{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"AK\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/12/23/2018/murkowski-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown", "Murkowski Statement on Partial Government Shutdown", "2018-12-23", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Statement on Partial Government Shutdown \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement on the current partial government shutdown:\r\nShutting down the government, even partially, is no way to govern. It is disruptive, harmful, wasteful, and could leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees and contractors without paychecks over Christmas, Senator Murkowski said. This year we worked hard to return to regular order in the appropriations process, voting bills out of committee and the Senate with strong bipartisan support. The Appropriations Committee did its work, but the votes are clearly not present in the Senate to provide $5 billion for the border wall and changing filibuster rules would only come back to haunt us in the future. We have to accept those realities and reopen the government as soon as possible. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on a solution to end this partial shutdown and fund the government.\r\nBoth chambers of Congress have approved, and the President has signed, five of the 12 appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2019, which together account for approximately 75 percent of the federal budget. The bills not yet enacted are for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.\r\nImpacts of the Partial Shutdown:\r\n \r\nPrograms that have been funded for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 will continue to operate. Examples include Veterans Affairs and Defense. \r\nFederal employees whose agency or program has not yet been funded for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 will be designated by their agency as essential or non-essential.\r\nOnly essential employeesgenerally those who do work related to life safety, property protection, health, emergency response, and other work as determined by their agencieswill be allowed to report for work. \r\nThose deemed non-essential are legally required to stay home and are put on unpaid furlough.\r\nThe Department of Homeland Security will be deemed essential, which means employees will work, but without pay. \r\nAirports will remain open and air traffic controllers and TSA officials will remain on the job. \r\nNational Parks that require staff will be closed except for essential personnel.\r\n \r\nAdditional details on the effects of the government shutdown and frequently asked questions can be found on Senator Murkowski's website here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown", "Going into Partial Government Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Statement on Partial Government Shutdown \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senate Votes to Proceed to Funding Legislation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to proceed to legislation to fund the remaining appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2019, including an announcement from Senate Majority Leader McConnell on a commitment to working with the White House on an agreement that can pass both houses of Congress and receive the president's signature:\r\nI'm disappointed we could not reach an agreement tonight. Funding the government is a fundamental part of our responsibility to govern. We all should commit to end this partial shutdown as soon as possible, Senator Murkowski said. I am encouraged that the Majority Leader, along with the Minority Leader in the Senate, made a public commitment tonight to keep working to find a solution to funding the government and addressing border security in a manner the President will accept. We owe it to the American people to do our jobs, and govern.\r\nBoth chambers of Congress have approved, and the President has signed, five of the 12 appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2019, which together account for approximately 75 percent of the federal budget. The bills not yet enacted are for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-responds-to-withdrawal-of-us-troops-from-syria", "Murkowski Responds to Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Syria", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Responds to Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Syria \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement in reaction to an announcement that the United States will remove all U.S. troops from Syria, including 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. Senator Murkowski's statement also follows the announcement of the resignation of James N. Mattis as Secretary of Defense:\r\nSecretary Mattis is a strong, respected leader with a wealth of knowledge about the issues and challenges facing our national security. He has consistently been forward thinking, focused, and clear minded. He restored critical gaps in our nation's defense budget that stood in the way of desperately needed modernization. The departure of Secretary James Mattis leaves a big hole in the cabinet leadership. His resignation letter showed tremendous courage. I thank Secretary Mattis for his leadership and service to our nation.\r\nWhile I do not support American troops being stationed in Syria indefinitely, I find the administration's abrupt withdrawal troubling and shortsighted. ISIS was waiting for a power vacuum to fill, and we are handing them exactly that. This action will also empower Iran, and the absence of U.S. forces in the area potentially opens a path for Iranian fighters and their proxies to launch attacks on Israel. We are also abandoning our longest ally in the region  the Kurds.I am equally alarmed by reports of an abrupt reduction in forces from Afghanistan where Alaskans have fought and died. Our nation has benefited from the wise and sober viewpoints expressed by General Kelly and General Mattis, both of whom are unfortunately leaving the White House. My advice to the President is that he reconsider the Syrian withdrawal, and take a pause in bold shifts in our military posture as he gets his new senior military team in place.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399253", "ICYMI: Congressman Young Had Sixth Bill Signed Into Law", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Monday, December 17, 2018 President Donald Trump signed H.R. 3398, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act authored by Alaska Congressman Don Young.\r\nI thank President Trump for his signature on this legislation and what it means for the future of Freely Associated States (FAS) citizens, said Congressman Young. This bill provides a common-sense solution to a burdensome issue for law abiding FAS citizens. With this bill now signed into a law, an oversight has been corrected which will provide more stability for these residents. I appreciate the support from the FAS leaders, my colleagues in Congress and this Administration.\r\nPresident Donald Trump signed into law H.R.3398, the REAL ID Modification Act for the Freely Associated States Act, an important legislation that allows Marshallese living in the United States and its Territories to receive real compliant Identification cards and driver licenses, said President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Hilda C. Heine. On behalf of the Marshallese People, and in particular those that have made the United States and its Territories their second home, I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to Congressman Young for his tireless efforts in championing this important legislation. The legislation will further allow the Marshallese People to productively participate in communities where they reside. Thank you Congressman Young, a lasting friend of the Marshall Islands who fully understands and recognizes the special and unique relationship that exists between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States.\r\nOn behalf of the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia living in the United States of America, I extend to President Trump, the sponsors and supporters of the REAL ID modification bill in both the House and the Senate our sincere appreciation and warm thank you, said President of the Federated States of Micronesia Peter M. Christian. The signing of this bill into law will make life much easier for our citizens to obtain state identification documents and drivers licenses. Furthermore, it provides a clear statement by the United States that it fully recognizes the privileges extended to our citizens who are lawfully residing in the United States pursuant to the Compact of Free Association. \r\nThis is a genuine display of your commitment and support for Palau and our neighbors of FSM and RMI. Congressman Don Young, we cannot thank you enough for your endless and continued support for Palau and the Freely Associated States, said President of the Republic of Palau, Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr.Please know that our citizens living in the United States, Alaska in particular, truly appreciate what you have done. The amendment to the Real ID Act that you championed will help our citizens tremendously. We are forever grateful and appreciative for all the hard work you put in making H.R. 3398 a reality. Thank you so much.\r\n\r\nBackground\r\nH.R. 3398, theREAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act,amends theReal ID Actof 2005. When Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, no reference was made to the Freely Associated States, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau (FAS) as among those classes having lawful status for the purpose of the Act. Instead, reference was made in the definition of State to the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), an entity that has not existed since 1994. While that reference served no operative purpose, it did show Congressional intent to include FAS citizens under the Act. This legislation aims to solve that issue. The REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act amends the Real ID Act of 2005 to permit Freely Associated States (FAS) to meet identification requirements under such Act.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-applauds-land-transfer-for-being-signed-into-law", "Alaska Congressional Delegation Applauds Land Transfer for Being Signed into Law", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t Alaska Congressional Delegation Applauds Land Transfer for Being Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young (all R-AK) today commended President Trump for signing S. 825, the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium land Transfer Act, into law. This legislation transfers to Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) a parcel of federal land in Sitka, Alaska, allowing the organization to further improve health care services for the region.\r\nI'm encouraged to know that this legislation will allow SEARHC to renovate one of the oldest and largest Native run hospitals in our country and to ensure access to more advanced healthcare opportunities, said Senator Murkowski. I thank my colleagues for supporting this bill to allow SEARHC to plan for the future and to continue to provide quality care for Southeast Alaska\r\nI thank President Trump for signing this legislation into law and helping us continue to transfer federal lands in Alaska for good use, said Senator Sullivan. SEARHC provides vital medical services to Sitka, and our remote and rural communities in Southeast Alaska. This legislation will allow them torenovate and improve Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, and expand critical healthcare critical services to the people of the region.\r\nThis federal land transfer is critical to SEARHC and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law, said Congressman Young. The services that the Consortium provides are truly pivotal for communities across Southeast Alaska. With these updates to Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka, patients will have improved access to the high quality of care already delivered. I appreciate the support of Congress and this Administration to help this deserving community.\r\nThe SEARHC Board of Directors and I, along with our Executive Leadership Team and staff throughout Southeast Alaska are grateful to our Alaska representatives in Washington. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young have shown unwavering support, tremendous leadership, and hard work in getting this bill passed, said SEARHC President & CEO Charles Clement.\r\nBackground: \r\n \r\nIn April 2017, Senator Murkowski introduced S.825; Senator Sullivan was an original cosponsor of the legislation.\r\nIn April 2017, Representative Young introduced companion legislation, H.R. 1901.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-commends-milestone-for_responsible-energy-development-on-the-coastal-plain-", "Alaska Delegation Commends Milestone for  Responsible Energy Development on the Coastal Plain", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Commends Milestone for  Responsible Energy Development on the Coastal Plain  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t BLM Releases Draft EIS for Oil and Gas Leasing Program\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Rep. Don Young, and Gov. Michael J. Dunleavy (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).\r\n\r\nOne year ago, Congress directed the Department of the Interior to open the Coastal Plain for responsible energy development, and today marks a major step forward to making this a reality, Murkowski said. I appreciate the extensive time and attention the Department has dedicated to gather and consider feedback from all Alaskans, particularly the Inupiat and other stakeholders in the Alaska Native community. This input and cooperation will ensure we build a strong leasing program that helps us realize our tremendous energy potential without harming our environment or way of life.\r\nI appreciate all the hard work and diligence the Department of Interior undertook to produce this draft Environmental Impact Statement in line with Congress's statutory mandate from last year's tax bill, Sullivan said. I am particularly pleased to see the serious and necessary considerations for the porcupine caribou that migrate through the region, as well as the abundant level of stakeholder input  including from the Alaska Natives in the area, the vast majority of whom support responsible drilling in the 1002. This Draft EIS brings us that much closer to unleashing America's energy potential, filling up the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, boosting our economy, and providing good jobs for Alaskans, all while protecting the ecosystem in ANWR's 1002 as we've done on the rest of Alaska's North Slope for over 40 years.\r\nI've fought for a long time to open the 1002 Area for oil and gas development, and this is a critical step toward reaching that goal. I want to thank Secretary Zinke and Assistant Secretary Balash for their hard work in producing this draft EIS, and look forward to continuing to work with DOI in 2019 to complete the assessment process, Young said. Opening the 1002 Area will allow Alaska to be a leader in energy development so we can continue the Trump Administration's efforts to make our country energy independent.\r\nThis is a significant milestone in Alaska's long journey to responsibly explore and develop the 1002 area in ANWR, Dunleavy said.The potential oil discovered will spur new jobs and investments for generations to come, extending the life of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.\r\nThe draft EIS will be published in the Federal Register on December 28, opening a 45-day public comment period that will close on February 11, 2019. Public hearings will be held throughout Alaska and in Washington, DC. More information is available here.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She authored the second title of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Congress passed exactly one year ago. The Act allows surface development of 2,000 federal acres of the non-wilderness Coastal Plain (0.01% of ANWR) for responsible energy development, which could bring an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of oil to market. New production from the 1002 Area will refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System while also creating high-paying jobs, generating billions of dollars in revenues for the state and federal treasuries, keeping energy prices affordable for families and businesses, and strengthening national energy security.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/carper-murkowski-introduce-bill-to-help-americans-transition-to-more-efficient-wood-heaters-reduce-air-pollution", "Carper, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Help Americans Transition to More Efficient Wood Heaters, Reduce Air Pollution", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t Carper, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Help Americans Transition to More Efficient Wood Heaters, Reduce Air Pollution \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan legislation reduces toxic air pollution, protects public health, supports American jobs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Earlier this week, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), top Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), introduced a bill (S. 3779) that would establish a grant program at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to incentivize the removal and replacement of old, inefficient residential wood heaters with efficient, clean-burning heaters. The Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act (WHERA) reduces toxic air pollution, protects public health, and supports the expansion of American jobs. WHERA also requires that Indian tribal and rural communities are fairly represented in funding allocations.\r\nI've long said that there are ways to clean up our environment and grow our economy at the same time and the Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act is an example of how we can do just that, said Senator Carper. This bipartisan legislation builds off of the successes we continue to see with the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act  one of the most cost effective federal clean air programs with an average of $13 in health and economic benefits for every $1 put into the program. The Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act ensures communities that rely on wood heaters have access to cleaner, more affordable ones, reduces toxic pollution in the air we all breathe, and creates jobs here at home. At a time when our country is looking for ways to grow our economy, reduce health care costs and clean up the environment, this legislation stands out as an opportunity we should capitalize on. It's a true win-win.\r\nMany Alaskans, along with millions of families across the country, rely on wood as an abundant, affordable fuel to heat their homes. Older, inefficient appliances for wood heat can last a really long time, but newer options are better for both our health and the environment, said Senator Murkowski. The bill Sen. Carper and I introduced yesterday would provide families with a cost-effective way to transition to appliances built with the most innovative wood-burning technologies to help reduce emissions, and ensure the air we breathe is cleaner both inside and outside of our homes.\r\nDangerous emissions from wood heaters place people at risk for harms to their health as well as at risk for premature death, said Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. This bill would help communities make real reductions in air pollution by swapping out older, more polluting wood heaters for cleaner ones. We applaud the leadership of Senator Tom Carper and Senator Lisa Murkowski in proposing this solution, which would help protect health nationwide.\r\nSpecifically, the Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act would:\r\n \r\nAuthorize $75 million for each fiscal year 2019 through 2024 for an EPA grant program that incentives households to change-out their old wood heaters for cleaner burning stoves. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 11.5 million homes use wood as a primary or secondary heat source, 58 percent of those homes are found in rural areas. It is estimated that 6 million residential wood heaters in operation today do not meet 1988 EPA Clean Air Act emission standards, much less the emissions standards implemented in 2015.\r\nReplace old wood heaters with new, efficient heaters and encourage the recycling of old heaters. Creates a voluntary program to replace older wood stoves with new, efficient, cleaner burning and properly installed heaters that at least meet EPA's most stringent wood heater emission standards.\r\nRequire funds to be made available to Indian tribes. EPA would make available no less than 4 percent of the funds for Indian tribes to use for maintenance and installation of the new stoves. The bill also directs EPA to use public educational outreach to develop incentives and consult Indian tribes to promote the replacement of old, inefficient wood heaters.\r\nResult in cleaner air. Older, inefficient residential wood heaters can produce a deadly mix of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, black carbon and air toxics such as benzene and formaldehyde. EPA has determined that replacing just one old, inefficient wood heater is equivalent to taking five dirty diesel engines off the road and the monetized public health benefits from replacing the nation's old, inefficient residential wood heaters would be up to $126 billion per year.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/quantum-science-legislation-heads-to-the-presidents-desk", "Quantum Science Legislation Heads to the Presidents Desk", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t Quantum Science Legislation Heads to the President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6227, the National Quantum Initiative Act, a bipartisan bill to accelerate research in the field of quantum science.\r\nThe possibilities of quantum information science are tremendous, with the potential to transform the speed and scale at which we process data, allowing for breakthroughs in almost every facet of our lives, Murkowski said. A National Quantum Initiative will provide much needed focus and direction to help us stay ahead of the curve.\r\nQuantum Information Science (QIS) is a wide-ranging area of research that can harness quantum physics phenomena for application in sensing, communications, and computing, which could enable computers to go beyond today's physical limits to store and process far more data faster than ever thought possible.\r\nH.R. 6227 is sponsored by retiring House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, and cosponsored by 36 other members. Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed H.R. 6227 with an amendment, sending it back to the House for final consideration.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The committee held an oversight hearing on QIS in September 2018.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-commends-milestone-for_responsible-energy-development-on-the-coastal-plain-", "Alaska Delegation Commends Milestone for  Responsible Energy Development on the Coastal Plain", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Commends Milestone for  Responsible Energy Development on the Coastal Plain  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Rep. Don Young, and Gov. Michael J. Dunleavy (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).\r\nOne year ago, Congress directed the Department of the Interior to open the Coastal Plain for responsible energy development, and today marks a major step forward to making this a reality, Murkowski said. I appreciate the extensive time and attention the Department has dedicated to gather and consider feedback from all Alaskans, particularly the Inupiat and other stakeholders in the Alaska Native community. This input and cooperation will ensure we build a strong leasing program that helps us realize our tremendous energy potential without harming our environment or way of life.\r\nI appreciate all the hard work and diligence the Department of Interior undertook to produce this draft Environmental Impact Statement in line with Congress's statutory mandate from last year's tax bill, Sullivan said. I am particularly pleased to see the serious and necessary considerations for the porcupine caribou that migrate through the region, as well as the abundant level of stakeholder input  including from the Alaska Natives in the area, the vast majority of whom support responsible drilling in the 1002. This Draft EIS brings us that much closer to unleashing America's energy potential, filling up the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, boosting our economy, and providing good jobs for Alaskans, all while protecting the ecosystem in ANWR's 1002 as we've done on the rest of Alaska's North Slope for over 40 years.\r\nI've fought for a long time to open the 1002 Area for oil and gas development, and this is a critical step toward reaching that goal. I want to thank Secretary Zinke and Assistant Secretary Balash for their hard work in producing this draft EIS, and look forward to continuing to work with DOI in 2019 to complete the assessment process, Young said. Opening the 1002 Area will allow Alaska to be a leader in energy development so we can continue the Trump Administration's efforts to make our country energy independent.\r\nThis is a significant milestone in Alaska's long journey to responsibly explore and develop the 1002 area in ANWR, Dunleavy said. The potential oil discovered will spur new jobs and investments for generations to come, extending the life of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.\r\nThe draft EIS will be published in the Federal Register on December 28, opening a 45-day public comment period that will close on February 11, 2019. Public hearings will be held throughout Alaska and in Washington, DC. More information is available here.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She authored the second title of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Congress passed exactly one year ago. The Act allows surface development of 2,000 federal acres of the non-wilderness Coastal Plain (0.01% of ANWR) for responsible energy development, which could bring an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of oil to market. New production from the 1002 Area will refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System while also creating high-paying jobs, generating billions of dollars in revenues for the state and federal treasuries, keeping energy prices affordable for families and businesses, and strengthening national energy security.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-secretary-of-defense-mattis", "Sullivan Statement on Secretary of Defense Mattis", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on Secretary of Defense Mattis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to news that Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis will retire in February 2019.\r\nI'm disheartened by the impending resignation of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. His decades of service to our nation  from a Marine Corps second lieutenant to our 26th Secretary of Defense  embodies all that makes this country truly great.\r\nI would like to personally thank Secretary Mattis for his unwavering voice on the importance of allies, his resolute dedication to rebuilding our under-resourced military, and inspiring the next generation of American warriors who wear our nation's uniform.\r\nAmerica is stronger and our military is more capable and lethal because of Secretary Mattis. And though he would never acknowledge it, history will one day record that Secretary Mattis was a once-in-a-generation Secretary of Defense. Semper Fidelis, Mr. Secretary.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-us-withdrawal-of-troops-from-syria", "Sullivan Statement on U.S. Withdrawal of Troops from Syria", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on U.S. Withdrawal of Troops from Syria \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in reaction to the United States decision to withdraw troops for Syria:\r\nI have supported the Trump administration's foreign policy across a number of areas: its tougher approach on China and Russia, its strategy to counter malign Iranian influence in the Middle East, and its robust military strategy to defeat ISIS.\r\nYesterday's abrupt about-face to withdraw our limited force presence in Syria, however, is a decision I do not support. It could lead to the resurgence of ISIS  a major national security threat to the United States. It will likely create a vacuum in the region that will be filled by Russian and Iranian forces, or their proxies, increasing their influence in the Middle East at America's expense.\r\nThere are no easy answers to the many national security challenges throughout the Middle East. Our troops should not be in Syria indefinitely. What is most troubling about yesterday's decision however, is that it undermines the Trump administration's own very effective Iran strategy which has put tremendous pressure on the leaders of Iran  the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. I fear that this decision will increase Iran's arc of influence, from Iraq and Syria to Lebanon, which will enhance its ability to threaten our national security interests, and those of our allies, including Israel.\r\nGoing forward, the President should, at minimum, consider establishing a small U.S. counter-terrorism force in the region that can defend America's national security interests against ISIS or Iranian threats should the need arise, which it likely will.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399252", "Congressman Young Gets Fifth Bill Signed Into Law", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Monday, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 1417, the National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibits Act which Alaska Congressman Don Young authored. This marks Congressman Young's fifth piece of legislation to be signed into law during the 115th Congress.\r\nThe National Law Enforcement Museum is striving to tell the story of American law enforcement officers and help foster the relationship between law enforcement and communities, said Congressman Young. Our law enforcement officers answer the call to serve and protect communities across the country, and the Museum honors the many sacrifices of these brave men and women. I'm proud to have introduced this legislation which supports the Museum in their mission and I appreciate President Trump signing this bill into law.\r\nH.R. 1417,the National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibits Act amends the National Law Museum Enforcement Act to allow the National Law Enforcement Museum (NLEM) to acquire, possess, collect, ship, transport, import, and display firearms only for use in the NLEM. In 2000, Congress passed the National Law Enforcement Museum Act to establish the NLEM. \r\nThe Museum, which opened in Fall 2018, was established to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United States. The NLEM showcases interactive exhibits to allow visitors to experience the life of law enforcement officers. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-against-first-step-", "Murkowski Votes Against FIRST STEP", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Votes Against FIRST STEP  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after voting no on the final version of the FIRST STEP Act, criminal justice reform to American's prison and sentencing system.\r\nI supported amendments that defended victims' rights and would have tightened-up exclusions that unfortunately were not included in the final version of the bill, said Senator Murkowski. Reforming our nation's criminal justice system is no small task and one that needs to be fully thought out and vetted. In Alaska we attempted criminal justice reform in the course of a rising drug epidemic. There is concern that we did too much, too quickly, at the wrong time. I want to ensure we don't make the same mistake with our federal corrections system. With the limited time we had to consider this significant reform, I was unable to support the legislation.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-murkowski-udall-legislation-honoring-native-women", "Senate Passes Murkowski, Udall Legislation Honoring Native Women", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.18\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Murkowski, Udall Legislation Honoring Native Women \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Senate recently passed S.Res.444, legislation recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced this legislation to celebrate the accomplishments and call attention to the interests of indigenous women across the nation.\r\nIt's important that we specifically recognize Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian women for their unique contributions that helped shape our country. Alaska Native women have not only played an integral role in leading their communities forwardfighting to defend the sovereignty for Alaska's tribal nationsbut have also been a key factor in preserving their history, heritage, and culture, said Senator Murkowski. The very first anti-discrimination law in the United States, the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, was signed into law 19 years before the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This was accomplished, in large part, because of a Tlingit woman named Elizabeth Peratrovich who spoke to assembled lawmakers arguing for equality. I commend my Senate colleagues for supporting this legislation to honor the influence of Indigenous women as civil rights activists, warriors, community leaders, and so much more.\r\nGenerations of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women have shaped every aspect of the American experience and helped pave the way for the leaders, teachers, artists, professionals, activists, thinkers, scientists, and public servants who continue to build on their proud legacy, said Senator Udall. I am so proud to see the Senate come together to pass this resolution, which honors the achievements of these groundbreaking women and recognizes their countless contributions to Indian Country and the U.S. as a whole. It should serve as reminder to Members of Congress that we must recommit ourselves to ensuring that all Native women have equal access to the resources and rights that many others take for granted. Current and future generations of Native women deserve nothing less.\"\r\nClick here for full text of the resolution.\r\nThe National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released the following statement following the resolution's introduction.\r\nThe National Congress of American Indians is proud to support this resolution honoring Native women, who have always played an integral role in sustaining tribal cultures and community life. From Sarah Winnemucca to Helen Peterson to Wilma Mankiller, Native women have led tribal nations' efforts to exercise their inherent sovereignty and create brighter futures for their peoples. We thank the United States Senate for acknowledging and honoring Native women and the immeasurable contributions they have made and continue to make.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-schatz-murkowski-legislation-to-expand-amber-alert-system-to-all-us-territories_help-find-missing-children", "Senate Passes Schatz-Murkowski Legislation to Expand AMBER Alert System to All U.S. Territories,  Help Find Missing Children", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.18\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Schatz-Murkowski Legislation to Expand AMBER Alert System to All U.S. Territories,  Help Find Missing Children \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by Sens. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, that will expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories. The national AMBER Alert network distributes alerts on highway billboards, TVs, radio, and cellular phones to mobilize the public when a child is missing or abducted. It has helped rescue more than 900 children.\r\nThe AMBER Alert system has saved hundreds of children over the past 15 years, which is why it's so important that we expand access to this essential service to all U.S. territories, Murkowski said. I am hopeful that the House of Representatives will pass this bipartisan bill quickly and send it to the president for his signature.\r\nAMBER Alerts have helped save hundreds of children. There's no good reason for U.S. territories to be excluded from this system, Schatz said. With this bill now one step closer to becoming law, we can help children and their families quickly end the nightmare that is child abduction. \r\nFirst established in 2003, the original legislation authorizing the program did not include grant funding to help all U.S. territories implement the system. In addition to all 50 states, only the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were eligible for grant funding.\r\nThe Schatz-Murkowski legislation will direct the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide federal grant funding to help all U.S. territories implement the AMBER Alert program on a voluntary basis. Specifically, it will:\r\n \r\nReauthorize DOJ's AMBER Alert grant program and make all five U.S. territories  American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands  eligible for funding;\r\nIntegrate territorial law enforcement agencies into the national AMBER Alert system, including state or regional AMBER Alert communication plans;\r\nDirect the DOJ's AMBER Alert coordinator to work with the Department of Homeland Security; and\r\nAuthorize DOT to provide grants for AMBER Alert signs along public roadways and other major transportation routes, including airports, maritime ports, border crossings/checkpoints, and ports of exit from U.S. territories.\r\n \r\nThe bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass before the end of the year.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-votes-against-first-step-act", "Sullivan Votes Against FIRST STEP Act", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Votes Against FIRST STEP Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement today after voting against the FIRST STEP Act. The legislation would reform the federal prison system and modify several federal sentencing provisions  which may allow certain violent and drug criminals to be eligible for early release, and would reduce sentences for serious repeat drug traffickers.\r\n\r\nSullivan Outlines His Vote Against the FIRST STEP Act (click here or image to watch).\r\nWhile I support some of the broadertenets of criminal justice reform, I could not in good conscience vote for this bill, said Senator Sullivan. Given the complexities Alaska is facing with criminal justice reform, collectively known as SB91 in Alaska, along with skyrocketing crime rates and an evolving opioid and drug crisis, I cannot ignore the harsh realities Alaskans are facing by voting to reduce prison time for offenders who are compounding this crisis.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\n \r\nSenator Sullivan has made addressing Alaska's opioid epidemic and crime wave a top priority.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn August 2016, Sullivan convened the Alaska Wellness Summit: Conquering the Opioid Crisis, an important gathering of federal, state and local community leaders dedicated to tackling the many challenges associated with the growing opioid and heroin epidemic. That summit, which largely focused on issues of addiction, recovery and community, was very productive  with hundreds of Alaskans gathering to listen, gain inspiration, learn and exchange ideas. Federal officials from several different agencies attended to hear the many obstacles Alaskans face when in recovery, as well as witness the indomitable spirit of Alaskans who have overcome those obstacles.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn August 2018, Sullivan held another Wellness Summit  this time focused not only on Alaska's addiction epidemic, but on drug trafficking and the associated crime wave that is victimizing so many Alaskans. The Alaska Wellness Summit 2.0: Confronting Alaska's Crime Wave once again feature a prominent group of federal, state and local leaders and stakeholders to build public awareness, identify opportunities for coordination and cooperation, and highlight Alaska's unique public safety challenges with federal officials.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399251", "Congressman Youngs Statement on Secretary Zinkes Departure", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Alaska Congressman Don Young issued the following statement after Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced his departure from the Department:\r\nSecretary Zinke has been a great friend to Alaska. I had the pleasure of serving with him on the House Natural Resources Committee and fully supported his mission since he took over at Interior, said Congressman Young. From finally allowing the community of King Cove to build a life-saving road, to overseeing the work to begin opening the 1002 Area of ANWR for development, his time as Interior Secretary has been critical to Alaska. Secretary Zinke's leadership and service has allowed Alaska to shine as an example of how to responsibly develop and manage natural resources. I want to, once again, thank Secretary Zinke for his work and passion as head of the Department of the Interior and I wish him all the best going forward.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-comments-on-zinkes-departure", "Murkowski Comments on Zinkes Departure", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Comments on Zinke's Departure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement about Secretary Ryan Zinke, who will step down from the Department of the Interior at the end of the year.\r\nI was disappointed to learn that Secretary Zinke is stepping down. He has been a strong partner for western states and for Alaska, in particular. After years of frustration with the Department, he came in and took a very different approach  he listened to us, built a great team, and worked with us to advance our priorities. From responsible development in the 1002 Area and a life-saving road for the people of King Cove, to his efforts to secure energy dominance and eliminate the maintenance backlog at our National Parks, Secretary Zinke has accomplished a lot of good things for our country. We will miss him but wish him the best.\"\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-committed-to-protections-for-pre-existing-conditions-and-access-to-care", "Murkowski Committed to Protections for Pre-existing Conditions and Access to Care", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Committed to Protections for Pre-existing Conditions and Access to Care \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas Judge Reed O'Connor ruled in favor of Texas and its partner states, deeming the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional:\r\nIn Alaska and across the nation healthcare remains a priority and concern. I have heard that loud and clear, said Senator Murkowski. This ruling has no immediate impact, and I am confident higher courts will review the decision. Regardless, we must preserve the provisions of the Affordable Care Act that have benefited so many, such as protections for pre-existing conditions that prevent insurers from arbitrarily denying coverage. I want to give Alaskans, and all Americans, the certainty they need that protections for those with pre-existing conditions will remain intact, which is why I support legislation to make certain no one loses coverage based on health status. I do not support pulling the rug out from under people. The importance of access to healthcare cannot be understated, and I am committed to ensuring that all Alaskans have access to affordable, quality healthcare.\r\nBackground: In August 2018, Senator Murkowski and Senate colleagues introduced the Ensuring Coverage for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions Act, legislation that would guarantee Americans have equal health care coverage, regardless of their health status or pre-existing conditions.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-secretary-of-interior-zinke", "Sullivan Statement on Secretary of Interior Zinke", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on Secretary of Interior Zinke \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement in response to news that Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke will be stepping down at the end of the year.\r\nOver the past two years, Alaska has had no better friend than Ryan Zinke. He joins the ranks of Gov. Wally Hickel as one of the great Secretaries of Interior.\r\nFrom assembling an all-star leadership team led by talented Alaskans, to unleashing American energy dominance  by reversing the previous Administration's illegal lock ups of Alaska lands which hurt thousands of working men and women and their families, and approving the King Cove Road, Secretary Zinke's impact at the Department of Interior has been immense. He epitomizes a federal government that is willing to work with Alaska, instead of creating obstacles.\r\nI am very sad to see him leave. His service to our nation, including multiple combat tours as a Navy Seal, has been exceptional. I have no doubt his contributions to our country will continue.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-backs-diplomatic-solution-in-yemen-rejects-yemen-war-resolution-", "Murkowski Backs Diplomatic Solution in Yemen, Rejects Yemen War Resolution", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Backs Diplomatic Solution in Yemen, Rejects Yemen War Resolution  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after voting against S.J. Res. 54, the Yemen War Powers Resolution, which passed the Senate by a vote of 56-41. Separately, the Senate passed by unanimous consent S.J. Res 69, a joint resolution supporting a diplomatic solution in Yemen and condemning the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.\r\nThe human rights abuses that are taking place in Yemen must stop, and the Kingdom must also be put on notice that assassinating journalists will not be blithely dismissed and ignored, said Senator Murkowski. I could not, however, support a resolution that would have undermined US strategic interests in the Middle East, emboldened Iran, and leave our country without immediate recourse should the Houthi rebels attack US defense assets and interests in the region. Ongoing peace negotiations are the right course of action towards bringing an end to the conflict in Yemen.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-supports-congressional-harassment-policy-reform-", "Murkowski Supports Congressional Harassment Policy Reform", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Supports Congressional Harassment Policy Reform  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the Senate and House unanimously passed the Congressional Accountability Act Reform Act, legislation to overhaul how Congress handles sexual harassment claims, sending to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nIf we as members of Congress are going to change the culture of harassment nationwide, we must lead by example. I have continued to push for action on comprehensive reform, because I have been appalled at the current policies and procedures in place regarding harassment claims in Congress, not to mention reports of settlement payouts with taxpayer dollars, said Senator Murkowski. I am proud of the progress we made today. By unanimously passing legislation to overhaul how sexual harassment complaints are handled in Congress, we are strengthening our own procedures to ensure everyone has a safe and protected workplace. This legislation improves transparency and more importantly, holds perpetrators accountable.\r\nBackground: \r\n \r\nIn March 2018, Senator Murkowski joined her female Senate colleagues by writing a letter to Majority Leader McConnell and Senator Schumer, calling for action to reform the Congressional Accountability Act, to update and strengthen procedures available to survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination in congressional workplaces.\r\nIn May 2018, the Senate passed S.2952, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act, sending it to the House for consideration. Senator Murkowski was an original cosponsor of the legislation that would overhaul the current reporting process for victims of harassment and discrimination, as well as require Congressional members found liable to pay settlements out of their own pocket.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-committee-in-addressing-missing-and-murdered-american-indian-and-alaska-native-epidemic-", "Murkowski Joins Committee in Addressing Missing and Murdered American Indian and Alaska Native Epidemic", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Joins Committee in Addressing Missing and Murdered American Indian and Alaska Native Epidemic  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Confronting the Silent Crisis in Indian Country'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and her colleagues on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing focused on missing and murdered indigenous people. During the hearing, the committee received testimony from two panels of witnesses, including Alaskan Patricia Alexander, representing Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. The hearing highlighted the extent of the epidemic of missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives and also shed light on what can be done at the federal level to help facilitate better data collection and ensure timely and thorough investigations.\r\nDuring the hearing Senator Murkowski discussed some of the challenges faced in rural Alaska in regards to law enforcement and emergency response.\r\n\r\n(Click the image above for video.)\r\nIn Alaska we have what is called a VPSO or Village Public Safety Officer who are often the first and only responder in a community. The harsh reality we face in Alaska is that we have numerous rural communities that are hundreds of miles away from the nearest community with a VPSO or member of law enforcement, said Senator Murkowski. And you compound that with the fact that many of these communities don't have 911 service. In the event that you do, if you are to call 911 or local law enforcement, you're likely to get an answering machine, if you get anything at all. So, these are some things that we take for granted back here in a city and in our larger communities. But that is not the reality of far too many in the state that I represent.\r\nDuring Patricia Alexander's testimony, she spoke about the extent of the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women, particularly in Alaska.\r\n\r\n(Click the image above for video.)\r\nWhile violence against Native women occurs at higher rates than any other ethnic group in the United States, it is at its worst in Alaska. A full 50 percent of Alaska Native women will have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. I am one, said Patricia Alexander. Tlingit and Haida is all too familiar with the corrosive effect that this violence has on our community and culture and way of life. It has been more than a year since the unsolved death of 19-year-old Jade Williams of Kake. Nearly a year since the unsolved death of 37-year-old Francile Turpin of Klawock. And two and a half years since the murder of 28-year-old Judylee Guthrie, also of Klawock. The future of Indian Country depends on whether all of us work to ensure that Native women live in environments that are free of such rampant, unaccountable violence.\r\nBackground: \r\n \r\nNovember 14, Senator Murkowski introduced a report prepared by the Seattle-based Urban Indian Health Institute on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG.) The report indicates that the epidemic of violence against MMIWG, initially believed to be confined to Indian Country, is far more reaching with 75 new cases in 2018, alone. Alaska was the fourth highest state in the nation in terms of number of cases.\r\nDecember 6, the Senate passed S. 1942, the Savanna's Act, sponsored by Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and cosponsored by Senator Murkowski, sending it to the House for consideration. The bill combats the epidemic of MMIWG by improving the federal government's response to addressing the crisis.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/shaheen-murkowski-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-cdc-and-atsdr-to-prioritize-studies-on-health-effects-of-firefighters-exposure-to-pfas", "Shaheen, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging CDC and ATSDR to Prioritize Studies on Health Effects of Firefighters Exposure to PFAS", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.18\n\t\t\t Shaheen, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging CDC and ATSDR to Prioritize Studies on Health Effects of Firefighters' Exposure to PFAS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Shaheen Established the First-ever Nationwide PFAS Health-Impact Study in the FY2018 Defense Bill\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led a bipartisan group of 21 Senators in a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), requesting that the agencies take additional steps to ensure that the health effects of occupational exposure to per-and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), particularly in firefighters, are sufficiently studied.\r\nSenator Shaheen established the first-ever nationwide PFAS health impact study in the fiscal year (FY) 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will be conducted by ATSDR. Shaheen and Murkowski's letter is in response to ATSDR Director Patrick Breysse's announcement that firefighters will not be included in the ATSDR study. Firefighters, both military and civilian, work in environments that have higher exposure to PFAS, which are found in firefighting foam.\r\nThe Senators wrote, As you are aware, PFAS chemicals are a byproduct of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a fire suppressant agent, and have been linked to a number of adverse human health effects. The potential ties between PFAS and various forms of cancer are of particular concern to military and civilian firefighters across the country who may have experienced long-term occupational exposure to PFAS due to the use of AFFF in firefighting and fire training exercises. Several studies, including a multi-year study completed by CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), indicate that firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer compared to the general population in the U.S.\r\nBoth NIOSH and ATSDR operate under the CDC. The PFAS health impact study, which was established by Shaheen in Section 316 of the NDAA, allows for the agencies to investigate the human health effects of PFAS contamination through a number of exposure pathways, including those encountered by firefighters. However earlier this year, ATSDR announced that firefighters would not be included in the study. In their letter, the Senators request that the agencies ensure future studies investigating the potential health effects from PFAS exposure include firefighters and others who are more likely to come into contact with contamination in an occupational setting.\r\nThe Senators concluded their letter, writing, Firefighters are a vital component of our nation's emergency response system and risk their lives to protect the communities they serve. There is a critical need to better understand how PFAS workplace exposure among firefighters may affect the health of these heroes and their families.\r\nThe letter can be read in full here.\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).\r\nSenator Shaheen has prioritized efforts in Congress to uncover the potential health effects from exposure to emerging contaminants. In addition to establishing and funding the PFAS health-impact study for FY2018, Shaheen worked toinclude an additional $10 million for the second year of the health-impact study, which she authorized in the FY2019 NDAA andappropriated in the defense funding legislation that was signed into law in September. Shaheen also worked to include specific language in the FY2019 defense bill that streamlines the process of transferring funds from DOD to ATSDR, to facilitate the funding process of the study going forward.\r\nSenator Shaheen recently joined a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce legislationthat would hold federal agencies accountable to address PFAS contamination at military bases around the country. This bipartisan bill continues Shaheen's work on PFAS exposure research as it specifically relates to service members and veterans, who are in environments that have higher exposure to these chemicals. In April,Senator Shaheen worked with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) to introduce the PFAS Registry Act, which would create a national database for service members and veterans experiencing health problems potentially due to PFAS exposure. The bill would allow military personnel and veterans to receive updates on recent scientific developments on the effects of PFAS exposure and information on what resources may be available to address their health concerns.\r\nSenator Murkowski and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, legislation to create a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with the deadly disease. The legislation was signed into law in July 2018.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-outlines-opposition-to-yemen-war-resolution-on-senate-floor", "Sullivan Outlines Opposition to Yemen War Resolution on Senate Floor", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Outlines Opposition to Yemen War Resolution on Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t We all want a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen, and we all want an end to the humanitarian disaster in Yemen I do not believe that either of these goals will be made easier or advanced by less American involvement in the conflict.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC Yesterday, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) outlined his opposition to S.J. RES 54, a resolution restricting U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen. S.J. RES 54 passed the Senate today by a vote of 56 to 41, with Sullivan voting in opposition.\r\n\r\nSenator Sullivan Outlines Opposition to S.J. RES. 54 (click here or image to watch).\r\nKey Highlights:\r\n \r\n(T)he heinous murderers of [Jamal Khashoggi] need to be held accountable. There is no doubt about that.\r\n \r\n \r\nWe all want a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen , and we all want an end to the humanitarian disaster in Yemen. The reason I voted against the resolution today is because I do not believe that either of these goals will be made easier or advanced by less American involvement in the conflict. To the contrary, if the United States no longer has the ability to help guide the Saudis militarily in Yemen , I believe these two important goals--ending the humanitarian crisis and bringing a peaceful resolution--will actually be harder to reach.\r\n \r\n \r\nIf we cut off U.S. military assistance to Riyadh and Yemen, you had better believe the one capital in the Middle East that will be cheering the loudest is Tehran--again, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. Such an action would further embolden Iran and no doubt embolden its proxies, while at the same time our allies, including Israel, would feel less secure.\r\n \r\n \r\nThere has been a lot of focus on the horrible death of Mr. Khashoggi. Any death is horrible, but let me talk about some other deaths. In the Middle East, in Iraq, we have had over 500 American military members killed and almost 2,000 wounded by improvised explosive devices supplied to Iraqi Shia militias by the Iranians.\r\n \r\n \r\nWe need to send a strong message to the Saudis, but that message cannot undercut our own national security or those of our allies. The message cannot strengthen what clearly is the biggest threat in the region; that is, Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism.\r\n \r\n \r\nI voted against this resolution because I still think it is important to keep in mind that the lens through which we need to assess our security interests and those of our allies in the Middle East is through what helps or undermines Iran. I am concerned that this resolution can help them, and that is not good for the United States, it is not good for the war in Yemen , it is not good for the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen , and it is certainly not good for our allies like Israel.\r\n \r\nS.J. RES. 54 (Senate - December 12, 2018)\r\nMr. President, we have been debating for quite some time on the Senate floor the Yemen war powers resolution introduced by my colleagues Senator Sanders and Senator Lee, which would cut off support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen --support that began under President Obama.\r\nSurrounding this vote today, many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have expressed extreme frustration with the Saudi Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman, especially regarding the death of Jamal Khashoggi, an American-based Saudi journalist murdered in Turkey. I have a lot of respect for the Senators weighing in, making their arguments all day today, including Senators YOUNG, LEE, CORKER, PAUL, GRAHAM, MURPHY, MENENDEZ, and CARDIN--many. We do need to understand what happened, what our intelligence and our government have surrounding this death. I am glad the CIA Director came to the Hill to brief Members. But this debate has taken something of a much more complex turn.\r\nCertainly, the heinous murderers need to be held accountable. There is no doubt about that. But what we have been discussing, and what is really being implicated here on the floor--which hasn't really been talked about too much--is the broader issue of U.S. or American presence in the region, not just regarding the current conflict in Yemen but also our broader strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia and our national security interests in the region. \r\nMy colleagues are justified in their frustration--no doubt I share it as well--with the Saudis, with what is happening, but removing American leadership and oversight from this conflict through this resolution is not the way we should go about addressing this issue. We are trying to execute a policy that both reflects America's values and our national security interests. That is what is being debated here today. We need to send a strong message to the Saudis, but that message cannot undercut our own national security or those of our allies. The message cannot strengthen what clearly is the biggest threat in the region; that is, Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism, which almost nobody on the Senate floor has been talking about over the last several weeks. I intend to.\r\nToday's vote has meant different things to different Senators. I have watched and listened to floor speeches. I have participated in debates with my colleagues within the Republican Conference and when all the Senators have met when we were briefed by administration officials.\r\nI thought I would try to unpack a little bit of some of these different arguments as I have seen them and provide my views.\r\nGenerally, this debate is focused in three different areas: One, about the constitutional authority--the War Powers Act--that we have actually been undertaking these kind of operations with the Saudis in Yemen . The other is limiting and ending U.S. assistance to Saudi operations--U.S. military assistance--in Yemen . Finally, some Senators have been focused on downgrading the U.S. relationship with the Saudis because of what has been happening both in Yemen and with the Khashoggi murder.\r\nFirst, let me talk about the constitutional arguments on the War Powers Act; that the Trump administration needs congressional authority, either pursuant to the War Powers Act or, more important, pursuant to article II of the U.S. Constitution, to conduct military operations in support of Saudi Arabia's military goals in Yemen.\r\nSenator Lee has done a great job of pressing this issue. There are many issues on which I agree with Senator Lee of Utah. He is clearly one of this body's most knowledgeable and passionate Members in safeguarding constitutional prerogatives, but in this case, I simply disagree with him and the other Senators whose views I view as way too restrictive on the Commander in Chief's ability to utilize our military.\r\nIf we set the precedent that even an operation such as the refueling of aircraft of allied countries, not even occurring in a war zone, needs congressional authority either through the War Powers Act or article II, we would severely limit the executive branch's ability to direct international crises and safeguard our global national security interests. I believe the notion that refueling allied aircraft constitutes hostilities would be an unworkable precedent and is a stretch of the term.\r\nI have also been skeptical of Senate attempts to vote to remove Presidential authority on our military operations once those operations have begun. For example, we had a debate on military operations and the authority of our military to operate in Afghanistan, which I believe sends the wrong message to our troops. It is a precedent that once hostilities begin, we don't have the backs of our forces. I think that is also a dangerous precedent.\r\nThat is not to say this is not an important debate. It is certainly an important debate. Other Members such as Senator Kaine have talked about the importance of the issue of military authority, but with regard to this discussion, I think it is too limiting.\r\nLet me talk about the second major issue involved that most Senators have been focused on: whether to vote to affirmatively end U.S. military assistance to Saudi Arabia and their actions in Yemen and whether and how, in doing so, it will help end the humanitarian disaster going on there.\r\nI compliment Senator Young and Senator Murphy, who have been making the case passionately on this topic with much expertise. Clearly, they and this body have been focused on two goals: We all want a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen , and we all want an end to the humanitarian disaster in Yemen.\r\nThe reason I voted against the resolution today is because I do not believe that either of these goals will be made easier or advanced by less American involvement in the conflict. To the contrary, if the United States no longer has the ability to help guide the Saudis militarily in Yemen , I believe these two important goals--ending the humanitarian crisis and bringing a peaceful resolution--will actually be harder to reach.\r\nThat is not just my view; that was the view of Secretary Mattis and Secretary Pompeo when they came to brief all 100 Senators 2 weeks ago. In particular, Secretary Mattis knows the region and certainly knows about how hostilities end and begin in the region.\r\nThe basis of their arguments--with which I agree--was, first, there is no doubt the Saudis have prosecuted the war badly, but both the Obama administration's Department of Defense and the Trump administration's Department of Defense have worked hard to minimize casualties.\r\nDoes anyone actually believe the situation in Yemen will improve without U.S. assistance and guidance? The question almost answers itself. Having our military involved has helped the Saudis improve their coordination and improve their targeting to minimize civilian casualties. Having our military involved has helped the Saudis manage disagreements between them and their Gulf coalition partners. These partners also play an important role in helping to bring an end to this war.\r\nHaving our military involved has also helped provide critical leverage as we move into the hopeful peace negotiations underway in Sweden as we speak. Yemen's Government and the Houthi rebels have evidently agreed to a prisoner swap, which could include thousands of prisoners and could be the beginning of a diplomatic breakthrough.\r\nI had the opportunity to talk with Secretaries Mattis and Pompeo this weekend. Both said this would be exactly the wrong time, at a key diplomatic moment, to have the United States limit and end its military assistance to Saudi Arabia. \r\nI know sometimes people don't like to think this way, but military strength and leverage is often critical--critical to successful diplomatic negotiations. For the first time, there is promise--promise in negotiations in Sweden. All of us want that to succeed. However, I believe we undermine our chances of success in these diplomatic efforts if Congress forces the United States to end military assistance to the Saudis.\r\nWe also have an even more direct and real national security interest in the region. Yemen is an important front in the war on terror: It is the home to al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, AQAP. They have attempted multiple times to directly attack our homeland. They were responsible for the attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 sailors and severely wounded 39 others, and they were responsible for the 2015 massacre at Charlie Hebdo's offices in Paris. Limiting our military involvement in Yemen could pose significant risk with regard to AQAP that I believe would be unacceptable for the American people.\r\nThe third line of argument we have seen on the floor and many have been discussing goes much broader than just the relationship between our military involvement in Yemen and really implicates the entire U.S.-Saudi strategic relationship. It is the desire of a number of my colleagues to use this debate and the despicable Khashoggi murder as an opportunity to fully downgrade this decades-old strategic relationship.\r\nThe Saudis are difficult partners, no doubt. They have been for decades. Last week, when I was presiding, Senator Rubio gave an excellent speech saying that he believed the Saudis are testing the limits of their relationship with the United States and that we should look to draw some hard lines and recalibrate elements of our relationship while demanding improvements in other areas. I agreed with much of Senator Rubio's speech, including his conclusion, like mine, that we should not be cutting off our military assistance to the Saudis in Yemen because it would do much more harm than good.\r\nNevertheless, some Senators have argued for much more downgrading of the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia. In fact, so much of this has been exclusively focused on the Saudis, with no other reference to any other country in the Middle East, that it seems this debate on the floor has been in a vacuum, but as we know, there are a lot more countries in the region, including the world's biggest sponsor of state terrorism, Iran, which nobody is talking about. We should be talking about them because, in fact, the war in Yemen began when Tehran-backed Houthi rebels seized power in 2015. Again, there is not a lot of discussion about how it began.\r\nTehran is trying to establish a Hezbollah-like entity on the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen , including increased capabilities to target cities in Saudi Arabia with ballistic missiles supplied by Iran. This is all part of Iran's broader strategy in the region to encircle our traditional allies--whether Saudi Arabia, Gulf Arab States, and of course Israel--with proxy fighters throughout Syria, Lebanon, Yemen , and close relationships in Iraq. Yet no one in this debate seems to want to talk about Iran. I thought I would do so for a minute.\r\nLet's talk about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen . U.S. humanitarian aid has totaled almost $697 million in the past 14 months. Yes, Saudi Arabia could do a much better job, but they have invested well over $1 billion to try to end the suffering. Iran--the country which started the war, the country nobody on the Senate floor is talking about--not a dime to relieve the suffering. Sure, they have supplied weapons and ballistic missiles in the tens of millions of dollars but nothing to relieve the suffering.\r\nIf we cut off U.S. military assistance to Riyadh and Yemen , you had better believe the one capital in the Middle East that will be cheering the loudest is Tehran--again, the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. Such an action would further embolden Iran and no doubt embolden its proxies, while at the same time our allies, including Israel, would feel less secure.\r\nAs this debate has carried on in the Senate, with no one talking about the largest state sponsor of terrorism, I have found it very troubling because the lens through which we need to view security in the Middle East is through Iran. Although we have dissatisfaction and frustration with some of our allies, we must remember the most significant and serious threat in the Middle East continues to be Iran.\r\nThere has been a lot of focus on the horrible death of Mr. Khashoggi. Any death is horrible, but let me talk about some other deaths.\r\nIn the Middle East, in Iraq, we have had over 500 American military members killed and almost 2,000 wounded by improvised explosive devices supplied to Iraqi Shia militias by the Iranians. Let me say that again: Over 2,000 Americans killed and wounded by the largest state sponsor of terrorism. Yet nobody seems to talk about that. Yes, one death of an American journalist is horrible. Over 2,000 American dead and wounded is really horrible. Where was the outrage about those deaths? Where was the outrage about those murders? Where were the editorials about those murders of American citizens? The previous administration wasn't focused on those because they were focused on the Iran nuclear deal.\r\nAll I am saying is, in this debate, nobody is talking about the real enemy of the United States--the Iranians, who are watching this debate and smiling because no one is talking about them. So I thought it was important to come down and say: Some of us are. Some of us know you are behind the war in Yemen . Some of us know you continually say you want to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth. Some of us know the Iran deal only emboldened you.\r\nWhat we need to keep in mind is, yes, we have difficult partners. No doubt the Saudis are difficult. They are not perfect by any sense of the word.\r\nBut this is a difficult region, and these are difficult issues, and if we think we can debate Yemen and our help there without talking about the Saudis and the Iranians, who started the war and are trying to circle our different allies, including Israel, and think somehow that this debate is not emboldening them more, I think we are misguided.\r\nI voted against this resolution because I still think it is important to keep in mind that the lens through which we need to assess our security interests and those of our allies in the Middle East is through what helps or undermines Iran. I am concerned that this resolution can help them, and that is not good for the United States, it is not good for the war in Yemen , it is not good for the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen , and it is certainly not good for our allies like Israel. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399250", "Congressman Young Supports Five Year Reauthorization for Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passedH.R. 2, theAgriculture Improvement Act of 2018also referred to as the Farm Bill. With many important Alaska provisions included,Alaska Congressman Don Youngissued the following statement after its passage:\r\nThis legislation is important for Alaskans because there are many provisions, which I fought for, that will support communities of all sizes across the state, saidCongressman Young. We know that food insecurity is a reality for many Alaskans and this year's Farm Bill prioritizes money to address this issue for both rural and urban areas. I'm pleased that this five year investment will also support water and sewer systems for rural and Alaska Native villages as well as rural broadband grants. While changes were made to this bill, there are many important programs that will help the future of Alaska.\r\nAlaska Specific Victories\r\n \r\n    Traditional Foods Includes expanded liability protections for entities and organizations that serve traditional foods, based on an amendmentCongressman Youngoffered earlier this year.\r\n    Rural Alaska Village Grant Program Authorizes $30 million to develop better drinking water and sanitation facilities in rural Alaska.\r\n    Education Grants to Alaska Native Serving Institutions Authorizes $10 million to help the institutions to increase their self-sufficiency and capacity to serve students.\r\n    Micro-Grants for Food Security Authorizes $4 million to be directed to Alaska to increase locally grown food in food insecure communities.\r\n    Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit RiderProgram Authorizes $25 million to provide technical assistance to rural water systems experiencing operations, financial, or managerial issues.\r\n    Buy American Prioritizes the purchase of American caught fish for the National School Lunch Program. Alaska continues to lead the country in the amount of fish commercially caught.\r\n    Commercial Hemp Legalization Allows for the cultivation of hemp in manufacturing, medical and other industries which will be helpful to Alaska's economy.\r\n \r\nH.R. 2 passed the House by a vote of369 - 47and will now go to President Trump for final approval. H.R. 2 reauthorizes farm and nutrition assistance programs for five years (through 2023), all within a budget-neutral framework. This includes major programs for income support, food and nutrition, land conservation, trade promotion, rural development, research, forestry, horticulture, and other programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/chairman-murkowski-welcomes_senator-manchin-as-new-ranking-member", "Chairman Murkowski Welcomes  Senator Manchin as New Ranking Member", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t Chairman Murkowski Welcomes  Senator Manchin as New Ranking Member \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was named as the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) beginning in the 116th Congress.\r\nI congratulate Sen. Manchin on his new role as ranking member. I'm excited to work with him in his new capacity as we continue our committee's tradition of advancing good, timely, bipartisan legislation for our nation, Murkowski said. I also thank Sen. Cantwell and truly appreciate all that we've worked on together, including our broad energy and natural resources bill. Even as our partnership on the committee comes to a close, our work together is not done, and I look forward to closing on a strong note with the passage of a bipartisan lands package.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of ENR. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., has served as ranking member since 2015, and Manchin has been a member of the committee since 2010. ENR has been one of the most active committees in the 115th Congress, reporting close to 160 bills to the full Senate, many of which have become public law.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/feinstein-murkowski-earthquake-resilience-bill-signed-into-law-", "Feinstein-Murkowski Earthquake Resilience Bill Signed into Law", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t Feinstein-Murkowski Earthquake Resilience Bill Signed into Law  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, commended President Trump for yesterday signing the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act (NEHRP) into law. Murkowski and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the bipartisan legislation and secured unanimous passage in the Senate on Sept. 27, 2018, with House passage by voice vote following on Nov. 27, 2018. The bill modernizes safety programs that help states like Alaska prepare for and respond to earthquakes.\r\nThe legislation was cosponsored by Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.\r\nNot even two weeks ago, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck just a few miles north of Anchorage, and there have now been close to 4,000 aftershocks. Alaskans' response is a testament to our resilience and grit, but we also know there is still more that can be done, which is why the enactment of this legislation could not be more timely, Murkowski said. The revamped earthquake hazards reduction program will help equip Alaskans and all Americans in seismically active states with the most advanced science and technology to better protect lives and communities.\r\nThanks to a bipartisan effort, our earthquake preparedness bill has been signed into law, Feinstein said. Investing in earthquake research and improving the early-warning system will save lives. Recent earthquakes in Alaska have shown us it's a matter of when, not if, a major earthquake will strike, and we need to be ready.\r\nFirst authorized in 1977, NEHRP has led to significant improvements in earthquake early warning, monitoring, and research. The bill reauthorizes the program for five years after the most recent reauthorization expired in 2009.It also enables earthquake-prone communities to better prepare and protect themselves by minimizing losses through infrastructure improvements and hazard and risk assessments.\r\nBill highlights:\r\n \r\nRemoves outdated language related to earthquake prediction and instead emphasizes the continued development of earthquake early warning systems through the Advanced National Seismic System.\r\nRequires the production of a set of maps showing active faults and folds, liquefaction susceptibility, and other hazards that can be induced by an earthquake, such as landslides.\r\nReduces various administrative burdens for federal agencies that are disruptive to the essential mission of the program and improves data sharing between agencies.\r\nEnhances coordination among federal agencies, and with state agencies.\r\nProvides clear direction to the four federal agencies charged with overseeing NEHRP  the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation  to continue working with states and private sector experts on performance-based design features.\r\nDirects the Federal Emergency Management Agency to implement a grant program to assist states with incorporating earthquakes in their hazard reduction portfolios.\r\nDirects the completion of a comprehensive assessment of the nation's earthquake risk reduction progress, as well as areas that require more funding, and evaluation of resulting hazards such as tsunamis or landslides.\r\n \r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-rejects-overturning-irs-donor-disclosure-rule", "Murkowski Rejects Overturning IRS Donor Disclosure Rule", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Rejects Overturning IRS Donor Disclosure Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted no on SJ Res 64, a joint resolution to override an Internal Revenue Service decision to no longer require that certain non-profit organizations confidentially disclose their donors to the government in annual reports filed with the agency. These annual reports are known as IRS Form 990.\r\nThe Treasury Department concluded that there is no tax law reason to require that certain non-profit organizations disclose their donors to the Internal Revenue Service and continuing to do so places paperwork related burdens on the government and nonprofit organizations, said Senator Murkowski. I do, however, think that non-profit organizations that participate in partisan federal campaign activities should publicly disclose the donors of the dark money' they spend through the Federal Election Commission and co-authored the Follow the Money Act' toward this end. Though the Congressional Review Act resolution was adopted by a one vote margin, I opposed it because it has nothing to do with public disclosure of dark money.'\r\nBackground: In July, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin announced that the IRS would no longer require donor information in annual tax filings for nonprofit organizations except for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The IRS has a distinct tax compliance interest in donor information from 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations in order to determine whether the organization is a publicly supported charity or a private foundation.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-farm-bill-vote-", "Murkowski Statement on Farm Bill Vote", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Statement on Farm Bill Vote  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after voting against H.R.2, the final version of the Farm Bill:\r\nI appreciate the hard work that Chairman Roberts, Senator Stabenow, and many others put into the Farm Bill, particularly on food security issues. This was a tough call, but ultimately I was unable to support the final conference report. Despite the billions in subsidies that continue to be directed to agribusiness, the bill does not include meaningful forest management reforms, a Roadless Rule exemption for Alaska, or other important state priorities.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-unveils-arctic-legislation-to-reinvigorate-americas-arctic-role", "Murkowski Unveils Arctic Legislation to Reinvigorate Americas Arctic Role", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Unveils Arctic Legislation to Reinvigorate America's Arctic Role \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Supports Responsible Research and Development in the U.S. Arctic\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) unveiled legislation aimed to raise the nation's presence in the Arctic through two bills, the Arctic Policy Act (APA) and the Shipping and Environmental Arctic Leadership Act (SEAL Act). The APA takes steps to increase local and indigenous voices in federal science and policy in the Arctic while the SEAL Act establishes a congressionally charted seaway development corporation in the Arctic. As shipping and maritime traffic in the Arctic is expected to grow, the SEAL Act specifically establishes a corporation that will collect voluntary maritime shipping fees from vessels utilizing the region, which will fund resources and infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety, security, and management of the Arctic. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is a co-sponsor of both the SEAL Act and APA.\r\nThe Arctic is a region of global importance and should be treated as a national priority. The United States must invest in the infrastructure and assets needed to support a comprehensive Arctic strategy. The time for aspiration is over. It's time that we get to work and move ahead with a plan that meets the challenge that the Arctic represents for America. It's time for action, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. These two bills can provide the legislative direction needed to develop a comprehensive Arctic plan that our nation needs and also gives indigenous Alaskans a greater voice on policy and research. This legislation will also encourage those who use our Arctic waterways to contribute resources for the safety and management of the region. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we further develop Arctic policy for our nation.\r\n\r\nClick here to watch video of Senator Murkowski's floor speech.\r\nClick here for full text of Senator Murkowski's floor speech.\r\nArctic Policy Act Highlights:\r\nClick here for a one-pager on the bill.\r\n \r\nCoordination: Permanently establishes the Arctic Executive Steering Committee within the Department of Homeland Security and provides the coordination necessary across agencies to advance an integrated plan for the Arctic.\r\nCollaboration: Establishes an Arctic Advisory Committee to ensure that residents of the Arctic and Alaska Native people have a seat at the table for the development of policy. Additionally, the legislation calls for the establishment of Regional Tribal Advisory Groups, starting with the Bering Sea Regional Tribal Advisory Group, to advise the federal government as it shapes national priorities in the region. These tribal advisory groups will be empowered to provide advice on specific challenges or regionally-important issues.\r\nIndigenous Representation: Updates the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 to add two additional indigenous representatives on the Arctic Research Commission, thereby providing greater opportunities to include traditional knowledge and community coordination in our nation's scientific efforts in the Arctic, including efforts to study and understand climate change.\r\n \r\nShipping and Environmental Arctic Leadership Act Highlights:\r\nClick here for a one-pager on the bill.\r\n \r\nCollaboration: Establishes a congressionally chartered seaway development corporation in the Arctic. This Arctic-focused Corporation will work with representatives from NOAA, the State Department, the Coast Guard, and DOTas well as representatives from the State of Alaska, the Alaskan business community, Alaskan coastal and subsistence communities and the Alaskan maritime labor organizationsto develop an Arctic shipping union who's leadership will advocate for safe, secure, and reliable Arctic seaway development, and further ensure that the Arctic becomes a place of international cooperation rather than competition or conflict.\r\nFee-Based System: Tasks the new seaway development corporation to establish a system in the Arctic that will collect voluntary maritime shipping fees. The funds will be used to help cover necessary costs to build out Arctic infrastructure, such as ports and maritime shipping services, in order to ensure the safety and management of the region.\r\nTies with Arctic Residents: Requires the Corporation to work in partnership with Arctic residents and Arctic shippers to build an appropriate system that will support shipping in the Arctic, in such a way that will protect the environment and biodiversity of the ocean Alaskans depend on for food.\r\n \r\nBackground: Senator Murkowski is considered the leading expert among her Congressional colleagues on Arctic issues  and has worked continuously on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of the Arctic region. At the beginning of the 114th Congress, Senator Murkowski and Senator Angus King (I-ME) formed the Senate Arctic Caucus, to advance issues important to the Arctic and to the people who live there. Murkowski is the U.S. Representative to the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tArctic\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399249", "Young Supports Land Transfer for Southeast Alaska", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved S. 825, the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Land Transfer Act. Alaska Congressman Don Young spoke in support of the legislation on the House Floor.\r\nThe Consortium provides comprehensive healthcare to Native communities throughout Alaska's panhandle. It also delivers healthcare on behalf of the federal government through self-determination compacting, said Congressman Young. The Consortium operates Mount Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka, a 25 bed critical access facility. The hospital was constructed towards the end of World War II and is in dire need of updates due to its age and condition. This legislation will transfer 19 acres of federal land to the Consortium which will allow for necessary updates and improvements in healthcare services for Alaska Natives. This is crucially important for Southeast Alaska and I urge my colleagues for their support.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Watch Congressman Young's remarkshere.\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nS. 825 passed the House by a vote of 403-3 and will now go to the President's desk for final approval. In April of 2017, Congressman Young introduced H.R. 1901 which is the House companion to S. 825. This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convey to the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium in Sitka, Alaska, all U.S. interest in 19 acres in Sitka for use in connection with health and social services programs.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-revised-wotus-rule", "Murkowski Welcomes Revised WOTUS Rule", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Welcomes Revised WOTUS Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule to reset the burdensome Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation imposed by the previous administration in 2015. Murkowski spoke at the signing ceremony at EPA headquarters this morning, alongside a number of administration and congressional leaders.\r\nThis is a big deal for Alaska that should help end years of concern, frustration, and uncertainty over a costly regulation that would have halted construction projects and other economic opportunities, Senator Murkowski said. This new proposal will protect water quality while providing clarity on the scope of regulation and restoring balance to the state and federal relationship. I look forward to working with EPA and the Army Corps to make sure it is effective and workable for Alaskans.\r\n\r\n\r\nAs chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murkowski included language in her funding bills for FY16 and FY17 blocking implementation of the previous administration's WOTUS rule. In May 2018, during an oversight hearing to examine the president's FY19 budget request for the EPA, Murkowski asked previous EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt about the agency's plans to reexamine the WOTUS rule, urging it be updated with a more common-sense proposal.\r\nThe revised WOTUS rule is available here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/air-force-recommends-additional-f-22-raptors-be-stationed-at-jber", "Air Force Recommends Additional F-22 Raptors be stationed at JBER", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.18\n\t\t\t Air Force Recommends Additional F-22 Raptors be stationed at JBER \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Air Force announced on Friday that it is recommending the operational F-22 Raptors formerly housed at Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB) in Florida, be accommodated at other operational bases across the country, including at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska.\r\n\"We have recommended that the best path forward to increase readiness and use money wisely is to consolidate the operational F-22s formerly at Tyndall in Alaska, Hawaii and Virginia, and make the decision now to put the next three squadrons of F-35s beyond those for which we have already made decisions at Tyndall,\" said Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson in a recent press release.\r\nOn October 10, Hurricane Michael hit the gulf coast and damaged 95 percent of the facilities at Tyndall AFB, including the base's hangars and flights operations buildings. The Air Force is recommending that Congress use supplemental funding for rebuilding the base to prepare to receive the F-35 Lightning II fighter at Tyndall.\r\nHurricane Michael was a tragedy that caused catastrophic damage to Tyndall AFB and my prayers continue to be with those affected, said U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Last week though, the Air Force took an important step in recommending the rebuilding Tyndall AFB for its new future, and, at the same time, making our F-22 fleet more mission-capable. Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson stands ready to support additional F-22s, and Alaskans stand proud in welcoming our new airmen and their families to our great state.\r\nSenator Sullivan worked to include language in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act to require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review optimal squadron sizes and locations for the limited quantity of F-22s in the Air Force. On October 10, 2018, Senator Sullivan held his first hearing as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support to receive testimony on Air Force readiness. During his opening statement, he referenced the completed GAO review of the F-22 and asked questions about consolidating the F-22 fleet later in the hearing.\r\nAlaska is the hub of air combat power for the Asia-Pacific and the Arctic and will boast over 100 fifth generation, combat-coded fighters with two squadrons of F-35s anticipated to arrive at Eielson AFB beginning in 2020, joining two squadrons of F-22s already based at JBER.\r\nClick here for more information on the Air Force proposal to Congress.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-revised-definition-of-wotus-rule", "Sullivan Welcomes Revised Definition of WOTUS Rule", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Welcomes Revised Definition of WOTUS Rule \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) proposed revised definition of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule:\r\nI welcome the EPA's long awaited proposal to restore power to states and protect land owners  and hardworking Alaskans  from the confusing and burdensome federal overreach of the last Administration's WOTUS rule, said Senator Sullivan.If a landowner or a farmer has to hire a lawyer for months of work against an impenetrable and glacial bureaucracy  at the cost of thousands of dollars  just to understand whether they can fill in a ditch or build a basic structure, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that doesn't work, especially in Alaska. The EPA's proposal offers a path for a more reasonable, statutory based interpretation of the Clean Water Act. I hope we can continue this progress and finalize a rule that clearly allocates state and federal authority to adequately protect our watersheds and resources, without unnecessarily burdening Alaskans and our economy.\r\nBackground Information\r\n\r\n \r\nOn April 30, 2015, Senator Sullivan, along with Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), introduced the bipartisan Federal Water Quality Protection Act (S. 1140) to direct the EPA and Corps to issue a revised WOTUS rule that protects navigable water from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers and private landowners.\r\n \r\n \r\nOn May 19, 2015, Senator Sullivan chaired a subcommittee legislative hearing on S.1140 The Federal Water Quality Protection Act. This bill would have withdrawn the WOTUS rule and required EPA to more appropriately define what bodies are Waters of the United States. Witnesses included: Andrew Lemley, Mark Pifher, Pat Parenteau, Robert Pierce, Susan Metzger.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nOn September 30, 2015, Senator Sullivan chaired a subcommittee hearing titled Oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers' Participation in the Development of the New Regulatory Definition of Waters of the United States.'\r\n \r\n \r\nOn May 24, 2016 Senator Sullivan chaired a subcommittee hearing titled Erosion of Exemptions and Expansion of Federal Control Implementation of the Definition of Waters of the United States. Witnesses included: Damien Schiff, Don Parrish, Valerie Wilkinson, William Buzbee, Scott Kovarovics.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nOn April 26, 2017, the EPW committee held an oversight hearing titled A Review of the Technical, Scientific, and Legal Basis of the WOTUS Rule. At the hearing, Chairman Barrasso called for the withdrawal of the fundamentally flawed rule. Witnesses testified that the 2015 WOTUS rule is not supported by the Corps' experience and expertise, scientific studies, or the law.\r\n \r\n \r\nOn June 27, 2017, Senator Sullivan shared his views on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to withdraw and rewrite the overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.\r\n \r\n \r\nOn September 27, 2017, Senator Sullivan, along with committee members Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Richard Shelby (R-AL), sent a letter to the EPA and Corps in support of the proposed withdrawal of the 2015 WOTUS rule.\r\n \r\nBackground Documents\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399247", "Tribal Energy Legislation Goes to Presidents Desk", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Alaska Congressman Don Young helped pass S. 245 out of the U.S. House of Representatives. S. 245, the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act passed the House by unanimous consent and will now go to the President's desk for final approval. Congressman Young spoke in support of this legislation today on the House Floor: \r\nPromoting energy projects is critical for economic development throughout Indian Country. Native communities face a significant number of obstacles to developing and delivering energy on their land, said Congressman Young. I have always said that Alaska Natives and American Indians are the best caretakers of their lands. Tribal self-determination is all about empowering Native communities with the tools and authority to manage their resources, which this legislation will promote. I am particularly pleased that the bill includes a tribal biomass demonstration program, which mirrors a provision in my Native American Energy Act. I appreciate Chairman Hoeven's willingness to continue working on Indian energy and his commitment to hold a hearing on my Native American Energy Act next Congress, and I thank him for his leadership on this issue. With the President's signature on S.245, Native communities across the country are one step closer to energy independence.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Watch Congressman Young speak in support of S. 245 on the House Floorhere.\r\n            To download Congressman Young's remarks, click here.\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nThis legislation empowers Tribes to manage their own energy resources, cuts red tape, drives economic growth and promotes energy development for Indian Country.It streamlines the process for Tribes to enter into Tribal Energy Resource Agreements (TERAs) with the Department of the Interior (DOI), said Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). TERAs facilitate more tribal control by authorizing tribal contracts, leases, and rights-of-ways for energy development without unnecessary, cumbersome federal bureaucracy. The bill will help level the playing field for Tribes so that they can participate, if they choose, in the booming energy market. We appreciate Congressman Don Young's (R-AK-AL) leadership on this issue in the House and look forward to continuing to work together in the next Congress to incorporate his ideas for energy independence for Native communities. This bill was first introduced during the 112th Congress, and these improvements are long overdue. I look forward to the President signing this bill into law.\r\nIn January 2017, Congressman Young introduced H.R. 210, the Native American Energy Act to empower Native American communities in their energy independence efforts. S. 245 has many similar provisions and some of the notable ones include:\r\n \r\n    Directing the Department of the Interior (DOI) to provide Indian tribes with technical assistance in planning their energy resource development programs.\r\n    Expanding the Department of Energy (DOE) Indian energy education planning and management assistance program.\r\n    Amending the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to give Tribes, in addition to states and municipalities, preference for the receipt of preliminary hydroelectric licenses.\r\n    Creating at least four new biomass projects to be implemented for Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations, in order to promote biomass energy production.\r\n \r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-announces-23-million-grant-for-emmonak-dock_", "Alaska Congressional Delegation Announces $23 Million Grant for Emmonak Dock", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.18\n\t\t\t Alaska Congressional Delegation Announces $23 Million Grant for Emmonak Dock   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding to Increase Access and Improve Transportation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today announced a $23.1 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant for Emmonak, Alaska to construct a permanent dock and barge/landing craft ramp and to renovate approximately 3.5 miles of high-use service roads. The grant is through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, previously known as TIGER grants, which provides support for capital projects that generate economic development and improve access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for communities.\r\nThis grant is going to be instrumental in improving the quality of life, health, and safety of residents in the lower Yukon River Delta region. Emmonak's project addresses a growing demand for durable port infrastructure, including barge landing and road infrastructure in the region as fishing and mining industries grow, said the Alaska Congressional Delegation. Up to now, economic development in the region has been hamstrung by the lack of infrastructure. The delegation has worked hard to advance this project. With the engineering and design complete, construction permits in-hand and construction materials already on-sitethis grant is the path forward we've needed to ensure the completion of this necessary infrastructure project.\r\nThe City of Emmonak is thrilled at the prospect of building out our connectivity within the region. We are tremendously grateful for the commercial enterprise this tug, boat and freight infrastructure will support between Yukon-River Delta communities, said Martin Moore, the City Manager of Emmonak.\r\nWe are extremely pleased for the City of Emmonak as the recipient of the BUILD grant. This grant will allow the construction of a much needed port facility for the City of Emmonak, which is the regional hub of the Lower Yukon River Delta. This new port facility will allow us to much more efficiently conduct our economic development activities for the benefit of our region in Western Alaska, said Ragnar Alstrom, Executive Director of Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Quota Organization.\r\nThis port is a boon to Emmonak and the entire region. The area the port will serve is the size of the State of Oregon, and the Yukon is the third longest river in North America. This is much needed infrastructure that will facilitate commerce for a variety of industries throughout, said Andrew Guy, CEO of Calista Corp.\r\nIn July 2018, Senators Murkowski, Sullivan and Congressman Young all sent letters to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in support of the Emmonak project, asking for the Secretary to give due consideration to the City's grant application.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-senator-murkowski-speaks-on-alaskas-70-earthquake", "ICYMI: Senator Murkowski Speaks on Alaskas 7.0 Earthquake", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.18\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Senator Murkowski Speaks on Alaska's 7.0 Earthquake \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOne week ago today, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck a few miles north of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, causing severe damage to infrastructure, roads, schools, businesses, and homes. Within days, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was on the ground in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley to assess the damage and to meet with emergency responders to help determine the federal response. This week, Senator Murkowski spoke on the Senate floor after returning from her Alaska trip to recount some of the visible damage of the earthquake and to share efforts underway to rebuild.\r\n\r\n(Click here for video of Senator Murkowski's floor speech.)\r\n\r\n\r\nStanding at the edge of the severely damaged Vine Road in Wasilla.\r\n\r\n\r\nAssessing the structural damage of Houston Middle School, which has been deemed unsafe for students to return to for the remainder of the school year. \r\nSpeech excerpts: \r\n \r\nYou think about the words when you're trying to describe something that the scenes are just so, so difficult, and it is words like gut wrenching, astounding, and remarkable. But it was really gut wrenching being in Houston Middle School. This is one of the schools that will not be opened, at least not this year, and perhaps longer. You're standing in a building and you see all of the books that have fallen to the floor. You see the guts of the ceiling that have come out, the sprinkler system has activated. Not only do you have the chaos of the books, but you have the saturation.\r\n \r\n \r\nThis is cinder block construction in the school and the actual concrete cinders popping out, crashing to the floor, and breaking. There are metal struts coming out of the ceiling, the panels.\r\n \r\n \r\nThis is all happening at 8:29 in the morning. It's dark in Alaska at 8:29 in the morning. The lights have now gone out and you have this crashing all around you. And when I use the word remarkable to describe some of it, it's remarkable about how the students responded, how the teachers responded, the calm. The kids knew what to do. They got under their desks. They did what they were trained to do. And then when they got the order that they needed to get out to evacuate, what they did was exactly what they were trained to do and no injury -- no injury. It's absolutely extraordinary.\r\n \r\n \r\nSo you're standing here on these slabs of asphalt, the crevasses are extraordinary and you realize the intensity of the action of the earth. So you see scenes like this and you say, You know, how are we going to get through all of this?' And the work that is ongoing now, whether it is the onramps, whether it's the bridges, whether it's the roads like this on Vine Road, our Department of Transportation is working to firm up the roads to, believe it or not, fill it in, repave them, even restripe them and get folks back on their way. It is absolutely, extraordinarily impressive what we have seen in those initial 72 hours.\r\n \r\n \r\nI'm very grateful that we had no tsunami. I'm very grateful that the damages, at least on the surface, are not worse. And we're certainly thankful that there were no reports of serious injuries. We have partners that are committed to help us in any way they can. We know we're tough in Alaska. That's a reputation that we have. We're kind of proud of that. We know we're hardy and resilient, but knowing that others are going to be with us as we go through this recovery period makes that much better.\r\n \r\nClick here for text of the full speech.\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/us-senators-lisa-murkowski-and-tammy-baldwins-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-access-to-maternity-care-in-rural-and-underserved-areas-passes-senate", "U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Tammy Baldwin's Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Maternity Care in Rural and Underserved Areas Passes Senate", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.18\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Tammy Baldwin's Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Maternity Care in Rural and Underserved Areas Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The legislation will help ensure women have better access to timely, high quality maternity care by identifying provider shortage areas in rural and underserved communities\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) andTammy Baldwin (D-WI)are praising the Senate passage of their bipartisan Improving Access to Maternity Care Act that will help reduce maternity care shortages by identifying areas lacking maternal health professionals to help incentivize providers to practice in these underserved, often rural areas. The legislation has already passed the House and now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\n\r\nPicture this: you're a woman in rural Alaska facing a high-risk pregnancy. To help ensure the safety of your baby, you must fly hundreds of miles away for care adding stress to an already overwhelming situation. Because of the cost of transportation and housing, your family and loved ones aren't able to be with you, so you spend the remaining weeks of your pregnancy and your delivery alone,said Senator Murkowski. This is a sad but true reality for many parts of Alaska, which lack any form of access to maternity care-- services that some parts of the U.S., perhaps, take for granted. I am proud that my Senate colleagues supported our legislation to improve access to these types of services which will increase overall safety, reduce rates of pregnancy-related deaths, and lower healthcare costs, long-term.\r\nToo many communities around Wisconsin are still facing a shortage of qualified, maternity care professionals and services. I've heard from other expecting mothers across the state who can't find a maternity care provider in their community and are forced to drive over an hour for their appointments  often putting their lives and their babies' lives at risk, said Senator Baldwin. This bipartisan legislation will identify shortages to better target resources so providers can deliver the care that expecting mothers in Wisconsin so desperately need  no matter where they live. I'm proud to have led this bipartisan effort with Senator Murkowski to ensure that healthier pregnancies lead to healthier babies, and I'm looking forward to the President signing this bill into law.\r\nTheImproving Access to Maternity Care Actdirects the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to identify maternity care shortage areas that may be used by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). The NHSC is critical to filling workforce shortages in underserved areas, with over 9,200 Corps clinicians delivering services to about 9.7 million people across the US. Currently, ob-gyns are recognized under the primary care shortage designation, which fails to adequately address shortages in maternity care.\r\nHRSA already collects data on shortages of primary care, dental care and mental health care providers, and this reform will require HRSA to start collecting data on shortages of maternity care providers as well, to help better target resources where they are needed most. By identifying maternity care needs within existing shortage areas, the United States can begin to fill the gap in maternity care access. This legislation is critical to facilitating a better understanding of where the serious maternity care shortages are located and to subsequently direct health care providers to those communities.\r\nTheImproving Access to Maternity Care Actis endorsed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), the March of Dimes, and the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).\r\nLearn more about the bipartisanImproving Access To Maternity Care Act One Pager\r\nText of the legislation isImproving Access to Maternity Care Text\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399243", "ICYMI: Congressman Young Joins President Trump for Coast Guard Authorization Bill Signing", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this week Alaska Congressman Don Young joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as he signed S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, into law. \r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            President Donald J. Trump signs S.140 The Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in the Oval Office of the White House.(Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nI'm proud to see President Trump sign this legislation into law, said Congressman Young. The Coast Guard has an important presence in Alaska and these brave men and women answer the call to service at a moment's notice. With this bill now law, the Coast Guard will have the support they need to continue their work defending our waters and for future missions. \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            President Donald J. Trump signs S.140 The Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in the Oval Office of the White House.(Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nProvisions Congressman Young Secured:\r\n \r\n    Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA)  After nearly 15 years of work, there will be a national standard for regulation of ballast water and other incidental discharges while also providing permanent exemption for commercial fishing vessels and commercial vessels under 75 feet from needing to obtain burdensome permits through the Environmental Protection Agency.\r\n    Reauthorization of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act which will improve hydrographic surveying, especially of the Arctic. Additionally, this will assist in the construction of a new homeport for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel Fairweather in Ketchikan.\r\n    A fishery endorsement for the vessel Western Challenger to correct an issue from a previous Coast Guard Authorization.\r\n \r\nProvisions of Interest for Alaska:\r\n \r\n    Allows for more localized decision making in Alaskan waters by the Coast Guard in the approval of oil spill response plans and requires the Coast Guard to verify the effectiveness of the alternate plans. The legislation also requires oil spill removal organizations identified in the vessel response plans to conduct regular drills using their response resources.\r\n    Directs the Coast Guard to conduct an enhanced maintenance project to extend the service life of the Polar Star icebreaker until the end of 2025.\r\n    Authorizes Coast Guard use of multi-year contracts to begin procurement of three new National Security Cutters.\r\n    Facilitates a land exchange on Kodiak Island to protect wildlife as well as open possibilities for economic development.\r\n    Requires a report by the Coast Guard, in consultation with DoD, on progress toward implementing strategic objectives described in the United States Coast Guard Arctic Strategy from 2013.\r\n \r\nThe Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 is bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize, strengthen, and support the United States Coast Guard in its critical missions to save lives, safeguard our shores, protect living marine resources, and help ensure a 21st century maritime transportation system for America. The bill also reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and makes updates to the FMC's authorities to better protect the U.S. maritime industry.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399245", "Congressman Young Sends Two Bills to the Presidents Desk", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, with Senate approval two of Alaska Congressman Don Young's bills are going to the President's desk for signature. Congressman Young introduced H.R. 1417, the National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibits Act, and H.R. 3398, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, during the 115th Congress.\r\nThese are two unique bills which address different needs. I'm glad to see my colleagues in both the House and the Senate approved these measures, said Congressman Young. When Congress can pass meaningful legislation that solves real concerns, I believe that is a good sign. These two pieces of legislation will help do just that and I thank my colleagues for their support.  \r\n\r\nOn behalf of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) citizens living in the United States of America, I extend to the sponsors and supporters of the REAL ID modification bill in both the House and the Senate our sincere appreciation and warm thank you,\" saidAmbassador of the Federated States of Micronesia to the United States,Akillino Harris Susaia.\"Your steadfast support enabled the passage of this bill which will make life much easier for our citizens to obtain state identification documents and drivers licenses.\r\nH.R. 3398 passed out of the House on September 26, 2018 and H.R. 1417 passed out of the House on May 15, 2018, both by unanimous consent. \r\nBackground: \r\nH.R. 3398, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, amends the Real ID Act of 2005. When Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, no reference was made to the Freely Associated States, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau (FAS) as among those classes having lawful status for the purpose of the Act. Instead, reference was made in the definition of State to the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), an entity that has not existed since 1994. While that reference served no operative purpose, it did show Congressional intent to include FAS citizens under the Act. This legislation aims to solve that issue. The REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act would amend Real ID Act of 2005 to permit Freely Associated States (FAS) to meet identification requirements under such Act. \r\nH.R. 1417, the National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibits Act amends the National Law Museum Enforcement Act to allow the National Law Enforcement Museum (NLEM) to acquire, possess, collect, ship, transport, import, and display firearms only for use in the NLEM. In 2000, Congress passed the National Law Enforcement Museum Act of 2000 to establish the NLEM. The Museum was established to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United States which opened in Fall 2018. The NLEM showcases interactive exhibits to allow visitors to experience the life of law enforcement officers. Under current law, the NLEM is limited in the types of firearms it can acquire, possess, collect, ship, transport, import or display.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-bills-to-improve-maternity-care-and-enhance-communities-advance-to-senate-floor", "Murkowski Bills to Improve Maternity Care and Enhance Communities Advance to Senate Floor", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Bills to Improve Maternity Care and Enhance Communities Advance to Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tRecently, the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, of which U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is a member, passed bills to strengthen quality of care, improve access to health services, and invest in our communities' educational and cultural lives. The Improving Access to Maternity Care Act and the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, both introduced by Senator Murkowski alongside colleagues on the HELP Committee, were reported favorably out of the committee for consideration by the full Senate.The committee also passed the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, of which Senator Murkowski is a cosponsor, to ensure early detection and improve overall care and support for those impacted by this devastating disease.\r\nIMPROVING ACCESS TO MATERNITY CARE ACT\r\n\r\n\r\n(Click the image to watch video.)\r\nAcross Alaska and the nation we've got a shortage of maternity care professionals, which no doubt, has a significant impact of the overall access to and quality of care we're able to provide Alaskan womenparticularly those in rural communities. In fact, in the U.S. around one million babies are being born to mothers who didn't receive adequate prenatal care, each year. This is unacceptable. said Senator Murkowski. By improving access to maternity care, this legislation can help reduce Alaska's devastatingly high rate of FASD, and lead to healthier pregnancies and ultimately healthier Alaskan families. I am happy to support this bill that directs much-needed resources to where they are most needed in rural Alaska.\r\nBackground: Senator Murkowski introduced the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act alongside Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in March of 2017.\r\nMUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES ACT OF 2018\r\n\r\n(Click the image to watch video.)\r\nI have long been an advocate for libraries and museums.They are our communities' hubs and gathering places, places of knowledge and opportunity. The Museum and Library Services Act will help to strengthen the already amazing, diverse libraries and museums across Alaska and help them serve the changing needs of their communities in ever-more innovative ways.said Senator Murkowski. I am grateful that suggestions from Alaska's library and museum community were incorporated and that the bill adds a number of provisions to support tribal libraries and museums.\r\nBackground: Senator Murkowski introduced the Museum and Library Services Act alongside Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in December of 2017.\r\nBOLD INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ALZHEIMER'S ACT\r\nBackground: Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act in November of 2017.\r\n###\r\nNote: Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox is unattended. For further information, please contact Senator Murkowski's press office at 202-224-9301 or 202-224-8069. Visit our website at http://murkowski.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-recognizes-all-alaskans-for-their-remarkable-response-to-earthquake", "Sullivan Recognizes All Alaskans for Their Remarkable Response to Earthquake", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Recognizes All Alaskans for Their Remarkable Response to Earthquake \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSullivan Recognizes All Alaskans for Their Remarkable Response to Earthquake\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Last week, as part of his Alaskan of the Week series, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) recognized all Alaskans for their remarkable response to the November 30, 2018 earthquake the shook Southcentral Alaska.\r\n\r\n\r\nSullivan honoring all Alaskans for their response to the November 30th earthquake (Click image or here to watch, click here to download).\r\nEARTHQUAKE IN ALASKA -- (U.S. Senate  December 6, 2018)\r\nMr. President, it is Thursday afternoon, and it is the time of the week when I usually come down to talk about one of my constituents or some Alaskan who is doing a great thing for their community or the State or the country. I call that our Alaskan of the Week. I am going to suspend that this week because, to be perfectly honest, I think every one of my fellow Alaskans deserves a shout-out. Maybe they are all Alaskans of the Week this week for what happened and, then, their reaction to what happened in Alaska last Friday. The country read about it, but it is the earthquake--the very significant earthquake--that my State and my hometown of Anchorage just went through.\r\nMr. President, as you know, last Friday morning, at 8:29 a.m., the citizens of Southcentral Alaska, which includes Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, were doing what they always do on a Friday morning. People were in their offices, driving to work, drinking coffee at home, or maybe taking a run on many of the paved trails throughout our wonderful city. Students were either in school or almost getting to school, sitting at their desks with pencils and pens in hand, and then the shaking began. It felt like it went on forever.\r\nI was here in DC. My wife was at our home in Anchorage. She sent me a text and said: We are having a big, massive earthquake. And we did. It was 7.0 on the Richter scale, which is a big earthquake--a big earthquake even for Alaska. Moments later, another earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale hit. The epicenter was very close to downtown Anchorage, about 7 miles north.\r\nPeople all across the area ran out of their houses, their offices, and dove under their desks. Roads collapsed, pipes broke, and ceiling tiles came crashing down. Household goods cracked. Kitchens all across the State looked like they had been invaded by violent giants. Thousands of people lost power, including my home in Anchorage.\r\nSenatorMurkowskiand I and CongressmanYoungwere here in DC. I am going to talk about that a minute. We went home soon after to see what happened, to see the damage.\r\nYou saw the previous slide there. SenatorMurkowskiand I were out reviewing and assessing some of the damage. This is a photo of an on-ramp to Minnesota Avenue, actually leading to the airport. That collapsed completely. That is how people get to the airport.\r\nVine Road in the Mat-Su Valley, a major thoroughfare there, completely, essentially, imploded. Houses and businesses were shook dramatically. There is another picture of Vine Road there. That is the road that you just saw. It was rush hour in Alaska.\r\nUnfortunately, we are having a lot of problems with homes and businesses. This is a photo of just one of the hundreds of businesses, ceilings collapsing, entire offices ruined, and schools. The schools throughout the State suffered a lot of damage. In libraries, there were not just shelves collapsing. Books fly off the shelves when you have a 7.0 earthquake. There is another photo of some of the schools with ceilings collapsing and rebar coming out. This is a classroom.\r\nIn my view, just having been out there for a couple of days back home, there is at least hundreds of millions of dollars of damage that we saw, and it is still happening. When you have an earthquake of this magnitude, you have aftershocks, which are also very stressful and can be big and can do more damage.\r\nWe have had over 2,700 aftershocks in the Anchorage Ball. This is the Anchorage Ball right here. Twenty of them have been over 4.0, and five have been over 5.0. That is a big earthquake--a 5.0 earthquake. So we have had five more of those. That is stressful, as you can imagine.\r\nPeople are tired. The first night after the earthquake, nobody was sleeping because of the number of aftershocks.\r\nWhen I was home, I felt a number of these, but Alaskans are resilient. They have grit. They have spirit. They are tough. The phrase going around to describe the State right now is ``shaken''--certainly, still shaken, still going on today--``not broken.'' There is frustration, and the country is going to need their help to rebuild. I have no doubt that is going to happen here.\r\nHere is the amazing thing. I think it is a Christmas miracle. You saw that destruction. You saw that at rush hour--kids in all of these classrooms, and there were no fatalities, not one death. You can rebuild a road, and you can rebuild a school, but if we were burying our kids right now, this would be a very, very different tragedy.\r\nRemember, just going to work, it was dark. It is dark in Alaska in the morning. It is dark during a lot of the day now in Alaska. It was cold, and yet there were no fatalities and very few injuries.\r\nSo what happened? How did that happen? Somebody asked: Where is the positive story here?\r\nWell, we get a lot of earthquakes in Alaska. This is just a chart that shows, from a couple of years ago, what kind of earthquakes we get. The Presiding Officer knows I come and talk about my State a lot, but here are just a few stats on earthquakes.\r\nAlaska is home to the second largest earthquake ever recorded in history--the 1964 Great Alaskan Good Friday earthquake, registering a magnitude of 9.2 on the Richter scale. It lasted almost 5 minutes, if you can imagine that. Then we had a huge tsunami that killed dozens and dozens of people.\r\nEleven percent of all of the world's recorded earthquakes are in Alaska. Three of the eight largest earthquakes the world has ever seen have been in Alaska, and 7 of the 10 largest earthquakes in the United States were in Alaska. One earthquake registering a magnitude of 7 to 8 on the Richter scale happens every year in Alaska, but they don't normally happen in big, populated areas. There have been six earthquakes registering a magnitude from 6 to 7 on the Richter scale, but, again, not near the major cities. Our State is so big that we have a lot of these, and nobody gets hurt.\r\nSpeaking of getting hurt, earthquakes of this size--a 7.0, even a 6.0, even a 5.0--when they are near population centers, normally, in other parts of the world, they do a lot of damage--and they certainly did a lot of damage in Alaska--but, unfortunately, they also take lives.\r\nFor example, last year in Indonesia, there was an earthquake registering 6.9 on the Richter scale that killed almost 500 people. It is not just in developing countries. In New Zealand in 2011, there was an earthquake registering 6.3 on the Richter scale that killed over 150 people.\r\nAs I said, we were fortunate that there were no deaths. So what is part of the reason for that? Given how many earthquakes we have had over the years, we have learned a lot. The first thing we learned is about building codes. Fortunately--again, thank God--we had no buildings collapse. We have a lot of structures--homes, businesses, schools--that have severe structural damage, but a collapsing building is where you get a lot of deaths. With strong, strict building codes, particularly after the 1964 earthquake, that helps to prevent that.\r\nIt is also people who are resilient, tough, and trained. I want to talk a little bit about this because I have no doubt this is why we had no fatalities.\r\nThe group I really want to do a shout-out to--and I am just so proud of them--are the students and the teachers who were there in the beginning of the morning. I went through some of the schools just in the last few days, such as Houston Middle School and the elementary school in Eagle River. These schools just look like someone had completely exploded them inside. Yet these kids--young men and women--acted calm, heroic, and, most importantly, they did what they have been trained to do.\r\nIn Alaska, because we have so many earthquakes, the kids go through earthquake training all the time. They duck and cover under their desks.\r\nThere is a video that has kind of gone viral because I know other kids in the country are looking at it. It is actually from Mr. Benice's class, right when it happened. He is a teacher at the Mears Middle School in Anchorage. The video was on because he was supposed to capture his lesson Friday morning. He is a grad student, and he had to film the class and what he was teaching for his studies.\r\nWhat the video captured, instead, were the students who are trained to react in ways that it is remarkable how automatic it was. After they saw this in Alaska, one reporter called these kids in this classroom ``a well-oiled machine.''\r\nWhat am I talking about? If you watch it, the kids are sitting in their class. The teacher is talking, and you see a little bit of shaking. Boom. Then, every kid, without being told, knew exactly what to do. They were under their desks. Then, you see a lot of shaking, and, then, you see debris starting to come down. If you are not under a desk, you could be seriously injured or even killed by some of what is coming from the ceiling or worse.\r\nIn Houston Middle School, when SenatorMurkowskiand I were touring, there were cinder blocks that were broken and shot out from the ceiling and the wall in these classrooms. Students are in there, but they were trained, and they were ducking and covering.\r\nIn the video from Mr. Benice's classroom, after the shaking was over--it was about a minute, which seems like an eternity when you are in it--a student can be heard asking: ``Will they cancel school today?''\r\nMr. Benice replied: ``Well, that is probably not the first thing we need to be worrying about right now.''\r\nYesterday, a niece of one of my staff members here in DC said that the video of Mr. Benice's class was being shown in schools in Iowa, including her school, Prairie View Middle School, in Waukee, IA, because the teachers are telling their students: Hey, this why we train, and this is what you do when there is some kind of natural disaster.\r\nLiterally, I have no doubt that the training that happened in Alaska saved lives. I want to thank those kids, those students. I am so proud, and I really, really, want to thank the teachers of Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley for doing this training for the kids, month after month and year after year. It obviously paid off.\r\nIn terms of the reaction that you see, this why, again, I think all of my constituents are the Alaskans of the Week.\r\nThe first responders, as they do in so many emergencies, our local heroes, reacted immediately. Civil engineers and city and State workers immediately checked on all of these highways and bridges and off-ramps, some of which collapsed, and essential infrastructure, such as hospitals. The Port of Anchorage has had all kinds of structural damage, which is very dangerous in terms of the supply chain for my entire State.\r\nThe U.S. Geological Survey and NOAA--the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--gave us real-time information about the earthquakes and, importantly, the potential tsunamis. There were tsunami warnings all over Alaska because of how worried we were, being next to the ocean, that that may have triggered a tsunami. Thankfully, that did not happen.\r\nThe State and local officials and the Anchorage Fire Department received hundreds of calls about damaged gas lines. We did have some house fires because of it. We did lose some houses because of it. Our utilities jumped into action. ENSTAR, which is a natural gas company, went to over 700 houses that had reported gas leaks. For the thousands who lost power, they got power back on in a relatively short time. This is very important because when it is 20 degrees in Alaska and we lose power in the winter, it is not as though we can borrow power from Illinois or Kentucky. We are there, alone and unafraid. We have to produce our own power. Yet our utility companies got power back on in my house in a few hours.\r\nKen Bearman worked for ENSTAR for 46 years before retirement on November 9. Guess what he did as a utility guy. He suited up and came back to work on the job, to just go out and help people.\r\nThat is the other thing. Alaskans went door-to-door checking on their neighbors. Shelters were immediately opened. Hospitals prepared for what they thought were going to be massive injuries and potentially deaths. Churches and nonprofits were available. That is what Alaskans do. When you live out and alone in part of a State that is pretty remote and communities are remote, that is what you have to do.\r\nThe other group that kicked into gear--and I do want to thank my colleagues here--was the Federal Government. FEMA launched people almost immediately from the west coast, and we heard from senior Federal officials almost immediately. I want to commend the Trump administration and the rest of the Federal Government for their quick reaction. So many of them are in Alaska now.\r\nAlmost within an hour, the President of the United States, who was down in Argentina at the G20, tweeted:\r\nTo the great people of Alaska, you have been hit hard by the big one. Please follow the directions of the highly trained professionals who are there to help you. Your Federal Government will spare no expense. God bless you all.\r\nThat was from the President.\r\nThe Vice President, who was also traveling, called me and SenatorMurkowskiwithin a few hours. The Chief of Staff of the White House, General Kelly, called. Every one of them wanted to know: What can we do? How can we help? Who do we need to send?\r\nThe Secretary of Transportation--I want to give a special shout-out to Elaine Chao. She has already checked in with me three different times, and they have people on their way up to help with major infrastructure damages. The same with our FEMA Administrator, who has been a busy man, let's face it. Brock Long did a conference call with me, SenatorMurkowski, and CongressmanYoung.\r\nI also want to thank my Senate colleagues. A lot of the press likes to report that we are always battling, that we are always fighting. I don't think that is true, by the way. It is absolutely not true. We have certain things on which we have principled differences, but a lot of action here is bipartisan, and the relationships matter. Within just a few hours, I had several of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, calling, texting, emailing: Hey, Dan, we heard about Alaska. We are seeing these images on TV. We got your back. We are praying for you. And that means a lot.\r\nI was talking to SenatorPat Leahy, the Senator from Vermont--a Democrat from Vermont--this morning about this very issue. He has seen a lot here in the Senate. He has been in the Senate for a long time--over four decades. Do you know what he said to me? It is important to remember that when these kinds of things happen, it reminds everybody in this body that we are the United States of America--the United States of America. We take care of each other when we know bad things are happening in different parts of the country.\r\nKind of related again to this reaction, SenatorMurkowskiand I had the opportunity to go out to the Incident Command Center. Yes, there are times when you don't feel like the different levels of government are working or coordinating. By the way, our first responders include our military, our National Guard, which does such a great job. This Incident Command Center would give any American pride because they were all there, almost like a battle, like a war, like an op center, for the military people watching. It was FEMA, it was Federal, it was the military, it was the State, and it was local, all working like this, literally working together, hand in glove.\r\nSo to my constituents, we are going to have a long road to recovery, there is no doubt about that, but people are already getting on it. There are going to be frustrations, and we have to work through those. I know people are still scared and nervous and wondering how they are going to pay for all the damage, but we are going to work through that together.\r\nFor my colleagues here in the Senate, you know, we have had a lot of natural disasters over the last few years--at least since I have been here in the Senate--throughout the country. There were hurricanes in Florida, Louisiana, and Houston, TX. California just went through horrendous wildfires that killed so many of our fellow Americans. This body acts. This body has acted with disaster relief funding.\r\nI remember saying to a number of Senators here and to my constituents that when those big--some of those packages have been big in terms of the funding, in terms of the dollars. Colleagues said: Hey, Dan, we need your vote on this.\r\nNone of that money was going to Alaska, but I remember saying each time: You know, I am voting for these packages. Why? I think it is the right thing to do.\r\nAlso, let's face it, but for the grace of God go I and my State and my constituents. I live in a State where there are all kinds of natural disasters, such as wildfires, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis. But I think that is the attitude here in general. When bad things happen--particularly natural disasters--to other parts of the country, the vast majority of this body says: Hey, I am going to help. I am going to help.\r\nSo I am already getting the sense that my colleagues here will make sure that help comes to Alaska as we continue to assess the damage.\r\nI also want to just mention to the American people who are watching, including Alaskans or folks from the lower 48, SenatorMurkowskiand CongressmanYoungand I held a press conference on Friday afternoon after talking to the Federal Government, working closely with our State leaders, to give people information. It was a national press conference--actually national media coverage--so I took the opportunity--a lot of this was still going on, including aftershocks, and we didn't know. We didn't know if there were 200 people killed. So I asked people watching to pray for their fellow Americans up in Alaska.\r\nAs I mentioned, yes, we were prepared. Yes, the building codes in Alaska are probably some of the strongest on the planet. I am so proud of our students, who were trained by great teachers. Our first responders were out there in the cold within minutes, let alone others working, and are still doing it, by the way.\r\nI have no doubt that part of the reason we had zero fatalities, zero deaths with a 7.0 earthquake in a city of almost 300,000 people--in most parts of the world, there would not be zero deaths; there would probably be thousands. I have no doubt that part of the reason is because of those prayers. So I want to thank anyone and everyone who was praying for Alaska that day because I guarantee you, it mattered.\r\nTo my fellow Alaskans, I again want to thank you. I think that on Friday and even continuing up to today, you represent the best of America, the best of what we as Americans love to see in our fellow Americans: resilience, toughness, preparedness, and helping each other. That was on display and has been on display, and I couldn't be prouder to represent the great State of Alaska, particularly now.\r\nWe have a lot of work to do. There are going to be frustrations. It is going to take time. But be assured that we will be working here and at home--SenatorMurkowskiand I but also with our colleagues--to make our recovery from this massive earthquake as speedy as possible.\r\nGod bless.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399238", "Alaska Delegation Working to Support Alaskans in Earthquake Recovery Efforts", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after receiving a briefing from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long on the 7.0 earthquake which struck near Anchorage, Alaska Friday morning, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.\r\nThis natural disaster has been devastating for thousands of Alaskans, however, I am encouraged by the immediate response from FEMA, this Administration and our state officials, saidCongressman Young. This earthquake represents one of the many challenges we face in Alaska but we can always rebuild and we are starting that process now. I want to thank all of the people who have reached out. My heart goes out to all of the Alaskans that are dealing with the aftermath. In this delegation, we all have family back in Alaska and we are grateful for their safety. We will continue to work together as a team to ensure federal assistance is available for Alaskans.\r\nIt's been mere hours since this devastating earthquake took place in Alaska, but the delegation is very engaged with the situation. We are in the very initial stages of understanding the extent, but we know there has been significant damage to homes, roads, infrastructure, and schools. The impact is very real and will require a great deal of recovery and effort, but I have been assured that Alaskans will have what they need to deal with and recover from this very serious earthquake, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. Alaskans are incredibly resilient but that doesn't mean that when you're hit with something of this intensity it doesn't have a substantial and devastating impact. The message I want to convey to friends, family, and Alaskans across the state is that we are on top of this. It's important to me that Alaskans know that even though they are 4,000 miles away from our nation's capital-- we have all eyes on them and we are preparing mightily to address this disaster.\r\nAs Alaskans, we are resilient and there is no question in my mind we will come out of this natural disaster as a stronger, more resolute people, said Senator Sullivan. The damage on the ground, particularly to our transportation infrastructure, is significant and we've already begun the process to ensure Alaskans receive the full and unwavering support of the federal government. We have already received serious commitments from the leadership of the federal government  the President, Vice President, the FEMA Administrator, Secretary of Transportation and on down the line. As Alaskans begin the long road to recovery, we are focused on making sure every element of federal power, authority and funding is brought to bear on getting Alaska back up and running as soon as possible.\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            (Click imageto watch video of Alaska Delegation press conference)\r\n            (Click herefor photos)\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nThe Alaska Congressional Delegation this afternoon spoke with Governor Bill Walker and local authorities on the ground responding to the natural disaster. They also spoke with Vice President Mike Pence, who offered his concern, prayers, and the administration's support. In addition, the Delegation also spoke with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao who provided updates on highways and the Ted Stevens International Airport and assured the Delegation that the Transportation Department was mobilizing personnel and ready to assist.\r\nFederal Response: FEMA has committed to provide whatever assistance the State of Alaska may require in response and recovery to the earthquake. FEMA currently has personnel on the ground in the State Emergency Operations Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) and has dispatched Deputy Administrator Peter Gaynor from Washington, DC along with Regional Administrator Mike O'Hare from Bothell, Washington to determine federal assistance requirements. Issuance of a federal emergency declaration by President Trump, at the request of the Governor, is the first step in opening the flow of federal relief money to Alaska. Following damage assessment, this could be upgraded to a federal major disaster declaration which would make additional federal funds available to the state. FEMA has also offered to make high level Federal Incident Management teams available to Alaska, if required.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-working-to-support-alaskans-in-earthquake-recovery-efforts_-", "Alaska Delegation Working to Support Alaskans in Earthquake Recovery Efforts", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.18\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Working to Support Alaskans in Earthquake Recovery Efforts    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Receives Briefing from FEMA, President Signs Emergency Declaration\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after receiving a briefing from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long on the 7.0 earthquake which struck near Anchorage, Alaska Friday morning, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.\r\nIt's been mere hours since this devastating earthquake took place in Alaska, but the delegation is very engaged with the situation. We are in the very initial stages of understanding the extent, but we know there has been significant damage to homes, roads, infrastructure, and schools. The impact is very real and will require a great deal of recovery and effort, but I have been assured that Alaskans will have what they need to deal with and recover from this very serious earthquake, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. Alaskans are incredibly resilient but that doesn't mean that when you're hit with something of this intensity it doesn't have a substantial and devastating impact. The message I want to convey to friends, family, and Alaskans across the state is that we are on top of this. It's important to me that Alaskans know that even though they are 4,000 miles away from our nation's capital-- we have all eyes on them and we are preparing mightily to address this disaster.\r\nAs Alaskans, we are resilient and there is no question in my mind we will come out of this natural disaster as a stronger, more resolute people, said Senator Sullivan. The damage on the ground, particularly to our transportation infrastructure, is significant and we've already begun the process to ensure Alaskans receive the full and unwavering support of the federal government. We have already received serious commitments from the leadership of the federal government  the President, Vice President, the FEMA Administrator, Secretary of Transportation and on down the line. As Alaskans begin the long road to recovery, we are focused on making sure every element of federal power, authority and funding is brought to bear on getting Alaska back up and running as soon as possible.\r\nThis natural disaster has been devastating for thousands of Alaskans, however, I am encouraged by the immediate response from FEMA, this Administration and our state officials, said Congressman Young. This earthquake represents one of the many challenges we face in Alaska but we can always rebuild and we are starting that process now. I want to thank all of the people who have reached out. My heart goes out to all of the Alaskans that are dealing with the aftermath. In this delegation, we all have family back in Alaska and we are grateful for their safety. We will continue to work together as a team to ensure federal assistance is available for Alaskans.\r\n\r\n(Click image to watch video of Alaska Delegation press conference)\r\n(Click here for photos)\r\nThe Alaska Congressional Delegation this afternoon spoke with Governor Bill Walker and local authorities on the ground responding to the natural disaster. They also spoke with Vice President Mike Pence, who offered his concern, prayers, and the administration's support. In addition, the Delegation also spoke with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao who provided updates on highways and the Ted Stevens International Airport and assured the Delegation that the Transportation Department was mobilizing personnel and ready to assist.\r\nFederal Response: FEMA has committed to provide whatever assistance the State of Alaska may require in response and recovery to the earthquake. FEMA currently has personnel on the ground in the State Emergency Operations Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) and has dispatched Deputy Administrator Peter Gaynor from Washington, DC along with Regional Administrator Mike O'Hare from Bothell, Washington to determine federal assistance requirements. Issuance of a federal emergency declaration by President Trump, at the request of the Governor, is the first step in opening the flow of federal relief money to Alaska. Following damage assessment, this could be upgraded to a federal major disaster declaration which would make additional federal funds available to the state. FEMA has also offered to make high level Federal Incident Management teams available to Alaska, if required.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-legislation-honoring-native-women-advances-to-senate-floor", "Murkowski Legislation Honoring Native Women Advances to Senate Floor", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Legislation Honoring Native Women Advances to Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t It is essential that we recognize and honor the women who helped shape our country'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today during a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs business meeting, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded passage of her legislation, S.RES 444, which recognizes the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States.\r\nClick here for full text of the resolution.\r\n\r\n(Click the image to watch video of Senator Murkowski's remarks) \r\nI'm very proud to have sponsored legislation alongside my Senate colleagues to recognize the great many contributions Native women have made to this country throughout its history. Whether it's those who have been active participants in our military since WWII or contributions and innovation in industries such as medicine and science, and fine arts, these women deserve to be recognized for their actions, said Senator Murkowski. We're particularly proud in Alaska of a Tlingit woman, Elizabeth Peratrovich, who was an advocate so early on in terms of anti-discrimination laws, as she was instrumental in securing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, which was the very first anti-discrimination law in the United States and was signed into law 19 years before the passage of the Civil Rights Act. It was led by a Tlingit woman in Juneau, Alaska, who went to our state legislature, stood up from the back, and spoke out to the assembled lawmakers. It is just again a reminder of the significant contributions that so many indigenous women have made across generations.\r\nBackground: On March 2018, Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced the legislation with Senator Tom Udall (D-NM).\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/committee-discusses-reducing-healthcare-costs", "Committee Discusses Reducing Healthcare Costs", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.18\n\t\t\t Committee Discusses Reducing Healthcare Costs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Murkowski Seeks Solutions for Rural Areas\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Healthcare costs in Alaska remain among the highest in the nation. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today participated in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing focused on reducing healthcare costs and improving affordability through innovation.\r\nThe hearing featured witnesses Lee S. Gross, M.D., President of Docs 4 Patient Care Foundation; Cheryl DeMars, President and CEO of The Alliance; Dow Constantine, Executive of King County; and Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Ph.D., M.S.H.A., M.A.C.P., President of Clinical Services and Chief Medical Officer at HCA Healthcare.\r\nThe hearing focused on some of the unique and inventive methods that industry leaders are using to insure cost-effective, quality care across the nation. During the hearing, Senator Murkowski explained that in Alaska, many lack access to basic healthcare support that others may take for granted. Murkowski asked the panel to share how the progress they've made in their more urban communities can be applied to high cost, low-population areas, such as Alaska.\r\n\r\n(Click the image to view Senator Murkowski's remarks and questions during the hearing)\r\nIn response, Dr. Lee Gross discussed the success of collaboration between Docs 4 Patient Care Foundation and a Critical Access Hospital, which could help save money for rural communities and improve primary care.\r\nAlthough I am in Southwest Florida, we're about 45 minutes from a Critical Access rural hospital and that's actually the area that we partnered with to get bundled surgical pricing. And what that's been able to do is for us to drive elective surgical volume into this Critical Access Hospital that would have left the region. So even a 10 percent increase in margin for a hospital like this is actually huge. It's the difference between staying open or closing in certain wards, said Dr. Gross. We've worked with them to restructure their health benefits program so that if their employees sign up for our program, not only do they see a 20 percent reduction in their premiums, but they'll actually eliminate out of pocket costs. And what we're seeing is, restructuring, we're projected to save that program $800,000 dollars in the first year. Now if you could transition that savings to the county, the school board, the local prison employeesthat has the ability to save that community millions of dollars in annual costs that can go to higher wages or new school facilities. But instead of spending the money, wasting the money, on unnecessary healthcare services to provide healthcare better with a solid foundation in primary care, is a way for the rural practices to actually save money.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/lawmakers-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-the-40th-anniversary-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act", "Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.18\n\t\t\t Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.), vice chairman and chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, respectively, along withU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representatives Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.), led46 members of Congress in introducing a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and recognizing its importance to promoting the stability and security of Tribal communities and families.\r\nICWA sets best-practice standards for child welfare and adoption proceedings involving children who are members of a federally-recognized Tribe or are eligible for membership in a federally-recognized Tribe. It was designed to respond to the disproportionately high number of Native children who were unnecessarily removed from their families. When the law was first enacted in 1978, one-third of all Native children in the U.S. were placed in foster care or adoptive homes by child welfare systems unfamiliar with tribal child rearing practices, resulting in generations of displaced Native children.Over four decades, the law has become the gold standard for child welfare policy and keeping Native children connected to their communities and cultures.\r\nNative American children, like all children, thrive when they are able to grow up with the support of their families, communities, and cultures,said Udall. Congress enacted the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978 to ensure that best practices in child custody for Native communities are in place, keeping families together and kids healthy and safe. Now, on the 40th anniversary of its passage, I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House and Senate to mark the important impact that this law has had on generations of Native kids.\r\nThe Indian Child Welfare Act is an important piece of legislation that respects the principles of government to government relationships with Tribes and Tribal sovereignty, said Hoeven.\r\nThe Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA is landmark legislation enacted four decades ago to end the abusive practice of adopting out' Native children in need of aid,said Murkowski. Its premise is that Native children who grow up with a connection to their heritage and culture become strong adults and parents. The State of Alaska and Alaska's 229 tribes have partnered to ensure that this important legislation fulfills its promise to our Native children. It is important that we celebrate this partnership during this 40th anniversary year for ICWA is as vital today as it was on the day it was enacted by Congress.\r\nFortyyears ago, when the Indian Child Welfare Act became law, Congress declared national policy for Tribal children,said Bass. Through the Indian Child Welfare Act, Congress recognizes tribes' sovereign authority to make decisions about children who are tribal members. Eighteen national child welfare and child advocacy organizations  including the Child Welfare League of American, the National Association of Social Workers, and the North American Council on Adoptable Children  are united in their view that the Indian Child Welfare Act is the gold standard for child welfare policies and practices that should be afforded to all children. This bipartisan resolution affirms the principles embodied in the Indian Child Welfare Act, including the importance of protecting the best interests of American Indian and Alaska Native children, promoting the stability and security of Indian Tribes and families, and respecting tribal sovereignty. Congress should pass it.\r\nAt the heart of the Indian Child Welfare Act is the recognition that Tribal heritage is a profoundly special and valuable heritage to know and pass on, said Cole. Forty years since this monumental legislation was enacted, we affirm our obligation to serve the best interests of Native children and ensure that their Tribal heritage is not lost.\r\nIn addition to Udall, Hoeven, Murkowski, Bass, and Cole, the Senate resolution is sponsored by Senators Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory A. Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) while the House resolution is sponsored by Representatives Ben Ray Lujn (D-N.M.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), Tom Marino (R-Pa.), Tony Crdenas (D-Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Tom O'Halleran (D-Ariz.).\r\nThe full text of the resolution can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399234", "Young Supports Coast Guard Authorization Legislation", "2018-11-27", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 and with Alaska Congressman Don Young's support, the bill will now go to the President's desk for signature.\r\nThe Coast Guard is a crucial branch of our military that protects and defends our waters and borders which we see in Alaska every day, said Congressman Young. The focus of this legislation is to improve how the Coast Guard operates nationwide and in Alaska this is especially important for Arctic operations and maritime commerce in our region. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was able to secure several provisions that will directly support the Coast Guard in Alaska as well as reducing regulatory burdens on both recreational boaters and fishing vessels. I'm proud of the tremendous work the brave men and women of the Coast Guard accomplish for this country and with the passage of this bill, I believe they will be better equipped for their future missions.\r\nProvisions Congressman Young Secured:\r\n \r\n    Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA)  After nearly 15 years of work, there will be a national standard for regulation of ballast water and other incidental discharges while also providing permanent exemption for commercial fishing vessels and commercial vessels under 75 feet from needing to obtain burdensome permits through the Environmental Protection Agency.\r\n    Reauthorization of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act which will improve hydrographic surveying, especially of the Arctic. Additionally, this will assist in the construction of a new homeport for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel Fairweather in Ketchikan.\r\n    A fishery endorsement for the vessel Western Challenger to correct an issue from a previous Coast Guard Authorization.\r\n \r\nProvisions of Interest for Alaska: \r\n \r\n    Allows for more localized decision making in Alaskan waters by the Coast Guard in the approval of oil spill response plans and requires the Coast Guard verify the effectiveness of the alternate plans. The legislation also requires oil spill removal organizations identified in the vessel response plans conduct regular drills using their response resources. \r\n    Directs the Coast Guard to conduct an enhanced maintenance project to extend the service life of the Polar Star icebreaker until the end of 2025.\r\n    Authorizes Coast Guard use of multi-year contracts to begin procurement of three new National Security Cutters.\r\n    Facilitates a land exchange on Kodiak Island to protect wildlife as well as open possibilities for economic development.\r\n    Requires a report by the Coast Guard, in consultation with DoD, on progress toward implementing strategic objectives described in the United States Coast Guard Arctic Strategy from 2013.\r\n \r\nThe Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 is bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize, strengthen, and support the United States Coast Guard in its critical missions to save lives, safeguard our shores, protect living marine resources, and help ensure a 21st century maritime transportation system for America. The bill also reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and makes updates to the FMC's authorities to better protect the U.S. maritime industry.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/congress-sends-feinstein-murkowski-wyden-earthquake-resilience-act-to-presidents-desk", "Congress Sends Feinstein-Murkowski-Wyden Earthquake Resilience Act to Presidents Desk", "2018-11-27", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.27.18\n\t\t\t Congress Sends Feinstein-Murkowski-Wyden Earthquake Resilience Act to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe House of Representatives today passed the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill to improve the nation's earthquake preparedness.\r\nThe legislation, introduced by Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, modernizes earthquake-safety programs that help states prepare for and respond to earthquakes.\r\nThe Senate unanimously passed the bill in September. It was cosponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Cory Gardner, R-Colo., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore.\r\nI'm pleased that this important bill will soon be signed into law, Murkowski said. Alaskans face daily threats from earthquakes and cascading hazards like tsunamis and landslides. Our bipartisan legislation builds upon the good work already underway through the Advanced National Seismic System to ensure communities in Alaska and across the country have the tools they need to be better prepared, safer, and more resilient.\r\nIt's a question of when, not if, another major earthquake will strike the United States, and we have to be ready, Feinstein said. Now that the House has passed this lifesaving legislation, it heads to the White House to be signed. This bipartisan effort ensures that vital research funds and the development of an early-warning system will continue so we're prepared for the next big quake.\r\nBeing as prepared as we can be for natural disasters is the name of the game. When the West Coast is struck by a large earthquake it is absolutely crucial that communities be prepared, Wyden said. This legislation will help make sure communities in Oregon have the resources to be ready to protect families, businesses and infrastructure for when the big one hits.\r\nFirst authorized in 1977, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) has led to significant improvements in earthquake early warning, monitoring, and research. The bill reauthorizes the program for five years after the most recent reauthorization expired in 2009.\r\nThe National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act enables earthquake-prone communities to better prepare and protect themselves by minimizing losses through infrastructure improvements and hazard and risk assessments. The bill also:\r\n \r\nRemoves outdated language related to earthquake prediction and instead emphasizes the continued development of earthquake early warning systems through the Advanced National Seismic System.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequires the production of a set of maps showing active faults and folds, liquefaction susceptibility, and other hazards that can be induced by an earthquake, such as landslides.\r\n \r\n \r\nReduces various administrative burdens for federal agencies that are disruptive to the essential mission of the program and improves data sharing between agencies.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnhances coordination among federal agencies, and with state agencies.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvides clear direction to the four federal agencies charged with overseeing NEHRP  the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation  to continue working with states and private sector experts on performance-based design features.\r\n \r\n \r\nDirects the Federal Emergency Management Agency to implement a grant program to assist states with incorporating earthquakes in their hazard reduction portfolios.\r\n \r\n \r\nDirects the completion of a comprehensive assessment of the nation's earthquake risk reduction progress, as well as areas that require more funding, and evaluation of resulting hazards such as tsunamis or landslides.\r\n \r\nThe bill is supported by the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Association of American State Geologists, the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, the Geological Society of America, the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations, the National Emergency Management Association, and the Seismological Society of America.\r\nThe full text of the legislation can be viewed here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-sens-coons-murkowski-harris-bill-to-recognize-hidden-figures-for-contributions-to-us-leadership-during-the-space-race-", "Senate passes Sens. Coons, Murkowski, Harris bill to recognize Hidden Figures for contributions to U.S. leadership during the Space Race", "2018-11-21", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.18\n\t\t\t Senate passes Sens. Coons, Murkowski, Harris bill to recognize Hidden Figures' for contributions to U.S. leadership during the Space Race  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation will award Congressional Gold Medals to Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Darden for their work at NASA\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Last week, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).The legislation, sponsored by a total of 70 senators, wouldaward Congressional Gold Medals to Katherine Johnson and Dr. Christine Darden,posthumously award Congressional Gold Medals to Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, and award a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the contributions of all women who worked atNASA or its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), during the Space Race. The bill serves tocommendthese womenfor their contributions to NASA's success during the Space Race andhighlighttheir broader impact on society;paving the way for women, especially women of color,in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.\r\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the U.S. It is awarded to those who have performed an achievement that has had an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized in the recipient's field for years to come.\r\nThe Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act will honor:\r\nKatherine Johnson, who calculated trajectories for multiple NASA space missions including the first human spaceflight by an American, Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 mission. She also calculated trajectories for John Glenn's Friendship 7 mission to orbit the earth. During her time at NASA, she became the first woman recognized as an author of a report from the Flight Research Division.\r\nDorothy Vaughan, who led the West Area Computing unit for nine years, as the first African American supervisor at NACA andlaterNASA. She later became an expert programmer in FORTRAN as a part of NASA's Analysis and Computation Division.\r\nMary Jackson, who petitioned the City of Hampton to allow her to take graduate-level courses in math and physics at night at the all-white Hampton High School in order to become an engineer at NASA. She was the first female African-American engineer at the agency. Later in her career, she worked to improve the prospects of NASA's female mathematicians, engineers, and scientists as Langley's Federal Women's Program Manager.\r\nDr. Christine Darden, who became an engineer at NASA 16 years after Mary Jackson. She worked to revolutionize aeronautic design, wrote over 50 articles on aeronautics design, and became the first African-American person of any gender to be promoted into the Senior Executive Service at Langley.\r\nThe stories of these four women exemplify the experiences of hundreds of women who worked as computers, mathematicians, and engineers at NACA or NASA beginning in the 1930s and whose calculations played an integral role in aircraft testing during World War II, supersonic flight research, sending the Voyager probes to explore the solar system, and the United States landing the first man on the lunar surface. In recognition of the contributions and accomplishments of these many other women, a fifth medal is authorized to be awarded in their honor.\r\nThe lives and careers of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden were featured in the book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly. That book was adapted into the 2016 film Hidden Figures.\r\nI'm so proud the Senate passed this bill to honor Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Darden with Congressional Gold Medals,said Senator Coons.Each of these women played an important role at NASA during the Space Race, but for many years their accomplishments remained hidden. This bill will help recognize these extraordinary women and bring their accomplishments into the light so they can serve as an inspiration to younger generations of women in science, particularly those of color.In addition, I am glad to recognize the accomplishments of many other women like them through an additional Congressional Gold Medal in honor of all women who contributed to the Space Race.\r\nI'm encouraged by the Senate's support of the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act. This Act will award one of the highest civilian honors given by Congress to Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Dardenfour women who overcame significant hurdles to attain their educational and professional goals, serving as mathematicians, programmers, and engineers at NASA when the agency was emerging from segregation, said Senator Murkowski. I hope the support of this bill will encourage young women across the nation to pursue study and careers in STEM.\r\nDorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Dardenwere barrier breakers, and their immeasurable contributions to NASA and our nation have cemented their place in history,said Senator Harris.I'm proud the Senate passed this bill to help recognize their achievements as they continue to serve as a beacon for black women both young and old, across the country.\r\nThis bill is endorsed by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Girl Scouts of Alaska, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Physical Society, Association for Women in Science, National Association for Equal Opportunity, Society of Women Engineers, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, United Negro College Fund, National Center for Women , and Information Technology, Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Hampton Roads Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Association for Women in Math, American Mathematical Society, National Association of Mathematicians, Mathematical Association of America, National Congress of Black Women, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, American Chemical Society, and American Geophysical Union. Statements of support can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-applauds-passage-of-coast-guard-authorization-act-in-speech-on-senate-floor", "ICYMI: Sullivan Applauds Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Act in Speech on Senate Floor", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.18\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Sullivan Applauds Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Act in Speech on Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tICYMI: Sullivan Applauds Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Act in Speech on Senate Floor\r\nANCHORAGE, AK  Last week, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor following the passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, a bipartisan and bicameral agreement he championed to reauthorize the Coast Guard for two years.\r\nThe bill, which is expected to pass the U.S. House following the Thanksgiving holiday, included a number of priorities and provisions of Alaskan interest, including a focus on the Coast Guard's recapitalization efforts, positioning of Coast Guard assets to respond in the Arctic, a plan to address our nation's ice breaking capabilities and more. For more information, click here.\r\nOf particular interest, the bill also included a decade's long effort to permanently exempt fishing vessels from the EPA's incidental discharge regulations  which required permits for even the most basic activity, including vessel deck runoff, hosing out their fish holds, and other minor discharges.\r\nAs detailed in reporting by Alaska Public Media Network's Liz Ruskin:\r\nAfter over a decade of working on [vessel incidental discharge], it's a huge deal to finally have it done, United Fishermen of Alaska President Matt Alward said.\r\n\r\nSullivan applauds passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 in speech on Senate floor (Click image or here to watch).\r\nCOAST GUARD REAUTHORIZATION BILL -- (U.S. Senate  November 15, 2018)\r\n Mr. President, I want to echo what my colleague from Tennessee just mentioned about a lot of bipartisan accomplishments on the Senate floor over the last several weeks. They are really important ones.\r\nHe led the charge on the opioid bill which is going to help our entire country and so many others. They don't always get reported in the press, but it is important to make sure our fellow Americans, our constituents, know that is happening.\r\nThis afternoon, I want to talk about another one that is a really important accomplishment that we were able to achieve on the Senate floor a couple of hours ago; that is, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018.\r\nA number of Senators have already been down on the floor to talk about this:John Thune, the chairman of the Commerce Committee, which is where the oversight and responsibility of the Coast Guard lies; SenatorWickerfrom Mississippi; SenatorCarper--so many Senators contributed to this important piece of legislation that we just passed today by almost a vote of over 90 Senators.\r\nIt is a very bipartisan piece of legislation that we were able to get through the Senate floor today. As you know, this has taken some time. For almost 2 years, we have been working on the Coast Guard bill. A number of us put a lot of time and effort into it.\r\nI do want to do a shout out to my staff: Eric Elam, my legislative director; Tom Mansour, a Coast Guard fellow in my office; and Scott Leathard. All of them worked literally for the last year and a half, night and day, on this bill.\r\nAgain, it is important for America and certainly important for my great State of Alaska. It raises a broader issue. We just celebrated Veterans Day. Our country was rightfully focused on our veterans. There was a lot of focus on the centennial of the Armistice of World War I, the ending of World War I. Often when there is a focus on the armed services, it focuses on the armed services at the Pentagon--Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines--and sometimes the brave men and women in the Coast Guard can be overlooked. They shouldn't be. We all know that.\r\nOne of the things I tried to focus on in my time in the Senate is making sure they are not. Prior to 9/11, the Coast Guard was probably the only service in the entire U.S. military--because they are a member of the services of the U.S. military--whose members were risking their lives every single day on the job. Post-9/11, with the national security challenges we have, every member of our military--all the services--are risking their lives every day, but the Coast Guard does it day in and day out.\r\nPre-9/11 and post-9/11, men and women in that wonderful service undertake a heroic mission with actions that we see saving American lives and defending our national security.\r\nWhat do they focus on and what does this bill focus on? Well, the bottom line is, this bill is focused on making sure the men and women of the Coast Guard have the resources to do their job. Their job is varied and extremely important.\r\nWe have all seen the Coast Guard coming out of the sky to rescue us--rescue Americans on seas when they are in trouble; with the hurricanes we have seen over the last couple of years; the heroic pictures of the men and women in the Coast Guard doing thousands of rescues. We see that as part of their mission. They have been described as angels in helicopters. When they show up, it is certainly witnessing America at its very best. We have seen a lot of that. The mission of the Coast Guard also includes ice-breaking, marine environmental protection, port security, and international crisis response. Many members are deployed overseas in places like the Middle East, combating illegal fishing by other nations, protecting American fishermen, protecting Alaskan fishermen, readiness to support the Department of Defense operation. It is a long list. The Coast Guard does it very well.\r\nImportantly, the bill we just passed today will significantly help the men and women with this important mission. You and I serve on the Armed Services Committee. Again, what my colleague from Tennessee was talking about is another one of these bipartisan areas of achievement that we have seen in the Senate in the last year, year and a half, consensus on issues like rebuilding our military. We are doing that on the Armed Services Committee through the National Defense Authorization Act that passes the Senate and the House every year.\r\nI am certainly honored to be on the Armed Services Committee, where we are working on rebuilding from the cuts of 2010 to 2015. They were almost 25 percent of the Department of Defense budget while national security challenges were increasing all over the world.\r\nThe other thing we are rebuilding--and it doesn't always get a lot of attention--we are rebuilding the Coast Guard. In essence, this bill we passed today is the NDAA for the U.S. Coast Guard. The recapitalization and rebuilding of the Coast Guard is a core element of the bill we just passed.\r\nLet's run through a couple of examples. Like what we just did in the NDAA, increasing the end strength of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, this bill today works to increase the end strength of the U.S. Coast Guard. Importantly, it starts to really accelerate what we are doing in terms of recapitalizing the Coast Guard fleet. For example, this bill authorizes the building of six more fast response cutters--these are critical cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard--and three more national security cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard. These are incredible vessels. They are huge--400-plus feet.\r\nI had the honor to go out to a commissioning of theDouglas Munro, one of the new national security cutters. These ships can do it all. They look like big Navy ships that can do it all. That is what these national security cutters are doing.\r\nThis legislation also helps to streamline the building of Navy ships, which is important as we recapitalize the fleet. It directs the Coast Guard's overall policies.\r\nNow I want to talk a little bit about some of the more specific provisions in this bill that relate to my great State, the great State of Alaska, where the Coast Guard and the people of Alaska have a very special relationship. We love the men and women of the Coast Guard. We see them in action all the time, doing heroic missions. We had the largest Coast Guard base in the country in Kodiak, AK, and District 17--that is the Coast Guard district in Alaska--is the largest geographic district in terms of square miles in the entire Coast Guard area of responsibility. There are close to 4 million square miles and over 47,000 miles of coastline just in the State of Alaska. That is more coastline than in the rest of the lower 48 States combined. So the Coast Guard has a huge mission in Alaska--a really important mission in Alaska--and it covers all kinds of territory.\r\nLet me just give you, again, a sense of the importance that District 17 and the men and women of the Coast Guard in Alaska have to my constituents, to their fellow Alaskans--a snapshot from District 17's website. It reads, just in an average month in Alaska, that the Coast Guard saves 22 lives, performs 53 assists, and conducts 13 security boardings and 22 security patrols throughout this gigantic area of District 17, just to name a few of its duties, in addition to making sure that illegal fishing in this part of our Nation doesn't occur.\r\nI am also grateful that as we look at the recapitalization of the Coast Guard's fleet, the former Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Zukunft, recognized how important Alaska was and sent me a letter, as I am the chairman of the subcommittee in the Commerce Committee that is in charge of the Coast Guard. My team and I put in a lot of effort with ChairmanThuneand others in writing this bill and in working on it for the last 2 years.\r\nIn a letter to me prior to his retirement, the former Commandant of the Coast Guard said that we know there are challenges and that there is a growing mission, from the Coast Guard's perspective, in Alaska. In terms of this recapitalization, we see a lot of these vessels coming to Southeast Alaska. For example, six fast response cutters that are being built and that are part of this bill are slated for Alaska, and two additional patrol boats are for Petersburg and Juneau. The FRCs will be home-ported--two of them--in Kodiak, one in Seward, one in Sitka, and two previously commissioned FRCs will remain stationed in Ketchikan. So those are a lot of assets coming, and I believe there are going to be more. We are going to continue to work on that.\r\nI thank the former Commandant and the current Commandant, Admiral Schultz, who has been on the job for about 6 months and has already been to Alaska three times. That is just another testament to recognizing how important the Coast Guard is to the great State of Alaska. I can't thank enough the men and women of the Coast Guard nationally and in my State for the great work they do.\r\nThere are a number of provisions in this legislation, in addition to the national areas of recapitalizing the Coast Guard, that are actually focused, not surprisingly, on Alaska, given how important the Coast Guard is to Alaska. Let me just highlight a few of them.\r\nThere is a provision that says the Coast Guard must position assets to respond to any incidences given the national security and economic significance growing in the Arctic region. The Department of Defense is starting to focus on the Arctic region, and, certainly, the Coast Guard is.\r\nThe provision further states that it requires the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Department of Defense, to report to Congress on the progress being made in implementing the Coast Guard's Arctic strategy and to provide an assessment of the placement of additional Coast Guard assets and cutters in light of meeting those strategic objectives in the Arctic.\r\nWe know that the demands of a more strategic Arctic are putting a strain on the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard. We believe--I believe--that the provisions in this bill state that the Coast Guard needs to look at that and provide more assets to do the mission if need be.\r\nAs we are recapitalizing the fleet, it also talks about moving bigger cutters in for smaller ones in region 17 because the Coast Guard must continue to have adequate coverage. You don't want to move one ship out and another ship in and have a gap in coverage. This bill focuses on that--no gaps in coverage.\r\nThe bill also requires the Coast Guard to deliver a plan to extend the life of the Polar Star, which is the heavy icebreaker that is home-ported in Seattle and has a critical mission. Again, in the NDAA this year, we received authorization for six additional heavy icebreakers--three heavies, three mediums. Yet we need to make sure that we still have coverage with the icebreakers we have as we look to build and deploy the new Coast Guard icebreakers that were authorized in the NDAA this summer. This provision focuses on that.\r\nIt directs the Coast Guard to conduct persistent, aircraft-based surveillance in terms of monitoring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Western Pacific. This is a huge problem. We have our 200-mile limit where American fishermen and Alaska fishermen can fish off the coast of Alaska and other States, but we often have pirate fishing going on. We have countries such as China that come and illegally take fish that should be in our economic zone or on the high seas. The Coast Guard does a great job in monitoring and catching this illegal fishing, which harms the oceans and harms our fisheries. This bill underscores how important that mission is and directs the Coast Guard to make sure there is persistent, aircraft-based surveillance in monitoring what we call IUU fishing--illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing--in the\r\nWestern Pacific.\r\nThe bill requires the Coast Guard to have tested the capability of oilspill vessel response plans in Alaskan waters and to report to Congress on these capabilities.\r\nIt also, importantly, focuses on funding to update and maintain the Nation's nautical charts with there being an emphasis on the Arctic, where there is growing vessel traffic. Yet we have nautical charts that are 70 or 80 years old, and some places have never been charted.\r\nThis bill facilitates the construction of a viable home port for the NOAA research vesselFairweatherin Ketchikan, AK, which is an issue that is important to my constituents, and to be perfectly honest, with regard to NOAA, it has been hanging out there for too long. This bill helps to make sure that the vessel is going to be home-ported where it should be legally home-ported under the law, and that is in Ketchikan.\r\nThose are just a few examples of the national aspects of this bill for the Coast Guard's recapitalization effort and of some of the more important provisions that focus on the Coast Guard's special relationship with Alaska.\r\nThis act also contains many important items for our fishermen and fisheries and our maritime industry throughout the United States, whether in the oceans, whether on the Great Lakes, whether in the rivers that we have. It is very, very important to our fishing community, to our fishermen, and to the maritime workers throughout the country.\r\nOf course, this is important to my State. I often refer to Alaska as the superpower of seafood. What am I talking about? Almost 60 percent of the commercial and sport fish that is harvested in the United States of America comes from Alaska. It is billions of dollars in terms of the economic impact for our State. So included in this legislation is important language to permanently address issues that have plagued Alaskan fishermen, American fishermen, and commercial vessel owners and operators of maritime fleets and, importantly, the workers in these important industries for decades--regulatory problems and challenges that these important industries and the important men and women who work in these industries have been struggling with for decades with no long-term solutions. At long last, this bill addresses these--the long-term, permanent solutions.\r\nWhat am I talking about?\r\nCurrently, our fishing fleets throughout the entire country, as well as vessel owners and operators--again, throughout the entire country in rivers, lakes, and oceans--are forced to comply with a patchwork of burdensome Federal and State regulations that are well-intentioned but often conflicted for incidental discharges off the decks of these ships and for ballast water. Let me start with the incidental discharges.\r\nAgain, it is very important to my State but very important to any State with regard to the fishing industry and fishermen who work hard every day. If you are a commercial fisherman on a fishing vessel and you have caught some fish and you want to hose down your deck--because let's face it; fishing can be a bit of a messy business--through a long history of requirements and lawsuits, you are forced to report to the EPA these incidental discharges, and you need to get a permit to hose down your deck of a fishing vessel or you will face a fine.\r\nNow, you don't have to be a fisherman to recognize that this is ridiculous and that people--Democrats and Republicans in this body--have been trying to address this issue for decades because it creates inefficiency, and it certainly doesn't help the environment. It adds to costs, inhibits economic prosperity, and hurts fishermen and the vessels they operate. This body has introduced short-term fixes for years to try and address this. Those have not been sufficient. So this bill addresses it for good.\r\nLet me talk about another provision that tries to cut through the patchwork of burdensome State regulations--again, well-intentioned but often conflicted for ballast water and vessels. Currently, ballast water is regulated by both the Coast Guard and the EPA. They both have separate, inconsistent, and sometimes directly conflicting sets of Federal requirements that are interdispersed with requirements from States. This is literally a patchwork of requirements for vessels that move through different State waters. Let me give you an example.\r\nYou are the owner-operator of a commercial vessel that is going up the full length of the Mississippi River. You are moving commerce and keeping a strong economy stronger. As you do that, not only must you comply with inconsistent Coast Guard and EPA requirements, but you also will likely have to comply with different and separate requirements regarding ballast water for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. You get the picture. It is a patchwork of regulations--all well-intentioned--that has the impact of inhibiting commerce and, most importantly, of inhibiting job opportunities for the men and women in this commerce.\r\nTwenty-five States have been regulating ballast water under separate, inconsistent, and sometimes directly conflicting sets of requirements. This has not only inhibited U.S. economic growth, but it also actually makes it more likely that invasive species will accidentally be introduced into this ballast water because the requirements are so different, it is hard to keep up with them.\r\nSo, again, what this bill does at long last, working across the aisle--and trust me, we worked on this for over a year, on these provisions, Democrats and Republicans rolling up their sleeves, in good faith, getting to work. Because we know how important this is to our constituents, we looked at and focused on getting permanent solutions, not quick fixes--the way these issues have been handled in the past, for over a decade--to these significant challenges.\r\nThis bill will provide a permanent exemption on incidental vessel discharges for all commercial fishing vessels and commercial vessels under 79 feet in length. This is very important to the American fishing industry, the men and women in that industry, and it is something that they have been advocating for and Members of this body, of both parties, have been trying to get for well over a decade. Well, we did it today. That is important. As I said, without this exemption, small vessel owner-operators would be required, as they have been for years, to get an EPA permit to hose off their decks--not a good use of the EPA and not a good use of the hard-working time of American fishermen.\r\nSimilarly, this bill provides a comprehensive solution to this patchwork ballast water challenge that I just described, establishing a single, nationally uniform standard for the regulation of ballast water and other vessel discharges, and the EPA and the Coast Guard, with input from the States, will work together. This uniform standard will have the impact of helping our environment and our maritime industry and fishing industry workers and the U.S. economy all at the same time. That is an important accomplishment, and that is why over 90 Senators voted for this bill today.\r\nIn conclusion, the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard do heroic work day in and day out. I am honored to chair the subcommittee of the Commerce Committee in charge of the Coast Guard. This bipartisan bill will support them and their incredibly important mission, and it was long overdue. It was long overdue, but we got it done.\r\nThe Coast Guard's motto, ``Semper Paratus''--``Always Ready''--is a motto I think we can learn from here in the U.S. Senate. It is so appropriate for what they do for us. I want to make sure that the members of the Coast Guard who are watching or learning about this bill know that it is a signal that they have strong bipartisan support from the vast majority of the Members of the U.S. Senate.\r\nHopefully, this bill will get over to the House quickly. We have been working closely with the House on a number of these provisions, and they are going to pass it, we hope, and we will get it to the President soon for his signature.\r\nGoing forward, we have to work to make sure there is not an almost 2-year delay in getting the Coast Guard Authorization Act passed in the U.S. Senate. When we work together, we can see that it is very bipartisan.\r\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, the Presiding Officer and I both know that the National Defense Authorization Act moves every year. What I think we need to do is make sure, when we start debating the NDAA in late spring, early summer every year, as we do, that we reserve time to move and debate and pass the Coast Guard bill as well. This is an issue I have raised with the leadership on both sides of the aisle, with the chairmen of the Commerce Committee and the Armed Services Committee, and I am hopeful that we can make some progress on that so we are moving a Coast Guard Authorization Act, as we should be, with the other services in the NDAA. But that is for tomorrow. For today, we have an important accomplishment for our country, an important accomplishment for the State of Alaska, and most importantly, an important accomplishment for the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who continue to undertake heroic actions day in and day out on our behalf.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-encouraged-by-bc-govts-efforts-to-finally-clean-up-and-close-tulsequah-chief-mine", "Sullivan Encouraged by B.C. Govts Efforts to Finally Clean Up & Close Tulsequah Chief Mine", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Encouraged by B.C. Govt's Efforts to Finally Clean Up & Close Tulsequah Chief Mine \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tANCHORAGE, AK  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement in response to news that the British Columbia (B.C.) government will begin taking steps to clean up and permanently close the Tulsequah Chief Mine, which is located 40 miles northeast of Juneau.\r\nI am encouraged to see the B.C. government taking a more active role in the long overdue clean-up of the Tulsequah Chief mine, said Senator Sullivan. The announcement that the government intends to move forward and develop a remediation plan is a step in the right direction. As voices on both sides of the border have been asking for years, it's time for the B.C. government, the state ofAlaska, Alaska Native and First Nations communities work together to remove this and other looming threats over our rivers, fisheries, and communities' health and wellbeing.\r\nSEN. SULLIVAN'S WORK TO ADDRESS TRANSBOUNDARY MINING ISSUE:\r\n \r\nIn November 2017 the Alaska Delegation sent a letter to then-Secretary Rex Tillerson urging the State Department to prioritize transboundary watersheds, bringing this important issue to the Cabinet level. That letter has been followed by sustained efforts on behalf of the Delegations to engage with their Canadian counterparts and work towards accountability for mining projects that may affect transboundary watersheds. Specifically, the Alaska Delegation has repeatedly stressed the need for binding protections, joint water quality monitoring, and financial assurances to ensure mine operators in British Columbia will be held accountable for any impacts to transboundary water quality that might threaten Alaskan livelihoods or subsistence.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn February 2018, Senator Sullivan and former Lt. Governor Mallott traveled to Ottawa, Canada, to meet with senior officials in the Canadian government to discuss the transboundary mining issues impacting Southeast Alaska.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn August 2018, Senator Sullivan and former Lt. Governor Mallott followed up with a letter to the Minister of Environment Catherine McKenna and Minister of International Trade James Carr, thanking the Canadians for their attention to transboundary mining issues, while continuing to stress several key areas of concern that require attention.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn October 2018, the Alaska Congressional Delegation and Governor Bill Walker joined together to urge the Secretary of State to discuss the risks posed by transboundary mining activity during upcoming bilateral meetings between the United States and Canada. In the letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, they expressed Alaska's priorities for strong and continued engagement between the State Department and the Canadian Government on the management of mining activity affecting Alaska and British Columbia's transboundary waters.\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/11/15/2018/durbin-murkowski-statement-on-new-fda-e-cigarette-regulations", "Durbin, Murkowski Statement On New FDA E-Cigarette Regulations", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.18\n\t\t\t Durbin, Murkowski Statement On New FDA E-Cigarette Regulations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t FDA's announcement today makes many changes Durbin and Murkowski proposed in their bill, the SAFE Kids Act\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new regulations on e-cigarette flavorings and flavored cigars:\r\nE-cigarette use among children and teenagers is an epidemic, just askour federal health agencies orany school teacher in America. The FDA isfinally moving in the right directionby cracking down on the sale ofkid-friendly flavors ine-cigarettes and cigars, and improving online age verification for sales of these addictive products  steps that we called for when we introduced theSAFEKids Act this year.\r\nThe bottom line is this: it'sludicrousto think flavors like bubblegum, cotton candy,or tuttifruittiare meant for adults. E-cigarette companies want to hook another generation of Americans onto a deadly and addictive product so they have a customer for life. These flavors are the key to theircallous businessstrategy, and they have no business being sold on the market. The FDA's actions today make clear that we won't stand for manipulative marketing tactics, and that our children's health and safety will always come first.\r\nThis year, Durbin and Murkowski introducedbipartisan legislation to crack down on kid-friendly flavorings in highly-addictive e-cigarettes and cigars. The bipartisanStopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids (SAFE Kids) Actwould place strong restrictions on e-cigarette flavorings and ban cigar flavorings altogether, and much of the FDA's announcement today makes the changes Durbin and Murkowski proposed in their bill.\r\nIn October, Durbin and Murkowski urgedthe FDA to immediately ban kid-friendly e-cigarette flavorings and restrict online sales of the addictive nicotine products.\r\nIn September, FDA Commissioner Gottlieb announced that his agency was taking three important steps to curb youth use of e-cigarettes, including sending letters to five leading e-cigarette manufacturers (including JUUL, which owns more than 70 percent of the market), requiring them to submit plans within 60 days detailing ways they will sharply curb sales to underage consumers. If these plans do not promise to substantially reverse youth use, Dr. Gottlieb announced that FDA will consider temporarily or permanently ordering the removal of flavors from the market. Durbin has repeatedly raised concerns and pressed FDA about the decision in July 2017 to delay regulation of e-cigarettes from 2018 until 2022.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/committee-reviews-ferc-park-service_and-nuclear-energy-nominees-", "Committee Reviews FERC, Park Service,  and Nuclear Energy Nominees", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.18\n\t\t\t Committee Reviews FERC, Park Service,  and Nuclear Energy Nominees  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to consider nominees for the Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the National Park Service.\r\nThe nominees were Dr. Rita Baranwal to be Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at DOE; Mr. Bernie McNamee to be a member of FERC; and Mr. David Vela to be Director of the National Park Service.\r\nMurkowski opened the hearing by noting the ongoing tragedy with wildfires in California, which have led to significant loss of life and tremendous devastation. She then spoke to Dr. Baranwal's current role at the Gateway Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program at Idaho National Laboratory and the importance of her new role, should she be confirmed.\r\nDr. Baranwal will have the opportunity to help shape the future of nuclear energynot just here in the United States, but globally, as well, Murkowski said. Her experience and expertise will help as we seek to become a global leader in advanced nuclear innovation.\r\nMurkowski reinforced with Mr. McNamee what she prioritizes as the role of the FERC.\r\nFERC is an independent agency and must continue to function as such, Murkowski said. Mr. McNamee has assured me that he recognizes the importance of maintaining FERC's autonomy and is committed to taking an independent role at the commission.\r\nFERC plays a vital role, along with the states and the private industry, in powering America. If confirmed, I would be committed to seeing that this success continues. To that end, I think that markets are the best way to allocate resources and set prices, McNamee said. And if confirmed, I am committed to continuing FERC's independence in its decision making.\r\nMurkowski also welcomed Vela, who is the first Hispanic American tapped to lead the National Park Service.\r\nOur national parks are some of our nation's greatest treasures. In order to ensure our parks are here for future generations, we must balance our ability to enjoy and explore them while preserving the natural and cultural resources that are part of the system, Murkowski said. The Park Service needs a leader who can find that balance and address the deferred maintenance backlog, while also overhauling the internal culture of harassment of all kinds.\r\nMurkowski announced she intends to hold a business meeting to report these nominees to the full Senate shortly after Thanksgiving. At that point, the committee will have up to 10 nominees pending on the Senate calendar, including many who are not considered controversial, and Murkowski expressed her hope that they will be confirmed before the end of the Congress.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. An archived video and witness testimony from today's hearing are available on the committee's website. Click here and here to view Murkowski's questions for the nominees.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-supports-coast-guard-reauthorization", "Murkowski Supports Coast Guard Reauthorization", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Supports Coast Guard Reauthorization \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Applauds Senator Sullivan for his Leadership in Authoring Bill\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) last night voted in favor of S. 140, The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, which passed in a 94-6 vote. The bipartisan legislation co-authored by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), co-sponsored by Senator Murkowski, will further develop America's presence in the Arctic, support the maintenance and repair of U.S. Coast Guard infrastructure, and improve safety among recreational boaters. The reauthorization also provides Alaskan fishermen permanent exemption of vessel discharge permitting requirements for commercial fishing vessels.\r\nI thank Senator Sullivan for his leadership and hard work on this bill as Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee's Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere and Coast Guard. An investment in the Coast Guard is an investment in the safety of Alaskans, our environment, and our maritime region. This bill is a step towards further developing our presence in the Arctic and will help us engage more deeply in activities in the North, providing an opportunity for increased development in the region, said Senator Murkowski. I'm particularly pleased that this bill will permanently exempt Alaskans from the EPA incidental discharge regulation, providing much needed protection for our fisherman and coastal communities. In the past, Alaskan fishermen and more than 8,000 boats statewide have been at risk of serious fines for simply rinsing fish guts off their deck, or rainwater washing other materials off their decks. This finally resolves this issue.\r\nAlaska Highlights:\r\n \r\nStrategy in the Arctic: Supports continued growth of the Arctic in national security interests and economic prosperity. Requests a report that provides a status update on implementing its Arctic Strategy, including an analysis of the sufficiency of the distribution of National Security Cutters, Offshore Patrol Cutters, and Fast Response Cutters both stationed in Alaska and in other locations to meet the strategic objectives of the Coast Guard's Arctic Strategy. \r\nArctic Communication and Emergency Response: Requests a plan to provide ship-to-shore communications throughout the Coastal Western Alaska Captain of the Port Zone; the feasibility of establishing a vessel traffic service in the region; and an assessment of the need for an Arctic Response Center of Expertise and ability to respond to emergencies (including response time) throughout the region. \r\nArctic Operations: Directs the Coast Guard to conduct a review of the assets and personnel required to ensure the safety and security of the Arctic.\r\nArctic Planning Criteria: Calls on the Coast Guard to verify and test equipment listed in any oil spill response plan that provides coverage in the Arctic prior to approval of the plan and then again, every three years. \r\nOil Spill Response Capabilities: Requires report language on the level and location of spill response assets in the Arctic and a determination if the equipment cache locations are adequate for rapid deployment and requires the Coast Guard to update the committee on its ability to conduct port assessment visits and what resources are needed to conduct port assessments, exercises, response plan review, and spill responses.\r\nMultiyear Contracting: Authorizes the Coast Guard Commandant to utilize several new acquisition tools, including multiyear funding for procuring future National Security Cutters. These changes will allow the Coast Guard to reduce the price of follow-on vessels and give shipyards greater predictability, stabilizing workforces.\r\nDeputy U.S. Marshals: Authorizes commissioned officers to be appointed as Deputy U.S. Marshals in Alaska.\r\nLand Exchange: Enables limited development in Women's Bay, while still protecting future Coast Guard operations and adding valuable conservation land to the federal land holdings. This provision will enable the transfer of the privately owned Ayakulik Island, containing an environmentally sensitive rookery, to the Secretary of Interior to benefit the mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service in exchange for the submerged lands in Women's Bay.\r\nVessel Incidental Discharge Act: Delegates the lead role in establishing standards for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and assigns the Coast Guard the lead role in monitoring and enforcing standards. Accommodates unique regional situations, such as Alaska. Allows states to establish no-discharge zones for areas that require additional protection.\r\n \r\nNational Highlights:\r\n \r\nBallast Water: Creates a framework for national ballast water discharge rules to address environmental concerns about the spread of invasive species and provides a more robust role for state consultation in the setting of the Environmental Protection Agency's standards.\r\n \r\n \r\nMaritime Border Enforcement and Drug Regulation: Helps control and combat illegal transportation by national and transnational criminal organizations by bolstering the budget for investigations and increasing interagency cooperation.\r\nPolar Star: Authorizes the rolling recapitalization of the POLAR STAR for 7-10 years in order to provide for maintenance necessary to extend the service life of the icebreaker until at least December 31, 2025.\r\nSmall Shipyard Contracts: Requires that the assignment of Coast Guard vessel conversion, alteration, and repair projects be based on economic and military considerations and not be restricted to a particular type of shipyard or geographical area. The provision aims to ease the geographical restrictions on Coast Guard shipwork assignment, which could be particularly beneficial for those Coast Guard vessels homeported in Alaska that are required to transit hundreds of miles south for maintenance and repairs.\r\nCommercial Fishing Vessel Safety National Communications Plan: Calls on the Coast Guard to develop a strategy for improving communications with the commercial fishing industry. \r\n \r\n \r\nRecreational Boating: Improves safety requirements for recreational boating by requiring the installation of engine cut-off switches and alternate signaling devices.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDefense,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tArctic\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-highlights-findings-of-new-report-on-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-girls", "Murkowski Highlights Findings of New Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Highlights Findings of New Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senator joins Indian health specialists in calling for improved data and better cooperation from all levels of government\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t A report (attached) prepared by the Seattle-based Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) and released today by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) indicates the epidemic of violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) initially believed to be confined to Indian Country, is far more reaching. It occurs in cities, large and small, across the nation with 75 new cases in 2018, alone.\r\nViolence against Native American and Alaska Native women is a dire issue, with murder being the third-leading cause of death of indigenous women. This report sheds an important light on the extent of the problem and highlights the urgent need for all jurisdictions to better track the numbers. We cannot fully tackle this problem if we do not have a full picture, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. Legislators at all levels of government and law enforcement agencies must commit to better tracking the number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls, and to consulting with tribal nations on the cases involving their members. We have a duty of moral trust toward our nation's first people and must be part of the solution. I intend to see that the full array of federal programs which address violence in our society are brought to bear to address this epidemic. There is much more that we can be doing, and it's long time that we start.\r\n\r\n(Click here and image above to watch video.)\r\nThe report, compiled from Freedom of Information Act information, news media accounts, social media and personal contacts documents 506 cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG) in 71 U.S. cities in 29 states, stretching from Baltimore and Orlando, from Southern California to northern Alaska, and cities in between. The data primarily covers 2003-2018, although it includes cases dating back to 1943. Included in the data is the case of Sophie Sergie, a 20 year old co-ed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks from the Native Village of Pitka's Point, whose body was found in the bath tub in a residence hall in 1993. Sergie's assailant was never found and the case has been deemed cold by Alaska law enforcement officials for a quarter century.\r\nOf the cases, 128 were involve missing persons, 280 involve murder, and 98 were of unknown status. The ten states with the highest number of cases were: New Mexico (78), Washington (71), Arizona (54), Alaska (52), Montana (41), California (40), Nebraska (33), Utah (24), Minnesota (20) and Oklahoma (18). The ten cities with the highest number of cases were: Seattle (45), Albuquerque (37), Anchorage (31), Tucson (31), Billings (29), Gallup NM (25), Tacoma (25), Omaha (24), Salt Lake City (24) and San Francisco (17). In addition to Anchorage, the report documents cases originating in Bethel (8), Fairbanks (6), Juneau (3), Ketchikan (3), Utqiagvik (1).\r\nThe Urban Indian Health Institute believes that the data vastly understate the incidence of violence against Indigenous Women and Girls due to inconsistent reporting practices by law enforcement agencies and federal crime data collectors.\r\n\"These numbers represent a family member or loved one, and even one is too many. And while I was heartened to hear of the cooperation from several of Alaska's law enforcement officers in providing researchers with data, it's clear that more can and should be done to ensure we are vigorously and accurately tracking the numbers, said Senator Murkowski. Enactment of Senator Heitkamp's Senate bill 1942, Savanna's Act, is an essential first step in addressing the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation, but now that we know the incidence of cases arising from the urban areas, we need to work with law enforcement at all levels to ensure that we have accurate data from which to work. And we need to ensure that law enforcement has the resources and cultural understanding to effectively address the epidemic.\r\nWhen I introduced Savanna's Act, one of the main goals was to raise the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women to a national level and begin the conversation of how to address it, said Senator Heitkamp. Today's report is significant because it sheds light on the scope of the problem, which we have to understand if we're going to make policy changes to address it. With today's report and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee moving forward on Savanna's Act, we're taking important steps toward finally raising the awareness needed to save lives and tackle this horrible epidemic.\r\nTlingit and Haida stands with the Seattle Indian Health Board and anyone else prepared to take a stand, bring awareness, and work towards meaningful solutions around this crisis. It's time to denormalize violence against Native American and Alaska Native women, said Richard Peterson (Tlingit), President, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. \r\nIn October of 2017, Senator Heitkamp introduced Savanna's Act (S.1942), cosponsored by Senator Murkowski, the first piece of major legislation specifically addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is expected to report Savanna's Act, which directs the US Department of Justice to formulate new protocols for the reporting of violent crimes against indigenous people for consideration by the full Senate today. The bill also provides for improved coordination between federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies in investigating cases involving Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls wherever they occur.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-fulfills-years-long-commitment-to-permanently-exempt-alaska-fishing-vessels-from-incidental-discharge-regulations", "Sullivan Fulfills Years-Long Commitment to Permanently Exempt Alaska Fishing Vessels from Incidental Discharge Regulations", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Fulfills Years-Long Commitment to Permanently Exempt Alaska Fishing Vessels from Incidental Discharge Regulations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Bill Passes Senate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chairman of the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard subcommittee, today applauded the Senate passage of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation he co-authored to support the Coast Guard and its many missions. The legislation, which passed today by a vote of 94 to 6, includes a Sullivan-negotiated provision known as the Vessel Incident Discharge Act (VIDA) to provide Alaska fishing vessel owners and operators relief from a patchwork of overly burdensome and confusing federal and state regulations for vessel ballast water and incidental discharges.\r\nThe provisions provide a permanent exemption on incidental vessel discharge for all commercial fishing vessels and commercial vessels under 79 feet in length. Without this exemption, small vessel operators and fishermen would be forced to obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits for even the most basic activity, including vessel deck runoff, hosing out their fish holds, and other minor discharges. The language also provides a comprehensive fix to a broken regulatory framework by establishing a single, nationally uniform standard for the regulation of ballast water and other vessel discharges.\r\n\r\nSenator Sullivan applauds passage of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2018 in speech on the Senate floor (click here to watch).\r\nPlain and simple, this issue  which dates back over a decade  has created nothing but uncertainty for Alaska's fishermen, diverting attention and resources from running their businesses to complying with needless federal regulations, said Senator Sullivan. VIDA will provide Alaska's fishermen with a long sought peace of mind from the threat of federal regulation. While this issue has taken over a decade to resolve with a series of 11th hour, temporary extensions over the years  I'm pleased to see Congress provide Alaska's fishermen with a permanent exemption from these over burdensome regulations.\r\nThe Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, a bicameral agreement championed by Senator Sullivan, authorizes increased funding to support the mission and needs of the U.S. Coast Guard through 2019.\r\nThe brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard do an amazing job protecting the homeland day in and day out and often on a moment's notice, saidSenator Sullivan. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this year's Coast Guard Authorization, giving our Coast Guard the resources and training they need to complete the many diverse missions they are tasked with. The legislation also includes a number of provisions important to Alaska, including relieving unnecessary burdens on fishermen and boat operators, and advancing the Coast Guard's ability to operate in the Arctic.\r\nSpecifically, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018:\r\nProtects and provides for vital assets:\r\n \r\nAuthorizing the Coast Guard to use multi-year contracts to procure three additional National Security Cutters.\r\n \r\n \r\nExpressing that the Coast Guard must position assets to ensure it is positioned to respond to any incidents given the national security and economic significance of the Arctic, and requires the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Department of Defense, to report to Congress on progress being made in implementing the service's Arctic Strategy, and provide an assessment on the placement of assets and cutters in light of these strategic objectives.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnsuring regions continue to have Coast Guard coverage as vessels or aircraft are recapitalized.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncluding anamendmentsponsored by Senator Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Sullivan requiring the Coast Guard to deliver a plan on extending the life of the Polar Star, and authorizing funding to execute the plan.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequiring the examination of the feasibility of a Coast Guard ROTC program.\r\n \r\nProvides regulatory relief:\r\n \r\nPermanently exempting fishing vessels from incidental discharge regulations.\r\n \r\n \r\nLessening the logbook requirements on charter fishing vessels, ferries, and certain passenger vessels by allowing the use of a wider variety of logbooks, including electronic records.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequiring a delay of the compliance deadline for the Alternative Safety Compliance Program by three years, should the Coast Guard change course and issue final rules.\r\n \r\n \r\nReducing burdens on the cost of building new fishing vessels, and lessening regulatory burdens on fishermen and boaters.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnhancing the role of the Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee, which provides relevant stakeholders with increased influence in regulatory matters affecting them.\r\n \r\nProtects Alaskan resources and stimulates the economy:\r\n \r\nDirecting the Coast Guard to conduct persistent aircraft-based surveillance in monitoring illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Western Pacific.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequiring the Coast Guard to have tested the capability of oil spill vessel response plans in Alaskan waters and report to Congress on these capabilities.\r\n \r\n \r\nAuthorizing a land exchange to provide for permanent protection of a bird rookery, while providing potential economic development opportunities on Kodiak Island.\r\n \r\n \r\nGiving the Coast Guard more flexibility in choosing which shipyards it uses to conduct vessel alterations and repairs, in an effort to allow more work to stay in Alaska.\r\n \r\nThe legislation also includes provisions from Senator Sullivan's S. 171, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments and Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2017, which reauthorizes funding to update and maintain the nation's nautical charts with an emphasis on the Arctic and facilitates the construction of a viable homeport for the NOAA research vessel Fairweather in Ketchikan.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/11/11/2018/murkowski-honors-our-veterans-", "Murkowski Honors Our Veterans", "2018-11-11", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.11.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Honors Our Veterans  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) shared the following message with Alaskans on Veterans Day:\r\nVeterans Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11th, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11th became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day.\r\nThis day is an opportunity to honor Americans who have answered the call to serve, whether in times of peace or in times of war. They have sacrificed their safety, their time, and so much more in the name of America's freedom and protection.\r\nAn estimated 70,000 veterans live among us in Alaska, more veterans per capita than any other state. But these numbers are not just statistics. They are our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. They are stories of commitment, courage, strength, and perseverance. Today we honor them for their devotion to duty-- to our state and to our great nation.\r\nAnd let us not only offer the appreciation of a grateful nation to our veterans, but also to their families, as we know their lives have been deeply impacted by the duty of their loved ones.\r\nMy thoughts and prayers are with those who have fought and served honorably. They have served with great devotion and follow a great tradition, the legacy left to them by a long line of brave veterans in our nation's history. We owe each of them a sincere thank you for the lives we live today.\r\nBut our thanks and honor cannot be limited to just one day. We should always remember to voice the gratefulness we have for the freedoms and liberties that our military has secured for us and continues to protect. Words will always fall short of expressing our appreciation, but on this Veterans Day, we say thank you to those who serve-- past, present, and future. God bless.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVeterans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-sullivan-applaud-usda-for-approving-30m-purchase-of-alaska-pollock-for-nutrition-assistance-programs", "Murkowski, Sullivan Applaud USDA for Approving $30M Purchase of Alaska Pollock for Nutrition Assistance Programs", "2018-11-03", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.03.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski, Sullivan Applaud USDA for Approving $30M Purchase of Alaska Pollock for Nutrition Assistance Programs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) applauded the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) approval of a Section 32 purchase of up to $30 million of Alaska Pollock for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. This decision comes following a letter written by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan in September, urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, to exercise his authority to initiate a purchase of Alaska Pollock products.\r\nAlaska Pollock is a significant and lucrative market for Alaska and the United States, accounting for one-third of our country's seafood output. Unfortunately, in light of the retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on Alaska Pollock products, many of those involved in the industry have suffered, said Senator Murkowski. I'm encouraged to know that the USDA, under the leadership of Secretary Perdue, has approved this purchase of Alaska Pollock, which will provide a healthy protein source for American households and help safeguard the livelihoods of so many fisherman and coastal communities across our state.                        \r\nI want to thank Secretary Perdue for approving this purchase of wild caught Alaska Pollock a win-win forAlaska and also those in need across the U.S., said Senator Sullivan. Wild Alaska Pollock is a plentiful resource that will provide a high quality and healthy source of protein to thousands of Americans. This support will go a long way to blunt the effects of the retaliatory tariffs from China, particularly their impacts on Alaska's coastal communities and fishermen.\r\nNote: This purchase is not associated with the funding to provide relief for farmers and producers which have been negatively affected by unfair trade exercises. This purchases is a portion of the standard operations of administering Section 32.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska's Fisheries\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/comprehensive-bill-to-fight-opioid-crisis-signed-into-law", "Comprehensive Bill to Fight Opioid Crisis Signed into Law", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.24.18\n\t\t\t Comprehensive Bill to Fight Opioid Crisis Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Includes Legislation by Murkowski to Address Prevention, Workforce Shortage, Recovery, and Research\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded President Trump for signing into law today the final bipartisan, bicameral opioid legislative package the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which passed the Senate on October 3 in a 98-1 vote. As a member of the Senate HELP Committee, Senator Murkowski secured provisions in the final package which bolster research initiatives, address the shortage of professionals to provide treatment and recovery services, and create a tangible system for measuring progress towards stopping the epidemic.\r\nOpioids have caused destruction for far too long. This epidemic has not only harmed those that are addicted, but also their loved ones and entire communities; this legislation supports those in recovery as well as their families and children. We are aware that in Alaska there is a shortage of trained professionals to treat addiction and substance abuse; this legislation will help bridge that gap. Alaska also needs more facilities for treatment and recovery; this bill will help address those needs. We know illegal drugs are entering our communities through the postal service; this bill works to stop that flow, said Senator Murkowski. Throughout the process of crafting this opioid package, I fought to ensure Alaska's priorities were well-represented and the final product is one that will create long-term solutions and help heal our families and communities, creating a safer future for our state and nation.\r\nBILL HIGHLIGHTS:\r\nSenator Murkowski Provisions\r\n \r\nCutting-Edge Research: Includes a bill Senator Murkowski cosponsored, the Advancing Cutting-Edge Research Act, to allow the National Institutes of Health to use its other transactions authority for high impact cutting-edge research projects.\r\nJessie's Law: Requires HHS to develop best practices for prominently displaying substance use treatment information in electronic health records, when requested by the patient. Senator Murkowski cosponsored this legislation.\r\nNHSC Professionals in Schools: Allows National Health Service Corps participants to provide behavioral and mental health services at community-based settings located in a shortage area. These services can be applied towards completion of their service requirements. Senator Murkowski was the Republican lead of this standalone legislation, the Improving Access to Mental Health Services, with Senator Smith.\r\nNational Milestones to Measure Progress in Ending the Opioid Epidemic Act: Requires the development or identification of existing national indicators to measure success in curtailing the opioid crisis and significantly reversing the incidence and prevalence of opioid misuse and abuse and opioid-related mortality. Senator Murkowski introduced this standalone legislation with Senators Markey and Hassan. \r\nOpioid Treatment Workforce Shortage: Requires loan repayment to behavioral health providers practicing in substance use disorder treatment facilities in mental health professional shortage areas. Senator Murkowski was the lead Republican of this standalone legislation with Senators Donnelly and Hassan, the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Act, to ensure we have enough workers to address those who are struggling with substance abuse.\r\n \r\nAdditional Provisions\r\n \r\nPreventing Illegal Postal Transportation: Requires the United States Postal Service to include detailed descriptions on packages and to increase regulatory practices regarding the delivery of packages to help ensure opioids and other harmful drugs cannot be illegally transported by mail.\r\nTribal Inclusion: Extends funding for state targeted response grants from the 21st Century Cures Act to support Tribes, including language secured by Senator Sullivan (R-AK) allowing for a 5 percent set aside to tribal organizations and tribes. Also increases flexibility in utilizing the grants.\r\nClarifying FDA Packaging: Clarifies FDA's authority to require drug manufacturers to package certain opioids to allow for a set treatment duration for example, a blister pack with a 3-day or 7-day supply. Also requires the FDA to provide patients with simple and safe options to dispose of unused opioids, such as safe disposal packaging or safe disposal systems for purposes of rendering unused drugs non-retrievable.\r\nAddressing Economic & Workforce Impacts: Authorizes the Department of Labor to award dislocated worker grants to states through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to address shortages in substance use disorder and mental health treatment workforce.\r\nData Sharing: Clarifies states' ability to access and share data from prescription drug monitoring program databases, including with providers and managed care entities.\r\nHelp for Moms and Babies: Improves plans of safe care and support for substance-exposed babies and their mothers by modifying the Social Security Act to ensure that pregnant and postpartum women receiving care for substance use disorders in Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) can continue to receive other Medicaid-covered care outside of the IMD, such as prenatal services.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-changes-in-ferc-leadership-", "Murkowski Statement on Changes in FERC Leadership", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.24.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Statement on Changes in FERC Leadership  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Kevin McIntyre announced that he would step down as chairman due to ongoing health issues. President Trump has designated Neil Chatterjee to serve as chairman.\r\nI thank Chairman McIntyre for his leadership at the agency, and pray for his swift recovery and return to good health as he continues as a commissioner, Murkowski said. I'm confident that Chairman Chatterjee will once again effectively lead the agency, and I will work with my Senate colleagues to restore a full complement of commissioners as quickly as possible.\r\nFERC is an independent commission that regulates interstate transmission and licenses hydropower projects. It is also responsible for approving LNG terminals and natural gas pipelines. There are currently four commissioners serving at FERC  Chairman Neil Chatterjee, Kevin McIntyre, Cheryl LaFleur, and Richard Glick. The president has the authority to designate the chairman of FERC, and does not require Senate approval to do so. The president also recently nominated Bernard McNamee to be a member of FERC, and the committee has scheduled his nomination hearing for Thursday, Nov. 15.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-convenes-senate-field-hearing-on-the-state-of-our-salmon", "Sullivan Convenes Senate Field Hearing on \"The State of Our Salmon\"", "2018-10-20", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "*** To submit public testimony for the record, please email Public_Testimony@sullivan.senate.gov by November 1, 2018. ***\r\nANCHORAGE, AK -- US. Sen.Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of theSubcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and the Coast Guard, convened a hearing titledThe State of Our Salmon, on Saturday, October 20, 2018 during the Alaska Federation of Native annual convention in Anchorage, Alaska.\r\n\r\nSenator Sullivan convening Senate field hearing on \"The State of Our Salmon\" \r\n\"From Ketchikan, to Cordova to Kodiakfrom Grayling to Emmonak and everywhere else I travel across our great statethe health of the salmon fishery is always on the forefront of the minds of Alaskans,\" Senator Sullivan said during the Senate field hearing. \"In response to their concerns and many varying theories of what is occurringwhether ocean acidification, the so-called warm water blob, or something entirely differentI called this hearing to review the science behind Alaska's salmon fisheries. I'm pleased to have an impressive panel of experts here today to discuss these issues, including our federal and state managers.\"\r\nThe hearing reviewed the health of Alaska's salmon fisheries and examined the current data and information necessary for maintaining healthy and sustainable stocks. and included testimony from key federal, state and regional experts.\r\n\"Using the best science available is an essential tenet for fisheries management, and is necessary for maintaining healthy and sustainable stocks for generations to come. This hearing is intended to examine the current data available and identify information gaps,\" Sullivan said. \"Both the state and federal government have a role in providing that science, in conjunction with the assistance of our academic and other research institutionsand I would arguethe knowledge of the fishermen themselves, who are closest to the resource and most reliant on its bounty for their livelihoods and subsistence needs.\"\r\nWitnesses included:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-spotlights-alaska-at-arctic-circle-assembly-in-iceland", "Murkowski Spotlights Alaska at Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.19.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Spotlights Alaska at Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today delivered remarks during the opening session of the 2018 Arctic Circle Assembly, which is being held in Reykjavik, Iceland. The Assembly annually brings together more than 2,000 of the mostinfluential leaders, policymakers, and experts from more than 60 countries to focus on the Arctic region. This year's Assembly showcase is the state of Alaska  America's Arctic.\r\n\r\nMurkowski speaking at the Arctic Circle Assembly\r\nIt is an honor to have Alaska spotlighted during this year's event, Murkowski said. From energy innovation to community adaptation and scientific research, Alaskans are leading the way and looking to collaborate with international partners. Our focus drives us to pursue responsible economic development while addressing the challenges of a harsh and fragile environment, and acting as good stewards to preserve our resources and our way of life for future generations.\r\nMurkowski pointed to the innovative solutions being tested and implemented in isolated communities across the state to provide Alaskans with access to sustainable energy and healthcare.\r\nFrom our experience in operating microgrids and distributed sources of power generation, to the testing grounds for unmanned aerial systems, as well as in the areas of telehealth and telemedicine, Alaska is an Arctic leader, Murkowski said. If necessity is the mother of invention, you will find plenty of necessity in America's Arctic. Our need to drive down costs and increase reliability in remote and isolated communities drives our innovation.\r\nMurkowski also acknowledged an important gathering taking place simultaneously in Alaska  the annual convention of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN).\r\nWe are fortunate that a number of Alaska Natives are with us in Iceland, even while this is also AFN week, Murkowski said. Alaska is well represented here in Iceland as we make the AFN Convention an international affair.\r\nIn addition, Murkowski moderated a plenary discussion focused on energy innovation and community adaptation underway across Alaska, which featured Alaska Center for Energy and Power Director Gwen Holdman; Cordova Mayor Clay Koplin; Juneau Economic Development Council Executive Director Brian Holst; International Arctic Science Committee President and Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Larry Hinzman; and NANA Regional Corporation Vice President of Operations Eric Utraq Billingsley.\r\n\r\nMurkowski moderating plenary discussion\r\nDuring the trip, Murkowski also met with several Icelandic leaders, including President Gudni Johannesson, Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, Speaker of Parliament Steingrimur Sigfusson, Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarsson, and Parliamentarian Ari Trausti Gudmundsson, as well as Greenland Minister Ane Lone Bagger and Japanese Foreign Minister Tar? K?no, to discuss ways our nations can partner to create a robust and sustainable future for the Arctic region.\r\n\r\nMurkowski and Iceland Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She is a long standing member on the Standing Committee of Arctic Parliamentarians as well as chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus.\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tArctic\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-convenes-first-hearing-as-readiness-subcommittee-chairman", "ICYMI: Sullivan Convenes First Hearing as Readiness Subcommittee Chairman", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.17.18\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Sullivan Convenes First Hearing as Readiness Subcommittee Chairman \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Air Force Leaders Optimistic, Anticipate Continued Progress in Face of Readiness Challenges\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) held his first hearing as the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support to explore the Air Force's efforts to improve its readiness  which has steadily declined over several decades. \r\nSenator Sullivan convened the hearing nearly six months since the full Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony from the Air Force on its current posture in support of the Fiscal Year 2019 budget. He stated, In those six months a lot has happened. The National Defense Authorization Act was passed with $716 billion in authorized funding. And it didn't get a lot of press, but 87 U.S. senators voted for that billa very bipartisan effort to rebuild our military. \r\n\r\nSullivan Convenes Hearing on United States Air Force Readiness (click image or here to watch).\r\nSenator Sullivan continued, the Air Force of today looks, in some respects, very much like the Air Force of yesterday. And that's not a compliment. For instance, the average Air Force aircraft is 28 years old. And since Desert Storm, we have 58 percent fewer combat coated fighter squadrons. While this is not a modernization hearing, it is a readiness hearing. And unless we modernize our Air Force for the future, we will put lives at risk, both, on the ground, and in the air in terms of readiness.\r\nSecretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said the service is focusing on four elements for readiness recovery: people, readiness, training and cost effective maintenance and logistics. The service's end strength has increased to 685,000 as a result of timely Congressional appropriations. The Air Force is increasing pilot production from training 1,160 pilots in FY 2017 to 1,311 in FY 2019, and moving to about 1,500 pilots by FY 2022. \r\nOf the bolstered pilot production, Secretary Wilson said, If we're able to do that and achieve our objectives on retention, we will recover the pilot shortage by 2023, where we will be 95 percent manned.\r\nSenator Sullivan also raised concerns about the readiness of aircraft in the Air Force fleet, specifically the beleaguered F-35, stating that earlier in the week Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis ordered the Air Force and Navy to get mission capable rates up to 80 percent. Senator Sullivan asked about the disparity between military aircraft and commercial aircraft, noting that Delta Airlines has a readiness rate around 86 percent for their fleet.\r\nWhy is there such a disparity between military aircraft that are brand new and commercial aircraft, Senator Sullivan asked. I know it's a complex aircraft but it does seem to me kind of ludicrous that we get new aircraft off the production line and within a month they're at 65 percent readiness.\r\nJohn Pendleton, director, Defense Capabilities and Management, United States Government Accountability Office, responded that the Air Force focused too much on F-35 production rather than sustaining the aircraft. He said it's causing problems now. The depots are already several years behind. Parts are a problem. And it's going to be difficult to achieve those kinds of mission capability rates.\r\nSecretary Wilson and Pendleton testified before the subcommittee along with Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein. \r\nDespite lingering challenges, Secretary Wilson stated in her prepared remarks that the Air Force is more ready for major combat operations today than we were two years ago. That said, we have a long way to go to restore the readiness of the force to win any fight, any time.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-treasury-secretary-in-alaska", "Murkowski Welcomes Treasury Secretary in Alaska", "2018-10-15", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.15.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Welcomes Treasury Secretary in Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Hosts Roundtable in Fairbanks With Local Business and Community Leaders\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) this weekend welcomed U.S. Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin to Alaska. During the Secretary's visit, Senator Murkowski brought together local community and business leaders from industries such as tourism, real estate, banking, and finance to discuss Alaska's economy and opportunities.\r\nIt is truly an honor to have Secretary Mnuchin in Alaska, and I thank him for taking the time to make the trip, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. This visit was a tremendous opportunity for both the Secretary and Alaskans to discuss our unique needs and opportunities. With last year's passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it was also valuable for the Secretary to hear from businesses about how tax reform is encouraging the economic growth needed to create jobs, generate new revenue, and grow our economy. I'm thankful for the opportunity to put a spotlight on the administration's understanding of Fairbanks and Alaska's economy.\r\nThanks to Senator Murkowski's ongoing commitment to Fairbanks, a team of local bankers and business people had an unprecedented opportunity to visit with Secretary Mnuchin from the U.S. Department of Treasury while he was in Fairbanks, said Steve Lundgren, Denali State Bank President and CEO, It was a pleasure to welcome Secretary Mnuchin into our very own boardroom at our Cushman Street location. Because the Secretary is a banker, having worked both with community and regional banks, we had a lot to talk about. To my surprise, the Secretary was familiar with some of the unique challenges related to our economy, educational system and healthcare needs. It is clear the Secretary understands some of these challenges can be improved if people have hope and jobs to support their families. Because of the Secretary's prior experience working with community banks, he is keenly aware of the role a bank like ours plays in improving the lives of our community members. I am pleased to hear the Secretary and his team are focused on fiscal policy that will result in economic growth and job creation that will ultimately benefit all Alaskans. I am certain Secretary Mnuchin left Fairbanks with a better understanding of why Fairbanks is the Golden Heart City.\r\nIn addition, while in Fairbanks Senator Murkowski also participated in a roundtable discussion with Secretary Mnuchin, Alaska Governor Bill Walker, and ANCSA Regional Corporation leaders to educate Secretary Mnuchin and the administration about ANCSA Corporation's contributions to Alaska's culture, economy, and impact on a national and global scale.\r\nSeparately, Murkowski joined Governor Walker and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) Board to discuss with Secretary Mnuchin the role of APFC in funding the State of Alaska as well as the opportunity for the U.S. Treasury to work with APFC. Murkowski also participated in a discussion with the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, the Governor, and the Secretary about the future of the Alaska natural gas pipeline project.\r\n###\r\nNote: Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox is unattended. For further information, please contact Senator Murkowski's press office at 202-224-9301 or 202-224-8069. Visit our website at http://murkowski.senate.gov\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399230", "Bill Sponsored by Sullivan and Whitehouse, Championed by Young, Bonamici Signed Into Law", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, President Trump signedS. 3508, The Save Our Seas Act, into law which willassist local communities and states in removing garbage and debris from our oceans and shores. House Oceans Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK)introduced theHouse companionbill,H.R. 2748,last year. Alaskans know, better than most, how marine debris can impact our oceans and coastlines,said Congressman Don Young.I was proud to work with my Oceans Caucus colleagues, particularly my co-chair Suzanne Bonamici, to pass this critical legislation out of the House. This bill will allow NOAA and the Coast Guard to address the creation and cleanup of marine debris, and will give the U.S. tools to work with foreign allies to ensure they have the necessary tools to end this crisis. I am very pleased to see this legislation signed into law, and I appreciate my colleagues in the House who passed this bill with unanimous consent.\r\nThe ocean is resilient and we can help it heal, but we cannot continue to ignore the garbage polluting our oceans and shores, said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. More than eight million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans each year,harming our coastal economies, endangering marine life, destroying important marine habitat, propagating invasive species, and creating hazardous conditions for the maritime industry. I was proud to work with my fellow House Oceans Caucus Co-Chair Don Young on this bipartisan bill to assist local communities and states in preventing and responding to marine debris events. Marine debris is entirely preventable and establishing this law is an important step in protecting the health of our oceans.\r\nTheSave Our Seas Act reauthorizes the NOAA Marine Debris Program through Fiscal Year 2022 and provides resources to help states respond to severe marine debris events. The bill allows the NOAA Administrator, in coordination with relevant Governors, to declare severe marine debris events, authorize funding to assist with cleanup and response, and encourage international engagement to address the growing effects of marine debris.\r\nBoth Representative Bonamici and Young spoke on the House floor to encourage their colleagues to support final passage. You can download video footage of Bonamici speakinghere, and Young speakinghere.\r\nHealthy beaches and waterways are critical to the marine ecosystems that drive the economy in coastal communities.More than 3 million jobs in the U.S. rely on our oceans, contributing at least $352 billion in economic activity annually.\r\nThe House Oceans Caucus is a bipartisan group of House members committed to taking action toprotect the health and future of our oceans. In addition to marine debris, the Caucus focuses on efforts to address ocean acidification, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and weather and natural disaster hazards that threaten coastal communities and wildlife.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-speaks-to-alaskan-perspective-of-short-term-health-insurance-plans-", "Murkowski Speaks to Alaskan Perspective of Short-Term Health Insurance Plans", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.11.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Speaks to Alaskan Perspective of Short-Term Health Insurance Plans  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t I would ask that they turn to the realities that we are facing a state like Alaska'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) yesterday spoke on the Senate floor on Senate Joint Resolution 63, a resolution of disapproval that would overturn a Trump administration rule that expanded the length of time that consumers can keep short-term health insurance plans. Senator Murkowski used the opportunity to explain an Alaskan perspective on short-term plans and its influence on her no vote on the joint resolution.\r\nIn Alaska we are the highest cost in terms of cost of care, highest in terms of cost of coverage, and we are still one of those states that has but one insurer on the exchange in Alaska. So our options are really pretty limited. And so as I am speaking to individuals on what they are hoping for when it comes to coverage. They're looking for additional options but they're looking for affordable options, as well. And it is true, absolutely true, that the short term plans do not offer as much, or certainly may not offer as much, in the way of coverage, as those plans that are offered on the individual exchanges. But I have had to come down on this issue on the side of more choice for consumers, more options, being a good thing for consumers.\r\n\r\n(Click here to view the video)\r\nDuring her speech, Senator Murkowski explained that roughly 18,000 Alaskans are enrolled on the individual exchange and in recent years roughly 15,000 have chosen to pay the individual mandate penalty rather than purchase insurance due to unaffordability.\r\nThe average premium for plan year 2018, this is according to CMS data, was $804 per month. So what I'm getting from constituents as they're writing in and calling in to me- they're telling me what they're paying for their plan. For a family of four, premium was over $2,000 dollars a month with a $7,500 dollar deductible. And when you think about what that actually means for this family, folks with those kinds of bills have basically only catastrophic coverage as it is. So you think, again, about the number of folks on the individual exchange. You think about those who chose to not pay the fines. You look at the numbers of those who receive the subsidies in the state of Alaska, which is quite considerable. We also have about 10,000 or so Alaskans, according to State Division of Insurance, that have enrolled in healthcare sharing ministries. So this is yet another option for people out there. So a significant number have turned to these healthcare sharing ministries. And these folks have managed to avoid the penalty in prior years but in fairness, some of the ministry plans don't provide much in the way of coverage. But it's an indicator of what people feel that they have to do in the face of very high cost plans.\r\nThe Senator explained that she understood the perspective of Senators who opposed the rule, but asked that there be greater appreciation for the realities faced in Alaska.\r\n15,000 Alaskans have chosen not to buy insurance over these past few years because it's too expensive, but they want to have something. They want to have something that they can afford. And these short term plans, while not ideal, I'm not suggesting that they are, it is an option for them to consider. And then what about the people that don't get subsidies that are paying over $50,000 dollars per year before their insurance covers anything? That, too, is a situation where they are looking for an alternative. So, perhaps these short term plans could be a viable option.\r\nSenator Murkowski explained short-term plans in Alaska are also important to Alaska's large number of seasonal employees-- including construction workers, fishermen, and those working in the tourism industry-- and their need for flexibility in duration of coverage.\r\nOur fishing industry is a great example. If you are working in the processing end of fishing, it may be 3 months. If you are working as a crabber it maybe be 2.5 months. If you are working on a tender up in Bristol Bay it may be a very truncated two months. And then we've got the tourist season, and we'd like to think we can entice you all to come up year round, but quite honestly, it too is very, very seasonal. And so we need to have some level of flexibility for those many Alaskans who move between these seasonal employment opportunities. Under the prior rule, short-term insurance plan could only last for three months. Well, that's not going to help out those in the tourism or the fishing industry or so many of these areas where you need longer term coverage but you don't need a full year.\r\nLastly, Senator Murkowski spoke to concerns over transparency regarding both regulators and individuals as consumers.\r\nSome of the things that we have heard is that people have bought these less expensive plans, these shorter term plans, and then when they need it the most they realize the coverage doesn't take care of them. That's not a place we want anyone to be. So making sure that there is a level of transparency, that there is a level of disclosure that is real. So I do think that as we look to how we do more in this Congress, how we do more to help those for whom healthcare and the cost of healthcare, and access to healthcare is still their number one issue, still the number one subject of discussion. And I have come down on this particular issue today, because there's about maybe 25,000 people in the state that could see some benefit from these types of plans being available and also because I believe that trusting the regulators, and certainly in my state, to handle the plan intelligently is an important part of how we move forward as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-bill-to-tackle-marine-debris-crisis-signed-into-law", "Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Marine Debris Crisis Signed into Law", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.11.18\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Marine Debris Crisis Signed into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Save Our Seas Act to help communities address the marine debris epidemic affecting America's oceans, shorelines, and other waterways\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today applauded the signing by President Trump of their bipartisan Save Our Seas (SOS) Act, legislation to address the marine debris epidemic affecting America's oceans, shorelines, and inland waterways, as well as other coasts across the globe.\r\nThe Senators  both members of the Senate Oceans Caucus  introduced the legislation in March 2017 to boost the federal government's domestic and international response to the millions of tons of plastic waste and other garbage that litter our shores and pollute our oceans, endanger wildlife, and disrupt commerce. The bill  which was signed today during a ceremony at the White House  will also foster cooperation between the United States and other nations to confront the crisis worldwide.\r\n\r\nPresident Donald J. Trump signs S.3508-Save Our Seas Act of 2018 Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in the Oval Office of the White House (click here to watch)\r\nThis bipartisan legislation is important for the country, for the world, and certainly for Alaska, which has more coastline than the rest of the Lower 48 combined, said Senator Sullivan. The prevalence of marine debris on our shores is a chronic issue. This bill will serve to strengthen the federal response capabilities to marine debris disasters, combat land based marine debris resources, and encourage interagency coordination in stemming the tide of ocean trash and importantly encourage the Trump administration to pursue international agreements with regard to this challenge.\r\nEveryone from scientists, to journalists, to fishermen, to coastal industries and international corporations are sounding the alarm about plastic trash and other marine debris polluting our oceans. It's time to protect our precious marine ecosystems and coastal economies from this threat, said Senator Whitehouse, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. This bipartisan bill represents an important step forward in addressing the marine debris crisis. Senators Sullivan, Booker, Inhofe and I were proud to pass it in the Senate, and I'm thrilled to see it signed at the White House today.\r\n\r\nSenator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) discuss the enactment of the Save Our Seas Act following today's bill signing ceremony (click image or here to watch, click here to download).\r\nEvery year, roughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans. It then breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food web and harm fish and wildlife, and wash ashore on even the most remote beaches.\r\nThe Save our Seas Act will help confront the marine debris crisis by:\r\n \r\nAllowing the NOAA Administrator to declare severe marine debris events and authorize funds to assist with cleanup and response. The governor of the affected state may request the NOAA Administrator make this declaration.\r\nReauthorizing NOAA's Marine Debris Program through FY2022. Its mission is to support research on the sources of marine debris and take action to prevent and clean up marine debris.\r\nEncouraging the executive branch to engage with the leaders of nations responsible for the majority of marine debris, support research into improved waste management infrastructure and new materials that reduce the risks of marine debris, examine the causes of ocean debris, pursue new international agreements to address this issue, harness the United States' trade authority to urge other countries to improve their waste management systems, and to quantify the economic benefits for nations in addressing the crisis.\r\n \r\nThe Save Our Seas (SOS) Act also includes maritime safety provisions from separate pieces of legislation, including:\r\n \r\nH.R.6175 - Maritime Safety Act of 2018\r\nH.R. 6206, Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise Act\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-honors-alaskan-of-the-week-lisa-sauder", "Sullivan Honors Alaskan of the Week: Lisa Sauder", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.11.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Honors Alaskan of the Week: Lisa Sauder \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) recognized Lisa Sauder, the Executive Director of Bean's Caf in Anchorage, for her continued advocacy and work on behalf of the hungry and homeless. Lisa was honored as part of Senator Sullivan's Alaskan of the Week series.\r\n\r\nSullivan Honoring Lisa Sauder as Alaskan of the Week (Click image or here to watch, click here to download).\r\nSENATE FLOORTRIBUTE TO LISA SAUDER  (U.S. Senate  October 10, 2018)\r\nMr. President, as the Presiding Officer knows, I have been coming down here nearly every week--usually Wednesday or Thursday--for the last 2 years to talk about somebody who is making a big difference in my State, the great State of Alaska. I call this person our Alaskan of the Week.\r\nMost of the people who visit Alaska do so in the summer--I was honored the Presiding Officer and his family came up to visit this summer--and we know that is understandable, to come up when the Sun is high in the sky, but this time of year is truly magnificent in my great State. To borrow a phrase that is no doubt familiar to many, including some of the pages: Winter is coming. Winter is coming.\r\nEvery day, the Sun comes up later and sets earlier. Snow is already on the ground in some places in Alaska. In some places in the State, the mountains are dusted--termination dust, we call it--and that dust is quickly turning into deep snow and making its way down the mountains. It will not be long before it spreads out all throughout our communities in Anchorage and other cities. The whole State is crackling with energy to get ready for the long winter, like we do every year.\r\nFor some, though--particularly for the hungry and the homeless--winter in Alaska can be incredibly difficult and incredibly challenging. Actually, as we all know here, for the hungry and the homeless any time of the year can be incredibly difficult and challenging.\r\nIn Anchorage, there is a place where everyone, no matter who you are, is greeted with dignity, respect, and a hot meal. The place is called Bean's Cafe, and the person who makes sure it all happens and comes together is Lisa Sauder, the executive director of Bean's Cafe, and Lisa is our Alaskan of the Week.\r\nLet me tell you a little bit about Lisa. She was born in Anchorage and moved to the west coast with her parents when she was a young teenager. When she graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in communications and political science, she was on her way back home to Alaska. ``Alaska always calls you when you leave it,'' she said. ``It's always the place that feels most like home.''\r\nShe worked at a local bank and the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Center, where she was able to travel all around the country to talk people into visiting our great State, particularly in the off seasons like fall, like now. Then her husband's job took them to the east coast, where they stayed for some time, but, once again, Alaska beckoned, and they returned.\r\nShortly after coming back home again, Lisa saw an ad to help run Bean's Cafe, and she knew she had to go for it. She knew that passion was in her heart. The fact that it is completely local and completely community supported was a huge lure to her, she said but so was helping and working with the homeless throughout the State.\r\nLisa's uncle, for example, was a Vietnam veteran with mental health challenges after serving in Vietnam. For decades, he lived on the streets in Seattle. She saw the pain that her uncle's homelessness caused her mom and the rest of the family, and of course her uncle, but then he got help at a place like Bean's Cafe, and she also saw the positive impact that not only had on her uncle but the entire family, the entire community.\r\nBean's is an Anchorage institution. It serves breakfast and lunch every day--about 950 meals a day--to the hungry and the homeless. This requires the work of about 120 volunteers a day. People from all across the community come to help out. On any given day, you will see a business executive, maybe a pastor, a construction worker, politicians--so many, from all walks of life--serving food to the homeless and hungry. We have also seen the recipients of that generosity of food volunteering themselves, all of them--such a supportive community--working together to help one another.\r\nBean's is so much more than a place for a meal. It serves as a mailing address for their clients. It is a place where you can call a loved one, a place to get some dry socks, a hat and a coat, warm clothing for the cold winter. You can get help with your VA benefits. You can get help finding a job or it is a place to get out from the cold for a few hours.\r\nLisa said:\r\nOftentimes, the day that someone walks into Bean's Cafe is the worst day of that person's life. And we're there to greet them with compassion and respect.\r\nLisa has also expanded the program to include a very popular program now in Anchorage called Children's Lunchbox, which provides after-school and weekend meals for children. All told, between the meals served at Bean's and for the Children's Lunchbox, under Lisa's guidance, leadership, and passion, more than 700,000 meals were served last year.\r\nLisa loves her job. She loves how supportive the community is. She loves watching people grow and helping them get the help they need--and then their coming back to help others. She said:\r\nWe're all very fortunate here. We get to help people, [which is a passion]. Not everybody can say that.\r\nLisa's work extends far beyond Bean's Cafe and the Children's Lunchbox. She is also very involved in Alaska's recovery community--recovery from addiction, particularly in the past few years.\r\nAnchorage, AK, like the rest of the community, isn't immune to what is happening all across the country with regard to the opioid and heroin crisis. The good news is, we are working in the Senate and in the House on this issue. We just passed a bill, a very important bill, that will help States and communities address this, but we have a long way to go.\r\nToo many young people--people of all ages--are being lost to us because of this horrible epidemic, and, unfortunately and very tragically, Lisa's son\r\nTucker, 23 years old, was one of those we lost. She has put the pain--the deep pain of losing her son--to good work. She has turned into a fierce advocate for those suffering from addiction. She talks about Tucker often, wanting people to know that this can happen to anyone. That is why we need to continue to focus.\r\nThrough her work and the work of so many advocates across the State, people are finally getting the help they need. Lisa said:\r\nThe peer mentorship that is going on right now is saving lives. So much progress has been made. There are so many people who have really helped to shine a light on the issue.\r\nLisa is such a force for good in my State. She has tenacity, grit, courage, and a huge heart. She is doing so many things. For that, we want to thank Lisa for all she is doing.\r\nCongratulations on being our Alaskan of the Week.\r\nI yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-alaskan-caught-salmon-removed-from-proposed-tariffs_", "ICYMI: Alaskan-Caught Salmon Removed from Proposed Tariffs", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.10.18\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Alaskan-Caught Salmon Removed from Proposed Tariffs   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t USTR Finalizes Tariffs on $200 Billion of Chinese Imports\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t As the 2018 salmon season wrapped up in Alaska, Alaskans received news from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that certain Alaskan salmon will be excluded from the list of seafood imports subject to tariffs, allowing Alaska seafood producers who send salmon to China for limited processing to reimport those products to the United States, tariff-free. This action comes after these items were initially included on a list of hundreds of goods entering the United States which would be impacted by tariffs.\r\nI have been concerned about the impact that China's tariffs on American seafood will have on Alaska's economy and urged President Trump to work towards a trade policy with China that protects these critical markets for our seafood industry. I commend USTR's decision to withdraw proposed tariffs on certain Alaska caught salmon as it is imperative that our seafood industryone of the key economic drivers in our statehas the ability to continue providing high-quality, sustainably harvested seafood to American consumers, Senator Murkowski said. This announcement is good news for our seafood industry, meaning Alaskans won't be taxing our own salmon products as they return to the U.S. for domestic consumption.\r\nThe announcement from USTR follows months of dedicated efforts by Alaska's Congressional Delegation to push for a national trade policy that supports seafood producers and coastal communities. Senator Murkowski has been vocal on seafood tariffs, raising the issue with officials from USTR and the International Trade Administration (ITA) during hearings before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. In July, Senator Murkowski questioned U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on the Administration's trade strategy and how USTR plans to support foreign markets for Alaskan seafood. In September, Senator Murkowski questioned Nazak Nikakhtar, Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis at ITA, on her agency's engagement with the seafood industry to develop positive trade relationships with China, Russia, and the European Union.\r\nBackground: On June 15th, 2018, China announced a 25 percent tariff on a range of American seafood products to retaliate against U.S. tariffs targeting industrial goods and technologies. The United States responded by imposing 10 percent tariffs on seafood imports arriving from China, and on September 18th USTR announced that these tariffs will increase to 25 percent effective January 1st, 2019. Certain frozen salmon fillet products imported into the United States are now exempt from these tariffs.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-major-water-infrastructure-bill", "Senate Passes Major Water Infrastructure Bill", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.10.18\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Major Water Infrastructure Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Murkowski Secures Alaska Priorities\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the Senate passed, S. 3021, America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, through a bipartisan vote of 99-1. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives by voice vote in September, now heads to the president's desk.\r\nWorking closely with leaders on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, including Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Murkowski secured a number of water infrastructure and hydropower-related provisions that will benefit Alaska.\r\nThis important legislation will provide safe drinking water for our communities and invest in needed water infrastructure, ranging from ports to water storage, in Alaska and all across our country, Murkowski said. I'm also pleased that this bill includes a number of hydropower provisions, which will streamline the permitting process, reduce costs, and allow for the continued consideration of the Mahoney Lake project. I'm proud of our work on this bill and look forward to the president signing it into law.\r\nAmong the provisions included in the bill are:\r\n \r\nS. 724, a bill to amend the Federal Power Act to streamline authorizations for necessary hydropower approvals, sponsored by Sen. Murkowski;\r\n \r\n \r\nS. 215, a bill to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue an order continuing a stay of a hydroelectric license for the Mahoney Lake hydroelectric project in the State of Alaska, sponsored by Sen. Murkowski and cosponsored by Sen. Sullivan;\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision to encourage utilities to take early action to make needed investments in existing hydropower projects, including efficiency, capacity, environmental, and safety upgrades;\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision to address the high cost of construction in remote areas of Alaska, and high demand for projects, by increasing the total amount of funding authorized to ensure regional economic impacts;\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision to require the completion of a feasibility study to be expedited for the Nome port and Lowell Creek tunnel, among other non-Alaska projects, and if the project is deemed justified, speeds up the process of proceeding to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design; and\r\n \r\n \r\nA provision to mandate that the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works provide a report, within one year of enactment of the America's Water Infrastructure Act, about how to improve and expedite certain waiver processes.\r\n \r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Click here for the text of America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/building-on-recent-momentum-congress-sends-major-water-infrastructure-package-to-presidents-desk", "Building on Recent Momentum, Congress Sends Major Water Infrastructure Package to Presidents Desk", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.10.18\n\t\t\t Building on Recent Momentum, Congress Sends Major Water Infrastructure Package to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sullivan: Improving our inadequate and deteriorating infrastructure should not be a partisan issue, it should be an issue that unites us\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), is applauding the Senate's passage of S. 3021, the America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, the fourth major piece of bipartisan legislation to make its way to the President's desk in recent days. The bill was approved today by vote of 99-1 and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\r\nImproving our inadequate and deteriorating infrastructure should not be a partisan issue, it should be an issue that unites us, said Senator Sullivan. In Alaska, these types of investments and reforms are critical not only for the health and well-being of our communities, but also for important economic activities and areas of national security. This comprehensive water resources bill builds upon previous efforts in Congress to rebuild and expand America's infrastructure, including clean water systems, port maintenance and development, and so much more. Importantly, it includes several key provisions vital to Alaska, including relief for the community of Saint Paul, new authority for tribal consortiums in Alaska to develop water infrastructure projects as non-federal sponsors, language to expedite completion of a feasibility study for the Deep Water Arctic Port at Nome, and other provisions to ensure the federal government realizes its responsibility to provide basic infrastructure for its citizens.\r\nAWIA 2018 provisions championed for Alaska by Senator Sullivan include:\r\n \r\nSaint Paul Harbor: A resolution to a longstanding cost-sharing error against the City of Saint Paul, AK. Following completion of construction of the St. Paul Harbor in 2005, the Army Corps of Engineers failed to administratively close out the project in a timely manner. This resulted in a retroactive change to the local non-federal match from 10% to 35%. The error threatened the viability of the community and undermined close to four decades of coordinated federal, congressional, state, private, CDQ, and local efforts to develop a fisheries-based economy on Saint Paul Island.\r\n \r\n \r\nAlaska Native Authorities: Ensures tribes, tribal consortiums, as well as Alaska Native Corporations, are on equal footing with tribes in the lower 48 for participation as non-federal sponsors on projects.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nSeward's Lowell Creek Flood Diversion System: Expedited completion of the Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study to replace the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion System in Seward, and a report on the maintenance responsibility until a viable alternative is constructed.\r\n \r\n \r\nContinuing Authorities Program: Increases total amount of funding authorized for the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), a national program designed to undertake small localized navigation projects without being encumbers by the lengthy study and authorization phases typical of most Corps projects. Due to the high cost of construction in remote areas of Alaska, and the high demand for navigation projects, the CAP is critical to future projects.\r\n \r\n \r\nNon-Federal Cost Share Agreements: Requires the Corps to provide a report to Congress within one year that considers ways in which the Corps can improve and expedite the waiver process for non-Federal cost share agreements. This will be especially important for communities with no economic base, where it can be difficult or impossible to raise this non-Federal match.\r\n \r\n \r\nMahoney Lake Hydroelectric Project Licensing Act: Includes legislation authored by the Alaska delegation to allow for a stay of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydroelectric license for the Mahoney Lake hydroelectric project near Ketchikan for up to 10 years. This extends the ability of the project sponsor to consider and complete the hydroelectric development.\r\n \r\nRead the text of America's Water Infrastructure Act here and a section-by-section of the legislation here.\r\n   ###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399229", "Alaska Delegation Sends Joint Letter to State Department on Transboundary Mining Activity", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Alaska Delegation recently joined together to urge the Secretary of State to discuss the risks posed by transboundary mining activity during upcoming bilateral meetings between the United States and Canada. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young, Governor Bill Walker, and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing Alaska's priorities for strong and continued engagement between the State Department and the Canadian Government on the management of mining activity affecting Alaska and British Columbia's transboundary waters.\r\nWe write to express our appreciation for the Administration's preliminary efforts to protect American interests in the face of potential environmental harm from large-scale hard rock mines in Canada that lack fundamental international oversight, said the Alaska Delegation. These Canadian mining projects are located near transboundary rivers that flow from British Columbia into four U.S. states, including Alaska, and, if managed poorly, pose a threat to Southeast Alaska's flourishing commercial fishing and tourism industries.\r\nIn November 2017 the Alaska Delegation sent a letter to then-Secretary Rex Tillerson urging the State Department to prioritize transboundary watersheds, bringing this important issue to the Cabinet level. That letter has been followed by sustained efforts on behalf of the Delegations to engage with their Canadian counterparts and work towards accountability for mining projects that may affect transboundary watersheds. Specifically, the Alaska Delegation has repeatedly stressed the need for binding protections, joint water quality monitoring, and financial assurances to ensure mine operators in British Columbia will be held accountable for any impacts to transboundary water quality that might threaten Alaskan livelihoods or subsistence.\r\nIt is clear that this Administration takes the issue of transboundary watersheds very seriously. We therefore urge the Administration, through your Department, to deliver a strong message in defense of American interests at the next U.S.  Canada bilateral meetings in Ottawa in October 2018. We specifically request that the Department's representatives impress upon their Canadian counterparts the critical need for binding protections, joint water quality monitoring, and financial assurances to protect Americans downstream of large-scale Canadian mines, as outlined in our 2017 letter, the Delegation wrote. We appreciate the Administration's efforts to date. American resources, communities, and industries must not be harmed by developments upstream in British Columbia.\r\nIn the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2019, currently being negotiated by a House-Senate conference committee, Senator Lisa Murkowski included $1.5 million in the Senate version for stream gauges to monitor water quality on transboundary rivers, a $1 million increase from fiscal year 2017 funding levels, and directed the U.S. Geological Survey to enter into a formal partnership with local tribes and other agencies to help develop a water quality strategy for transboundary rivers.\r\nIn February 2018, Senator Sullivan and Lt. Governor Mallott traveled to Ottawa, Canada, to meet with senior officials in the Canadian government to discuss thetransboundarymining issues impacting Southeast Alaska. In August 2018, they followed up with a letter to the Minister of Environment Catherine McKenna and Minister of International Trade James Carr, thanking the Canadians for their attention to transboundary mining issues, while continuing to stress several key areas of concern that require attention.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-sends-joint-letter-to-state-department-on-transboundary-mining-activity", "Alaska Delegation Sends Joint Letter to State Department on Transboundary Mining Activity", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.09.18\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Sends Joint Letter to State Department on Transboundary Mining Activity \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Alaska Delegation recently joined together to urge the Secretary of State to discuss the risks posed by transboundary mining activity during upcoming bilateral meetings between the United States and Canada. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young, Governor Bill Walker, and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing Alaska's priorities for strong and continued engagement between the State Department and the Canadian Government on the management of mining activity affecting Alaska and British Columbia's transboundary waters.\r\nWe write to express our appreciation for the Administration's preliminary efforts to protect American interests in the face of potential environmental harm from large-scale hard rock mines in Canada that lack fundamental international oversight, said the Alaska Delegation. These Canadian mining projects are located near transboundary rivers that flow from British Columbia into four U.S. states, including Alaska, and, if managed poorly, pose a threat to Southeast Alaska's flourishing commercial fishing and tourism industries.\r\nIn November 2017 the Alaska Delegation sent a letter to then-Secretary Rex Tillerson urging the State Department to prioritize transboundary watersheds, bringing this important issue to the Cabinet level. That letter has been followed by sustained efforts on behalf of the Delegations to engage with their Canadian counterparts and work towards accountability for mining projects that may affect transboundary watersheds. Specifically, the Alaska Delegation has repeatedly stressed the need for binding protections, joint water quality monitoring, and financial assurances to ensure mine operators in British Columbia will be held accountable for any impacts to transboundary water quality that might threaten Alaskan livelihoods or subsistence.\r\nIt is clear that this Administration takes the issue of transboundary watersheds very seriously. We therefore urge the Administration, through your Department, to deliver a strong message in defense of American interests at the next U.S.  Canada bilateral meetings in Ottawa in October 2018. We specifically request that the Department's representatives impress upon their Canadian counterparts the critical need for binding protections, joint water quality monitoring, and financial assurances to protect Americans downstream of large-scale Canadian mines, as outlined in our 2017 letter, the Delegation wrote. We appreciate the Administration's efforts to date. American resources, communities, and industries must not be harmed by developments upstream in British Columbia.\r\nIn the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2019, currently being negotiated by a House-Senate conference committee, Senator Lisa Murkowski included $1.5 million in the Senate version for stream gauges to monitor water quality on transboundary rivers, a $1 million increase from fiscal year 2017 funding levels, and directed the U.S. Geological Survey to enter into a formal partnership with local tribes and other agencies to help develop a water quality strategy for transboundary rivers.\r\nIn February 2018, Senator Sullivan and Lt. Governor Mallott traveled to Ottawa, Canada, to meet with senior officials in the Canadian government to discuss thetransboundarymining issues impacting Southeast Alaska. In August 2018, they followed up with a letter to the Minister of Environment Catherine McKenna and Minister of International Trade James Carr, thanking the Canadians for their attention to transboundary mining issues, while continuing to stress several key areas of concern that require attention.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Files \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-outlines-extensive-process-behind-support-for-judge-brett-kavanaugh_", "Sullivan Outlines Extensive Process Behind Support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh", "2018-10-06", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.06.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Outlines Extensive Process Behind Support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor to discuss the extensive process behind his support for the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. Excerpts from his Senate floor speech are below, and a full transcript can be found here.\r\n\r\nSullivan Outlines Extensive Process Behind His Support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh in Speech on Senate Floor (click image or here to watch, click here to download).\r\n\r\nVoting to Confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court:\r\n[Judge Kavanaugh] understands the importance of separations of powers and federalism, holds a healthy skepticism regarding the expansive power of federal agencies, and he is a strong protector of the Second Amendmentall issues that Alaskans care deeply about, which is why I focused on them in my discussions with Judge Kavanaugh. I was convinced then, and remain so, that he is well qualified to be a justice on the Supreme Court.\r\n\r\nClaims Regarding Alaska Native Rights:\r\nTo be perfectly clear, if I believed or saw evidence that Judge Kavanaugh's views were somehow opposed or hostile to Alaska Natives  a very important population of my state that includes my wife, three daughters, and mother-in-law  I would not support his confirmation. I told Judge Kavanaugh this directly and was satisfied with his response.\r\nImportantly, Senator Murkowski came to the same conclusion in her discussions with Judge Kavanaugh and she said as much in her remarks last night. \r\n\r\nOn Allegations of Sexual Assault:\r\nDr. Ford's allegations were investigated respectfully and thoroughly by the Senate Judiciary staff and the FBI. Despite her courage in coming forward, none of her allegations were corroborated. The four people Dr. Ford claims were present had no knowledge or memory of any such event, and the others the FBI asked about the alleged incident had no knowledge. One of them, a lifelong friend of Dr. Ford's, Leland Keyser, said that she didn't even know Judge Kavanaugh. All of these statements were made under the penalty of perjury.\r\n\r\nOn Presumption of Innocence:\r\nBut I also believe that the presumption of innocence is sacrosanct and a fundamental American principle, whether in a criminal trial, in a Senate committee hearing, or the court of public opinion. I'm convinced that due process should apply as much to the Senate's advise and consent responsibility as it should in a court of law.\r\nIf we lose this basic concept of fairness, then we risk doing irreparable damage to the very foundation of our democracy and core conceptions of American justice, and even liberty.\r\nWe do not want a system of guilty until proven innocent in America. Such a principle can even lead to incentivizing false allegations that do lasting damage, especially when coupled with breathless media reports that repeat verbatim such charges. Unfortunately, we have seen this exact phenomenon in the case of Judge Kavanaugh. I am not referring to the allegations of Dr. Ford, which were taken seriously. But in the aftermath of her allegations, some horrendous, and what appear to be patently false claims were made against him.\r\nSuch false allegations do tremendous damage to the accused and his or her family. But just as bad, they also risk undermining the credibility of true victims and survivors of sexual assault. \r\n\r\nNot a Binary Choice:\r\nAt the same time, I do not agree with some of the comments made on the floor that a vote in favor of Judge Kavanaugh is somehow condoning sexual assault or not believing survivors. As Senator Collins stated yesterday, Nothing could be further from the truth.'\r\nA bipartisan majority of U.S. Senators  men and women  are likely to vote for Judge Kavanaugh in a few hours.\r\nTo mark all of them as somehow not caring about the broader issue of sexual assault in America is not only untrue and affront to them, but undermines the larger cause of working together to combat this issue.\r\nThis is not a binary choice. This is not a Republican versus Democratic issue: this is an American epidemic and frankly, it's an American male issue. The men are the ones who are committing the vast majority of the abuse, and we need the country united to stop it.\r\n\r\nContinuing to Work to Combat Sexual Assault:\r\nFinally, again, I applaud the courageous including the many Alaskans who have flown to D.C.  who have spoken out about this nomination and who have shared stories about their own experiences with assault. I know that this process has brought on fresh pain and difficult memories for so many. I want them to know that from the bottom of my heart, I am committed more than ever to work on combatting sexual abuse and domestic violence and trying to change our culture to one of respect.\r\nIndeed, if there is a silver lining to come out of this contentious confirmation process it is that the awareness and commitment to do much more to combat sexual abuse has been heightened. I have heard this from many of my colleagues in the past few days, including Senators Murkowski, Collins, Harris and Klobuchar, and I certainly am committed to working with all of them and others to make this happen.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-speaks-on-supreme-court-nomination_", "Senator Murkowski Speaks on Supreme Court Nomination", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.05.18\n\t\t\t Senator Murkowski Speaks on Supreme Court Nomination   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) tonight spoke on the Senate floor on her decision to oppose the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the United States Supreme Court.\r\n\r\n(Click here to view the video)\r\nFull Remarks Below:\r\nI've come to the floor this evening to share my thoughts on what has been an extraordinarily long, difficult, and truly painful process. As we took up the cloture motion on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court, the process that led us to this vote today has been, in my view, a horrible process. A gut-wrenching process, where good people have been needlessly hurt. Where a woman who never sought the public spotlight, was, I think, cruelly thrust into the brightest of spotlights. A good man, a good man, with sterling academic credentials and unblemished professional record, both as the lawyer, the professional lawyer he was, and judge, and also as a husband and father of two young girls, has been damaged terribly. And as both of these individuals, Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, have been harmedtheir families have too. We need to, we must do better by them. We must do better as a Legislative Branch. We have a moral obligation to do better than this.\r\nI spent more time evaluating and considering the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh than I have with any of the previous nominations to the United States Supreme Court that I've been privileged to review. I've had the opportunity to vote on five Justices prior to this. And I took my time. I was deliberate, thoughtful. Some accused me of being too deliberate, too thoughtful, taking too much time. But this is important to me. It should be important to all of us. And I know that it is important to all of us. And so I studied the record. I sat with Judge Kavanaugh for a lengthy period of time, about an hour and a half, and asked the questions that I had and then did more due diligence. I reviewed the cases and I did my homework. I listened to the concerns that were raised by many in my state on issues that were all over the board. Whether it was a woman's right to choose, the Affordable Care Act, Executive Authority, deference to the agencies, Native issuesI took considerable time. And when the hearings came, not being on the Judiciary Committee, I paid attention. I followed the testimony of the judge, the very critical questioning from many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. And then when, at the end of the process, or so seemingly what we believed to be the end of the process, there were more questions, I went back to Judge Kavanaugh and had a good conversation with him. And then the allegations that we have been discussing and trying to understand more about came forward and we all moved from focusing on the issues to truly a discussion that none of us ever thought that we would be having when it came to the confirmation process for the highest court in the land.\r\nAnd so there was more work to be done. I was one who wanted to make sure that there was a process going forward. And when there were more questions that were raised after the initial process, I was one who joined in asking that the FBI step in and do further review. And so I have been engaged in this lengthy and deliberative process for months now. And I was truly leaning towards supporting Judge Kavanaugh in his nomination as I looked to that record. But we know that in our role of advice and consent, it is not just the record itself. There is more that is attached to it. It is why, when in the state of Alaska, a nomination for a judge goes forward, you rate them not only on their professional competence, what they have demonstrated through their record, but also matters of temperament and demeanorwhich are very, very important.\r\nSo, we moved, we shifted that conversation, from so many of the issues I had been focused on to other areas that are also important in evaluating a nominee for the courts. But I listened very carefully to the remarksthe strong, well-articulated remarksof my colleague and my friend who sits next to me here, Senator Collins. And I found that I agreed with many of the points that she raised on the floor earlier. I do not think that Judge Kavanaugh will be a vote to overturn Roe V. Wade. And I also join with her in saying that I do not think that protections for those with pre-existing conditions will be at risk. And I also do not think that he will be a threat to Alaska Natives. This is an issue that had certainly been raised. But I had extended conversations with the judge on just these issues. And I believe that he recognizes, as he told me, that Alaska Natives are not in that identical place as Native Hawaiians. Alaskan tribes are included on the list of federally recognized tribes and the fact remains that Native Hawaiians are not. This is a distinction. This is a difference. I am one who, in this body, has said I would like to see Native Hawaiians there. And I worked with my friend Senator Akaka when he was in this body to help advance that. I have supported those, but the fact remains that that constitutional status of Alaska Natives in the Indian Commerce Clause are simply not at play with this nomination. I don't believe that.\r\nSo, the question fairly asked, You say that you think he's going to be there on issues that matter to Alaskans that you have taken strong positions on.' The reason I could not support Judge Kavanaugh in the cloture motion the afternoon, is that in my role and my responsibility as one Senator on this floor, I take this obligation that we have in the role of advice and consent as seriously as anything that I am obligated or privileged to be able to vote on. And so I have a very high standard. I have a very high bar for any nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States. \r\nThe Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 1.2 requires that a judge act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.' And I go back and I look to that. It is pretty high, it is really high, that a judge shall act at all timesnot just sometimes when you're wearing your robein a manner that promotes public confidence. Public confidence. Where's the public confidence?\r\nSo it is high. And even in the face of the worst thing that could happen, a sexual assault allegation; even in the face of an overly and overtly political process, a politicized process; even when one side of this chamber is absolutely dead set on defeating his nomination, from the very get-go, before he was even named; even in these situations, the standard is that a judge must act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.'\r\nAfter the hearing that we all watched last week, last Thursday, it became clear to me, or it was becoming clearer that that appearance of impropriety has become unavoidable. And I've been deliberating, agonizing about what is fair. Is this too unfair a burden to place on somebody that is dealing with the worst, the most horrific allegations that go to your integrity, that go to everything that you are. And I think we all struggle with how we would respond. But I am reminded there are only nine seats on the bench of the highest court in the land and these seats are occupied by these men and women for their lifetime and so those who seek one of these seats must meet the highest standard in all respects at all times and that is hard.\r\nMr. President, we are at a time when many in this country have lost faith in the Executive Branch, and it's not just with this administration. We saw much of that in the last as well. And here in Congress, many around the country have just given up on us, they've just completely said, we've had enough.' But I maintain that the public still views, I still view, that there is some small shred of hope that remains with our judiciary. This judiciary that must be perceived as independent, as nonpartisan, as fair and balanced, in order for our form of government to function. And it's that hope, it's that hope that I seek to maintain. And I think that's why I have demanded such a high standard to maintain or regain that public confidence, because it is so critical that we have that public confidence in at least one of our three branches of government.\r\nMr. President, I think we saw from the vote earlier today, we've seen from statements from several of our colleagues that it does appear that Judge Kavanaugh will be seated on the Supreme Court, without my vote. It is my hope, it is truly my hope that Judge Kavanaugh will share that same hope in rebuilding, maintaining a level of public confidence, that he will strive for that ideal every day. It's my hope that he will be that neutral arbiter, the umpire who only calls the balls and the strikes, that he will be that force for stability. I believe that Judge Kavanaugh is a good man. He's a good man. He's clearly a learned judge, but in my conscience, because that's how I have to vote at the end of the day, with my conscience, I could not conclude that he is the right person for the court at this time. And this has been agonizing for me with this decision. It is as hard a choice, probably as close a call as any that I can ever remember. And I hope, I hope and I pray that we don't find ourselves in this situation again. But I'm worried. I am really worried that this becomes the new normal, where we find new and even more creative ways to tear one another down. That good people are just going to say, Forget it. It's not worth it.' I'm looking at some of the comments that are being made, the statements that are being made against me, against my good friend, my dear friend from Maine. The hateful, the aggressive, the truly, truly awful manner which with so many are acting now is got to end. This is not who we are. This is not who we should be. This is not who we raise our children to be.\r\nSo, as we move forward in this very difficult time I think for this body and for this country I want to urge us to a place where we are able to engage in that civil discourse which is what the Senate is supposed to be all about, that we are able to show respect for one another's views and differences, and that when a hard vote is taken, that there is a level of respect for the decision that each of us makes. And there's another thing that I do hope, and again, I'll refer to my friend from Maine, and I will note, if there has been a silver lining in these bitter, bitter weeks, which quite honestly remains to be seen, I do think what we have seen is a recognition by both sides, a recognition by both sides that we must do more to protect and prevent sexual assault and to help the victims of these assaults. There has been a national discussion. There has been an outpouring of discussion, conversation, fears, tears, frustration, and rage. There's an emotion that really has been unleashed in these recent weeks, and these are discussions that we need to have as a country. We need to have these as a country. We need to bring these survivors to a place where they feel that they can heal. But until you come out of the shadow and do so without shame, it's pretty hard to heal.\r\nI have met with so many survivors and I know that every single one of us has. And I've heard from colleagues as they have shared with me that they have been truly surprised, many stunned by what they are learning as the prevalence of this unfortunately in our society today. In Alaska, and the presiding officer knows in your state, the levels of sexual assault that we see within our Native American and our Alaska Native communities, the rates are incredibly devastating. It is not something that we say we'll get to tomorrow. We've heard those voices. We've heard those voices, and I hope that we have all learned something, that we owe it to the victims of sexual assault to do more and to do better and to do it now with them.\r\nMr. President I'm going to close and thank you, but I truly hope that we can be at that place where we can move forward in a manner that shows greater respect, greater comity. We owe it to the people of America to return to a less rancorous process. In the spirit of that comity, and again while I voted no on cloture today, and I will be a no tomorrow. I will, in the final tally, be asked to be recorded as present, and I do this because a friend, a colleague of ours is in Montana this evening and tomorrow at just about the same hour that we're going to be voting, he's going to be walking his daughter down the aisle and he won't be present to vote, and so I have extended this as a courtesy to my friend. It will not change the outcome of the vote, but I do hope that it reminds us that we can take very small, very small steps to be gracious with one another and maybe those small, gracious steps can lead to more. But, I know that is hard as these matters are that we deal with. We're humans, we have family that we love. We don't spend near enough time with them and making sure that we can do one small thing to make that family a little bit better is a better way for tomorrow.\r\nWith that Mr. President, I yield the floor, and thank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399226", "Alaska Legal Services Corporation Receives $169,879 Technology Grant from the Legal Services Corporation", "2018-10-04", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that Alaska Legal Services Corporation will receive a $169,879 Technology Initiative Grant to enhance communication with individuals seeking civil legal assistance online. Established in 2000, LSC's Technology Initiative Grants program supports legal aid organizations in developing and replicating technologies that improve efficiency and provide greater access to high-quality legal assistance.\r\nLSC's Technology Initiative Grants increase access to justice for low-income people with critical civil legal needs, said LSC President Jim Sandman. These technology projects improve the delivery of legal services and make a difference to the millions of Americans who would otherwise have to navigate the legal system alone. Alaska Congressman Don Youngapplauded the grant: I am pleased that the Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) has been selected to receive the Technology Initiative Grant which will help update and enhance their electronic referrals system. This critical investment will serve those in need of civil legal assistance and ensure ALSC can carry out their mission to support Alaskans as they navigate the legal system.\r\nAlaska Legal Services Corporation will use its grant to enhance the electronic client referrals system for states piloting Legal Navigator portalsan initiative launched by LSC, Microsoft, and Pro Bono Net to direct individuals with civil legal needs to the most appropriate forms of assistance. With the support of this grant, project teams with Alaska Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii will work to simplify the process through which people seeking legal information access civil legal assistance online.\r\nAlaska Legal Services Corporation is one of 24 recipients of 2018 Technology Initiative Grant funding totaling more than $3 million. \r\n Legal Services Corporation(LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 133 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-backed-bills-to-combat-the-opioid-epidemic-set-to-become-law-", "Sullivan-Backed Bills to Combat the Opioid Epidemic Set to Become Law", "2018-10-04", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.04.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan-Backed Bills to Combat the Opioid Epidemic Set to Become Law  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Lifts IMD Exclusion - which banned Medicaid payments to treatment facilities that have more than 16 beds\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is applauding the passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan, bicameral package to address the nation's unrelenting opioid epidemic that took the lives of more than 72,000 Americans last year  the highest rate in history. The legislation, which represents the work of thirteen House and Senate Committees and includes provisions authored by hundreds of Members of Congress, now heads to the President's desk for signature.\r\n\r\nSenator Sullivan Discussing Bipartisan Package to Address Opioid Crisis (click image or here to watch)\r\nThis is a huge issue for all of us and a really important one for the state of Alaska. The numbers are staggering: 72,000 Americans  rich, poor, black, white, native, non-native, young, old  died of drug overdoses last year. It's tragic and extremely hard to comprehend. And this body is finally waking up to this challenge, Senator Sullivan said yesterday in an impassioned speech on the Senate floor.\r\nThe SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act is a multipronged approach that takes a particular focus on wellness, prevention and innovation. The bill takes important steps to reduce illegal drug use and its supply chain  including legislation known as the STOP Act to help stop synthetic drugs from entering the country through the U.S. Postal Service and the reauthorization of theHigh Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. The bill also works to support the infrastructure and resources necessary to adequately respond to this crisis, including assistance for states in addressing substance use disorders, support for in-school and early childhood education programs, and increased access to treatment, health professionals, long-distance care, and recovery housing, among other things.\r\nThis bill includes very significant funding to address this crisis  billions of dollars. It importantly includes legislation authored by my good friend Senator Rob Portman, the STOP Act  which I was an early cosponsor of  that focuses on stopping the killer-drug fentanyl from coming from places like China and Mexico and killing our people, said Senator Sullivan. The bill also includes a provision I authored that gets 5% of the funding to Native Health Organizations. Because, as we've all seen, some of the Native organizations in the Lower 48 and Alaska have really strong, far reaching access to some of our rural citizens. So there's a huge amount of good policy within this bill. While we're not going to fix this opioid, heroin addiction problem for years to come, we are very focused on it in Congress, in a very bipartisan way. If you're going through recovery, like I know so many good people in Alaska are, this is very encouraging news.\r\nImportantly, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act also includes a Sullivan-backed provision to lift the decades-old Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) exclusion  which restricts states from using federal Medicaid dollars to pay for treatment at residential mental health or substance abuse facilities with more than 16 beds. The final House-Senate opioid package lifts this prohibition for five years so more Americans can access services at inpatient facilities.\r\nIn states like Alaska, where in-patient treatment is already significantly limited, the IMD exclusion has been long viewed as a leading barrier to treatment. It's been identified by hospitals, providers and medical professionals as needing to be reformed in order to improve patient access to life-saving treatment facilities and programs. Lifting this cap will go a long way in helping some of our most vulnerable Alaskans in their time of need, Senator Sullivan said.\r\nOther Provisions in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act championed by Senator Sullivan:\r\n \r\n21stCentury Cures Act Funding Extension Reauthorizes and improves the state targeted response grants from the 21st Century Cures Act to provide funding to Tribes and to improve flexibility for states in using the grants. Includes language championed by Senator Sullivan for a 5% set aside for funding made available through the Act to tribe and tribal organizations. Also provides resources for tribes, including outreach and technical assistances, to encourage grant application participation.\r\nOpioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act Includes legislation cosponsored by Senator Sullivan aimed at protecting individuals with opioid use disorder and their families from harmful and misleading addiction treatment programs or products. The provision will hold fraudulent substance abuse treatment programs and recovery centers accountable by empowering the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to bring enforcement actions to combat such scams. For more information,click here.\r\nSynthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act Includes legislation cosponsored by Senator Sullivan to help stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil  primarily from China  from being shipped through the postal system drug by traffickers here in the United States, particularly important to addressing the major influx of drugs entering remote Alaskan communities.\r\n \r\nThe SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act builds off previous efforts to assist in battling the opioid epidemic, including the passage of both theComprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)in 2016 and the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations bill in March which included $4.7 billion to fight the opioid crisis ($1 billion in grants to states). Last week, President Trump signed into law the Fiscal Year 2019 Labor/ Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, which included $3.8 billion in funding for opioid-related programs.\r\nThe Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that Alaska will receive $10.4 million in opioid grant funding. This includes $4 million in state opioid response grant funding, in addition to the $6.4 million in grants 24 health centers in Alaska received earlier this year. State opioid grants provide flexible funding to states to implement opioid use disorder interventions in the best way that fits their needs. In addition, in June 2018 the U.S. Department of Labor awarded the State of Alaska a $1.3 million grant to provide career, training, and supportive services for individuals in Alaska communities impacted by the opioid epidemic.\r\nFor a list of notable provisions within the bill, click here.\r\nFor information on Senator Sullivan's work to combat the opioid crisis, click here. \r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/enr-approves-bill-to-restore-equity_for-alaska-native-vietnam-veterans", "ENR Approves Bill to Restore Equity  for Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.03.18\n\t\t\t ENR Approves Bill to Restore Equity  for Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee yesterday advanced S. 785, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act, out of committee by voice vote. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both R-Alaska, would allow approximately 2,800 Alaska Natives who served during the Vietnam-era to apply for their Congressionally-promised Native allotment, after they missed their initial opportunity to do so because of their service.                         \r\nThis is an important step in a process that has gone on for far too long. Our bill is needed to ensure that Alaska Native men and women who left home to serve our nation during the Vietnam War are finally able to receive their land allotments, Murkowski said. I appreciate my colleagues' support in committee, and will work closely with Sen. Sullivan to move this bill through the Senate as soon as possible.\r\nYesterday was a good day and we are one step closer to curing a longstanding injustice. Over the years, I have said that Alaska Natives possess a special kind of patriotism, serving at higher rates than any other ethnic group and stepping up during controversial times, such as the Vietnam era; and I am proud to say that yesterday, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sullivan said. This legislation would allow Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans the opportunity to apply for the native allotment they were denied because of their service to their country. As this legislation moves forward, I would like to personally thank the Alaska Native veterans for their service, Interior Secretary Zinke for pledging his support last year after personally meeting with a number of Alaska Native Veterans, and Chairwoman Murkowski for guiding this bill through her committee.\r\nS. 785, as amended and reported by the committee, resolves a number of issues that impaired the success of the Alaska Native Veterans Act of 1998. Importantly, it establishes a separate program to allow Alaska Native veterans who served during the Vietnam War to apply for and receive an allotment of land in Alaska. The bill also provides a mechanism to identify lands that are available for selection and ensures that individuals will be able to use the land, including for subsistence. These changes will remedy inequities that Alaska Native Vietnam veterans have faced as a result of their service and unworkable federal laws that Congress previously passed to facilitate the allotments.\r\nArchived video, a full list of reported bills, and a rundown of the business meeting are available on the committee's website.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-supports-faa-reauthorization-bill-", "Murkowski Supports FAA Reauthorization Bill", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.03.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Supports FAA Reauthorization Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Addresses Alaska's Unique Needs, Improves Safety and Security\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the bicameral legislation that will provide a five-year reauthorization for the FAA, the longest enacted since 1982. This significant legislation strengthens security at airports and in flight, boosts innovation, and address Alaska's unique transportation challenges. The bill passed the Senate in a 93-6 vote, passed the House last week, and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nTragically a helicopter crashed this past week in Southeast, Alaska. It's a heart wrenching story but a silver lining is that crews were able to find and rescue one of the passengers, a 14-year-old boy due to an emergency locator transmitter. The bill will continue to develop technology like ELT's, as it places a high priority on enhancing aviation safety. I'm also pleased this legislation contains provisions that will modernize airport infrastructure, enhance airport safety and security, and improve service for passengers across the board, said Senator Murkowski. In Alaska where the majority of our communities simply can't be reached by road, the importance of Alaskan air service cannot be overstated. This bill reauthorizes the Essential Air Service program, which is vital to so many of our rural communities. Aviation isn't just a means of transportation for Alaskans  it means food deliveries, access to medical treatment, and basic necessities. Aviation is truly a lifeline in Alaska.\r\n\r\n(Click the image above to watch video.)\r\nAlaska Interest Highlights:\r\n \r\nEssential Air Service (EAS): Reauthorizes a yearly increase for the Essential Air Service program, which provides vital air services for rural communities otherwise isolated from the National Air Transportation System. The bill also adds Little Diomede, Alaska's western most community, as a new addition to the to the EAS program, allowing greater access and service to the community.\r\nUnmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Significantly expands the safe, efficient integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems or drones into national airspace, with specific permissions for the UAS in the Arctic. This will enable researchers such as the University of Alaska-Fairbanks to build upon their innovative work. The bill also includes new provisions to address privacy protections for unmanned aircraft, updates the special rule for model aircraft, and provides greater flexibility to FAA to approve advanced UAS operations.\r\nSmall Airplane Safety: Requires the FAA to establish a risk-based framework to accelerate installation of safety equipment enhancements for small, general aviation planes.\r\nAirport Improvements: Includes support for major airport facility improvements and a provision to protect the Airport Improvement Program to benefit communities like Haines and Manokotak.\r\nRegulatory Process Reforms: Streamlines the process to help airports pay for upgrades and repair projects.\r\nExemption for Lithium Batteries: Includes an exemption to allow fully charged lithium ion batteries, often used for pacemakers, to be transmitted to remote areas.\r\nCold Weather Construction: Prioritizes cold weather locations by requiring construction projects in cold weather locations to break ground first.\r\nWeather Forecasting Exemption: Allows carriers in Alaska to continue to deliver cargo to facilities throughout the state that do not have forecasted weather data.\r\n \r\nAdditional Bill Highlights: \r\n \r\nEnhance Safety: Strengthens aviation training, reporting, tracking, and cybersecurity as well as authorizes more K-9 security teams. Also requires the FAA to review cabin evacuation procedures to ensure timely and safe evacuations in the event of an emergency. \r\n \r\n \r\nImprove Passenger Service: Directs the FAA to set minimum standards for airline seat sizes, requires private rooms for nursing mothers in large and medium sized airports, and prohibits involuntary bumping of passengers who have already boarded a flight. Also sets new requirements for airlines to promptly return fees for services, such as seat assignments or early boarding, purchased but not received.\r\nBoost Industry Innovation and Modernize Airport Infrastructure: Requires the TSA to make available real-time information on security line waits, both in airports and online. Creates a remote air traffic control tower pilot program to deploy new technologies and lower costs of air traffic control services.\r\n \r\nIn addition, the FAA Reauthorization bill reforms Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs to help communities better prepare and respond to disasters, as well as provides $1.68 billion in disaster relief for Americans impacted by Hurricane Florence.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-sullivan-welcomes-ustr-decision-to-withdraw-proposed-tariffs-on-alaska-caught-salmon-", "Sullivan Welcomes USTR Decision to Withdraw Proposed Tariffs on Alaska Caught Salmon", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.03.18\n\t\t\t  Sullivan Welcomes USTR Decision to Withdraw Proposed Tariffs on Alaska Caught Salmon  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sullivan: Important change for Alaska's seafood industry and the more than 60,000 jobs it contributes to our economy\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK)  the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard  welcomed the recent decision by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to remove proposed tariffs on Alaska salmon from a list of approximately $200 billion worth of additional tariffs on Chinese imports. The change comes following months of engagement by Senator Sullivan and his staff to protect hardworking Alaskan fisherman and to educate the administration on the unintended impacts of this proposal.\r\nI commend Ambassador Lighthizer and the Trump administration for listening to our concerns, for taking thoughtful guidance and input, and for making this important change for Alaska's seafood industry and the more than 60,000 jobs it contributes to our economy, said Senator Sullivan. While I am supportive of the administration's broader efforts to address China's unfair and non-reciprocal trading practices, targeting an American product, harvested by Alaskan fishermen on American flagged vessels runs completely counter to the administration's strategy regarding China.\r\nThe Alaska seafood industry is the lifeblood of our coastal communities, which is why my team and I engaged at every level to ensure these changes were made, Sullivan said. It's a good first step, accounting for approximately $250 million worth of salmon imports caught primarily by Alaska fishermen. Without it, policies meant to counter China's unfair trading practices would have actually harmed Alaskan workers and industries due to the fact that a portion of Alaskan seafood harvests go to China for limited reprocessing before being sold back to American companies and consumers, or elsewhere throughout the world.\r\nSince before the USTR announced its list of proposed tariffs on China, Senator Sullivan has worked to ensure the Alaska seafood industry is protected. This included numerous phone calls and meetings with Ambassador Lighthizer and USTR staff, regular discussions with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and President Trump, as well as public testimony before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Senator Sullivan's engagement on the issue continues.\r\nOn September 28, 2018, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published a modification in the Public Register to a list of additional tariffs on goods from China announced on September 17, 2018. This modification deleted the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), among others:\r\n \r\n0304.81.10 Frozen salmon fillets, skinned, in blocks weighing over 4.5 kg, to be minced, ground or cut into pieces of uniform weight\r\n0304.81.50 Other frozen salmon fillets\r\n \r\n\r\nSenator Sullivan sharing his thoughts following his August 23, 2018 testimony to the U.S. International Trade Commission on proposed seafood tariffs (click image orhereto watch).\r\nFor more information on the $200 billion trade action against products of China and their impact to Alaska seafood, please see Senator Sullivan's written testimony to the U.S. International Trade Commission offered on August 23, 2018.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-enr-committee-approves-bill-to-restore-equity-for-alaska-native-vietnam-veterans", "Senate ENR Committee Approves Bill to Restore Equity for Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.03.18\n\t\t\t Senate ENR Committee Approves Bill to Restore Equity for Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee yesterday advanced S. 785, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act, out of committee by voice vote. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both R-Alaska, would allow approximately 2,800 Alaska Natives who served during the Vietnam-era to apply for their Congressionally-promised Native allotment, after they missed their initial opportunity to do so because of their service.                        \r\nThis is an important step in a process that has gone on for far too long. Our bill is needed to ensure that Alaska Native men and women who left home to serve our nation during the Vietnam War are finally able to receive their land allotments, Murkowski said. I appreciate my colleagues' support in committee, and will work closely with Sen. Sullivan to move this bill through the Senate as soon as possible.\r\nYesterday was a good day and we are one step closer to curing a longstanding injustice. Over the years, I have said that Alaska Natives possess a special kind of patriotism, serving at higher rates than any other ethnic group and stepping up during controversial times, such as the Vietnam era; and I am proud to say that yesterday, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sullivan said. This legislation would allow Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans the opportunity to apply for the native allotment they were denied because of their service to their country. As this legislation moves forward, I would like to personally thank the Alaska Native veterans for their service, Interior Secretary Zinke for pledging his support last year after personally meeting with a number of Alaska Native Veterans, and Chairwoman Murkowski for guiding this bill through her committee.\r\nS. 785, as amended and reported by the committee, resolves a number of issues that impaired the success of the Alaska Native Veterans Act of 1998. Importantly, it establishes a separate program to allow Alaska Native veterans who served during the Vietnam War to apply for and receive an allotment of land in Alaska. The bill also provides a mechanism to identify lands that are available for selection and ensures that individuals will be able to use the land, including for subsistence. These changes will remedy inequities that Alaska Native Vietnam veterans have faced as a result of their service and unworkable federal laws that Congress previously passed to facilitate the allotments.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-works-to-pass-major-faa-reauthorization-with-key-provisions-benefitting-alaska", "Sullivan Works to Pass Major FAA Reauthorization with Key Provisions Benefitting Alaska", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.03.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Works to Pass Major FAA Reauthorization with Key Provisions Benefitting Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee, today joined his colleagues in the overwhelming passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018. This legislation  which now heads to the President's desk  reauthorizes the FAA through 2023, and contains several key provisions of Alaskan importance secured by Senator Sullivan.\r\n\r\nSimply put, aviation and aviation infrastructure are a critical component of the Alaskan economy and our way of life, saidSenator Sullivan. For 169 communities in Alaska who are reliant on aviation to travel in and out of their communities and for their goods and services  including regional centers like Bethel, Nome and Kotzebue  today's passage of the FAA reauthorization bill is critically important. From our general aviation community to the cargo industry, this long-term reauthorization will help modernize our airport infrastructure, improve service for the flying public, enhance security, while also boosting innovation. I thank my colleagues for coming together to make this five-year authorization -- the longest enacted since 1982.\r\nThis legislation not only provides long term funding certainty, but provides a needed focus on the issues of concern to carriers in Alaska, said Jane Dale, Executive Director of the Alaska Air Carriers Association. Senator Sullivan's attention to the concerns coming from Alaskans in his work on the Commerce Committee will provide regulatory relief and certainty for our air carriers, and a path towards infrastructure investment that has been lacking in Alaska.\r\nSome of the major provisions championed by Senator Sullivan in the FAA Reauthorization include:\r\nInvestmentin Aviation Infrastructure:\r\n \r\nThebillsupports investment and enhanced safety by authorizing five years of stable funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) at $3.35 billion for FY 2019-2023.\r\n \r\n\r\nMaintaining theAir Traffic Control System:\r\n \r\nThe bill maintains the current air traffic control system anddoes nottransfer air traffic control services to a private corporation.\r\n \r\nEssential Air Service:\r\n \r\nThe bill authorizes an escalating per year amount for the Essential Air Service Program, an increase of $5 million for FY18 to $155 million, up to $172 million in FY2023. For the FY23 allocation, this will be an increase of $23 million beyond the existing appropriation amount, in order to support small community air service.\r\n \r\nLittle Diomede EAS:\r\n \r\nThe bill includes a provision authored by Senator Sullivan adding Little Diomede into the Essential Air Service in order to provide regular air service to the community. The Village of Little Diomede were not eligible for the first 12 years of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program due to the fact that they did not receive scheduled air service in 1978. The need to add Diomede into the EAS program was made clear when the community went without any air service and crucial supplies for more than five weeks in 2015.\r\n \r\nTransferring Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) to FAA:\r\n \r\nThe bill includes an amendment from Senator Sullivan to allow an airport or the state to transfer Automated Weather Observing Systems and related communications systems that are built with AIP funds to the FAA for ownership and operations and maintenance. Weather reporting and forecasts, and air-to-ground communications are needed to support the expanding aviation industry and its needs for better and safer access.\r\n \r\nImproved Safety in Rural Areas:\r\n \r\nThe bill includes a provision championed by Senator Sullivan to improve the usefulness of Instrument Flight Rules approaches in some destinations in Alaska. The language permits on-demand or commuter operations (Part 135) to fly to destinations using Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) for destinations that have a published IFR approach but lack a Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR weather report) if a current Area Forecast, supplemented by non-certified local weather observations (such as weather cameras and human observations) is available, and an alternate airport that has a weather report is specified.\r\n \r\nTerminal Aerodrome Forecast:\r\n \r\nThe bill includes language authored by Senator Sullivan to ensure that requirements for weather forecasting and weather reporting are appropriate for the unique operating environment in Alaska. The language allows carriers that provide regularly scheduled air service to continue operations as historically practiced, allowing the use of an area forecast, supplemented by other local weather data and an alternate airport filed with complete weather data.\r\n \r\nSmall Airport Regulation Relief:\r\n \r\nThe bill directs the FAA toapportion AIP entitlementfunds to certain airports based on its 2012 enplanement numbers. This protects the Alaskan communities of Manotak, Haines, Cold Bay, Hoonah, Emmonak and Gustavus airports from cuts in AIP funding.\r\n \r\nPriority Review of Construction Projects in Cold Weather States:\r\n \r\nThe bill includes a priority of Senator Sullivan's to ensure the FAA schedules its review of construction projects so that projects in cold weather states are reviewed as early as possible in order to maximize construction time during the construction season.\r\n \r\nRemote Airport Access Roads:\r\n \r\nThe bill contains a provision authored by Senator Sullivan to provide a higher degree of local use for airport access roads located off the contiguous road system in Alaska. Currently, the rigidity of Airport Improvement Program funds prohibits property owners from using airport roads to access their adjacent lands, including adjacent Alaska Native land allotments. The language provides incidental access to public or private property for airport access roads in Alaska for property that is adjacent to the road and is not otherwise connected to a public road.\r\n \r\nNoncommercial General Aviation Registration:\r\n \r\nA top priority of the general aviation community, the bill would increase the duration of registration for noncommercial general aviation aircraft to seven years from three.\r\n \r\nLithium Batteries:\r\n \r\nThe bill contains language authored by Senator Sullivan to ensure rural residents are able to access replacement batteries for medical devices via safe transport by aircraft.\r\n \r\nInfrastructure Regulatory Reform:\r\n \r\nThe bill includes an amendment, championed by Senator Sullivan, limiting the regulation of non-federally sponsored property. Airport owners are currently required to receive FAA approval to make any improvements or changes to any airport facilities, including those that are not related to airfield or aeronautical areas.\r\n \r\n \r\nThis amendment limitstheFAA's role to establishing standards,such as height limitsor shielding radio signals,ensuringaircraft operations or avionicsare not interfered with.As long as the airport owner or operator meets those standards, they could develop non-airfield parcels as they see fit. The amendmentwas supported bytheAirports Council International  North America.\r\n \r\nAircraft Certification Reform:\r\n \r\nThe bill streamlines FAA's burdensome and slow certification processes by establishing an Advisory Committee toput forth improvements to ensure uniformity andreliability of the process.More importantly, it requires the FAA to better use its existing delegation authorities, and includes certain deadlines to meet milestones.\r\n \r\nFederal Contract Tower Program:\r\n \r\nThe bill contains language supporting and protecting the Federal Contract Tower Program, such as the towers located in Bethel, King Salmon, and Kodiak.\r\n \r\nContract Weather Observer Program:\r\n \r\nThe bill contains language directing the FAA not to discontinue the Contract Weather Observer program at any airport. In communities that experience severe weather, having a dedicated on-site meteorological professional to record and interpret weather data is valuable to pilots and air carriers.\r\n \r\nFAA Drone Testing:\r\n \r\nThe bill will authorize the FAA's drone test ranges through fiscal 2023, which includes the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF).\r\n \r\n \r\nThe bill will also codify a drone integration pilot program recently established by the DOT. This past May, DOT named the UAF as one of 10 sites nationwide selected for the highly competitive FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program. The newly created program serves an opportunity for state, local, and tribal governments to partner with private sector entities to accelerate the safe UAS integration in American airspace.\r\n \r\nADS-B Evaluation:\r\n \r\nThe bill contains language secured by Senator Sullivan to require the FAA to evaluate providing additional ADS-B Ground Based Transmitters to provide a minimum operational network in Alaska along major flight routes. Ground Based ADS-B Transmitters providing surveillance, weather, and traffic information are critical to the NextGen infrastructure and bringing safety and efficiency benefits in rural areas of Alaska that are heavily trafficked by low-altitude general and commercial aviation. \r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/durbin-murkowski-urge-fda-to-immediately-ban-kid-friendly-e-cigarette-flavors-restrict-online-sales", "Durbin, Murkowski Urge FDA To Immediately Ban Kid-Friendly E-Cigarette Flavors, Restrict Online Sales", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.02.18\n\t\t\t Durbin, Murkowski Urge FDA To Immediately Ban Kid-Friendly E-Cigarette Flavors, Restrict Online Sales \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Following FDA declaration of youth e-cigarette use epidemic, Senators call for end to regulatory delays\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today, in a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urged the agency to immediately ban kid-friendly e-cigarette flavorings and restrict online sales of the addictive nicotine products. Durbin and Murkowski's letter comes on the heels of the FDA's announcement last month thatdue to a public health epidemic of youth e-cigarette useit would issue new enforcement actions on e-cigarette companies' use of kid-appealing flavors, in order to better protect children and teens from using addictive and dangerous e-cigarettes.\r\nWhile it remains unclear whether e-cigarettes can actually help adults quit smoking cigarettes, it is abundantly clear that tobacco companies are developing and marketing e-cigarette flavors that appeal to, and addict, children. A recent search of the FDA's own database reveals more than 1,000 results for scores of different flavored e-cigarette productseverything from mango to gummy bear; whipped cream to tutti fruitti; blue razz candy to chocolate cupcake. The e-cigarette industry's efforts to hook kids have been overwhelmingly successful, as demonstrated by the reportedly 75 percent spike in e-cigarette use among high school students over the past year, Durbin and Murkowski wrote. We urge you to take the strongest action possible to protect our children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction, and to offer our continued Congressional assistance in whatever way would be helpful in your efforts.\r\nLast month, FDA Commissioner Gottlieb announced that his agency was taking three important steps to curb youth use of e-cigarettes, including sending letters to five leading e-cigarette manufacturers (including JUUL, which owns more than 70 percent of the market), requiring them to submit plans within 60 days detailing ways they will sharply curb sales to underage consumers. If these plans do not promise to substantially reverse youth use, Dr. Gottlieb announced that FDA will consider temporarily or permanently ordering the removal of flavors from the market. Durbin has repeatedly raised concerns and pressed FDA about the decision in July 2017 to delay regulation of e-cigarettes from 2018 until 2022.\r\nFDA also announced that it was sending letters to 1,200 brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers warning them that they could face penalties for selling e-cigarettes to people under age 18, and is imposing fines (ranging from $279 to $11,182) to another 130 establishments for repeatedly selling e-cigarettes to minors.\r\nAdditionally in July, Durbin and Murkowski introduced bipartisanlegislation to crack down on kid-friendly flavorings in highly-addictive e-cigarettes and cigars. The bipartisan Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids (SAFE Kids) Act would place strong restrictions on e-cigarette flavorings and ban cigar flavorings altogether. Most notably, the bill would:\r\nPlace Strong Restrictions on E-Cigarette Flavorings: The bill would generally restrict flavored e-cigarette products, but allow manufacturers one year to prove to the FDA that their e-cigarette flavorings meet three criteria. If companies can prove that their e-cigarette flavors meet these three criteria, they can remain on the market:\r\n          (1)  Help adults quit smoking cigarettes;\r\n          (2)  Do not increase youth initiation of nicotine or tobacco products; and\r\n          (3)  Do not increase the risk of harm to the person using the flavor.\r\nBan Cigar Flavorings Altogether: Given that there is no public health benefit to smoking cigars, the bill would ban the use of all flavors in cigars within one year.\r\nA copy of today's letter is available here and below:\r\nOctober 2, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Scott Gottlieb, M.D.\r\nCommissioner\r\nUnited States Food and Drug Administration\r\n10903 New Hampshire Avenue\r\nSilver Spring, Maryland 20993\r\nDear Commissioner Gottlieb:\r\nOn September 12, 2018, citing an epidemic of e-cigarette use among teenagers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a number of important and long-overdue actions that represent a promising step toward addressing a public health crisis that is threatening an entire generation of children. We commend you for sending warning letters and issuing civil monetary penalties to retailers who have repeatedly violated the law by selling tobacco products to minors, but we are most encouraged by FDA's apparent willingness to finally consider prohibiting kid-friendly e-cigarette flavorings in the near term and restricting online sales. Given the e-cigarette industry's calculated decision to target children with dangerous and addictive flavored productsand given their success in these effortswe strongly urge FDA to take decisive action and immediately ban kid-friendly e-cigarette flavorings.\r\n As we have discussed with you many times, the fruit, candy, and other kid-friendly liquid nicotine flavoringsthat FDA has knowingly allowed to proliferate on the market for years without regulationhave been driving this youth e-cigarette epidemic from day one. This has been proven time and again and affirmed in the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and even by the FDA itselfacknowledging that 81 percent of kids who ever use a tobacco products start with a flavored product, including 81 percent who have ever tried e-cigarettes and 65 percent who have ever tried cigars.\r\nWhile it remains unclear whether e-cigarettes can actually help adults quit smoking cigarettes, it is abundantly clear that tobacco companies are developing and marketing e-cigarette flavors that appeal to, and addict, children. A recent search of the FDA's own database reveals more than 1,000 results for scores of different flavored e-cigarette productseverything from mango to gummy bear; whipped cream to tutti fruitti; blue razz candy to chocolate cupcake. The e-cigarette industry's efforts to hook kids have been overwhelmingly successful, as demonstrated by the reportedly 75 percent spike in e-cigarette use among high school students over the past year. Even prior to this spike, more than two million middle- and high-school students were using e-cigarettes, making them the most popular form of tobacco use among children.\r\nGiven the unparalleled scope of this youth tobacco epidemic, we introduced S. 3319, the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids Act (or SAFE Kids Act). This bipartisan legislation would immediately ban the use of flavorings in cigars and would give tobacco companies one year to prove that their e-cigarette flavorings actually help adults quit smoking cigarettes, do not cause children to start smoking, and do not harm the user. Anything short of strong and decisive regulation of e-cigarette flavorings would not be in the best interest of our nation's children.\r\nLast month, FDA sent letters to the five e-cigarette manufacturers that currently represent more than 95 of the e-cigarette market (JUUL, Vuse, MarkTen, blu e-cigs, and Logic), giving them 60 days to provide robust plans demonstrating how they will convincingly address the widespread use of their e-cigarette products by children. While we are very encouraged by FDA's attention to this issue, we remain deeply skeptical that e-cigarette companies will adequately police themselves in a way that benefits the public health. After all, manufacturers have failed to adequately respond to longstanding concerns that flavors were making their products appealing to youth and continue to assert that they do not market their products to kids. As you yourself stated, these companies have treated youth use of their products as a public relations challenge rather than seriously considering their legal obligations, the public health mandate, and the existential threat to these products. There is simply no reason to believe that e-cigarette companies will put children's health ahead of their bottom linenot today, not 60 days from now, not ten years from now. This request has been made to cigarette companies for decades and with e-cigarette companies before. Their response has always been more rhetoric but no meaningful change.\r\nFurther, while focusing on the five manufacturers with the largest market share is logical, it will not solve the problem. Just as a host of other manufacturers jumped in to copy JUUL's success, nothing would prevent other manufacturers from using kid-friendly flavors and marketing practices that appeal to youth. Other manufacturers also claim they do not market to kids even while their practices have contributed to the current problem. Voluntary action by manufacturers is no substitute for industry-wide action by FDA. It is critical that FDA step in and use the authority that Congress gave it to protect kids and the public health.\r\nUnder current law, FDA has a number of existing authorities at its disposal to get kid-friendly e-cigarette and cigar flavorings out of the hands of America's children. For example, as you have threatened, FDA could reverse the decision it made last year to delay a product review of e-cigarettes and cigars that were on the market on August 8, 2016. Because of this delay, thousands of flavored tobacco products are on the market today without a scientific review by FDA of their health risks and appeal to youth. Further, we do not see any evidence that FDA has enforced the current requirements that prohibit manufacturers from introducing products that were not commercially marketed prior to August 8, 2016, or that were modified after that date, without first undergoing a review and receiving authorization from FDA. For certain, products that now deliver nicotine using nicotine salts modelled after JUUL fit that definition. FDA should also quickly promulgate regulations to more aggressively restrict online sales of e-cigarettes and cigars to youth instead of relying on enforcement actions against individual retailers and could take other steps to keep these products out of the hands of young people.\r\nWe urge you to take the strongest action possible to protect our children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction, and to offer our continued Congressional assistance in whatever way would be helpful in your efforts. Thank you.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-sends-sullivans-save-our-seas-act-to-presidents-desk", "Congress Sends Sullivans Save Our Seas Act to Presidents Desk", "2018-10-02", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.02.18\n\t\t\t Congress Sends Sullivan's Save Our Seas Act to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Sullivan on Efforts to Combat Marine Debris: For the media covering this issue - hold your breath - this is a fiercely bipartisan issue.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) applauded the recent passage of the Save Our Seas Act, legislation he introduced along with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to address the global marine debris crisis. The bill, which moves to the President's desk following last Thursday's passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, will boost the federal government's domestic and international response to ocean waste, and allow the NOAA Administrator to declare severe marine debris events and authorize additional funds to states, like Alaska, for cleanup and response efforts.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation is important for the country, for the world, and certainly for Alaska, which has more coastline than the rest of the Lower 48 combined, said Senator Dan Sullivan. The prevalence of marine debris on our shores is a chronic issue. This bill will serve to strengthen the federal response capabilities to marine debris disasters, combat land based marine debris resources, and encourage interagency coordination in stemming the tide of ocean trash and importantly encourage the Trump administration to pursue international agreements with regard to this challenge.\r\nEveryone from scientists, to journalists, to fishermen, to coastal industries and international corporations are sounding the alarm about plastic trash and other marine debris polluting our oceans, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. It's time to protect our precious marine ecosystems and coastal economies from this threat, said Senator Whitehouse, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. This bipartisan bill represents an important step forward in addressing the marine debris crisis. Senators Sullivan, Booker, and I were proud to pass it in the Senate, and I'm thrilled to see it head to the White House today.\r\nLast week, Senator Sullivan spoke at length on the overwhelmingly bipartisan effort to address the growing threat to ocean vitality and coastal ecosystems in a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing entitled Cleaning Up the Oceans: How to Reduce the Impact of Man-Made Trash on the Environment, Wildlife, and Human Health?\r\n\r\nSenator Sullivan speaking before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on the Save Our Seas Act (click image or here to watch).\r\nI want to emphasize what's already been stated. But for the media covering this issue  hold your breath  this is a fiercely bipartisan issue. It does happen here. As a matter of fact, it happens quite a lot, said Senator Sullivan. This past year, Senator Whitehouse and I have engaged early and often with the EPA, the Department of Commerce, the U.S. Trade Representative's office, the State Department, and the American delegation to the G7 summit, other countries in the G7. What resulted in that  with countries in the G20  is a growing, strong commitment to pursue marine debris prevention goals through future international trade agreements and development aid agreements. This is an important step toward, an actionable step, to curbing this man-made plight on our oceans that we all agree is a big problem.\r\nSullivan, a long time champion of combatting the global marine debris crisis, introduced the Save our Seas (SOS) Act on March 29, 2017. The legislation passed the Senate with unanimous support on August 3, 2017 and was sent to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it was amended to include additional provisions relating to maritime safety. The bill was passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on September 26, 2018 with additional maritime safety measures, before unanimously passing the U.S. House of Representatives on September 27, 2018.The bills boasts broad bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats, as well as numerous industry groups.\r\nThe Save our Seas (SOS) Act will help confront the marine debris crisis by:\r\n \r\nAllowing the NOAA Administrator to declare severe marine debris events and authorize funds to assist with cleanup and response. The Governor of the affected state may request the NOAA Administrator make this declaration.\r\nReauthorizing NOAA's Marine Debris Program through FY2022. Its mission is to conduct research on the source of marine debris and take action to prevent and clean up marine debris.\r\nEncouraging the Executive Branch  led by the U.S. State Department  to engage with the leaders of nations responsible for the majority of marine debris, support research into ocean biodegradable plastics, examine the causes of ocean debris, develop effective prevention and mitigation strategies, and quantify the economic benefits for treaty nations in addressing the crisis.\r\n \r\nThe Save Our Seas (SOS) Act also includes maritime safety provisions from separate pieces of legislation, including:\r\n \r\nH.R.6175 - Maritime Safety Act of 2018\r\nH.R. 6206, Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise Act\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-bill-to-strengthen-national-earthquake-resilience-program", "Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen National Earthquake Resilience Program", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.01.18\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen National Earthquake Resilience Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLast week, the Senate passed S. 1768, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan bill to improve the nation's earthquake preparedness. The legislation, introduced by Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., modernizes earthquake-safety programs that help states like Alaska and California prepare for and respond to earthquakes.\r\nThe bill is cosponsored by Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.\r\nAlaska is the most seismically active state in the nation, so I am proud of the work that we've done to move this bill one step closer to becoming law, Murkowski said. The passage of S. 1768 will ensure that communities in Alaska and across the country have the most advanced tools to better prepare for and protect lives from significant earthquakes. I am hopeful that the House of Representatives will quickly consider and pass this legislation.\r\nEarthquake-prone states understand the time to prepare for the next disaster is now, Feinstein said. I'm pleased the Senate voted unanimously to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program to continue vital research and the development of early-warning systems. This life-saving program helps states prepare so they can quickly respond when the next big earthquake inevitably hits.\r\nScientists warn that it is a question of when, not if, Oregon will be struck by a large earthquake, Wyden said. The best thing to do now is to be prepared with a coordinated plan to minimize the potential devastation to people and property. This bill helps on all fronts and I'm glad to join my West Coast colleagues in this forward-thinking work.\r\nThis legislation will strengthen the long-standing federal-state-university partnerships that underpin the nation's earthquake monitoring, and are the framework on which earthquake early warning is being developed and expanded, Mike West, state seismologist for the State of Alaska, said.\r\nThe National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program helps to reduce risks to life and property from future earthquakes, recognizing that earthquake-related losses can be lessened through a coordinated effort,Peter Shearer, president of the Seismological Society of America, said. Reauthorization of NEHRP is vital to continued contribution toward the goal reducing the impact of earthquakes on our communities. We are pleased to see the Senate take action on passing this important legislation.\r\nThe highest impact and most consequential natural disaster we face is a catastrophic earthquake as it would have major impacts beyond California given the physical and economic damage it would ensue, Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Office of Emergency Services, said. Continuous improvement in strengthening our State & nation's ability to plan for, respond to and recover from catastrophic earthquakes is essential.\r\nThe National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act would enable earthquake-prone communities to better prepare and protect themselves by minimizing losses through infrastructure improvements and hazard and risk assessments. The program, first authorized in 1977, has led to significant improvements in earthquake research and infrastructure preparedness. The most recent reauthorization expired in 2009.\r\nThe full text of the legislation can be viewed here.\r\nKey provisions of the bill include:\r\n \r\nReauthorizes the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP);\r\n \r\n \r\nRemoves outdated language related to earthquake prediction and instead emphasizes the continued development of earthquake early warning systems through the Advanced National Seismic System;\r\n \r\n \r\nRequires the production of a set of maps showing active faults and folds, liquefaction susceptibility and other hazards that can be induced by an earthquake, such as landslides;\r\n \r\n \r\nReduces various administrative burdens for federal agencies that are disruptive to the essential mission of the program and improves data sharing between agencies;\r\n \r\n \r\nEnhances coordination among federal agencies, and with state agencies;\r\n \r\n \r\nProvides clear direction to the four federal agencies charged with overseeing NEHRP  the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation  to continue working with states and private sector experts on performance-based design features;\r\n \r\n \r\nDirects the Federal Emergency Management Agency to implement a grant program to assist states with incorporating earthquakes in their hazard reduction portfolios; and\r\n \r\n \r\nDirects the completion of a comprehensive assessment of the nation's earthquake risk reduction progress, as well as remaining areas that require more funding.\r\n \r\nThe bill is supported by the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Association of American State Geologists, the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, the Geological Society of America, the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations, the National Emergency Management Association, and the Seismological Society of America.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-new-us_mexico--canada-agreement", "Sullivan Statement on New U.S.  Mexico  Canada Agreement", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.01.18\n\t\t\t Sullivan Statement on New U.S.  Mexico  Canada Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement after the United States, Mexico, and Canada announced that an agreement has been reached on the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\r\nWhile I'm still reviewing the final text released late last night, I'm glad to see the Trump administration finalize this important trilateral agreement with our closest neighbors and two of our largest trading partners, said Senator Sullivan. In my frequent discussions with the President and his team on trade issues, I have reminded them of the need for reciprocity in our trading relationships, but most importantly, I have repeatedly emphasized to the Administration the importance of engaging with our allies in North America, Europe and Asia to work together to address the very significant challenges that China's unfair and non-reciprocal trading practices pose for American workers, businesses and families. With a revised NAFTA now one step closer to completion, the opportunities for a more coordinated global trading approach with our allies has been enhanced.\r\nIn addition to the modernization of some the larger aspects of NAFTA, I was pleased to see the inclusion of language in the USMCA that addresses the need to take action to prevent and reduce marine debris, as well as the prioritization of fisheries management  made possible by new principal negotiating objectives for the Administration under Trade Promotion Authority, a provision I included in 2016's H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-supports-fbi-investigation-before-vote-on-supreme-court-nominee", "Murkowski Supports FBI Investigation before Vote on Supreme Court Nominee", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.28.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Supports FBI Investigation before Vote on Supreme Court Nominee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Helps Secure Fair Process for Ford, Kavanaugh\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today made the following statement in support of delaying the final vote on Supreme Court Nominee, Brett Kavanaugh:\r\n\"After a full day of testimony, I continued to express concerns to my colleagues about how this process has been handled by both sides of the aisle. In order to fully and fairly complete our due diligence, allowing the FBI up to one week to supplement its background investigation is appropriate. It is important to have a fair process for the sake of both Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford, as well as the integrity of both the judicial branch and the Senate confirmation process.\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399225", "House Approves Congressman Youngs REAL ID Bill", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approvedAlaska Congressman Don Young'sbillH.R. 3398, theREAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Actlast night.\r\nWhen Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, it made no reference to the Freely Associated States (FAS) as among those classes having lawful status, saidCongressman Young. As it is currently written, the law prevents FAS citizens from obtaining anything more than a temporary ID or driver's license, resulting in their inability to maintain stable employment and engage in other lawful activities where they legally reside. While FAS citizens lawfully reside and work in the United States pursuant to the Compact of Free Association, the way the law is written creates a new host of barriers for these citizens. My bill solves this issue and I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation.  \r\n\r\nOn behalf of the many Marshallese who are proud to call these United States and its territories their home, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Congressman Don Young for his leadership in the House for passing the REAL ID Modification for Freely Association States Act,\" saidHis Excellency Gerald M. Zackios, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the United States of America.\"Today is a momentous day, and it would not have been possible without Congressman Young's sponsorship, dedication and effectiveness in Congress.\r\nH.R. 3398 passed out of the House and will now head to the Senate for further consideration. This is Congressman Young's ninth bill to pass out of the House during the 115thCongress.\r\nBackground:\r\nWhen Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, no reference was made to the Freely Associated States, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau (FAS) as among those classes having lawful status for the purpose of the Act. Instead, reference was made in the definition of State to the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), an entity that has not existed since 1994. While that reference served no operative purpose, it did show Congressional intent to include FAS citizens under the Act. This legislation aims to solve that issue. The REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act would amend Real ID Act of 2005 to permit Freely Associated States (FAS) to meet identification requirements under such Act.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399223", "House Passes Five Year FAA Authorization Package", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today,Alaska Congressman Don YoungsupportedH.R. 302to reform and reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), disaster programs at the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the National Transportation Safety Board. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide a five-year reauthorization for FAA.\r\nI'm proud to support this bill which will provide stability for our aviation industry and infrastructure which we know is so crucial in Alaska, saidCongressman Young. Traveling through Alaska often requires flying and this bill will ensure that airports both large and small can make the necessary upgrades to ensure passenger and crew safety. This legislation will deliver critical and timely investments for aviation projects across Alaska which I worked diligently to secure. As the senior member and former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I ensured many Alaska specific provisions were included and the policies in this bill reflect the needs in our state. Improving and modernizing our infrastructure will allow this country to remain a competitive leader in the aviation sector  something that can be accomplished thanks to this bipartisan and bicameral work.\r\nAlaska Provisions Congressman Young Secured:\r\n \r\n    Essential Air Service (EAS): Increases funding for EAS through FY 2023, which is vital for continuing air service to small communities throughout Alaska.\r\n    Little Diomede: This airport will be added to the EAS Program.\r\n    Relieving Regulatory Burdens on Air Carriers:Language to ensure that requirements for weather forecasting and weather reporting are appropriate for the unique operating environment in Alaska.\r\n    Small Airport Regulation Relief:A provision was included to protect ample Airport Improvement Program funds for certain airports -- communities like Manotak and Haines.\r\n    Remote Airport Access Roads:Rural airport access roads will be more accessible for local uses in Alaska; such as allowing people access to their property.\r\n    Includes an exemption for the transmission of fully charged lithium ion batteries (e.g. batteries for a pacemaker) to Alaska.\r\n \r\nH.R. 302 passed out of the House with unanimous support. This bill will go to the Senate for consideration before the September 30, 2018 authorization expiration for FAA. This legislation modernizes airport infrastructure, improves service for customers, streamlines and reforms the FAA certification and regulatory processes, enhances aviation safety and reforms FEMA programs and the TSA.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-quantum-technologies-can-change-the-world", "Murkowski: Quantum Technologies Can Change the World", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.25.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski: Quantum Technologies Can Change the World \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to examine the Department of Energy's (DOE) efforts for quantum information science (QIS)  working with the National Labs, universities, and private industry  which could transform the future of computing. Expert witnesses discussed the challenges and opportunities that currently exist with the technology.\r\nMurkowski opened the hearing by emphasizing the importance of the U.S. staying ahead of the curve by investing in quantum technology.\r\nWhether mapping the human genome or landing on the moon, we have seen how committed research efforts can change the world, Murkowski said. Quantum promises to revolutionize the speed and scale at which we process data, which could allow for breakthroughs in energy, medicine, communications, and almost every other facet of our lives.\r\nQIS is the wide-ranging area of research that can harness quantum physics phenomena for application in sensing, communications, and computing, which could enable us to go beyond the physical limits of today's computers to store and process far more data faster than ever thought possible.\r\nOne of the hearing witnesses, DOE Under Secretary for Science Paul Dabbar, spoke about the growing importance of QIS on the international stage, and called attention to our domestic needs.\r\nUniversities and the DOE National Laboratories are poised to generate new insights and approaches to information processing and other technologies. With strategic investments, America can remain on the leading edge of this next frontier of Information Age science and technology, Dabbar said.\r\nIn his testimony, Todd Holmdahl, Microsoft's corporate vice president of quantum, noted the United States' opportunity to advance a quantum economy by supporting greater investment in quantum computing technology education initiatives.\r\nBy partnering with industry to develop curriculum and provide on-the-job training and by establishing a national program to build a quantum computer, the Department of Energy can ensure our workforce is ready for quantum computing technology, Holmdahl said.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. An archived video and testimony from today's hearing are available on the committee's website. Click here to view Murkowski's questions for witnesses.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-sullivan-sets-record-straight-on-kavanaugh-protesters", "Senator Sullivan Sets Record Straight on Kavanaugh Protesters", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.25.18\n\t\t\t Senator Sullivan Sets Record Straight on Kavanaugh Protesters \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement on protests today in opposition to Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court:\r\nThere has been a number of questions raised today regarding a protest in and directly outside of my Washington, D.C. office in opposition to Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Given the attention this has received, I believe it warrants a response.\r\nFirst, I try to meet with each and every Alaskan visiting Washington, D.C. In recent weeks I've met with numerous individuals, groups and organizations expressing their support for and opposition against the Kavanaugh nomination, including many from our Alaska Native community  a group I deeply respect. This group was no different. They had requested a meeting with me earlier in the week and we offered them a 3pm meeting today. They declined to participate. Today, during their protest, they demanded to meet with me immediately. Unfortunately I was participating in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing at the time.\r\nSecond, these protesters were not turned away from my office. It is my personal policy, and that of my staff, to show respect for all my Alaskan constituents, whether in my office, town halls, or meetings throughout the state. This particular group stayed in my office for approximately 15 minutes, where they were listened to in a respectful manner, and left on their own accord. Due to requirements of the Architect of the Capitol, which restricts the number of people allowed in my front office, the group was only asked to limit the number of individuals inside my office to 11 people while others waited outside.\r\nThird, my office did not notify the U.S. Capitol Police. No protesters were arrested inside my Senate office, nor were any protesters arrested at the request of myself or any member of my staff. Any arrests made today, including those made in the hallways or public passageways of the Senate Hart Office Buildings, were at the discretion of the U.S. Capitol Police  charged with protecting the U.S. Congress; its legislative processes, employees, visitors, and facilities from crime and disruption. It is our understanding that these individuals were offered multiple opportunities by the U.S. Capitol Police to cease what has been described as \"unlawful demonstration activities, including obstructing public passageways and business activities. Some chose to do so, while others chose to be arrested.\r\nI believe all Alaskans deserve to be heard in a respectful manner. Since the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh, I've regularly met with Alaskans on these important issues, including a number of groups and individuals from our Alaska Native community. As I stated before, if I believed or saw evidence that Judge Kavanaugh's views were somehow opposed or hostile to Alaska Natives  a very important population of our state that includes my wife, daughters, and mother-in-law  I would not support his confirmation.\r\nLastly, on recent claims made against Judge Kavanaugh. I would like to reiterate that allegations of sexual assault should be taken seriously. Both Professor Ford and Judge Kavanaugh deserve the right to be heard on this matter. I commend Chairman Grassley on committing to as much and will be following Thursday's Committee hearing closely.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/committee-addresses-transparency-to-reduce-healthcare-costs", "Committee Addresses Transparency to Reduce Healthcare Costs", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.21.18\n\t\t\t Committee Addresses Transparency to Reduce Healthcare Costs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Allows Patients to Choose Higher Quality Care at a Lower Rate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t In Alaska and the rest of the United States, patients rarely know the cost of medical services before receiving care, and costs can vary significantly depending on where one chooses to receive care. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) this week participated in a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing to reduce healthcare costs by making healthcare information on cost and quality more transparent.\r\nThe hearing featured witnesses Leah Binder, President & CEO of the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit in DC dedicated to improved safety and quality in hospitals; Bill Kampine, co-founder and Senior VP of Client Analytics of the Healthcare Bluebook, a company aimed at providing transparent cost and quality information about medical procedures across the country; Nancy Giunto, Executive Director of the Washington Health Alliance, a nonprofit organization representing 185 member organizations, aiming to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare; and Ty Tippets, Administrator of St. George Surgical Center Utah, a physician-owned ambulatory surgical center.\r\nThe hearing focused on how making healthcare information transparent on cost and quality allows patients to choose high quality at the lowest costs, equips employers to better negotiate contracts with insurance companies and providers, and allow hospitals and providers to improve their quality and lower prices to remain competitive in the market. During the hearing, Senator Murkowski spoke to the challenges in Alaska and the need to improve healthcare cost transparency.\r\n\r\n(Click the image for the video.)\r\nThere's been a lot of discussion as we have looked to differing ways that we can help families when it comes to healthcare costs. I've been working with a colleague of mine on making sure that we are able to have Health Savings Accounts that are robust enough to help cover those costs. But if I have a good nest-egg of a HSA sitting over here, but I don't really have an ability to shop wisely and use those saved dollars wisely, what are we doing? So this conversation is so very important when we talk about transparency, said Senator Murkowski. I live in a state and a place, Anchorage is our biggest population center, but we just don't have a lot of competition, so if you are looking to go to the hospital in Bethel, there's no point in shopping around because you have one and the same is true in just about every community outside Anchorage, Alaska.\r\nSenator Murkowski asked witnesses on what role Congress has in mandating the education and engagement aspects critical to increasing healthcare cost transparency.\r\nThe role of government should actually be as narrow as possible in looking at this issue. I think the role of government is to ensure that the data and information is scientifically sound, reliable, and available. And then make that available to public entities like all of us, and then we have incentive to reach out to the public and engage them, answered Leah Binder, We need more data, publically available data that we can use.\r\nFirst, help us all teach consumers that healthcare is shop-able, Nancy Giunto explained. I would also say that there are many organizations called Regional Health Improvement Collaboratives around the country that have all of the stakeholders convened around the table to try to work on this issue in their local environment, When things get solved locally with people who have skin in the game, it's an opportunity for improvement.\r\nMost people are healthy most of the time, and so they don't think about this and it is key to educate up front. What we know is that if consumers know they need to shop, and they know that prices vary, and they know quality varies, then they'll shop and they'll get better value. But you can't do it at a rifle-shot, it has to be continuous. So, someone with heart disease has to know about this issue when they ultimately consume, people with other conditions as well, answered Bill Kampine. So a steady drumbeat a regular communication, I do think we do that. That's our responsibility, but we need the data to be able to do that, but that is probably the biggest key.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/schatz-murkowski-introduce-legislation-to-expand-amber-alert-system-to-all-us-territories-help-find-missing-children", "Schatz, Murkowski Introduce Legislation To Expand Amber Alert System To All U.S. Territories, Help Find Missing Children", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.21.18\n\t\t\t Schatz, Murkowski Introduce Legislation To Expand Amber Alert System To All U.S. Territories, Help Find Missing Children \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced legislation to expand the AMBER Alert system to include all U.S. territories. The national AMBER Alert network distributes alerts on highway billboards, TVs, radio, and cellular phones to mobilize the public when a child is missing or abducted. It has helped rescue more than 900 children to date.\r\nAMBER Alerts have helped save hundreds of children. There's no good reason for U.S. territories to be excluded from this system,Senator Schatz said.With this bill, we can help children and their families quickly end the nightmare that is child abduction.?\r\nEstablished as a nationwide system, we are long overdue in providing all of our territories with access to this essential and effective service,Senator Murkowski said.I thank Sen. Schatz for introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure all U.S. territories can utilize this life-saving technology to better protect our communities.\r\nFirst established in 2003, the original legislation authorizing the program did not include grant funding to help all U.S. territories implement the system. In addition to all 50 states, only the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were eligible for grant funding.\r\nThe Schatz-Murkowski legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide federal grant funding to help all U.S. territories implement the AMBER Alert program on a voluntary basis. Specifically, it would:\r\n \r\nReauthorize DOJ's AMBER Alert grant program and make all five U.S. territories  American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands  eligible for funding;\r\nIntegrate territorial law enforcement agencies into the national AMBER Alert system, including state or regional AMBER Alert communication plans;\r\nDirect the DOJ's AMBER Alert coordinator to work with the Department of Homeland Security; and\r\nAuthorize DOT to provide grants for AMBER Alert signs along public roadways and other major transportation routes, including airports, maritime ports, border crossings/checkpoints, and ports of exit from U.S. territories.\r\n \r\nCompanion legislation has been introduced by U.S. Representative Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) in the House.?\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/bipartisan-bill-addresses-suicide-crisis-in-native-communities", "Bipartisan Bill Addresses Suicide Crisis in Native Communities", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.20.18\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Bill Addresses Suicide Crisis in Native Communities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Would Give Tribes a Seat at the Table in Planning Suicide Prevention Programs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and fourteen other Senate colleagues in introducing the Native American Suicide Prevention Act.This legislation would help address the alarming suicide rate in Native communities by requiring collaboration among state governments and tribal communities to develop and implement statewide suicide early intervention and prevention strategies.This legislation ensures Native communities are not left out of the planning and execution of statewide suicide prevention programs.\r\nYear after year Alaska tops the charts with having some of the highest suicide rates in the country. It's far too prevalent in our Native communities. We also know that one suicide is too many, said Senator Murkowski. I am proud to introduce the Native American Suicide Prevention Act with my colleague Senator Warren, to ensure Native communities have a seat at the table in developing and implementing statewide suicide intervention and prevention strategies. Together, we can give Alaskans the support they need and ultimately, hope. \r\nAlaska has had a sad history of high suicide rates, especially among the Alaska Native community, which has some of the highest suicide rates of any ethnic group in the country, said Senator Sullivan. Each life lost to suicide is a tragedy for the family and loved ones, for the community, for our state and for our country. We must do more to help stop this epidemic. The Native American Suicide Prevention Act will mandate that Tribal organizations, who know their communities best, have input on developing and implementing statewide suicide intervention and prevention strategies. This bill is part of a solution to save lives and to get Alaskans help when they most need it.\r\nBackground: Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for Alaska Natives. From 2012-2015, the suicide mortality rate for Alaska Natives was 40.9 deaths per 100,000 people. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Region of Alaska had a significant higher rate compared to all other regions of Alaska, with a rate of 64.1 per 100,000 during 2012-2015. To put that in perspective, during 2012-2014 the national suicide rate for all races was 13.1 per 100,000.\r\nThe bill has received support from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Alaska Native Health Board, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the National Council of Urban Indian Health, and the Association For Behavioral Healthcare.\r\nTheNative American Suicide Prevention Actis the Senate companion to H.R. 3473, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Ral M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), and 27 other House cosponsors.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-in-favor-of-funding-package-to-benefit-alaska", "Murkowski Votes in Favor of Funding Package to Benefit Alaska", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.18.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski Votes in Favor of Funding Package to Benefit Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Supports Defense, Labor, Health, and Education in Alaska\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted in favor of the Conference Report for H.R. 6157, a funding package which includes the Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019 and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The funding package includes the largest pay raise for troops in nearly a decade, funding for a new national firefighter cancer registry, and support for high quality educational and job training opportunities for Alaskans of all ages. Senator Murkowski, as a senior member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped craft the original Senate version of the bill, which passed by a vote of 85-7 on August 24. The bill also contains a continuing resolution (CR) through December 7, 2018, for any appropriations bills not enacted before October 1, 2018, the start of Fiscal Year 2019.\r\nThe bill passed the Senate with a vote of 93-7. Following passage in the House, which is expected to vote on the legislation next week, the bill will be sent to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nThe funding package that passed the Senate today is significant to the economic prosperity and security of our nation and for Alaska. This legislation will bolster our defense capabilities by modernizing some of our existing facilities, strengthening our training, and emphasizing the importance of further developing Alaska's strategic military presence in the Arctic. said Senator Murkowski. We also invest in Alaskans' workforce training and education. By directing funds to programs that will support high-quality, locally-led job training and education initiatives, we're giving Alaskans the opportunity to fill good Alaskan jobs and to support the economic livelihood of our state. Another initiative that I'm proud was included in the Conference Report is support for legislation I co-sponsored, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, which prioritizes the health and safety of both paid and unpaid firefighters. With the input of my fellow Alaskans, the support of my Senate colleagues, and the collaboration of the conference committee, I'm proud of priorities we've secured to help meet the unique needs of Alaska.\r\nDEFENSE HIGHLIGHTS\r\nAlaska Initiatives\r\n \r\nModernizing Air Force Training Ranges: Includes $88.9 million for modernizations, including the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex in Interior Alaska, to meet the challenges of preparing fighter pilots for fifth generation warfare. These funds will pay for new technology such as threat emulators, targets and decoys, detection systems and communications equipment which will enable F-22 and F-35 crews to prepare for advances in the air warfare capabilities of potential adversaries.\r\nSpaceports: Provides $10 million to ensure private spaceports, like Pacific Spaceport Alaska in Kodiak, maintain their readiness to carry out defense missions.\r\nInnovative Readiness Training: Provides a $10 million budget increase for the Innovative Readiness Training program,which brings military reservists from across the country to Alaska for advanced training in remote construction and healthcare delivery.\r\nSecure Power Generation: Contains $8 million to determine the feasibility of secure power generation and distribution on military facilities in remote environments. Second year funding of $3 million is provided for an evaluation of distributed generation on Eielson Air Force Base.\r\nPrecision Approach Radar: Provides $5 million to replace an aging Precision Approach Radar at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.\r\nPermafrost Tunnel Research Facility: Provides a $4 million increase for improvements to the Corps of Engineers Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility near Fairbanks.\r\nArctic Sustainment Package: Provides for the purchase of additional Arctic Sustainment Packages for the Alaska Air National Guard from a $900 million fund to purchase equipment for the National Guard and Reserves. Arctic Sustainment Packages are used by search and rescue elements of the Alaska Air National Guard to sustain rescuers and victims in Arctic environments.\r\nWater Supply Contamination Reimbursement: Includes $45 million to reimburse community water supply agencies for contamination of certain firefighting foam chemicals used at Air Force installations, including Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.\r\n \r\nNational Initiatives:\r\n \r\nMilitary Pay Raise: Includes funds to provide for a 2.6% pay increase to military personnel.\r\nArctic Broadband Infrastructure: Includes language that requires the Defense Department to evaluate the current state of broadband infrastructure in the Arctic against anticipated needs and to report on the balance between supply and demand of critical and strategic minerals which are used in defense hardware.\r\nHealth Research and Development Programs: Provides $1.17 billion for congressionally directed medical research programs. Senator Murkowski once again championed funding for research into ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) by providing $10 to the program. The VA has determined that the presence of ALS in veterans is presumed to be service connected, as they are disproportionately affected by ALS.\r\nMissile Defense: Provides $10.5 billion for the Missile Defense Agency, which includes funding for a new space based program to track incoming missiles. It fully funds the President's budget request of $500 million to support Israeli cooperative missile defense programs supported by Senator Murkowski.\r\nF-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircrafts: The measure would provide $9.34 billion for 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, which would be 16 more than requested.\r\nFamily Advocacy Program: Adds $10 million to the Defense Family Advocacy Program targeted to address recent reports about child-on-child sexual assaults on military installations.\r\n \r\nLABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES HIGHLIGHTS\r\nAlaska Initiatives:\r\n \r\nAlaska Native Educational Equity Program (ANEP): Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, $35.4 million is provided to fund supplemental educational programs that help meet the unique needs of Alaska Native schoolchildren.\r\nStrengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions: Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, provides $15.9 million to strengthen Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, including several University of Alaska campuses.\r\n \r\nNational Initiatives Important for Alaskans:\r\n \r\nTraining and Employment Services Grants to States: Maintains level funding of $2.7 billion for state-led job training programs for youth, adults, and dislocated workers.\r\nJob Corps: Includes level funding at $1.7 billion to provide career and technical training to young Alaskans at facilities such as the Alaska Job Corps Center in Palmer.\r\nFirefighter Cancer Registry: Includes bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senators Murkowski and Menendez to create a national registry for firefighters diagnosed with cancer was signed into law in July 2018. This funding package includes Senators Murkowski and Menendez's amendment to provide $1 million for the CDC to start up that firefighter cancer registry. \r\n21st Century Community Learning Centers: Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, maintains funding at $1.2 billion to support afterschool programs to give working parents peace of mind and keep kids safe and engaged in learning after school.\r\nAmeriCorps State and National Grants: Provides $425 million, an increase of $13 million, to help state agencies and local organizations meet community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.\r\nHead Start Program: Provides $10 billion for the Head Start programa $200 million increaseto support high quality early childhood education nationwide, including for 3,000 young Alaskans in 100 communities.\r\nChild Care and Development Block Grant: Increases funding to $5.27 billion to assist child care providers to better meet the needs of low-income working families who seek high-quality, affordable child care.\r\nEducation for Homeless Children and Youth: $93,500,000, an increase of $8 million, to assist school districts to serve homeless children and youth and their families.\r\nStrengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities: Includes increased funding to $31.8 million to support colleges and universities like Ilisagvik College in Utgiagvik, formerly known as Barrow. \r\nStudent Support and Academic Enrichment Grants: Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, increased funding to $1.17 billion to help schools provide a well-rounded education, provide programs for safe and healthy students, and to integrate technology into schools.\r\nReady-to-Learn Television: Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, maintains funding at $27.7 million to develop educational programming and media to support the early education of preschool and elementary school students. \r\nIndian Education National Activities: Maintains funding at $6.865 million, including no less than $2.026 million for Native American and Alaska Native Language Immersion Schools and Programs grants, created by Senator Murkowski in 2016 due to the significant cognitive, psychological, and academic benefits of schools where the indigenous language is the primary language of instruction.\r\nIndian Education Grants: Maintains funding at $180 million to address the unique education and culturally related academic needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students.\r\nCareer and Technical Education State Grants (Carl D. Perkins): Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, increases funding to $1.26 billion to help train youth and young adults for careers.\r\nSpecial Olympics: Increased funding by $2.5 million to $17.6 million to support the work of the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Over 2,000 athletes are empowered by Special Olympics Alaska, training and competing in 16 different Olympic-type sports.\r\nSpecial Olympics Healthy Athletes Program: Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, includes $10.5 million, a $2 million increase, to help provide free health screenings and training for medical professionals to provide more effective care.\r\nCorporation for Public Broadcasting: Proposed to be phased out by the Administration, maintains level funding of $445 million for public radio, television, and related online and mobile services. This is especially critical due to diminishing state funds for public broadcasting  the main news source for many communities throughout Alaska.\r\nInstitute for Museum and Library Services: Proposed to be phased out by the Administration, provides $242 millionan increase of $2 millionthat will help Alaska's libraries and museums serve their communities, such as National Medal awardee the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, and National Medal finalists Craig Public Library, Haines Borough Public Library, Juneau Public Libraries, and the Ketchikan Public Library.\r\nLIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Originally proposed to be eliminated by the administration, provides an additional $50 million, for a total of $3.69 billion, to provide assistance with home energy costs to low-income households, with a focus on seniors and homes with young children.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEducation,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDefense,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBudget, Spending, and the National Debt\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-warren-colleagues-unveil-bipartisan-bill-to-address-suicide-crisis-in-native-communities", "Murkowski, Warren, Colleagues Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Address Suicide Crisis in Native Communities", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.18.18\n\t\t\t Murkowski, Warren, Colleagues Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Address Suicide Crisis in Native Communities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Legislation Would Give Tribes a Seat at the Table in Planning Suicide Prevention Programs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Bill Text | One-Pager\r\nUnited States Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with fifteen of their Senate colleagues, today introduced the bipartisan Native American Suicide Prevention Act. This legislation would help address the suicide crisis in Indian Country by ensuring collaboration among states and tribal communities to design and implement statewide suicide intervention and prevention strategies that work for their communities. The Native American Suicide Prevention Act is the Senate companion to H.R. 3473, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Ral M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Congressman Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and 27 other House cosponsors.\r\n\"Year after year Alaska tops the charts with having some of the highest suicide rates in the country. It's far too prevalent in our Native communities. We also know that one suicide is too many,\" said Senator Murkowski. \"I am proud to introduce the Native American Suicide Prevention Act with my colleague Senator Warren, to ensure Native communities have a seat at the table in developing and implementing statewide suicide intervention and prevention strategies. Together, we can give Alaskans the support they need and ultimately, hope. \"\r\n\"Any conversation on suicide prevention must begin at the grassroots, and tribal communities must be involved in every step of the process,\" said Senator Warren. \"With suicide rates reaching crisis levels in Indian Country, it is now more important than ever to take action. I'm glad to partner with my colleagues on a bipartisan bill to empower Native communities to develop and implement suicide prevention programs that best suit their communities and help save more lives.\"\r\n\"Growing and disproportionate suicide rates in Native American communities should be a call to action for a federal government that has long ignored the needs of this community,\" said Representative Grijalva. \"By empowering Indian Country to become involved with statewide suicide interventions, we will be able to implement the culturally competent solutions that will ultimately save lives. With this legislation, we can better ensure that no family in Indian Country will have to endure the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide.\"\r\nNative American reservations are experiencing an epidemic of suicide that is claiming the lives of countless young people. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native people ages 10-34. For American Indians and Alaska Natives ages 15-34, the suicide rate is 1.5 times higher than the national average. In some tribal communities, the youth suicide rate is 10 times greater than the national average. Despite the devastating scope of this crisis and the clear need for Native communities' involvement in the development of suicide prevention strategies, tribes and tribal organizations are too often left out of planning and execution of statewide suicide prevention programs.\r\nThe Native American Suicide Prevention Act would help address this epidemic by amending the Public Health Service Act to require states or state-designated entities to collaborate with tribes in an effort to curtail the alarming suicide rate in Native communities. Specifically, the bill would mandate that state governments collaborate with each federally recognized Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian organization, and Native Hawaiian health care system in the state in developing and implementing statewide suicide early intervention and prevention strategies.\r\nJoining Senators Warren and Murkowski in sponsoring this legislation are Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).\r\n\"New Mexico and all of Indian Country have lost far too many people in Native communities to suicide - and it is past time that we confront this crisis,\" said Senator Udall, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. \"This legislation is an important step in empowering Tribal organizations to help states develop effective, culturally competent strategies to decrease the risk of suicide in Native communities. Through collaboration and partnership, we can implement intervention and prevention programs that are sensitive to the unique needs of Indian Country. As the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I'm committed to working to strengthen our national response to suicide and connect Native people to the resources they need to choose life.\"\r\n\"On reservations in North Dakota and across the country, we have seen a disturbing trend of tribal citizens- particularly Native youth- experiencing serious mental health struggles caused in part by factors like poverty, domestic abuse, and fewer educational opportunities. And far too often, these generational issues lead to a disproportionate number of deaths by suicide,\" said Senator Heitkamp, Member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. \"By requiring states to actively collaborate with tribes on this urgent issue, our bipartisan bill would give tribes a much-needed seat at the table as cutting-edge, evidence-based early intervention and prevention strategies are developed. I've long advocated for addressing the traumatic stress Native American children experience, and this legislation would also encourage culturally-appropriate practices to enable Native youth to get the support they need and encourage effective suicide prevention so they remain strong and safe.\"\r\n\"The U.S. federal government has a sacred trust responsibility to uphold its treaty obligations and provide for the well-being of our native peoples, including American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. There is an epidemic of suicide in Native communities, and we need to do more to address it. I've co-sponsored this bill because it will help us uphold the trust relationship and help bring an end to this devastating crisis,\" said Senator Cortez Masto, Member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.\r\n\"The suicide crisis among native communities is costing far too many lives, and we need to act,\" said Senator Merkley. \"Working in partnership with tribes to stem this crisis is not just the right thing to do, it's key to forming an effective strategy to end this epidemic.\"\r\n\"Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for Native Americans, yet far too often Tribes have been denied a seat at the table in the allocation of funding and design of critical suicide prevention programming,\" said Senator Blumenthal. \"This Act will right that wrong, directing states to include Tribes in the development of state strategies for preventing suicides.\"\r\n\"We must do more to address the growing number of suicides in Indian Country,\" said Senator Tester, Member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. \"This bipartisan bill will allow tribes to take the lead so they can develop culturally relevant strategies that work best for tribal communities, families, and youth. It is time that we confront this epidemic head on.\"\r\n\"Suicide disproportionately hurts Native communities, and tribes should be able to share input about how we can best work together to develop intervention and prevention strategies for their families,\" said Senator Smith, Member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. \"This bipartisan legislation will ensure this coordination happens, so we can take an effective and culturally appropriate approach to getting people the help they need.\"\r\nOrganizations that support the Native American Suicide Prevention Act include the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the National Council of Urban Indian Health, the Alaska Native Health Board, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Papa Ola Lokahi, and the Association For Behavioral Healthcare.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/pacific-salmon-treaty-agreement-announced", "Pacific Salmon Treaty Agreement Announced", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.18.18\n\t\t\t Pacific Salmon Treaty Agreement Announced \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Includes Improvements in Modeling, Mitigation, Stock Assessments, and Implementation Funding\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today welcomed the announcement of the Pacific Salmon Treaty agreement between the U.S. and Canada that determines shared harvest levels for B.C., Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. For the first time since the creation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty in 1985, the 59-member Alaska Treaty Team unanimously supported the Alaska position contained within the ten-year conservation and harvest agreement.\r\nComing to an agreement like this no easy task, so to know that the renegotiated Pacific Salmon Treaty agreement received unanimous support from the Alaska Treaty Team, for the first time in history, is extremely telling. While this agreement is not perfect, I know our Alaskan negotiators worked very hard over these past few years to represent Alaskan's interests. I expect that all parties will continue the cooperative efforts to maintain a conservation-based salmon management system. While any reduction is difficult, I understand that Alaska's 7.5% reduction in Chinook harvest share was viewed as a necessary compromise by the Alaska Treaty Team and that Alaska will see the smallest harvest reduction of the Treaty parties, as we share the burden of conservation. said Senator Murkowski. Through my work on the Appropriations Committee, I look forward to supporting the next 10 years of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. I will continue to push for robust funding to sustain its implementation and support necessary mitigation and work to ensure that all parties are meeting their Treaty obligations. I remain committed to ensuring Alaska's priorities are taken into consideration and that our federal government is meeting its commitments regarding the appropriate management of ESA-listed salmon stocks.\r\nChinook harvest share reductions within the new 10-year agreement: Alaska will take a 7.5% reduction; Washington and Oregon will take a variable 5-15% reduction depending on the stock; Canada will take a 12.5% reduction.\r\nBackground: The bilateral Pacific Salmon Treaty governs the shared harvest and conservation of Pacific salmon species along the Pacific Northwest coast. Treaty-based agreements for harvest sharing and fishery management between the United States and Canada are renegotiated every ten years, with the last renegotiated annex signed in 2009. The 2018 agreement, announced on Monday, September 17, includes additional funding for Treaty implementation, accountability provisions to ensure management is based on standardized and unbiased science, and renewed commitments from both the United States and Canada to apply appropriate management measures to transboundary and coast-wide salmon stocks.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska's Fisheries\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-sweeping-legislation-to-combat-opioid-crisis", "Senate Passes Sweeping Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "09.18.18\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Sweeping Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Yesterday, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation known as the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 to further address the enduring epidemic affecting every state and nearly every community across the nation. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a longtime champion for combatting the opioid addiction crisis, applauded the efforts to produce the bipartisan package  which included provisions from more than 70 U.S. Senators across five separate committees.\r\nYesterday, the Senate overwhelmingly passed milestone legislation to further combat the opioid crisis and help some of the most vulnerable in our communities, said Senator Sullivan. Last year, more than 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses -- the highest rate ever. Addressing this crisis  one of the greatest public health risks we've seen in a generation  continues to be a top priority of mine and so many others. As we all know, addiction does not discriminate. It affects everyone, and it's essential that we get Alaskans the help that they need.It's imperative that the federal government addresses this crisis with the sense of urgency it requires, which includes both funding for states like Alaska that have been hit hardest by this drug crisis and associated crime wave but also the necessary policy changes to support prevention, treatment and recovery. This legislation  which has an important focus on rural and remote communities  represents significant progress towards supporting those on the front lines and helping combat the scourge of drug abuse, addiction and crime.\r\nThe Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 takes important steps to reduce illegal drug use and its supply chain  including legislation known as the STOP Act to help stop synthetic drugs from entering the country through the U.S. Postal Service and the reauthorization of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. The bill also assists states in addressing substance use disorders, supports in-school and early childhood education programs, and works to improve access to treatment, health professionals, long-distance care, and recovery housing, among other things.\r\nThe legislation builds off previous efforts to assist in battling the opioid epidemic, including the passage of both the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) in 2016 and the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations bill in March which included $4.7 billion to fight the opioid crisis ($1 billion in grants to states). Ongoing efforts include the Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2019 Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, which contains $3.8 billion to help combat the opioid crisis.\r\nProvisions in the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 championed by Senator Sullivan:\r\n \r\n21st Century Cures Act Funding Extension  Reauthorizes and improves the state targeted response grants from the 21st Century Cures Act to provide funding to Tribes and to improve flexibility for states in using the grants. Includes language championed by Senator Sullivan for a 5% set aside for funding made available through the Act to tribe and tribal organizations. Also provides resources for tribes, including outreach and technical assistances, to encourage grant application participation.\r\n \r\n \r\nOpioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act  Includes legislation cosponsored by Senator Sullivan aimed at protecting individuals with opioid use disorder and their families from harmful and misleading addiction treatment programs or products. The provision will hold fraudulent substance abuse treatment programs and recovery centers accountable by empowering the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to bring enforcement actions to combat such scams. For more information, click here.\r\n \r\n \r\nSynthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act  Includes legislation cosponsored by Senator Sullivan to help stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil  primarily from China  from being shipped through the postal system drug by traffickers here in the United States, particularly important to addressing the major influx of drugs entering remote Alaskan communities.\r\n \r\n\r\nA section by section of The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 can be found here.\r\nBackground on Senator Sullivan's Work to Combat the Opioid Epidemic:\r\n \r\nOctober of 2015  Eight Alaska women who struggle with addiction visit Senator Sullivan in his Washington, DC office and serve as the inspiration for the 2016 Alaska Wellness Summit: Conquering the Opioid Crisis.\r\nJuly 13, 2016  Sullivan helps champion passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), legislation to combat the opioid epidemic across the nation, including Alaska.\r\nAugust 4, 2016  Sullivan convenes the Alaska Wellness Summit: Conquering the Opioid Crisis, dedicated to conquering the opioid and heroin epidemic scourging our nation and great state of Alaska. Speakers included: U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Mary Wakefield, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, top-level U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials, and esteemed Alaskans will be participating and speaking.\r\nDecember 7, 2016  Sullivan supports critical passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, which included $1 billion over two years for states to combat the opioid crisis, along with other priorities.\r\nApril 25, 2017  Sullivan invited to attend small, bipartisan group leaders at the White House for a meeting with the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, chaired by Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ).\r\nOctober 26, 2017  Sullivan attends White House for President Trump's announcement declaring the opioid crisis a public health emergency.\r\nFebruary 27, 2018  Senator Sullivan joins seven of his Senate colleagues in authoring and introducing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 Act, bipartisan legislation to increase the funding authorization levels for the CARA programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic. Many provisions included in this legislation were adopted in the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018.\r\nMay 5, 2018  Alaska Congressional Delegation welcomes a critical announcement by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) designating areas surrounding Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). Declaration represents the first new regional HIDTA program since 2001 and made Alaska the 50th state to be eligible for the federal grant program.\r\nAugust 17, 2018  Senator Sullivan convenes the Alaska Wellness Summit 2.0  Confronting Alaska's Crime Wave, a gathering of federal, state and local community leaders dedicated to tackling the many challenges associated with the growing opioid and heroin epidemic. The summit was attended by top state and federal officials, including the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Jim Carroll.\r\n \r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 481, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "AK", "p1": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 481, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2018&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 481, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "AK", "label": "AK", "count": 481, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 481, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-09-18,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Esullivan~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsenate-passes-sweeping-legislation-to-combat-opioid-crisis", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2018&_next=2018-09-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Esullivan~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsenate-passes-sweeping-legislation-to-combat-opioid-crisis&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 133.86741187423468, "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"}