, kings, chum, while in other parts of the state, in Bristol Bay, for example, with sockeye salmon, we've seen epic, historic runs.\n\nYou might remember last year at AFN, I talked about my legislation, the Alaska Salmon Task Force Research Act, that was all about focusing on trying to get to the bottom of what is happening. Why are we having these horrendously difficult, major declines in the runs of our salmon in many parts of Alaska?\n\nWell, the good news is, that bill was signed into law at the end of last year, and we are now implementing that. Many of you are part of the Salmon Task Force Act, both in the working group that is primarily focused on Alaska Natives from the Kuskokwim and Yukon and Interior regions, but also from other parts of the state.\n\nThe goal of this legislation, which we are now implementing, is to bring the best minds-- Alaska Natives, state and federal officials, university officials, traditional knowledge, the best minds in Alaska, literally the best minds in the world-- to figure out what is happening with these salmon runs. These huge declines are unacceptable. We need to get to the bottom of this in terms of the best minds, the best science, the best data. So I want to thank so many of you who are already part of the implementation of our bill. We are going to find out what's happening. We're going to try and then, of course, take action on that.\n\nWe're working on some other issues that are focused on our fisheries. I know many of you have been concerned about the unfair trading with Russian salmon flooding world markets, which has crashed the price of salmon and other species around the world, hurting our fishing communities throughout the state of Alaska.\n\nWe're working on a farm bill provision that enables fishermen and fishing communities in our state to have the same benefits that farmers do to lower the risks of fishing. There's a lot that we're doing on fisheries, and I know that so many of you are focused on that, particularly on subsistence fishing. I can guarantee you, myself and my office are 100% focused on these big challenges.\n\nHousing\n\nLet me give you another area that I know is a big one that we had some good progress on this past August, and that's housing. Safe, affordable housing. It's a crisis throughout the whole state, whether you're in Anchorage or Fairbanks or in some of the most remote communities in our state, where housing is so expensive for everybody.\n\nSome of you know, I hosted the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary Fudge, this August, and we did a big roundtable. A number of you attended, so thank you. A number of you traveled hundreds of miles to come to this roundtable in Anchorage. It was fully focused on the high costs of housing in rural Alaska. In your communities.\n\nShe got an earful, I will tell you that, from so many folks, because as you know, HUD and NAHASDA housing, to build a duplex in some of our rural communities, can cost up to $1,000,000. No kidding, a million bucks. Crazy. One of the things that we got out of that summit with the Secretary of HUD is [a commitment] to work with us to create a task force on why there is so much red tape from the federal government that makes our housing costs in rural Alaska so very expensive.\n\nStay tuned on that. The Housing and Urban Development Secretary is going to be announcing this task force soon. But I will tell you, we also saw some great examples of innovative housing that was taking place, building of housing in different communities-- Huslia, Hughes-- some of the leaders there, the tribal leaders, community leaders, are doing incredible work, bringing good, affordable, beautiful housing at much more competitive costs than NAHASDA and HUD do. So we have some great example of how it's actually working.\n\nImportance of Unity\n\nLet me just end by mentioning a couple of things. First, it's this issue of the importance of unity. Last year in my AFN speech, I spoke a lot about the importance of unity. When we speak with one voice, we can get really big things done for our state. It's not always easy to speak with one voice, we know that. But on some really important issues, I think we can do it.\n\nLet me give you a couple of examples where we are doing it. Some of you I know attended the summit that I hosted last August on broadband connectivity, internet connectivity, with the goal to get every community in our state the most remote rural communities, broadband and internet connectivity.\n\nThink about what we can do as a state in terms of education, health care, small businesses, if we achieve that goal. We're starting on a good path to achieve that goal. Some of you might know on the infrastructure bill that passed a couple of years ago, I fought for a formula that prioritized communities that had nothing. That's where the federal government should prioritize its resources for broadband deployment.\n\nNow, some of my colleagues in the Senate were saying, no, we want to go from 4G to 5G in our communities. That's where we should be putting the money-- 4G to 5G. I was saying, what about no G? There's so many communities in Alaska that don't have anything. Fortunately, we won that battle and we\u2019re starting to see hundreds of millions of dollars coming to our state in terms of broadband connectivity in rural communities. It's happening all over the state. We'll continue to press it. The money needs to be well-spent, not duplicated, of course, spent according to the rules, but it's a great opportunity for us.\n\nThe other thing that I mentioned last year where we needed to come together-- and AFN has done a great job, so many of you were part of it-- was getting the federal government to approve the Willow Project. We got that done. I think it's going to be a really important project for our state, for our communities, for jobs, for resources.\n\nHere's one reason why I think resource development, responsible resource development, for Alaska is so important. It's why I, and so many of you, are so passionate about this. I have a chart that I want to show you that I frequently trot out in speeches and in hearings.\n\nThis is a chart from the American Medical Association that shows the change in life expectancy in America from 1980 to 2014, a 25 year period. If you look at it, the state that does the best in the country in terms of life expectancy is ours. If you see this chart, the dark blue and the purple, show life expectancy increases up to 13 years.\n\nNow, that's great news for Alaska. Why did that happen? Well, to be honest, we started at a low level. Many of these areas that have a dramatic increase in life expectancy are in our rural areas where, unfortunately, our life expectancy in rural Alaska was quite low. Then what happened? Responsible resource development happened. On the North Slope, in the Northwest Arctic Borough, out on the Aleutian Island Chain, with the fishing opportunities there.\n\nYou saw this great surge in life expectancy in our state because people got jobs, and revenues, and clinics, and gymnasiums, and schools, things that people in the lower 48 take for granted. So as I tell my colleagues, I don't think there's a policy indicator of success more important than the people you representing living longer. That is happening in our great state. We need to continue that trend and that's why resource development is so important.\n\nFederal Officials Visiting AFN\n\nFinally, in terms of unity and being able to lift up our voices, there's going to be a lot of federal officials, as you know, always are, at AFN. And I think we should make sure that the federal government officials hear our voices.\n\nOne that I'd like to specifically request, respectfully, your help with is on an issue I know you care deeply about, that I care deeply about. And that's the Vietnam Veteran Land Allotment. This was my legislation for our brave, patriotic Vietnam veterans, Alaskan Native Vietnam veterans, who were not able to get their allotment because they were serving in the military when, let's face it, many Americans were avoiding service, and they got home and they missed the opportunity to apply for their allotment.\n\nWe fixed that in legislation, but the implementation of this has been very poor. I've talked to the Secretary of Interior, who will be at AFN, a number of times, I recently sat down with the director of BLM and said, \u201cYou've allotted now 14 plots of land out of an estimated 2,500. 14, in three years. With respect, that is a failure. It should be 14 per day, not 14 in three years.\u201d\n\nSo if you see the secretary, please reinforce what I'm saying. We need to get these allotments to these great Vietnam veterans, Alaska Native Vietnam veterans. 14 total is unacceptable. And that's what I've been telling her. And if you can deliver that message as well, that would be great.\n\nFinally, we always need to make sure every federal official knows that they have to conduct consultation with Alaska Native groups and Alaska Native organizations. For far too many big issues, particularly some of the resource development issues, they're not doing any consultation. That's also unacceptable.\n\nThank you again. I know you're going to have a great AFN. There's so much power and goodness in this room. There's so much unity, and when we're all working together, it's amazing. Unlimited, in my view, is the amount of things that we can get done for our Native communities, for our state, and for our country. Have a great conference.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-welcomes-206-million-doe-grant-strengthening-alaskas-electrical-grid-resilience", "Alaska Delegation Welcomes $206 Million DOE Grant Strengthening Alaska\u2019s Electrical Grid Resilience", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Grant Funds Anchorage-Kenai Subsea Cable, Battery Storage Throughout Railbelt\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), today welcomed a $206.5 million grant awarded to the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to build a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) submarine cable between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage that will add redundancy to the Alaska Railbelt electrical grid system in the event of disruptive events. The federal funds for the grant were secured by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), supported by Sens. Murkowski and Sullivan, and Rep. Peltola\u2019s predecessor, the late Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska). All three members of the delegation wrote a letter in support of the project.\n\n\u201cWhen I was negotiating the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, modernizing Alaska\u2019s energy grid were exactly the type of projects I envisioned,\u201d said Sen. Murkowski. \u201cThis is an extraordinary opportunity, not only for the Railbelt, but for all of Alaska to share in the benefit. From elevating the Railbelt\u2019s grid resiliency and reliability, to providing greater Power Cost Equalization assistance to rural electric utilities, all Alaskans will see their energy costs lowered when this project reaches completion.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans contend with a host of natural disasters that can disrupt our basic infrastructure\u2014earthquakes, wildfires, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and blizzards, not to mention the extreme fluctuations in temperature between our winter and summer months,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cMaintaining access to electricity, especially for communities far from larger population centers, can be a matter of life and death during an emergency. I want to congratulate AEA on securing this major $200+ million-dollar federal grant that we made available through the bipartisan infrastructure law. I look forward to AEA breaking ground on this important project that will have the potential to significantly expand hydroelectric power and other renewables, modernize our state\u2019s electrical grid, help lower the cost of energy for thousands of Alaskans, and go a long way toward keeping our lights and heat on when we need it most.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re taking our first step into a cleaner, stronger energy future, with more jobs and lower costs for Alaskans,\u201d said Rep. Peltola. \u201cAlaska is an energy powerhouse, from tidal to wind to LNG and more. We shouldn\u2019t have to import expensive Outside energy when we have so many affordable options at our fingertips, and now we have the chance to make our energy grid truly work for Alaskans. This $206.5 million award, with another $206.5 million in matching funds, represents a sea change in Alaska\u2019s energy grid. This project will fund redundant transmission and battery energy storage systems throughout the Railbelt, creating a stronger energy grid that will have more capability to accept and distribute energy from renewable sources throughout the state, bringing more domestic Alaskan energy to power more Alaskan homes and businesses. Once again, Alaskans have showed that when we are united, we can accomplish incredible things. Our utilities, state leadership, and Congressional delegation all worked in unison to advance this plan, and just like with Willow, we achieved incredible results. I believe this project is central to Alaska\u2019s just energy transition and spoke personally with President Biden and Secretary Granholm about it, emphasizing how Alaska can be an innovative model in grid development for the rest of the country.\u201d\n\n100 percent matching funds are required for the grant, which is being administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO), bringing the total project cost to $413 million. The project is estimated to reach completion in eight years, and will include multiple battery energy storage systems (BESS) throughout the Railbelt electrical grid.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/during-breast-cancer-awareness-month-murkowski-duckworth-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-medicare-coverage-for-breast-cancer-patients-and-survivors", "During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Murkowski, Duckworth Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Medicare Coverage for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) re-introduced legislation to ensure breast cancer patients and survivors who have experienced a mastectomy are able to access custom breast prosthetics under Medicare. The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act would provide coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses\u2014which, unlike other prosthetic devices, are not currently covered by Medicare\u2014to the more than 100,000 women who undergo mastectomies annually.\n\n\u201cBattling breast cancer is a traumatizing experience for the many women who go through it\u2014and right now, many who undergo mastectomies have poor choices when it comes to reconstructive surgeries. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join Senator Duckworth on the Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, which would provide more choices for women who undergo mastectomies,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cThis bill will not just expand coverage under Medicare for thousands of women, but it will also aid in the emotional and physical healing for women who battled breast cancer.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can do so much more to help patients and survivors of breast cancer fully recover and achieve the best quality of life,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cIt is absurd that the breast is the only human body part not currently covered by Medicare as a customized replacement, which is one of the reasons why I\u2019m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski to finally change that and help expand access and options for women who have already been through so much.\u201d\n\nA copy of the bill text is available here.\n\nFor most women, a flat-backed, off-the-shelf breast prosthesis will be suitable and fit well. However, after mastectomy surgery, not all women will have a flat chest wall to allow a good fit for off-the-shelf prosthesis. Further, it can be difficult for some women, particularly women of color, to find prostheses that match their skin tone.\n\nIn recent years, technological advancements have enabled the creation and precise fitting of custom breast prostheses. Custom prostheses are typically made from higher-end silicone products produced in a unique mold designed to fit the chest like a puzzle piece. Through laser scans of the chest, which may have bumps, scarring or dips due to surgery, many women find that custom breast prostheses provide a superior fit and comfort. Unfortunately, these patients and survivors may struggle to access custom breast prostheses due to lack of coverage.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-welcomes-206-million-doe-grant-strengthening-alaskas-electrical-grid-resilience", "Alaska Delegation Welcomes $206 Million DOE Grant Strengthening Alaska\u2019s Electrical Grid Resilience", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "Grant Funds Anchorage-Kenai Subsea Cable, Battery Storage Throughout Railbelt\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), today welcomed a $206.5 million grant awarded to the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to build a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) submarine cable between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage that will add redundancy to the Alaska Railbelt electrical grid system in the event of disruptive events. The federal funds for the grant were secured by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), supported by Sens. Murkowski and Sullivan, and Rep. Peltola\u2019s predecessor, the late Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska). All three members of the delegation wrote a letter in support of the project.\n\n\u201cWhen I was negotiating the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, modernizing Alaska\u2019s energy grid were exactly the type of projects I envisioned,\u201d said Sen. Murkowski. \u201cThis is an extraordinary opportunity, not only for the Railbelt, but for all of Alaska to share in the benefit. From elevating the Railbelt\u2019s grid resiliency and reliability, to providing greater Power Cost Equalization assistance to rural electric utilities, all Alaskans will see their energy costs lowered when this project reaches completion.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaskans contend with a host of natural disasters that can disrupt our basic infrastructure\u2014earthquakes, wildfires, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and blizzards, not to mention the extreme fluctuations in temperature between our winter and summer months,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cMaintaining access to electricity, especially for communities far from larger population centers, can be a matter of life and death during an emergency. I want to congratulate AEA on securing this major $200+ million-dollar federal grant that we made available through the bipartisan infrastructure law. I look forward to AEA breaking ground on this important project that will have the potential to significantly expand hydroelectric power and other renewables, modernize our state\u2019s electrical grid, help lower the cost of energy for thousands of Alaskans, and go a long way toward keeping our lights and heat on when we need it most.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re taking our first step into a cleaner, stronger energy future, with more jobs and lower costs for Alaskans,\u201d said Rep. Peltola. \u201cAlaska is an energy powerhouse, from tidal to wind to LNG and more. We shouldn\u2019t have to import expensive Outside energy when we have so many affordable options at our fingertips, and now we have the chance to make our energy grid truly work for Alaskans. This $206.5 million award, with another $206.5 million in matching funds, represents a sea change in Alaska\u2019s energy grid. This project will fund redundant transmission and battery energy storage systems throughout the Railbelt, creating a stronger energy grid that will have more capability to accept and distribute energy from renewable sources throughout the state, bringing more domestic Alaskan energy to power more Alaskan homes and businesses. Once again, Alaskans have showed that when we are united, we can accomplish incredible things. Our utilities, state leadership, and Congressional delegation all worked in unison to advance this plan, and just like with Willow, we achieved incredible results. I believe this project is central to Alaska\u2019s just energy transition and spoke personally with President Biden and Secretary Granholm about it, emphasizing how Alaska can be an innovative model in grid development for the rest of the country.\u201d\n\n100 percent matching funds are required for the grant, which is being administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO), bringing the total project cost to $413 million. The project is estimated to reach completion in eight years, and will include multiple battery energy storage systems (BESS) throughout the Railbelt electrical grid.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/schatz-murkowski-more-than-2-million-in-new-federal-funding-to-revitalize-promote-native-languages", "Schatz, Murkowski: More than $2 Million in New Federal Funding to Revitalize, Promote Native Languages", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, announced more than $2.2 million in new fiscal year 2023 grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education to implement the Native American Language Resource Center Act, legislation led by the Senators and enacted earlier this year.\n\n\u201cCulturally-based instruction is critical to promoting and revitalizing Native languages,\u201d said Chairman Schatz. \u201cThis funding will directly support educational institutions like the University of Hawai\u2018i in developing resources and fostering collaboration to promote the use of Native American languages across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cNative languages are key to understanding our history, culture, families, and communities,\u201d said Vice Chairman Murkowski. \u201cI am pleased to welcome these awards to a consortium and other recipients, including Alaska language leaders, to create Native American Language Resource Centers. I was proud to co-lead the legislation creating this program with Chairman Schatz in order to promote the important work of Native language revitalization.\u201d\n\nThe new grants will support Native American language use, revitalization, and instruction to advance the goals of the Native American Languages Act of 1990, which recognized the inherent rights and freedoms of Native Americans to use their Indigenous languages. The full list of Native American Language Resource Center Act grant recipients includes:\n\nUniversity of Hawai\u2018i in partnership with University of Alaska Southeast and Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University for a National Center;\n\nLittle Priest Tribal College for a Regional Center (Central);\n\nUniversity of Oregon for a Regional Center (Northwest); and\n\nUniversity of Arizona in partnership with Tohono O\u2019odham Community College, San Carlos Apache College, and Din\u00e9 College for a Regional Center (West).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-in-most-dangerous-era-since-wwii-bidens-policies-are-national-security-suicide", "Sullivan: In Most Dangerous Era Since WWII, Biden\u2019s Policies are \u2018National Security Suicide\u2019", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) said the Biden administration is undertaking \u201ca policy of national security suicide\u201d by surrendering American energy independence, appeasing Iran\u2019s Mullah through weakened sanctions enforcement, and proposing U.S. military cuts during an appearance on The Fox News Rundown Podcast on Monday. Senator Sullivan also said he has little doubt the devastating attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians were conducted \u201cthrough the lens of the malign activities and influence of Iran.\u201d He said Iran\u2019s responsibility require\u2019s immediate action by the Biden administration in the form of stronger sanction enforcement.\n\nSullivan: In Most Dangerous World Since WWII, Biden Administration Policies are \u2018National Security Suicide\u2019\n\nSENATOR SULLIVAN: \u201cThis administration has come into office and literally shut down one of our great strengths, which is American energy. You literally have a Biden administration undertaking what I refer to as a policy of national security suicide. What we need to do, particularly with regard to energy, is recognize it as a huge American strategic advantage and produce our own energy, and shut down the production of energy in terrorist states like Iran and Venezuela, who use it for malign influences and in the case of Iran, for killing Israelis and Americans.\n\n. . .\n\n\u201cWe need, as Congress, to step up and demand that the Biden administration reverse so many of its policies that have undermined U.S. strength. I talked about energy. I talked about our military. As you know, the Biden administration has put forward military budgets to shrink the military. Every budget that this president put forward has been a cut. In this current budget, the president shrinks the Army, shrinks the Navy, shrinks the Marine Corps. They've undertaken, as I mentioned, an appeasement policy with Iran. What we need is Congress speaking with strong voices to reverse these policies and bolster our national defense. You know, providing for the defense of our nation is probably the most important constitutional requirement and responsibility the United States Congress has.\n\n. . .\n\n\u201cWe made enormous progress on many important resource development projects in Alaska, on critical minerals, on oil and gas, during the Trump administration. The Biden administration has come in and essentially tried to reverse almost every single one of these.\n\n\u201cAnd to your point, that hurts jobs in my state. It also doesn't do anything for the environment because Alaska has the highest environmental standards on the production and development of natural resources of any place in the world. If you're not producing oil and gas in Alaska, with the highest standards on the planet, but you want to get it from Venezuela, you're certainly not helping the environment. Globally, you're actually hurting it.\n\n\u201cAnd of course, it hurts my constituents directly in terms of jobs. But every American citizen should be concerned when Alaska, with its high standards on the environment, can't produce energy for America and the world. I'm certainly hopeful that we're going to finally once again re-impose massive sanctions on Iran and unleash the huge potential of American energy, which is not just good for jobs and good for our economy, but is an enormous element of American strength and power.\u201d\n\nSullivan: We Need to Re-impose Trump Administration Sanctions on Iran\n\nSULLIVAN: \u201cWhen I talk about the Middle East, and I've spent a lot of time out there as a senator and a former Bush administration official and as a U.S. Marine, the one thing I always like to mention is that the lens in which we need to view almost all of the terrorist activity occurring there is through the lens of the malign activities and influence of Iran.\n\n\u201cAs you know, they fully fund and train Hamas and they have been focused on killing Americans and Israelis for decades. So I'm hopeful that the Biden administration is going to wake up, recognize that their appeasement policies with regard to Iran have to stop, and re-impose the very comprehensive sanctions that the Trump administration had placed on the Iranian regime and the Iranian economy. And I think that's in some ways the most important way in which to deter a broadening of this conflict throughout the Middle East.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-asks-alaskans-to-pray-for-the-safety-of-our-jewish-community-in-alaska-and-around-the-world", "Sullivan Asks Alaskans To \u201cPray for the Safety of our Jewish Community in Alaska and Around the World\u2019", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "'We recommit ourselves to ending anti-Semitism in all its forms, and to defeating terrorists with no regard for human life.\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) asked Alaskans to recommit themselves to ending anti-Semitism and to pray for the safety of the Jewish community in Alaska and around the globe during virtual remarks in Anchorage last week. Hundreds of Alaskans gathered on Wednesday to show solidarity with Alaska\u2019s Jewish community and to mourn the victims of the recent deadly terrorist attacks in Israel. The event was hosted by the Alaska Jewish Campus at the the Dena\u2019ina Civic and Convention Centers. During his remarks, Senator Sullivan pledged to continue to work in the United States Senate to \u201censure that Israel has whatever assistance it needs to defend itself and its people and to defeat Hamas.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are here tonight to unequivocally stand with the citizens of Israel and Alaska's Jewish community,\u201d Senator Sullivan said. \u201cWe must be steadfast in fully supporting Israel's right to defend itself, and to defeat and crush the Hamas terrorists who do not want peace, who only want the destruction of Israel, which they say all the time, and the death of more innocent civilians. That is the reality facing Israel right now. And we must stand with them.\n\n\u201cWe must also send an unmistakable message to the terrorists in Iran not to try to widen this conflict through other proxies like Hezbollah. America will be watching Iran's every move. I want to conclude by thanking you again, Rabbi Greenberg and everybody in attendance tonight. This is such a testament to our state that so many are out to support our Jewish community, but also our critical alliance with Israel.\n\n\u201cWe mourn together the more than a thousand innocent lives we\u2019ve lost. We pray for the safety of those who\u2019ve been taken hostage and those recovering from injuries. We recommit ourselves to ending anti-Semitism in all its forms, and to defeating terrorists who have no regard for innocent human life. And, we pray for the safety of our Jewish community in Alaska and around the world.\u201d\n\nTo listen to Senator Sullivan\u2019s full remarks, click here.\n\nFULL REMARKS:\n\nSENATOR SULLIVAN: Good evening, everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to join you virtually today at this critically important gathering, demonstrating Alaskans\u2019 solidarity with our state\u2019s Jewish community, and with the people of Israel amidst an unspeakable tragedy and unspeakable evil.\n\nWe are here tonight to unequivocally stand with the citizens of Israel and Alaska's Jewish community.\n\nI want to begin by thanking Rabbi Greenberg for his incredible leadership and for his tireless efforts to bring people together across Alaska in so many ways, and he has been doing this for years with his wonderful life wife as well.\n\nIn Alaska, we are so richly blessed with our incredible Jewish community. So many of you here tonight who contribute so much by way of fellowship and service to all Alaskans. I have always been amazed by the remarkable ties that exist between Alaska and Israel at the highest levels of the Israeli government through cooperation and training between our militaries, between our families, and between friends across thousands of miles.\n\nMy wife, Julie, and I, who is also listening in tonight, saw this this past year when we had the opportunity to visit Israel and the Abraham Accords countries who had made peace with Israel in the Middle East. We saw so much promise just a few months ago when we were there.\n\nAnd now the world is confronted with such evil and barbarism. So many Israelis and Americans are going through unimaginable grief and pain and suffering and anger because so many friends and relatives and acquaintances and loved ones and family members have been among those killed or wounded or taken hostage in this vicious assault.\n\nOver 1100 Israeli citizens have been killed. So, too, have many Americans. This impacts us all. As Rabbi Greenberg mentioned, after World War II, the horrors of the Holocaust galvanized all civilized people to a collective pledge and understanding: \u201cNever Again.\u201d And yet, we have just witnessed the worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. It is unconscionable and underscores the difficult reality that anti-Semitism continues to plague our world.\n\nWe must fight against and condemn this scourge everywhere we see it. The murderous acts of violence we are now learning about and seeing against innocent men, women, and children. And yes, as Rabbi Greenberg said, even babies. It is almost too much to bear.\n\nBut the world needs to see it. The world needs to know the truth about what just happened and to understand the depravity of Hamas and other evil groups. It was pure evil. Pure evil.\n\nThere is no moral equivalence between a barbaric terrorist group committing these kinds of savage atrocities and a nation fighting to defend its very right to exist. Period.\n\nAs your U.S. Senator, I\u2019ve been honored to work with so many here tonight as a relentless supporter of Israel, America\u2019s closest friend and ally in the Middle East.\n\nWe must also continue to work our relentless efforts together against policies that seek to appease the Iranian terrorist regime, which very likely had a hand in this massacre. We must remain vigilant and united in this new era of authoritarian aggression led by dictators in Moscow, Beijing and Tehran.\n\nI will be working with my colleagues in the Senate on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Israel has whatever assistance it needs to defend itself and its people and to defeat Hamas. That is military assistance, intelligence cooperation. I have already had a very good conversation with Ambassador Herzog, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, who many of you know, visited our great state this summer. We had a wonderful visit with him across our state.\n\nThe days ahead will be extremely difficult. Leaders of Israel will have to make very difficult decisions. We should pray for wisdom and courage for them. And, of course, pray for the IDF soldiers who will be undertaking an extremely difficult mission. We must be steadfast in fully supporting Israel's right to defend itself, and to defeat and crush the Hamas terrorists who do not want peace, who only want the destruction of Israel, which they say all the time, and the death of more innocent civilians.\n\nThat is the reality facing Israel right now. And we must stand with them.\n\nWe must also send an unmistakable message to the terrorists in Iran not to try to widen this conflict through other proxies like Hezbollah. America will be watching Iran's every move.\n\nI want to conclude by thanking you again, Rabbi Greenberg, and everybody in attendance tonight. This is such a testament to our state that so many are out to support our Jewish community, but also our critical alliance with Israel.\n\nWe mourn together the more than a thousand innocent lives we\u2019ve lost. We pray for the safety of those who\u2019ve been taken hostage and those recovering from injuries. We recommit ourselves to ending anti-Semitism in all its forms, and to defeating terrorists who have no regard for innocent human life. And, we pray for the safety of our Jewish community in Alaska and around the world.\n\nLet me just close with some words of comfort\u2014a prayer for perseverance and God\u2019s strength, from Psalm 71:\n\n[12 O God, do not distance Yourself from me; my God, hasten to my assistance.\n\n13 The adversaries of my soul will be shamed and will perish; enwrapped in humiliation and disgrace will be those who seek to harm me.\n\n14 As for me, I shall constantly hope, and I shall add to all Your praise.\n\n15 My mouth will recite Your righteousness, all the days Your salvation, for I do not know their number.\n\n16 I shall come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I shall mention Your righteousness alone.]\n\nAgain, thank you, Rabbi Greenberg, and all the wonderful Alaskans who have gathered in solidarity tonight. God bless all of you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-reacts-to-dois-months-late-draftanalysis-for-the-ambler-access-project", "Delegation Reacts to DOI\u2019s Months-Late Draft\r\nAnalysis for the Ambler Access Project", "2023-10-13", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Anchorage, AK\u2014 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) today released the following statements after the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) finally released its long-delayed draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the proposed Ambler Access Project (AAP).\n\n\u201cThis road is guaranteed under federal law and will facilitate access to crucial supplies of copper, cobalt, gallium, germanium, and other minerals that our nation currently imports from abroad. This is particularly important as China cuts off exports of gallium and germanium, cobalt is produced through modern-day slavery in the DRC, and some of our best analysts are forecasting shortages of copper within a decade,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cGiven the clear terms of the law and the strategic importance of this project, you would expect the Biden administration to prioritize its approval with reasonable mitigation measures for subsistence. Instead, perhaps with an eye toward Halloween, this analysis looks to be filled with environmental boogeymen. We all care about subsistence, and Alaskans will protect this fundamental right. But it does not make sense to contend that a private, two-lane access road will have outsized impacts on Alaska wildlife. My team and I will review this document closely, but based on what Interior released today, it does not appear to be the serious analysis that we expected and deserved.\u201d\n\n\u201cHere we go again. The Biden administration is reversing yet another fully completed Environmental Impact Statement\u2014approved by the previous administration\u2014on a critical Alaska project,\u201d said Senator Sullivan. \u201cOur country is in the midst of one of the most dangerous periods since World War II. One of America\u2019s greatest strengths over our adversaries is our energy and critical minerals. Remarkably, the Biden administration has sought to unilaterally disarm these strengths, including with today\u2019s Ambler Road supplemental EIS, which sets up more hurdles to access one the biggest deposits of much-needed critical minerals in our country. Additionally, this supplemental EIS is almost certainly counter to ANILCA, which mandates that the Interior Secretary \u2018shall\u2019 grant an Ambler Road right-of-way not subject to judicial review. Finally, it is dishonest for the Biden administration to suggest that this project will become a public road, ignoring the fact that the application is for a private road, paid for with private funds. This is classic Biden administration: undermining American strengths in a very dangerous time, subverting the clear intent of federal law, and lying to Alaskans.\u201d\n\n\u201cProjects in the Ambler mining district could create good-paying jobs for local communities while also developing an Alaska-based supply chain for the critical minerals our country needs to compete with China and create a cleaner energy grid,\u201d said Rep. Peltola. \u201cThose communities and local tribes must be adequately consulted. From my conversations with impacted communities, they want a private road, and I believe that a private road can find a balance between providing economic opportunities for the region while also protecting subsistence. I will continue to encourage the Interior Department to complete this process without further delays.\u201d\n\nThe Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 guarantees a right-of-way (ROW) across federal lands to provide access to the Ambler Mining District. Federal permitting for the AAP began in 2015 and included a rigorous environmental review and environmental and economic analysis (EEA). After holding 18 public meetings and considering over 3,000 unique public comments, in July 2020, the Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation signed a Record of Decision (ROD) selecting the Northern Alignment as the approved route for the road. That same month, after holding 21 public meetings and reviewing over 21,000 public comments, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) signed a joint ROD choosing Alternative A as the preferred alternative; subsequently BLM and National Park Service issued a 50-year ROW permit for the AAP.\n\nIn February 2022, DOI sought a voluntary court remand to conduct an SEIS for the AAP. President Biden held a roundtable on \u201cSecuring Critical Minerals for a Future Made in America\u201d on the very same day\u2014failing to recognize that the Ambler Mining District is one of the nation\u2019s best options to produce them, but foreshadowing his administration\u2019s incoherence on this issue.\n\nThe court agreed to DOI\u2019s remand request in May 2022, but placed conditions on it to ensure it would move forward expeditiously. In June 2023, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland testified to Congress that permitting would be completed by the end of the year, but just days later, the administration filed a court brief announcing a delay for a new ROD until mid-2024.\n\nThe draft SEIS is available here. DOI has set a 60-day public comment period from the date of the SEIS\u2019 publication in the Federal Register, which is expected next week.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-reacts-to-dois-months-late-draft-analysis-of-ambler-access-project", "Alaska Delegation Reacts to DOI\u2019s Months-Late Draft Analysis of Ambler Access Project", "2023-10-13", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "ANCHORAGE, ALASKA \u2014 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) today released the following statements after the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) finally released its long-delayed draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the proposed Ambler Access Project (AAP).\n\n\u201cThis road is guaranteed under federal law and will facilitate access to crucial supplies of copper, cobalt, gallium, germanium, and other minerals that our nation currently imports from abroad. This is particularly important as China cuts off exports of gallium and germanium, cobalt is produced through modern-day slavery in the DRC, and some of our best analysts are forecasting shortages of copper within a decade,\u201d said Senator Murkowski. \u201cGiven the clear terms of the law and the strategic importance of this project, you would expect the Biden administration to prioritize its approval with reasonable mitigation measures for subsistence. You would also expect them to recognize that Alaska has repeatedly demonstrated that subsistence rights can safely co-exist with road infrastructure. My team and I will review this document closely, but based on what Interior released today, it does not appear they have undertaken the serious, credible analysis that we expected and deserved.\u201d\n\n\u201cHere we go again. The Biden administration is reversing yet another fully completed Environmental Impact Statement\u2014approved by the previous administration\u2014on a critical Alaska project,\u201d said Senator Sullivan. \u201cOur country is in the midst of one of the most dangerous periods since World War II. One of America\u2019s greatest strengths over our adversaries is our energy and critical minerals. Remarkably, the Biden administration has sought to unilaterally disarm these strengths, including with today\u2019s Ambler Road supplemental EIS, which sets up more hurdles to access one the biggest deposits of much-needed critical minerals in our country. Additionally, this supplemental EIS is almost certainly counter to ANILCA, which mandates that the Interior Secretary \u2018shall\u2019 grant an Ambler Road right-of-way not subject to judicial review. Finally, it is dishonest for the Biden administration to suggest that this project will become a public road, ignoring the fact that the application is for a private road, paid for with private funds. This is classic Biden administration: undermining American strengths in a very dangerous time, subverting the clear intent of federal law, and lying to Alaskans.\u201d\n\n\u201cProjects in the Ambler mining district could create good-paying jobs for local communities while also developing an Alaska-based supply chain for the critical minerals our country needs to compete with China and create a cleaner energy grid,\u201d said Rep. Peltola. \u201cThose communities and local tribes must be adequately consulted. From my conversations with impacted communities, they want a private road, and I believe that a private road can find a balance between providing economic opportunities for the region while also protecting subsistence. I will continue to encourage the Interior Department to complete this process without further delays.\u201d\n\nThe Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 guarantees a right-of-way (ROW) across federal lands to provide access to the Ambler Mining District. Federal permitting for the AAP began in 2015 and included a rigorous environmental review and environmental and economic analysis (EEA). After holding 18 public meetings and considering over 3,000 unique public comments, in July 2020, the Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation signed a Record of Decision (ROD) selecting the Northern Alignment as the approved route for the road. That same month, after holding 21 public meetings and reviewing over 21,000 public comments, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) signed a joint ROD choosing Alternative A as the preferred alternative; subsequently BLM and National Park Service issued a 50-year ROW permit for the AAP.\n\nIn February 2022, DOI sought a voluntary court remand to conduct an SEIS for the AAP. President Biden held a roundtable on \u201cSecuring Critical Minerals for a Future Made in America\u201d on the very same day\u2014failing to recognize that the Ambler Mining District is one of the nation\u2019s best options to produce them, but foreshadowing his administration\u2019s incoherence on this issue.\n\nThe court agreed to DOI\u2019s remand request in May 2022, but placed conditions on it to ensure it would move forward expeditiously. In June 2023, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland testified to Congress that permitting would be completed by the end of the year, but just days later, the administration filed a court brief announcing a delay for a new ROD until mid-2024.\n\nThe draft SEIS is available here. DOI has set a 60-day public comment period from the date of the SEIS\u2019 publication in the Federal Register, which is expected next week.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/op-ed-stars-are-aligned-to-make-a-major-push-for-alaska-lng", "OP-ED: Stars are aligned to make a major push for Alaska LNG", "2023-10-08", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "There is no doubt that our state and nation are facing many challenges. Inflation is eating into paychecks. The wide-open southern border is fueling thousands of fentanyl overdoses. The cost of energy is skyrocketing. At every turn, it seems that the Biden administration is determined to shut down our state.\n\nHere is another challenge: Alaska\u2019s Railbelt utilities are predicting that without further significant discoveries in the Cook Inlet, within the next five years, we will be forced to import natural gas from Canada or Mexico to power Southcentral and Interior Alaska \u2014 at likely double the price that we pay for gas now.?Imagine how that would negatively impact families, homes, small businesses, schools, and hospitals, just to name a few.\n\nThe good news is that we have been here before. Some Alaskans might remember how, in 2011, we were facing a looming natural gas shortage. It was so bad we were practicing brownouts in Anchorage. We were told that importing natural gas from Canada was the only option. But we didn\u2019t allow that to happen. We united together as a state \u2014 the legislative and executive branches with the private sector \u2014 and came up with a bold, creative plan to incentivize Cook Inlet exploration and production. And it worked.?I was the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources at this time and was very involved with this successful strategy.\n\nIndeed, Alaskans have a strong and proud history of getting big things done for our state when we come together with one voice, beginning with statehood. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was the largest lands claims act in the history of our country. The Magnuson-Stevens Act transformed not only our fisheries but fisheries across our nation. Many did not believe that the Willow Project on the North Slope had a chance of getting re-approved by the Biden administration. Alaskans united to prove them wrong.\n\nBuilding the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) faced fierce opposition. But, spurred by the Arab oil embargo and ensuing American energy crisis, Alaskans united to support Congress as it passed, and President Nixon signed legislation for the construction of TAPS in 1974.\n\nTAPS transformed our state. Now, another project \u2014 Alaska LNG \u2014 with similar transformative potential, also spurred by international developments, is on the horizon.\n\nGlobal energy markets have been transformed by the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thanks largely to increased U.S. LNG exports, Europe has significantly decreased its reliance on Russian natural gas. However, because of limited supply, many of our allies in Asia \u2014 like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan \u2014 are still heavily dependent on Russian energy. This needs to change. Alaska \u2014 with our huge reserves of natural gas and proximity to Asia \u2014 is poised to meet the demand while being able to supply our own citizens with low-cost, clean-burning energy.\n\nAfter the Russia invasion, it was clear that these and other countries were beginning to look at Alaska\u2018s energy as a critical opportunity. So my team and I got to work.\n\nI have been to Japan and Korea three times in the past 18 months to drive progress on the Alaska LNG project. For example, last October, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and I convened an Alaska LNG summit in Tokyo. We were joined by key stakeholders, investors, producers, engineering firms, the Biden administration at senior levels, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and members of his administration, the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. (AGDC), and Japanese government officials. The summit drove further interest. I also traveled to South Korea where I held a similar summit and met with President?Yoon Suk Yeol, investors and producers, all of whom are likewise interested in the project.\n\nSince that time, there has been significant progress. The Biden administration has approved the Record of Decision for the Alaska LNG project, in part, because of its major greenhouse gas reduction benefits. Far-left special interest group objections to this project ignore climate realities: This project will reduce emissions by up to 2.3 billion tons during Alaska LNG\u2019s 30-year authorization.\n\nFurther, because of the roughly $30 billion in loan guarantees that the Alaska congressional delegation was able to secure in the infrastructure bill, we can tout the Alaska LNG project as the only LNG project backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Finally, the expanded 45Q tax credits for carbon capture and sequestration will add nearly $600 million in annual revenue during the first five years of the project, with an additional seven years of equivalent tax credits. We are now also able to tout the Alaska LNG project as the only U.S. West Coast LNG project that has all of the necessary federal permits and approvals, including the FERC export license.\n\nThis year, investors and buyers have been coming to our state in droves to look at the Alaska LNG project.\n\nMany Alaskans, including myself, have worked on getting North Slope natural gas to Alaskans first, then to global market for years \u2014 decades, even. And I understand the skepticism that many in Alaska bring to this complex project.?But after working on this big dream for Alaska for many years, we are seeing key stakeholder alignment in ways that have never happened before.\n\nThe stars are aligned at long last to make one more major push to get this project done. But the window won\u2019t stay open forever. Competing projects both in the United States and across the globe are advancing. Think about what an unlimited supply of low-cost energy to all of Alaska, including rural Alaska, could do to lessen the costs of energy, attract and grow business, and even create the potential for an Alaska manufacturing base. Not only would this project provide low-cost energy to Alaskans across our state, but it will also provide a steady source of income to the state for many years to come and create 10,000 construction jobs and 1,000 operations jobs.\n\nThe fact that Alaska, with roughly 100 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves of natural gas \u2014 one of the world\u2019s few \u201csuper basins\u201d \u2014 would resort to importing gas from Canada or Mexico for our own energy needs, is simply unacceptable. If this occurs, the window for the many opportunities that we could achieve as a result of abundant, low-cost energy will be closed for a generation and good-paying jobs will flee our state.\n\nLike we have in the past, Alaska\u2019s elected officials need to work together to focus on the immediate challenge and the opportunities that this project presents. AGDC is working to secure $150 million for the next step in this project to finish the front-end engineering and design. Having the state as a co-investor, alongside the private sector, in this phase would send a strong signal to investors and help Alaska LNG\u2019s chances of getting over the finish line.\n\nI plan to provide detailed briefings to elected officials in the state Legislature on the work that we have done to better understand the two futures staring us in the face: importing gas from Canada and Mexico for our own energy needs and watching Alaskan jobs and our economy wither, or being bold and doing all we can to get this massive energy project over the goal line to secure a low-cost energy future for Alaskans with unlimited potential.\n\nThis is a big, complicated project, no doubt. And as some of you might have read in these pages, there are skeptics who have made careers out of being naysayers, with no bold vision for Alaska. But we a have strong and proud history of proving skeptics wrong and getting big things done for our state when we unite. I, for one, am all in. I hope others will join me.\n\nSen. Dan Sullivan has represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate since he was first elected in 2014.\n\n# # #\n\nBy: Sen. Dan Sullivan\n\nSource:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-issues-statement-after-terrorist-attacks-on-israel", "Senator Murkowski issues statement after terrorist attacks on Israel", "2023-10-07", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Following the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel, Senator Murkowski (Alaska-R) released the following statement:\n\n\"My heart is heavy for Israel, the families of those who have lost their loved ones, and the hundreds more wounded and reportedly taken hostage in these senseless attacks. I condemn Hamas\u2019 terrorist actions on innocent civilians and call on the international community to join the United States in offering aid to Israel and unequivocally supporting Israel\u2019s right to defend themselves from these atrocities. The Biden administration must reverse its failed policy of appeasement with Iran, and any other regime that would sponsor or support the terror group Hamas.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-condemns-hamas-attack-on-israel", "Sullivan Condemns Hamas Attack on Israel", "2023-10-07", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), released the following statement today condemning the widespread assault launched by Hamas against Israel.\n\n\"America stands with the people of Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, as they repel a widespread assault launched by Hamas terrorists today at the conclusion of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot,\" said Sen. Sullivan. \"This disgraceful attack involved the indiscriminate barrage of thousands of rockets against cities and towns across Israel, and reportedly, the murder and hostage taking of many innocent civilians. Israel has a right to defend itself and its existence against any terrorist group or its backers, including the largest state sponsor of terrorism\u2014Iran. We must support this right of our close ally during this horrendous attack on innocent Israelis. The terrorist regime in Iran must know that the United States is watching its actions very closely.\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-access-to-eating-disorder-care-for-seniors-and-people-with-disabilities", "Senator Murkowski Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Eating Disorder Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities", "2023-10-06", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced a bipartisan bill to better support seniors and people who experience disabilities who are struggling with eating disorders. The bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act would expand access to medical care for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B, which will provide patients with a more comprehensive, specialized approach to combating eating disorders than what is currently offered under Medicare.\n\n\u201cEating disorders are dangerous illnesses that harm the health of millions of Americans, regardless of their age or background. The bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act would help ensure that seniors and people living with disabilities who struggle with eating disorders have increased access to medical nutrition therapy\u2014an effort that would make a difference in Alaska, where we face a shortage of treatment options. Together, we can support people who struggle with eating disorders, destigmatize the illness among older people, and improve the health of seniors and people living with disabilities,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski.\n\n\u201cEating disorders can affect all Americans, including older people and individuals who experience disabilities. For these groups especially, an eating disorder can be life threatening, and it is critical that people on Medicare with an eating disorder can get the full help that they need,\u201d said Senator Hassan.\n\nThe bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act would allow registered physicians, dieticians, nutrition specialists, and mental health professionals to provide medical nutrition therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries struggling with an eating disorder can access psychiatric, therapy, and medical services. The expanded services would include 13 hours of medical nutrition therapy\u2014including a one hour initial assessment and 12 hours of reassessment and intervention\u2014during the first year that the beneficiary begins receiving services. The beneficiary would then be able to access four hours of medical nutrition therapy services during each subsequent year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-solicits-applications-for-alaskas-vacant-federal-judgeship", "Sullivan Solicits Applications for Alaska\u2019s Vacant Federal Judgeship", "2023-10-06", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "sullivan", "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=19", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan today invited interested Alaskans to apply to the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council (AFJC) for Alaska\u2019s vacant federal district court judgeship. Applicants must fill out the questionnaire on Sen. Sullivan\u2019s website that will be reviewed by the AFJC. The council, representing a broad, diverse cross-section of Alaskan professionals, was convened by Sen. Sullivan in September to make recommendations on the vacancy.\n\n\u201cFederal judges have an extraordinary level of responsibility in our constitutional system of government, rendering decisions with far-reaching implications for our economy, land and resources, and public safety,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cWe have an abundance of well-qualified individuals in Alaska with strong credentials and character who would make an outstanding federal judge. I want to invite interested Alaskans with a heart for public service to put their names forward. The Alaska Federal Judiciary Council will review candidates in the coming weeks and determine finalists to appear before the Council for interviews.\u201d\n\nSenators in more than 25 other states\u2014like Hawaii, Texas, and Illinois\u2014have used a council like the one created by Sen. Sullivan to vet federal judicial candidates prior to making recommendations. Senators forward recommendations to the White House, which gives the names significant weight when making a nomination for a vacancy. This tradition is based on the Senate\u2019s \u201cblue slip\u201d practice and the Senate\u2019s \u201cadvice and consent\u201d role in the U.S. Constitution.\n\nClick here to download the application packet. Completed applications are due by November 20 and can be submitted to AFJC@Sullivan.Senate.gov.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/arctic-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-economic-relationship-with-iceland", "Arctic Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Bill to Strengthen Economic Relationship with Iceland", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "murkowski", "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=17", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Angus King (I-Maine), co-chairs of the Senate Arctic Caucus, have introduced a bill to expand and improve economic ties with Iceland. Currently, Icelanders are not eligible for economic visas to visit and conduct business in the United States, one of the only Arctic nations whose residents face such a barrier. The Nordic Trader and Investor Parity Act would expand access to trade and investment visas for Icelanders, resulting in expanded economic opportunities for both nations. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have also cosponsored the legislation.\n\nIceland\u2019s largest trade partner is the United States, accounting for approximately 20% of Iceland\u00b4s total trade in goods and services. Currently, Iceland is the only Nordic country whose nationals are not eligible for American treater trader and investor visas.\n\n\u201cIceland and Alaska have many shared interests,\u201d said Senator Lisa Murkowski. \u201cIt is long past time that the people of Iceland are able to share in trade and investment opportunities in the United States. Opening up economic visas for Icelanders will allow our Arctic neighbors to bring the innovations they are making in energy capture, ocean sciences, and sustainable fisheries to Alaska and the Lower 48.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States is an Arctic Nation, and has many significant economic and national security interests in the High North\u2014so we must solidify our ties with our allies and expand access to the American economy,\u201d said Senator Angus King. \u201cThe Nordic Trader and Investor Parity Act would increase access to trade and investment visas for Icelanders looking to do business in the United States while increasing our country\u2019s economic footprint in the Arctic nation. As our adversaries continue to venture northward, hoping to control the economy of the Arctic region, there should be no doubt that free trade and open access is the name of the game in the High North.\u201d\n\nTreaty trader (E-1) and treaty investor (E-2) visas are nonimmigrant visas for nationals of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation. Treaty trader and treaty investor visas are temporary nonimmigrant visas. These visas were created to facilitate and enhance economic interaction between the United States and other countries.\n\nAn E-1 visa is for individuals entering the United States to engage in substantial trade,\n\nAn E-2 visa is for individuals entering the United States to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which that person has invested.\n\nThe full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 401, "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": "Senate", "p1": "AK", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AK&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 401, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AK&year=2023&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AK&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 401, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AK&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "AK", "label": "AK", "count": 401, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AK&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 401, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AK", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-10-04,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emurkowski~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress~2Frelease~2Farctic-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-economic-relationship-with-iceland", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=AK&year=2023&_next=2023-10-04%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emurkowski~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress~2Frelease~2Farctic-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-economic-relationship-with-iceland&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 129.6275993809104, "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"}