{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"AK\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-murkowski-bill-honoring-unrecognized-heroes-of-the-greatest-generation-passes-senate", "ICYMI: Murkowski Bill Honoring Unrecognized Heroes of the Greatest Generation Passes Senate", "2019-12-31", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.31.19\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Murkowski Bill Honoring Unrecognized Heroes of the Greatest Generation 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 Celebrates Achievements of WWII Merchant Mariners\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded Senate passage of her bill, the Merchant Marines of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, to honor the Merchant Mariners who protected our nation during World War II. The bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the WWII mariners in recognition of their dedicated and vital service. The House successfully passed the companion bill in September, sponsored by Representative John Garamendi (D-CA). The Senate version of the bill now heads to the House for final approval.\r\nDespite their loyalty and patriotic services and commitment to the United States, our WWII Merchant Marines didn't receive their veteran status until nearly forty years after the war had ended. The Merchant Mariners provided crucial services during WWII by transporting soldiers, tanks, airplanes, ammunition, fuel, and food to aid soldiers on the front lines. This legislation recognizes the unsung heroes of the WWII conflict, for their loyalty and bravery, as they risked their lives to keep the Allied troops properly equipped, said Senator Murkowski. I'm thankful my Senate colleagues recognizes the importance of honoring the brave Merchant Mariners for their pivotal role in our nation's history and their efforts in defense of freedom.\r\nBackground: The U.S. Merchant Marine transports soldiers and supplies for our nation's military through commercial, non-naval ships. It is estimated that around 8,300Merchant Mariners died or went missing during WWII. As many as 12,000 were wounded, and 633 became prisoners of war. There are approximately 4,000 WWII Merchant Mariners still alive today. \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"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401489", "ICYMI: YOUNG, LOWEY ANNOUNCE RELAUNCH OF CONGRESSIONAL AFTERSCHOOL CAUCUS", "2019-12-27", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced the relaunch of the Congressional Afterschool Caucus, of which she will serve as the Democratic Co-Chair, for the 116th Congress. The bipartisan caucus raises awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocates for vital resources that promote quality programming  across the country. Congressman Don Young (AK-At-Large) will serve as the Republican Co-Chair.\r\nAfterschool programs provide a safe and reliable setting for our students to access mentorship, learning enrichment, nutrition, and physical activity between 3 P.M. and 6 P.M., making afterschool programs essential for working families,said Congresswoman Lowey. I am eager to continue once again as Co-Chair of the Congressional Afterschool Caucus, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to support afterschool programs and the children and families they serve.\r\nAs a former teacher, I know how important it is for children to have access to safe and educational afterschool programs,said Congressman Don Young. Parents across the country work hard to support their families, and afterschool programming is a critical resource for working families who do not have the option of choosing between their job or their children. The mission of the Congressional Afterschool Caucus is crucially important, and I look forward to the work ahead to ensure that our nation's children and their families have the resources necessary to succeed.\r\nAfterschool programs, and the millions of students and families who rely on them, are fortunate to have Representatives Nita Lowey and Don Young co-chairing the House Afterschool Caucus this year,said Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance. Their skillful advocacy, vast experience and deep dedication to making afterschool programs available to all children and families make them highly effective champions. They are well positioned to build awareness about the vitally important role afterschool and summer learning programs play in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and giving working parents peace of mind that their children are safe, supervised and learning after the school days ends. As we face continuing threats to federal afterschool funding, the House Afterschool Caucus needs the kind of powerful leadership Reps. Lowey and Young bring, now more than ever.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401487", "Congressional Delegation Applauds Grant to Assist Young Victims of Sex Trafficking Awarded to Covenant House Alaska", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $950,000 in grant funding to Covenant House Alaska to assist minor victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.\r\nHuman trafficking is undoubtedly one of the most horrific crimes and is unfortunately happening in all corners of the state. It's the second fastest growing crime on Alaska soilhappening in plain sight,said Senator Murkowski. As we continue to work to put an end to these heinous crimes, my hope is these grants will help make significant strides in helping victims get the support they so desperately need and deserve.\r\nAlaska's homeless youth not only face the hazards of subzero winter nights and a lack of food or warm clothing, but also the very real danger of exploitation and sex trafficking, which we know are all too prevalent in our state,said Senator Sullivan. At Covenant House Alaska, these kids find refugea safe place to sleep, a healthy meal, warm clothing, basic medical services and trauma counseling, support in finding employment or getting their high school degree, and a team of supportive and encouraging mentors. This Justice Department grant will bolster Covenant House Alaska's work reaching young victims of trafficking, offering them support and the life they deserve filled with opportunity and hope.\r\nI am so proud of the work Covenant House Alaska does to provide compassionate care and shelter for homeless youth, and those who have been victims of human trafficking,said Congressman Young. There is much work to do in the fight against child exploitation, but I know this funding will go a long way toward helping Covenant House Alaska protect some of our state's most vulnerable populations of young people. I am grateful to the Department of Justice for making this funding available to the dedicated advocates at Covenant House Alaska for the necessary work they do every day. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that our nation's most important resource  our young people  are protected from the scourge of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation.\r\nThis funding from the Department of Justice is important news for Covenant House Alaska as we continue working to help victims of sex trafficking,said Alison E. Kear, Chief Executive Officer of Covenant House Alaska. One of our highest priorities is to ensure that Alaska's children are free from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. This grant will help us continue to meet these priorities well into the future and we are grateful to the Department of Justice and all who were involved in securing this grant. We are not alone in this fight. We look forward to continuing our work alongside Priceless, the Alaska Native Justice Center, and the Alaska Congressional Delegation to ensure that Alaska's children are safe, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential.\r\nBACKGROUND:The United States Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs announced awards totaling more than $143.7 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal jurisdictions' capabilities to reduce crime and victimization, protect children and promote public safety. $500,000 was awarded to Covenant House Alaska in support of treating child and youth trafficking victims as part of the Department of Justice'sIntegrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking Program.An additional $450,000 was awarded to Covenant House Alaska to support prevention and intervention efforts and specialized services as part ofthe Specialized Services and Mentoring for Child and Youth Victims of Sex Trafficking and SexualExploitation Program.Clickherefor a full list of awards.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/congressional-delegation-applauds-grant-to-assist-young-victims-of-sex-trafficking-awarded-to-covenant-house-alaska", "Congressional Delegation Applauds Grant to Assist Young Victims of Sex Trafficking Awarded to Covenant House Alaska", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.19\n\t\t\t Congressional Delegation Applauds Grant to Assist Young Victims of Sex Trafficking Awarded to Covenant House Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $950,000 in grant funding to Covenant House Alaska to assist minor victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.\r\nHuman trafficking is undoubtedly one of the most horrific crimes and is unfortunately happening in all corners of the state. It's the second fastest growing crime on Alaska soilhappening in plain sight, said Senator Murkowski. As we continue to work to put an end to these heinous crimes, my hope is these grants will help make significant strides in helping victims get the support they so desperately need and deserve.\r\nAlaska's homeless youth not only face the hazards of subzero winter nights and a lack of food or warm clothing, but also the very real danger of exploitation and sex trafficking, which we know are all too prevalent in our state,said Senator Sullivan. At Covenant House Alaska, these kids find refugea safe place to sleep, a healthy meal, warm clothing, basic medical services and trauma counseling, support in finding employment or getting their high school degree, and a team of supportive and encouraging mentors. This Justice Department grant will bolster Covenant House Alaska's work reaching young victims of trafficking, offering them support and the life they deserve filled with opportunity and hope.\r\nI am so proud of the work Covenant House Alaska does to provide compassionate care and shelter for homeless youth, and those who have been victims of human trafficking, said Congressman Young. There is much work to do in the fight against child exploitation, but I know this funding will go a long way toward helping Covenant House Alaska protect some of our state's most vulnerable populations of young people. I am grateful to the Department of Justice for making this funding available to the dedicated advocates at Covenant House Alaska for the necessary work they do every day. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that our nation's most important resource  our young people  are protected from the scourge of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation.\r\nThis funding from the Department of Justice is important news for Covenant House Alaska as we continue working to help victims of sex trafficking, said Alison E. Kear, Chief Executive Officer of Covenant House Alaska. One of our highest priorities is to ensure that Alaska's children are free from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. This grant will help us continue to meet these priorities well into the future and we are grateful to the Department of Justice and all who were involved in securing this grant. We are not alone in this fight. We look forward to continuing our work alongside Priceless, the Alaska Native Justice Center, and the Alaska Congressional Delegation to ensure that Alaska's children are safe, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential.\r\nBACKGROUND: The United States Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs announced awards totaling more than $143.7 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal jurisdictions' capabilities to reduce crime and victimization, protect children and promote public safety. $500,000 was awarded to Covenant House Alaska in support of treating child and youth trafficking victims as part of the Department of Justice's Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking Program. An additional $450,000 was awarded to Covenant House Alaska to support prevention and intervention efforts and specialized services as part of the Specialized Services and Mentoring for Child and Youth Victims of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Program. Click here for a full list of awards.\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/sullivan-murkowski-and-king-introduce-arctic-naval-focus-act-of-2019", "Sullivan, Murkowski & King Introduce Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Murkowski & King Introduce Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introducedS. 3080, the Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019,legislation directing the federal government to recognize the importance of the Arctic region to our country's national and economic security interests, and to put forward a strategy for the U.S. fleet's ability to operate in the Arctic and respond to challenges.\r\nAs new sea lanes emerge and maritime traffic rapidly increases in the Arctic, the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have not kept pace with the elevated activity taking place in the region,saidSenator Sullivan. Worse still, the military interest and investments being committed here by our adversaries, Russia and China, have been met for many years with tepid statements and inaction by the Pentagon. Our new legislation will change this dynamic, directing the Defense Department to make serious assessments of our interests and capabilities in the Arctic, and to put forward detailed plans to preserve the safe flow of commerce, protect the pristine natural environment, and secure America's sovereignty. I thank Senators Murkowski and King for joining me in a long overdue effort for the federal government to initiate a sensible and thorough plan for operating in the Arctic.\r\nThe Arctic is an emerging frontier for international commerce and military capabilities required to protect national interests, which creates new opportunities for the United States  and for potential adversaries, said Senator King. As the impacts of climate change continue to affect this vital region, the U.S. must be forward-thinking to establish and protect our leadership role in the Arctic, and Maine's people and resources are a key component of this effort. As the old Latin phrase goes: If you want peace, prepare for war.' The Arctic is seen as a zone of international cooperation and we should aim to maintain this; to do so, we need a strategy on how to assert ourselves in a corner of globe that grows more important by the day, and this legislation is a much-needed step toward that goal.\r\nI am encouraged that the focus on the Arctic continues to grow in the Senate and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, said Senator Murkowski. Senator Sullivan and King have identified an important aspect of Arctic policy by focusing attention on our national security interests and the need for a strategic plan for the region. As major powers continue to advance their interests in the Arctic, the U.S. needs to maintain a commensurate focus through both strategic plans like the one called for in the Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act and the devotion of resources like we secure in the Appropriations Committee.\r\nTheArctic Naval Focus Act of 2019will:\r\n \r\nCodify a series of findings on the strategic importance of the Arctic.\r\n \r\n \r\nDeclare that it is the policy of the U.S. to develop and deploy Naval capabilities to meet the unique and growing challenges in the Arctic.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to develop a detailed plan within one year for taking concrete steps to create an operational and strategic support system for Arctic Naval surface operations with set deadlines for implementation.\r\n \r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \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/congressional-delegation-applauds-grant-to-assist-young-victims-of-sex-trafficking-awarded-to-covenant-house-alaska", "Congressional Delegation Applauds Grant to Assist Young Victims of Sex Trafficking Awarded to Covenant House Alaska", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.19\n\t\t\t Congressional Delegation Applauds Grant to Assist Young Victims of Sex Trafficking Awarded to Covenant House Alaska \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $950,000 in grant funding to Covenant House Alaska to assist minor victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.\r\nHuman trafficking is undoubtedly one of the most horrific crimes and is unfortunately happening in all corners of the state. It's the second fastest growing crime on Alaska soilhappening in plain sight,said Senator Murkowski. As we continue to work to put an end to these heinous crimes, my hope is these grants will help make significant strides in helping victims get the support they so desperately need and deserve.\r\nAlaska's homeless youth not only face the hazards of subzero winter nights and a lack of food or warm clothing, but also the very real danger of exploitation and sex trafficking, which we know are all too prevalent in our state,said Senator Sullivan. At Covenant House Alaska, these kids find refugea safe place to sleep, a healthy meal, warm clothing, basic medical services and trauma counseling, support in finding employment or getting their high school degree, and a team of supportive and encouraging mentors. This Justice Department grant will bolster Covenant House Alaska's work reaching young victims of trafficking, offering them support and the life they deserve filled with opportunity and hope.\r\nI am so proud of the work Covenant House Alaska does to provide compassionate care and shelter for homeless youth, and those who have been victims of human trafficking,said Congressman Young. There is much work to do in the fight against child exploitation, but I know this funding will go a long way toward helping Covenant House Alaska protect some of our state's most vulnerable populations of young people. I am grateful to the Department of Justice for making this funding available to the dedicated advocates at Covenant House Alaska for the necessary work they do every day. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that our nation's most important resource  our young people  are protected from the scourge of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation.\r\nThis funding from the Department of Justice is important news for Covenant House Alaska as we continue working to help victims of sex trafficking,said Alison E. Kear, Chief Executive Officer of Covenant House Alaska. One of our highest priorities is to ensure that Alaska's children are free from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. This grant will help us continue to meet these priorities well into the future and we are grateful to the Department of Justice and all who were involved in securing this grant. We are not alone in this fight. We look forward to continuing our work alongside Priceless, the Alaska Native Justice Center, and the Alaska Congressional Delegation to ensure that Alaska's children are safe, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential.\r\nBACKGROUND:The United States Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs announced awards totaling more than $143.7 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal jurisdictions' capabilities to reduce crime and victimization, protect children and promote public safety. $500,000 was awarded to Covenant House Alaska in support of treating child and youth trafficking victims as part of the Department of Justice'sIntegrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking Program.An additional $450,000 was awarded to Covenant House Alaska to support prevention and intervention efforts and specialized services as part ofthe Specialized Services and Mentoring for Child and Youth Victims of Sex Trafficking and SexualExploitation Program.Clickherefor a full list of awards.\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    \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-murkowski-and-king-introduce-arctic-naval-focus-act-of-2019", "Sullivan, Murkowski & King Introduce Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Murkowski & King Introduce Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introducedS. 3080, the Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019,legislation directing the federal government to recognize the importance of the Arctic region to our country's national and economic security interests, and to put forward a strategy for the U.S. fleet's ability to operate in the Arctic and respond to challenges.\r\nAs new sea lanes emerge and maritime traffic rapidly increases in the Arctic, the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have not kept pace with the elevated activity taking place in the region,saidSenator Sullivan. Worse still, the military interest and investments being committed here by our adversaries, Russia and China, have been met for many years with tepid statements and inaction by the Pentagon. Our new legislation will change this dynamic, directing the Defense Department to make serious assessments of our interests and capabilities in the Arctic, and to put forward detailed plans to preserve the safe flow of commerce, protect the pristine natural environment, and secure America's sovereignty. I thank Senators Murkowski and King for joining me in a long overdue effort for the federal government to initiate a sensible and thorough plan for operating in the Arctic.\r\nThe Arctic is an emerging frontier for international commerce and military capabilities required to protect national interests, which creates new opportunities for the United States  and for potential adversaries,said Senator King.As the impacts of climate change continue to affect this vital region, the U.S. must be forward-thinking to establish and protect our leadership role in the Arctic, and Maine's people and resources are a key component of this effort. As the old Latin phrase goes: If you want peace, prepare for war.' The Arctic is seen as a zone of international cooperation and we should aim to maintain this; to do so, we need a strategy on how to assert ourselves in a corner of globe that grows more important by the day, and this legislation is a much-needed step toward that goal.\r\nI am encouraged that the focus on the Arctic continues to grow in the Senate and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation,said Senator Murkowski.Senator Sullivan and King have identified an important aspect of Arctic policy by focusing attention on our national security interests and the need for a strategic plan for the region. As major powers continue to advance their interests in the Arctic, the U.S. needs to maintain a commensurate focus through both strategic plans like the one called for in the Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act and the devotion of resources like we secure in the Appropriations Committee.\r\nTheArctic Naval Focus Act of 2019will:\r\n \r\nCodify a series of findings on the strategic importance of the Arctic.\r\n \r\n \r\nDeclare that it is the policy of the U.S. to develop and deploy Naval capabilities to meet the unique and growing challenges in the Arctic.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to develop a detailed plan within one year for taking concrete steps to create an operational and strategic support system for Arctic Naval surface operations with set deadlines for implementation.\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/funding-package-addresses-epidemic-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-", "Funding Package Addresses Epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Funding Package Addresses Epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women  \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 Invests in Prevention, Prosecution, and Cold Case Investigations\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t A funding bill with new investments secured by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to address the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered Indigenous women is on its way to the President to be signed into law. The Senate yesterday passed two funding bill packages that set federal funding levels for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, which include appropriations bills on Interior-Environment as well as Commerce, Justice, Science. Senator Murkowski is Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\nTurning the tide of this crisis has truly become an all-hands-on-deck' effort, from legislative initiatives, to tribal support, and as well as a directed focus from the administration. These investments reinforce our commitment to pursuing justice for the many women and girls that have fallen victim to this epidemic and to preventing more sisters, mothers, and daughters from experiencing these horrors, said Senator Murkowski. This bill package works to improve coordination among law enforcement and provide the necessary resources so that these familiesthese communitieshave hope.\r\nBill Highlights:\r\n \r\nIncludes $6.5 million for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to take a comprehensive look at the issue of MMIW across the BIA and Indian Health Service (IHS), which includes funding for cold case work, background checks, equipment needs, training, and for the IHS regarding forensic training.\r\nLanguage is included in both bills (Interior-Environment and Commerce, Justice, Science) directing coordination and data collection among Tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as for data sharing, training, and technical assistance to address and prevent violence crime.\r\nProvides $502.5 million for Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution programs as well as funding for research relating to the incidence of missing and murdered Indigenous girls and violence against Indian women in remote communities underserved by law enforcement resources.\r\nEncourages the IHS to look at programs which can help educate community health aides on trauma informed care and collecting medical evidence.\r\nIncludes $38 million for Tribal Assistance in State and Local Law Enforcement and $30 million for Tribal Resources under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, an initiative to increase the number of police officers and ensure they are properly trained.\r\nIncludes a five percent set-aside from Victims of Crime Act Fund for Tribes to address services for victims of domestic and sexual violence.\r\n \r\nBackground:\r\nThe Senate Indian Affairs Committee last month advanced legislation led by U.S. Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto (D-NV) to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Native women. The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, aim to combat the epidemic by improving the federal government's response. Savanna's Act increases coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increases data collection and information sharing, and empowers tribal governments with access to law enforcement databases they need in cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, wherever they occur. The Not Invisible Act engages law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal partners, and service providers and improves coordination across federal agencies. The bill designates an official to coordinate efforts across agencies and also establishes a commission of tribal and federal stakeholders to make recommendations to the Department of Interior and Department of Justice on best practices to combat the epidemic of disappearances, homicide, violent crime and trafficking of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.\r\nIn November 2019, U.S. Attorney General Barr announced the Department of Justice is launching a national strategy to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons. The plan places coordinators in multiple U.S. Attorney offices with the goal of developing protocols to improve the ability of law enforcement to address missing person cases, and also invests in training and tools to develop a more comprehensive and effective response process. Also in November, President Trump signed an executive order to create a taskforce to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The executive order follows a recent Department of Justice announcement launching a nationwide strategy to respond to the crisis.\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-welcomes-new-additions-to-enr-staff", "Murkowski Welcomes New Additions to ENR Staff", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Welcomes New Additions to ENR Staff \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today announced recent additions to her staff on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: Grace Jang as communications director, Chris Griffin as a staff assistant, and Alexander Jackstadt as a staff assistant. In addition, Tonya Parish has been promoted to press secretary.\r\nI'm very pleased Grace, Chris, and Alex have joined us here in Washington, D.C., to strengthen our already outstanding team, Murkowski said. Alaska is key to our country's energy and resource security, and it is a great benefit to have Alaskans engaging and communicating the wide array of issues within our committee's jurisdiction.\r\nJang is a former journalist with 17 years of both print and television news experience, including KTVA and KTUU in Anchorage. She served as press secretary, communications director, and deputy chief of staff to former Governor Bill Walker.\r\nGriffin, who joined the committee's non-designated staff in August 2018, was promoted to staff assistant on the majority staff. He graduated from Tufts University with a bachelor's degree in political science. Griffin is from Anchorage.\r\nJackstadt joined the committee in May as an intern, and was hired to serve as a staff assistant. He graduated with honors from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a bachelor's degree in economics and was a member of the university's hockey team. Jackstadt is from Anchorage, and graduated from East Anchorage High School in 2012.\r\nParish joined the committee in 2017 and served as press assistant and deputy press secretary before being promoted to press secretary. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in business marketing and a minor in psychology. She is also from Anchorage.\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/murkowskis-interior-environment-funding-bill-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Murkowski\u2019s Interior-Environment Funding Bill Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski's Interior-Environment Funding Bill Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Alaska to Benefit from Investments to Protect People, Land & Water\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) applauded Senate passage of an Appropriations Package for Fiscal Year 2020expected to be signed into law tonight which included the Interior-Environment Appropriations bill with funding to strengthen the economy, improve water and wastewater systems, and create safer and healthier communities. As chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) crafted a bill with funding to provide for basic necessities like water and wastewater infrastructure, prioritize health and safety through investments in fire suppression and prevention efforts. New funding is included for cleanup and remediation efforts of PFAS contaminated water sources, water systems, and lands as well as new funding to address the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women.\r\nThe Interior Subcommittee is responsible for funding the following agencies: Department of the Interior (DOI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Forest Service (FS), National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Indian Health Service (IHS), as well as NEH, NEA, and the Smithsonian Institution (SI). These agencies are tasked with managing our public lands, ensuring clean water and clean air, meeting federal trust responsibilities for Native peoples, and funding cultural agencies and museums.\r\n[Click here for a full list of Alaska-related provisions and funding levels in the Interior-Environment bill.]\r\nI'm proud of all we've done to invest in important programs that will empower communities to thrive, said Senator Murkowski. This Interior appropriations bill is critical to Alaska as it funds agencies that have a large presence in our state, such as the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and Forest Service. This bill provides much-needed stability by directing resources where they are needed mostfrom basic water and sewer projects for rural communities, to ensuring communities like Fairbanks are eligible for grants to support wood stove change-outs in order to help reduce air pollution, and support for local governments to provide vital services including firefighting and police protection. This bill is the product of good, bipartisan work, directing significant resources towards protecting our people, land, and water.\r\nPRIOTIZING SAFETY \r\nNew this year, the bill provides funding to address the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women by providing support for cold case investigations, equipment, training, and background checks. Increased funding is provided for implementation of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs to improve training and address specific tribal court needs. The bill increases funding for to Public Law 280 states, such as Alaska, in order to help develop tribal court systems for communities. The bill also encourages the Indian Health Service to look at programs which can help educate community health aides on trauma informed care and collecting medical evidence.\r\nThe bill also provides funding for important programs that help emergency responders inform the public as well as respond to natural hazards and disasters. Support for the earthquake hazards program will help states like Alaska develop and enhance earthquake monitoring capabilities. The bill also maintains funding for Alaska mapping initiatives that will help gather data to improve maps, enhancing the safety of activities such as aviation. This bill invests in fire suppression as well as making investments in state and volunteer fire assistance and provides increases for hazardous fuels reduction, a priority after Alaska's record breaking heat and fire season.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SAFETY\r\nINVESTING IN OUR LANDS AND COMMUNITIES \r\nThe Interior bill fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. The PILT program provides monetary compensation to local governments throughout Alaska that contain federal lands. The revenue helps local governments provide vital services, such as firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations. The bill prioritizes infrastructure improvements on our nation's public lands, which is key to both local visitors and the tourism sector, as well as funding for the National Park Service to address backlog maintenance. Increased funding is included for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), including for the National Park Service stateside program, which helps state and local governments to improve public outdoor recreation opportunities.\r\nThis bill also provides funding for legacy well cleanup, and further directs the Bureau of Land Management to craft a long-term funding plan to complete the clean-up of the wells within ten years. The bill also includes funding for Forest Service recreation activities  including cabins, trails, and recreation  and provides resources for special use permitting programs that allow certain businesses to operate in Alaska's national forests.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON PROTECTING PUBLIC LANDS\r\nCREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES \r\nSignificant funding is provided to improve access to Native healthcare, support rural healthcare facilities, and improve healthcare delivery. The bill provides funding for Village Built Clinics, a program unique to Alaska which supports approximately 150 healthcare clinics in rural areasmany of which require significant maintenance and often serve as the only health facility and source of medical care in the respective region.\r\nThrough the Small Ambulatory Clinics program, the bill increases funding to make infrastructure improvements to support healthcare delivery to Alaska Natives. The bill also fully funds contract support costs, the operational and overhead costs in the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS), to ensure tribes have the necessary resources they need to deliver programs and services. This is especially important to Alaska because all healthcare for Alaska Natives is directly provided by tribal organizations.\r\nThe bill increases funding for the Commission on Native Children, created to identify the complex challenges facing Native children in Alaska and across the country by conducting an intensive study on issues such as high rates of poverty, unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and dire economic opportunities.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES\r\nPRIORITIZING CLEAN WATER and WATERSHEDS\r\nThe bill provides robust funding to improve wastewater and drinking water systems through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and numerous grant programs which help bring basic water and sewer infrastructure to communities. The bill also supports the improvement of existing water systems and sanitation facilities in rural Alaskan communities and Native Villages.\r\nThe pressing issue of PFAS contamination is addressed in the bill through new funding for research and EPA grant programs which support state-led cleanup and remediation efforts of PFAS contaminated water sources, water systems, and lands. Increased funding is allocated for addressing transboundary water river quality, specifically for stream gauges and a water quality baseline strategy, including directing the U.S. Geological Survey to work cooperatively with local tribes, stakeholders, and other federal agencies necessary to help develop a water quality strategy for transboundary rivers.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON ADDRESS PFAS CONTAMINATION\r\nThe bill also recognizes the importance of the Bristol Bay ecosystem and the concerns the EPA, Department of the Interior, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the State of Alaska and independent experts have raised with regard to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Pebble Mine. The bill reaffirms that sound science must drive the permitting process and that if the concerns raised by the agencies cannot be answered within the process, then the agencies should exercise their authority to protect the region's world-class salmon fisheries.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE \r\nThe Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee controls funding levels for federal agencies and departments including the Department of the Interior (DOI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Forest Service (FS), National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Indian Health Service (IHS), as well as NEH, NEA, and the Smithsonian Institution (SI).\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\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\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", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/ktuu-were-gonna-take-this-very-seriously_-murkowski-sullivan-react-to-impeachment", "KTUU: \u201cWe\u2019re gonna take this very seriously\" - Murkowski, Sullivan react to impeachment", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.19\n\t\t\t KTUU: We're gonna take this very seriously\" - Murkowski, Sullivan react to impeachment \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan both called the House impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump \"rushed\" but said they would take upcoming Senate hearings seriously.\r\nAt the Holiday Luncheon sponsored by the Midnight Sun Special Events Committee in Anchorage on Friday, Sen. Murkowski said that it was not up for debate whether the House trial was rushed.\r\n\"I don't think that that's any great secret, whether you're Republican or Democrat. It's very clear that they wanted to advance things before Christmas,\" she said.\r\nBoth Murkowski and Sullivan took issue with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California's, delay in forwarding articles of impeachment to the Senate, after Pelosi indicated that she wanted to ensure that the Senate impeachment rules were fair.\r\n\"So now you got the speaker basically trying to use this as leverage to encourage us to perhaps adopt rules that maybe she would like better than hers - I don't know,\" said Murkowski.\r\nClick here to watch Senator Sullivan's full interview with Channel 2's Sean Maguire.\r\n\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tKTUU\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\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401485", "Congressman Don Youngs Statement Following House Passage of the USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, following passage of the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), AlaskaCongressman Don Youngreleased the following statement:\r\nIt is undeniable that our nation's economy is incredibly strong. Rising wages paired with record unemployment is good news for American families, but to truly keep this momentum going we must ensure that our global trade policies are working. Today's world in 2019 looks very different than the world did in 1994. Simply put, our global way of life has changed, and our trade policy must keep pace. Over a year ago, President Trump joined leaders from Mexico and Canada and signed an agreement for the USMCA, and I am pleased to see the House finally act to implement this important trade deal.\r\nPresident Trump and his Administration have negotiated a good trade agreement. USMCA is estimated to create more than 175,000 jobs and raise GDP by almost $70 billion  outcomes that Republicans and Democrats alike can support. Very crucially, USMCA will strengthen the bonds between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and give our country the credibility to negotiate similar trade deals with other nations. I am grateful to President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for their hard work on behalf of our country, and to Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the need to update our trade policy. I call on the governments of Canada and Mexico to swiftly ratify USMCA. I am confident that if our countries work together in good faith, we can create good jobs and secure strong economies for years to come.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-champions-alaska-priorities-in-year-end-budget-bills-", "Murkowski Champions Alaska Priorities in Year-End Budget Bills", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Champions Alaska Priorities in Year-End Budget Bills  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Includes Support for Critical Programs and Tax Relief\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today the U.S. Senate passed year-end budget packages to fund the federal government for the upcoming fiscal year, sending them to the President to be signed into law. As a member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Interior-Environment Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) had a significant role in crafting the final product, which includes a number of funding programs and initiatives important to Alaska.\r\nIn addition, the bill packages include provisions that will help keep the cost of healthcare down by preventing burdensome taxes. The Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Cadillac tax will be permanently repealed. This tax on high-cost insurance plans would have hit Alaska harder than anywhere else in the nation, because healthcare is more expensive in rural, low population states. Also permanently repealed are the excise tax on health insurance providers and the ACA-mandated tax on medical devices including pacemakers, artificial joints, defibrillators, and other items.\r\nThis funding package is the culmination of months of hard work and thoughtful consideration by membersa true bipartisan compromise. We avoided a government shutdown and fund important initiatives and programs, said Senator Murkowski. The priorities in this bill will develop much-needed infrastructure and create greater economic opportunities, lower energy costs, help communities facing coastal erosion, and prioritize our national defense. I'm particularly proud of the provisions I secured that support Alaska's fisheries, promote America's growing role as an Arctic Nation, and help to protect our people, water, and lands. I'm proud we continue to make progress towards a fleet of icebreakers, by providing funding for long-lead materials for a second heavy polar security cutter. The permanent repeal of Affordable Care Act health related taxes will give lasting relief, ensuring Alaskans don't see steeper insurance premiums.\r\n(Note: Numbers are nationwide program funding levels.)\r\nAgriculture, Rural Development, and Food & Drug Administration\r\nSenator Murkowski secured a provision which requires any food produce entering the U.S. market containing Genetically Engineered salmon to be clearly labeled genetically engineered. The legislation includes $5 million for a program previously created by Senator Murkowski, the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, to help support Alaskans' ability to grow their own food. The funding package works to ensure low-income families, women, and children have greater food security by including, $67.88 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), $6 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and $526.3 million for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).\r\nThe legislation includes a range of priorities to help address some of rural Alaska's unique challenges, including support for rural water and waste program loans to further develop rural areas, to help offset the high costs of energy in remote communities, and to help develop essential community infrastructure in rural Alaska and Native villages to help meet basic quality of life needs.\r\nCommerce, Justice, Science\r\nSenator Murkowski helped secure increased funding to $502.5 million for Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution programs, including support for research relating to the incidence of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and violence against Indian women in remote communities underserved by law enforcement resources. Language is included directing the Department to improve coordination, including data sharing, training and technical assistance, and other relevant resources to better address and prevent violent crime in Indian Country. The bill also includes a five percent set-aside from Victims of Crime Act Fund for Tribes to address services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as $235 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, an initiative to increase the number of police officers and ensure they are properly trained. The bill provides $125 million for implementation of the STOP School Violence Act, legislation that Senator Murkowski cosponsored, which helps ensure lifesaving resources are available to states and schools to stop violence before it happens.\r\nSenator Murkowski pushed to establish federal funding and frameworks to build on America's strategic role in the Arctic. This bill includes $8.3 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as language directing the NSF to consider the impact of the opening of the two transarctic sea routes and the proximity to deep-water U.S. ports. The bill includes support for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), which includes $6 millionto help us better understand the complex and rapidly changing Arctic region. Building on previous efforts, the bill also contains language to address Hydrographic Survey Priorities in the Arctic.\r\nTo help increase understanding of the growing impacts of ocean acidification on our ocean resources and coastal communities, $12 million is provided. In support of Alaska's seafood industry, Senator Murkowski helped secure $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund which helps maintains Pacific Salmon populations and supports both the recovery and protection of all stocks. An increase to $35.5 million, is included for salmon management activities, including implementing the Pacific Salmon Treaty terms across the Northwest states.\r\nDefense\r\nIncludes a 3.1 percent pay raise for military personnel. Also provides $960 million to fund F-35A Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft, as well as support for design, development, and installation of digital modifications to older threat systems or simulators, which will significantly improve usefulness to the F-35 community for testing and training. The Alaska Wing of the Civil Air Patrol performs over 95 percent of all aircraft search and rescue mission for the U.S. Air Force in Alaska. The bill funds the Civil Air Patrol's at $7.1 million and provides $1.8 million for radio equipment.\r\nTo better equip soldiers operating in hostile environments, $4 million is provided for the rapid deployment of cold weather clothing for the Army, including report language to encourage the Army to rapidly develop superior cold weather and Arctic clothing for soldiers such as hand-wear, footwear, and cold/wet protective clothing systems, by also integrating fabrics that reduce weight and increase mobility in combat. In an effort to increase real world training opportunities and deployment readiness, $14.3 million is provided for the Innovative Readiness Training program which has brought military reservists from across the country to Alaska for advanced training in remote construction and healthcare delivery.\r\nThe bill provides $10 million to ensure private spaceports, like the Pacific Spaceport Alaska in Kodiak, maintain their readiness to carry out defense missions.\r\nEnergy and Water\r\nThe report directs the Department of Energy to reestablish the Arctic Energy Office to support a renewed focus on the many energy activities in the Arctic region, including microgrids and integrated energy systems. The bill includes $20 million for methane hydrates, as well as report language encouraging the Department of Energy to perform a long-term methane hydrate production test in the Arctic.\r\nTo improve energy affordability, a combined total of $367.5 million is provided for the Weatherization Assistance and State Energy Programs. In addition, the bill includes a 23 percent increase for efficiency program funding as well as energy efficiency tax incentives for residential homes and commercial buildings. The Office of Indian Energy, a program that assists tribes with energy needs and projects on their lands, is funded at $22 million, a $6 million increase, and the report includes language directing the Office of Indian Energy to design funding opportunity announcements that do not exclude tribes based on land ownership structures.\r\nThe bill promotes clean energy through increased funding to $450 million for advanced nuclear reactors, including support to start an advanced reactor demonstration program. This closely tracks the provisions within S. 903, the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, which Senator Murkowski introduced earlier this year.\r\nDenali Commission, the agency tasked with coordination of construction and infrastructure efforts in rural Alaska, including assisting communities facing coastal erosion, is funded at $15 million. As Utqiagvik's utility corridor is currently threatened due to the coastal erosion, the bill includes report language on the importance of this project and directs the Corps to complete the erosion project report expeditiously and to proceed to project engineering and design.For shore protection projects, $50.1 million is provided.\r\nHomeland Security, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs\r\nSenator Murkowski successfully advocated for robust funding for the U.S. Coast Guard, including assets and infrastructure. The bill provides $100 million for long-lead time materials for design and construction for a second Polar Security Cutter, $312 million for Offshore Patrol Cutters, and $260 million for Fast Response Cutters. Additionally, $21 million is provided for homeport projects in Sitka relating to the basing of Fast Response Cutters in Kodiak and Seward. To address military housing needs, $35.2 million is provided to build additional housing on Base Kodiak.\r\nThe bill provides investments for border security, including protective barriers, as well as support for aviation security. The bill provides a total of $710 million for FEMA Fire and SAFER Grants, programs to help fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters.\r\nThe bill provides an increase of $983 million, to $11.3 billion for 150 military construction projects across the globe, from new construction to renovations. The bill also provides $1.4 billion for construction, operation and maintenance of military family housing. The bill includes $8.9 billion to implement the VA MISSION Act, legislation aimed to improve VA healthcare delivery, remove barriers to care, address VA personnel shortages, and expand eligibility for VA's Caregiving Program to veterans of all generations. To support medical treatment and healthcare for approximately 9.3 million eligible enrolled patients the bill provides $81 billion, which includes support for mental health, telehealth services, rural health initiatives, and for opioid misuse prevention and treatment.\r\nInterior and Environment \r\n[Note: Senator Murkowski is chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.]\r\nFull funding of $500 million is included for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program which provides monetary compensation to local governments that contain federal lands that are not subject to state or local taxation. A two-year extension is provided for the Secure Rural Schools program, which will provide fiscal certainty for many Alaskan communities. This bill not only invests in fire suppression, it also invests in state and volunteer fire assistance and provides increased funding for the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service for preventative measures that can be made in advance of wildfire season, such as hazardous fuels reduction.\r\nNew this year, the bill provides $6.5 million to address the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women by providing support for cold case investigations, equipment, training, and background checks. Increased funding is provided for implementation of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs to improve training and address specific tribal court needs. The bill increases funding for to Public Law 280 states, such as Alaska, in order to help develop tribal court systems for communities. The bill also encourages the Indian Health Service to look at programs which can help educate community health aides on trauma informed care and collecting medical evidence.\r\nTo improve water, wastewater, and drinking water systems in rural Alaska, the bill provides $2.76 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) State Water Revolving Funds program, $29.2 million for EPA's Alaska Native Villages Water program, and $25.8 million for a grant program, to bring basic infrastructure to communities in need. The bill also addresses PFAS contamination by providing $20 million in increases to EPA grant programs to support state-led cleanup and remediation efforts of PFAS contaminated water sources, water systems, and lands.\r\nLabor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies\r\nThe bill provides $25 million for the CDC to research gun violence, specifically to understand the underlying causes and evidence-based methods of crime prevention. Senator Murkowski continues to build on her longstanding efforts to protect youth from the harmful impacts of e-cigarettes and vaping products, through language encouraging the CDC to identify strategies to promote youth cessation and encourages flexibility within the National Tobacco Control Program to ensure State and local health departments are able to direct adequate resources to turn the tide of youth use of e-cigarettes. New this year, funding is provided for a new CDC effort to address the devastating impacts and increasing rates of suicide.\r\nThe bill invests in Alaskans' workforce training and education by providing support for high quality educational and job training opportunities for Alaskans of all ages, including $1.7 billion for Job Corps to provide career and technical training, $175 million for Department of Labor apprentice programs, and $35.9 million for the Alaska Native Educational Equity Program (ANEP) to fund supplemental educational programs that help meet the unique needs of Alaska Native schoolchildren. Additionally, the bill provides $18.3 million to strengthen Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, including several University of Alaska campuses.\r\nTo provide assistance with home energy costs to low-income households, with a focus on seniors and homes with young children, the bill includes $3.7 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).\r\nTransportation, Housing, and Urban Development \r\nThe funding package provides $162 million for Essential Air Service, to support access for rural communities otherwise isolated from the National Air Transportation System. The BUILD grant program is funded at $1 billion, an increase of $100 million from last year's levels, to provide investments in road, rail, transit, and port projects to repair and maintain transportation networks that are critical to Alaska. Also includes $20 million in assistance to small shipyards.\r\nTo help address housing needs for at-risk and homeless Native Veterans residing on tribal lands, the legislation allocates $1 million to continue the Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. Senator Murkowski secured language which encourages the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to enter into cooperative agreements with philanthropic entities, other Federal agencies, State or local governments, Indian tribes, colleges, or universities for research into sustainable housing design, development, and construction for cold climates.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-seeks-solutions-to-mitigate-wildfire-impacts-on-electric-grid", "Murkowski Seeks Solutions to Mitigate Wildfire Impacts on Electric Grid", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Seeks Solutions to Mitigate Wildfire Impacts on Electric Grid \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 Hearing Examines Efforts to Reduce Risk and Increase Resiliency\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to examinethe impacts of wildfires on the reliability of the nation's electric grid. In recent years, wildfires have increasingly caused widespread power outages, most acutely in Western states like California.\r\nDuring her opening remarks, Murkowski recounted last year's Camp Fire, one of the deadliest and most destructive fires in California's history.\r\nThe Camp Fire was a sobering wakeup call on the inherent risk of maintaining thousands of miles of above-ground power lines across fire-prone landscapes, Murkowski said. This challenge is not limited to California, however. My home state of Alaska has seen more than 300 power line fires in the past eight years. The danger is in the fact that power lines are located near homes, schools, and businesses. Climate change, drought, insect infestation, and poor forest management have made forest landscapes more susceptible to fire, particularly in the West.\r\nThe hearing featured discussion about utilities' use of public safety power shutoffs, vegetation management, and advanced technology to mitigate wildfire risk and improve energy infrastructure resiliency in high fire-risk areas during extreme weather conditions. Murkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. An archived video of today's hearing can be found on the committee's website. Click here, here, and here to view Murkowski's questions for the 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.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-schatz-murkowski-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-vital-role-of-2020-census", "Senate Passes Schatz, Murkowski Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Vital Role of 2020 Census", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Schatz, Murkowski Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Vital Role of 2020 Census \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tYesterday, the Senate voted unanimously to pass a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to ensure that the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted.\r\nThe Census is essential to our democracy, ensuring that every person is counted and receives the representation and services they deserve, said Senator Schatz. By passing this resolution, the Senate made clear that we are committed to reaching all communities and achieving a full and accurate count in 2020.\r\nCensus data is essential for the government to make informed decisions about the future of its people and ensure that all Americans have equal representation. I'm proud of the Senate passage of our bipartisan resolution that recognizes the importance and the significance of the 2020 Census and ensures it is quick, concise, and easy to complete, said Senator Murkowski. As the largest and most rural state, Alaska has one of the hardest populations to count in the decennial U.S. Census. Accurate census data provides crucial information for research and planning purposes, directing fair funding allotments for the federal programs that are vital to rural and Native American populations, and enabling the enforcement of federal nondiscrimination laws. I'm glad to shine a spotlight on our efforts to ensure an accurate census and look forward to the first census count in the nation that will take place in Toksook Bay, Alaska in January 2020.\r\nThe 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities.\r\nThe resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible. The resolution now goes to the House of Representatives for passage.\r\nThe Schatz-Murkowski resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D- Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\r\nThe resolution is supported by a number of organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, National the Association of Towns and Townships, the Census Project, NAACP, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  AAJC, National Congress of American Indians, Service Employees International Union, National Education Association, Nielsen, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and Google.\r\nFor a PDF copy of the resolution, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-votes-for-funding-bills", "Sullivan Votes for Funding Bills", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Votes for Funding Bills \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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 significant relief from Obamacare taxes; Funds Alaska priorities\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement after voting today to fund the federal government though September 30the end of fiscal year 2020.\r\nWhile I continue to believe that the process by which we fund the government is fundamentally flawed and must be reformed, these bills include significant wins for Alaskans.At long last, we were able to repeal the Affordable Care Act's so-called Cadillac Tax. This tax, up to 40 percent on health insurance plans, threatened the vast majority of plans offered in Alaskaincluding union plans and plans offered to state workersand had the potential to collapse the entire health insurance market in Alaska had it been fully implemented. We were also able to do away with the Kiddie Tax,' which, among others things, targeted young Alaskans receiving their PFDs, and we were able to provide tax relief for those impacted by the 2018 Southcentral earthquake. I also fought hard to make sure this bill funded the Secure Rural Schools Program. Further, we made continued progress on substantial Alaska military investments, including over $50 million of Coast Guard infrastructure investments to be ready to take new ships arriving in Kodiak and Southeast. I've continued to press for these investments as chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, and also as Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Security. I applaud Senator Murkowski for her diligent work on the Senate Appropriations Committee and Congressman Young for securing these provisions in the House.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401486", "Alaska Delegation Locks In Two More Years of Secure Rural Schools", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after successfully including a two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in the final Appropriations measures for Fiscal Year 2020. All three delegation members are strong proponents of the program, which many Alaska communities are forced to rely on due to declining timber receipts from surrounding federal lands.\r\nFrom the Kenai Peninsula to Yakutat to Wrangell, this is a win for rural communities throughout our state which can now budget for two more years of school funding, emergency response, and road maintenance,said Murkowski.We worked methodically to ensure this extension would be included in a year-end package. And while we welcome it as a needed dose of short-term certainty, we will continue our push for a lasting solution  reasonable access for responsible resource production on federal lands.\r\nSecure Rural Schools funding has been a lifeline for many Southeast Alaskan communities, enabling them to meet the most basic needs of their residents in the midst of a declining timber harvest,said Senator Sullivan.I'm glad to see a renewal of SRS included in the end-of-year spending agreement, providing greater fiscal certainty for many local governments across our state, and honoring the federal government's commitment for another two years.\r\nThe SRS program has been critical to funding schools, infrastructure, and first-responders. Therefore, it is crucially important that this program is protected,said Congressman Don Young. I am very pleased to see a two-year extension of the SRS program included in these final government funding bills, but there is more work ahead to ensure that our communities and their schools are adequately funded. As Alaskans, we can be trusted to both responsibly develop our resources and protect the environment. I will keep working with the Alaska Delegation to ensure that our communities can access the resources they need while supporting the long-term success of the SRS program.\r\nIn early October, Murkowski and Sullivan joined 29 of their Senate colleagues on abipartisan letterurging Senate leadership to renew SRS and fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program in any year-end appropriations measure. The PILT program, which is also critical for many Alaska communities, is fully funded in the Interior Appropriations bill.\r\nLast week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources CommitteereportedS. 430, a bill to extend SRS for two years, paving the way for its inclusion in the year-end appropriations package. Murkowski is chairman of the committee and a cosponsor of the bipartisan measure.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-locks-in-two-more-years-of-secure-rural-schools", "Alaska Delegation Locks In Two More Years of Secure Rural Schools", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Locks In Two More Years of Secure Rural Schools \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 Provides Certainty for Alaska Communities as Delegation Seeks Long-Term Reforms\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 successfully including a two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in the final Appropriations measures for Fiscal Year 2020. All three delegation members are strong proponents of the program, which many Alaska communities are forced to rely on due to declining timber receipts from surrounding federal lands.\r\nFrom the Kenai Peninsula to Yakutat to Wrangell, this is a win for rural communities throughout our state which can now budget for two more years of school funding, emergency response, and road maintenance, said Murkowski. We worked methodically to ensure this extension would be included in a year-end package. And while we welcome it as a needed dose of short-term certainty, we will continue our push for a lasting solution  reasonable access for responsible resource production on federal lands.\r\nSecure Rural Schools funding has been a lifeline for many Southeast Alaskan communities, enabling them to meet the most basic needs of their residents in the midst of a declining timber harvest, said Senator Sullivan. I'm glad to see a renewal of SRS included in the end-of-year spending agreement, providing greater fiscal certainty for many local governments across our state, and honoring the federal government's commitment for another two years.\r\nThe SRS program has been critical to funding schools, infrastructure, and first-responders. Therefore, it is crucially important that this program is protected, said Congressman Don Young. I am very pleased to see a two-year extension of the SRS program included in these final government funding bills, but there is more work ahead to ensure that our communities and their schools are adequately funded. As Alaskans, we can be trusted to both responsibly develop our resources and protect the environment. I will keep working with the Alaska Delegation to ensure that our communities can access the resources they need while supporting the long-term success of the SRS program.\r\nIn early October, Murkowski and Sullivan joined 29 of their Senate colleagues on a bipartisan letter urging Senate leadership to renew SRS and fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program in any year-end appropriations measure. The PILT program, which is also critical for many Alaska communities, is fully funded in the Interior Appropriations bill.\r\nLast week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee reported S. 430, a bill to extend SRS for two years, paving the way for its inclusion in the year-end appropriations package. Murkowski is chairman of the committee and a cosponsor of the bipartisan measure.\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\tBudget, Spending, and the National Debt,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEducation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/coons-murkowski-introduce-bill-to-help-surviving-spouses-of-veterans-who-died-from-als", "Coons, Murkowski introduce bill to help surviving spouses of veterans who died from ALS", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation would fix unfair policy that denies benefits to widows and widowers of veterans who died from ALS\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced theJustice for ALS Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure surviving spouses and families of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) receive the full benefits they are owed. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.).\r\n\r\nOur current policy denies benefits to spouses and families of veterans with ALS if they did not survive at least eight years with the disease. This is a cruel policy that fails to recognize the significant sacrifices these veterans and their families have made for this country,said Senator Coons.I'm proud to introduce bipartisan legislation with Senator Murkowski to solve this glaring problem. People living with ALS and their families face challenges that demand more from all of us.\r\n\r\nALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. The average life expectancy for a person living with the disease is short  only two to five years from the time of diagnosis. But the impact this disease and the loss of a loved one can have on spouses and family will remain far beyond their passing,said Senator Murkowski.We have a responsibility to do all we can to care for our veteransandtheir families, regardless of how long the veteran lived with ALS prior to their passing. I am proud to stand in support of the ALS community by joining Senator Coons in leading this legislation.\r\n\r\nAccording to the ALS Association, military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as those who haven't served in the military.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an additional monthly financial benefit to the surviving spouse andfamily of a deceased veteran who had a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding death. The additional benefit is a part of a Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payment and is crucial funding that helps widows and widowers manage the financial difficulties of losing a spouse.\r\n\r\nVA regulations recognize ALS as a presumptive service-connected disease and, due to its aggressive nature, it is automatically rated at 100 percent disabling once service-connected. However, because the average life expectancy for a person with ALS is two to five years, many spouses of deceased veteranswith ALS do not qualify for this additional benefit given the eight-year requirement.TheJustice for ALS Veterans Actwould extend increased Dependencyand Indemnity Compensation payments to surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS, regardless of how long a veteran had ALS prior to death.\r\n\r\n\"In the United States, one in six people living with ALS has served as a member of our military. These veterans have given so much and ALS impacts the entire family. We stand firmly behind this bill which would right a wrong by extending benefits to the surviving caregiver, no matter how long the person battles ALS,said Danielle Carnival, CEO, I AM ALS.\r\n\r\nThe ALS Association wholeheartedly supports this bill to increase compensation for surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Veterans are twice as likely to die of ALS as civilians. ALS is a devastating disease that impacts not only the person living with ALS but their entire family and causes great financial stress. Congress should pass this bill immediately,saidCalaneet Balas, President and CEO, The ALS Association.\r\n\r\n\"We do not believe survivors should be deprived of a benefit simply because the service-connected disease their veterans acquired made it nearly impossible for them to meet an eight-year life expectancy requirement. PVA thanks Senators Coons and Murkowski for their leadership in introducing the Justice for ALS Veterans Act,saidHeather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America.\r\n\r\nThe aggressiveness of ALS leaves many veterans totally incapacitated and reliant on family caregivers. Even in the best scenarios, most generally do not live past the eight years currently required for their survivors to become eligible for additional compensation. DAV supports the Justice for ALS Veterans Act as it would provide survivors that additional compensation, regardless of how long the veteran was rated 100% for ALS prior to death, creating equity for families who have suffered with the veteran through the sudden and catastrophic effects of this disease,said Shane Liermann, Deputy National Legislative Director, DAV.\r\n\r\nALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that destroys the body's ability to control muscle movement. There is no known cause and no cure.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/gao-forest-service-has-not-complied-with-lwcf-act", "GAO: Forest Service Has Not Complied with LWCF Act", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t GAO: Forest Service Has Not Complied with LWCF Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn a new report requested and released today by Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Forest Service has not complied with a provision in the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act that limits the amount of land the agency can acquire using LWCF money.\r\nGAO found that between fiscal years 2013 and 2017, the federal government acquired more than 850,000 acres of land in the United States. By law, no more than 15 percent of the acreage the Forest Service acquires using LWCF funds can be west of the 100th Meridian. GAO found that the Forest Service's acquisition far exceeded that limit, with about 80 percent occurring in the western U.S.\r\nThis report highlights the need for continued oversight of LWCF and demonstrates that the Forest Service needs to pay greater attention to requirements in the LWCF Act when the agency submits land acquisition proposals to Congress, Murkowski said.\r\nGAO's new report follows one it issued in June evaluating the land management agencies' implementation of LWCF. LWCF was established in 1965 to preserve, develop, and ensure access to quality recreational opportunities and is primarily funded from oil and gas royalties raised from Outer Continental Shelf energy development.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \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-bill-to-bolster-national-defense-monitor-arctic-activity-and-support-our-military-", "Murkowski Supports Bill to Bolster National Defense, Monitor Arctic Activity, and Support our Military", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Supports Bill to Bolster National Defense, Monitor Arctic Activity, and Support our Military  \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 Pay Raise for Troops, PFAS Bill Package, Addresses Military Suicides\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of S. 1790, the defense authorization bill which authorizes $738 billion in national defense funding for Fiscal Year 2020. The bill includes the largest pay raise for troops in over a decade, equips our military with necessary resources to defend America, modernizes military infrastructure and tools, and prioritizes taking care of our military and their families. The bill also includes legislative priorities crafted by Senator Murkowski, including to address suicide prevention in the military, to evaluate Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, and to help address the issue of contamination caused by per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The bill passed by a vote of 86-8 and now heads to the President to be signed into law.\r\n\r\nThe Arctic is a rapidly evolving region but our vision remains focused on ensuring peace, opportunity, and collaboration, with America recognized and serving as a strong leader in the region. The greater understanding that we have of what's happening in the region, including activities with military implications, the better prepared we can be to protect and defend our nation's interests. I'm proud this bill supports that strategy, said Senator Murkowski. As we work to develop legislation that addresses the greatest needs of Alaska and our military, I thank Senator Sullivan for his leadership as member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and for the significant provisions he helped secure in this bill.\r\n\r\n(Note: Numbers are nationwide program funding levels.) \r\n\r\nSENATOR MURKOWSKI'S PROVISIONS:\r\n\r\n \r\nSuicide Prevention: Includes an amendment of Senator Murkowski's requiring the U.S. Comptroller General to submit a report describing current programs and activities in place for the prevention of suicide among members of the military, whether the programs are appropriately resourced, and opportunities to improve the programs.\r\nRussian and Chinese Activity in the Arctic: As Russia and China continue to pursue opportunities in the Arctic, the bill includes a provision of Senator Murkowski's requiring the Secretary of Defense to report on the military activities of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China in the Arctic region, including the extent to which their activities impact the interests of the United States and our allies. [The bill also includes Congressman Young's amendment which directs an independent study of Chinese foreign investment in Arctic countries, with a focus on the effects of this investment on United States national security and economic competition in the region.]\r\nEND Network Abuse Act: To help enhance the capability of military criminal investigative organizations to prevent and combat child sexual exploitation, the bill includes a version of Senators Murkowski and Brian Schatz (D-HI) End Network Abuse Act. The bill encourages the Secretary of Defense to train military criminal investigators on technologies, tools, and techniques to enhance their investigation capabilities and when using evidence-based forensic interviewing of child victims.\r\nPFAS: Includes a bill package to address contamination caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by including funding for PFAS computer modeling and requirements on PFAS disposal. The legislation also includes an amendment from Senator Murkowski to require blood testing for PFAS during routine physical exams for military firefighters.\r\n \r\n\r\nALASKA INTEREST HIGHLIGHTS:\r\n \r\nFifth-Generation F-35s: Requires a strategy for implementing 5th Generation information system.\r\nNative 8(a) Contractors: Senator Sullivan successfully included a provision which requires the Department of Defense to remove overly burdensome restrictions first enacted in late 2009, which applied only to Native 8(a) contractors. Specifically, this language reduces the administrative burden and lowers the disproportionately high level of approval authority for small-to-medium-sized sole-source contracts awarded to Native 8(a) contractors.\r\nMilitary Funeral Honors:Includes language from theCreig Sharp Funeral Honors for Veterans Act, introduced by Senator Sullivan and co-sponsored by Senator Murkowski, which requires military installations to have a plan to provide full individual military funeral honors for all veterans upon their request and resources permitting.\r\nArctic Strategy: Continues Senator Sullivan's work to implement the Department of Defense's 2016 Arctic Strategy by requiring the Secretary of Defense to produce a report on how the plan will be implemented. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Sullivan played a key role in developing this strategy. \r\nStrategic Arctic Port Designation:Includes a provision of Congressman Young and Senator Sullivan's which acknowledges that the Bering Strait is experiencing significant increases in international traffic from vessels transiting the Northern Sea Route and requires the Secretary of Defense to submit to the congressional defense committees a report evaluating potential sites for one or more strategic ports in the Arctic.\r\nAlaska Shipyards: Includes a provision of Senator Sullivan's which requires a U.S. Navy report to determine the capability and proficiency of shipyards in Alaska, and other regions, to perform technical repair work outside of the vessel's homeport.\r\nMilitary Construction: Authorizes $8.6 million to military construction projects at Eielson Air Force Base, including construction of the F35 AME Storage Facility.\r\nInnovative Readiness Training: Increases funding for Innovative Readiness Training, which aims to produce mission-ready forces to provide key services for underserved communities throughout the U.S., such as the joint project led by the Air National Guard to help relocated residents of Newtok, Alaska.\r\nCold-Weather Training: Requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a report on the army's plans to expand cold-weather training.\r\nJPARC Modernization: Secured by Senator Sullivan, requires the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report detailing the upgrades that need to be made to the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC), an Air Force training range that provides unparalleled opportunities for present and future Service, multinational, and interagency training.\r\nFentanyl Sanctions Act: Adds sanctions on drug manufacturers from China and financial institutions that knowingly facilitate or take part in the trafficking of synthetic opioids and authorizes additional support to combat foreign opioid trafficking.\r\nMilitary-Civilian Integrated Health Delivery Systems: Requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study and develop a plan to help further develop military-civilian integrated health delivery systems, such as those on Elmendorf Air Force Base.\r\n \r\nNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: \r\n \r\nTroop Pay Raise: Authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces, the largest pay raise for service members in a decade.\r\nBallistic Missile Defense System: Prioritizes America's national security by requiring the Director of the Missile Defense Agency to report options to increase the capability, capacity, and reliability of the ground-based midcourse defense element of the United States ballistic missile defense system.\r\nPaid Parental Leave: Provides twelve weeks of paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child.\r\nRare Earth Elements: Authorizes an increase in funding for the Department of Defense to develop the capability to produce rare earth elements from coal ash, a market that China currently dominates.\r\nNuclear Modernization: Fully funds the nuclear modernization program, including the triad of delivery systems, as well as the Department of Energy's warhead life extension programs and infrastructure recapitalization.\r\nTechnology: Invests in innovation that will keep us competitive, including 5G networks, cybersecurity, hypersonic weapons, and missile defense\r\nJoint Strike Fighter aircraft: Authorizes $12.2 billion to procure and develop 90 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft enabling the forces to modernize and equip themselves with the most cutting-edge and capable fifth-generation aircraft.\r\nMilitary Construction: Authorizes $11.8 billion for nation-wide military construction and housing projects in the base will, $921 million in overseas contingency operations (OCO) funding and $5.3 billion for disaster recovery on military installations.\r\nMilitary Sexual Misconduct: Extends the term of the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the U.S. Military, and includes multiple provisions to improve the response to sexual misconduct, including preventing and addressing retaliation against victims for reporting offenses.\r\nHealth: Authorizes $32.7 billion for the Defense Health Program.\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 \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/senators-work-to-address-student-loans", "Senators Work to Address Student Loans", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Senators Work to Address Student Loans \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 Introduce Bills Providing More Options for Lower Costs and Less Hassle\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t As the cost of a college degree continues to increase, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act. The legislation would eliminate disincentives and penalties that prevent universities from informing students about low-cost student loans offered by non-profit, state agency lenders whose mission is to make college affordable and accessible. Click here for more information on the State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act.\r\nAs a mother and a member of Congress, I have long been concerned about the cost of college and the barriers our young people face in affording a higher education. I have long prioritized making higher education more attainable and affordable for Alaska's students. No one should forgo pursuing an education for fear that they can't afford it, said Senator Murkowski. Colleges should be able to help students find affordable loans offered by the non-profit state agencies created to serve them if they need additional resources after accepting grants and federal student aid. I'm proud to lead legislation that will allow Americans to be more fully informed of their options, opening the door for more students to pursue greater educational opportunities.\r\nIt's essential that students and families are presented with accurate and complete information about their financial options as they put together a plan to pay for college, said Senator Reed. Far too many students are unaware about additional resources state agencies can provide. This bill will help to shine a light on additional options and will help more students pay for college and set the stage for a successful career.\r\nIt is important that Hoosier students are better educated on the financing options available to them for higher education. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill that, specifically in Indiana, promotes the INvestED program that provides competitive financing for students seeking a post-secondary credential with special benefits for students who graduate on time, said Senator Braun.\r\nAlaska Commission on Postsecondary Education research shows that more than half of the Alaska students who take out student loans pay more than they need to pay. In fact, students who are not informed of state and non-profit education loan programs risk paying more than double the rates available through their state programs. On behalf of our Alaska students, the Commission is deeply grateful to Senator Murkowski for her work to ensure that students take advantage of non-loan aid as their first option, and  if they need loans  have access to information about programs designed to keep their borrowing costs as low as possible, said Stephanie Butler, Executive Director of Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.\r\n\"Borrowers, whether student or parents, face a daunting task of navigating the student financial loan landscape. Likewise, institutions of higher education face a strict and cumbersome process of identifying lenders to borrowers. Dedicated financial aid officers at institutions work to find the right solutions and options for students. This legislationenables state-based lenders to be eligible for listing by institutions without the burdensome regulatory process used currently,\" said Dr. Paul Layer, VP for Academic Affairs of University of Alaska.\r\nU.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have also co-sponsored the State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act.\r\nSenators Murkowski and Reed also introduced the Student Loan Repayment Freedom Act, which is intended to make the process of repaying federal student loans more efficient and less expensive by allowing borrowers to switch from one income-based repayment plan to another without first having to make a payment under Standard Repayment or go into forbearance. Click here for more information on the Student Loan Repayment Freedom Act.\r\nWe know that repaying federal student loans can be an expensive and frustrating process. The Student Loan Repayment Act aims to simplify that process, giving borrowers the ability to pay under the plan that best suits their needs, with the least amount of hassle, said Senator Murkowski. I am encouraged by this progress and will continue to work with my colleagues on the Senate HELP Committee to develop additional solutions.\r\nRepaying federal student loans is a confusing, expensive challenge for many students nationwide, and it's important that student borrowers are able to switch to a repayment plan that fits their needs without endless delay or red tape, said Senator Reed. The Student Loan Repayment Freedom Act puts borrowers in the driver's seat and makes it easier for them to select the plan that fits their specific needs.\r\nSenator Murkowski also continues to work with her colleagues on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to craft a comprehensive update of the Higher Education Act.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\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/alaska-delegation-locks-in-two-more-years-of-secure-rural-schools", "Alaska Delegation Locks In Two More Years of Secure Rural Schools", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Alaska Delegation Locks In Two More Years of Secure Rural Schools \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 Provides Certainty for Alaska Communities as Delegation Seeks Long-Term Reforms\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after successfully including a two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in the final Appropriations measures for Fiscal Year 2020. All three delegation members are strong proponents of the program, which many Alaska communities are forced to rely on due to declining timber receipts from surrounding federal lands.\r\nFrom the Kenai Peninsula to Yakutat to Wrangell, this is a win for rural communities throughout our state which can now budget for two more years of school funding, emergency response, and road maintenance,said Murkowski.We worked methodically to ensure this extension would be included in a year-end package. And while we welcome it as a needed dose of short-term certainty, we will continue our push for a lasting solution  reasonable access for responsible resource production on federal lands.\r\nSecure Rural Schools funding has been a lifeline for many Southeast Alaskan communities, enabling them to meet the most basic needs of their residents in the midst of a declining timber harvest,said Senator Sullivan.I'm glad to see a renewal of SRS included in the end-of-year spending agreement, providing greater fiscal certainty for many local governments across our state, and honoring the federal government's commitment for another two years.\r\nThe SRS program has been critical to funding schools, infrastructure, and first-responders. Therefore, it is crucially important that this program is protected,said Congressman Don Young. I am very pleased to see a two-year extension of the SRS program included in these final government funding bills, but there is more work ahead to ensure that our communities and their schools are adequately funded. As Alaskans, we can be trusted to both responsibly develop our resources and protect the environment. I will keep working with the Alaska Delegation to ensure that our communities can access the resources they need while supporting the long-term success of the SRS program.\r\nIn early October, Murkowski and Sullivan joined 29 of their Senate colleagues on abipartisan letterurging Senate leadership to renew SRS and fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program in any year-end appropriations measure. The PILT program, which is also critical for many Alaska communities, is fully funded in the Interior Appropriations bill.\r\nLast week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources CommitteereportedS. 430, a bill to extend SRS for two years, paving the way for its inclusion in the year-end appropriations package. Murkowski is chairman of the committee and a cosponsor of the bipartisan measure.\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-include-air-traffic-controllers-hiring-reform-in-ndaa", "Sullivan Works to Include Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Reform in NDAA", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Works to Include Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Reform in NDAA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass the conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which now heads to the President's desk for his signature. Among the many provisions included in the final legislation wasthe Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Reform Act, a bill cosponsored by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), which will reform the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) current hiring process for air traffic controllers (ATC) by giving added preference to graduates of the Certified Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) programs and veterans.\r\nRepresenting the state with more pilots per capita and more communities reachable principally by air than any other, I appreciate the critical nature of our air traffic controllers and the need to ensure the FAA has the necessary tools to staff the control room with highly-qualified individuals,said Senator Sullivan.I'm glad to see this ATC hiring reform included in the final NDAA package, which will address some of the unintended consequences of previous FAA hiring processes that limited the agency's ability to fill the ranks with the most qualified candidates.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\nTo better train the necessary aviation workforce, the FAA created CTI partnerships with educational institutions,like the University of Alaska-Anchorage Aviation Technology Division, to prepare qualified candidates for ATC positions. Graduates of the CTI program are eligible to bypass the Air Traffic Basics Course, which is the first five weeks of qualification training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma. Students must successfully complete all required training at the FAA Academy to continue employment with the FAA.\r\nHowever, under current law, the FAA is required to hire an approximately equal number of air traffic controllers from two pools of candidates. The first pool includes individuals who have graduated from a CTI program, along with eligible veterans. The second pool consists of individuals applying under vacancy announcements, or off-the-street hires. The difference in the number of hires between these two pools can be no larger than 10 percent.\r\nThis limitation restricts the overall number of individuals hired to be air traffic controllers, as the lowest number of applicants by pool inherently limits the overall number of individuals that can be hired.\r\nThe ATC Hiring Reform Act, which was included into the FY 2020 NDAA, will help ensure that the most qualified individuals are entering the air traffic control workforce.\r\nThe bill would do this by giving hiring preference to graduates of CTI schools and veterans, and removing the 10 percent limitation between hiring pools. In addition, the bill includes reporting requirements on new hire performance and attrition rates.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401484", "Congressman Don Youngs Statement Following Passage of Government Funding Bills", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Alaska Congressman Don Young released the following statement following a House vote on two appropriations packages:\r\nI am grateful to negotiators in both parties in the House and Senate for agreeing on the appropriations packages passed out of the House today. I am pleased to see that these final appropriations bills provide crucial funding for our military, and repeal harmful taxes that drive up the cost of health care and hurt middle-class families. I am also proud to have helped secure a 2-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools Program that many Alaskan communities rely on to fund schools and infrastructure. The appropriations package also contained important wins for our rural hospitals and village clinics, in addition to providing critical funding to help combat hunger and expand access to proper nutrition in our communities. I have been a strong advocate for combating domestic violence and child abuse, particularly in rural areas, and I am pleased to see resources made available to combat violence against women and bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. This was a well-rounded bill that delivers many important results for Alaskans, and I look forward to President Trump signing these packages into law.\r\nProvisions of Interest to Alaska:\r\nRural Justice:\r\nSTOP Grants  $215 million for the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) grants.\r\nSASP - $38 million for the Department of Justice for the Sexual Assault Victims Services Program (SASP).\r\nRural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement - $43.5 million for the Department of Justice for Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement. \r\nCOPS - $235 million for the Department of Justice for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program.\r\nEducation:\r\nSecure Rural Schools  This legislation includes a 2-year extension of the program as requested by Congressman Young and Senators Murkowski and Sullivan.\r\nDepartment of Education Impact Aid  The bill would provide $1.486 billion for the Impact Aid program, which distributes payments to communities that have a reduced tax base because of federal land. This number represents an increase of $40 million compared to the FY 2019 enacted level. \r\nHealthcare:\r\nAffordable Care Act (Obamacare) Taxes This legislation includes a repeal of the so-called Cadillac Tax, the Health Insurance Tax (HIT), and the Medical Device Tax.\r\nPharmaceuticals  The spending package includes the CREATES Act to help promote competition and innovation in the pharmaceutical market.\r\nFunding Extensions  Extensions for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and hospitals designated as teaching health centers to improve the health care workforce in underserved areas.\r\nNIH  $41.7 billion was appropriated for the National Institutes of Health, which includes funding for Alzheimer's and cancer research. \r\nRecovery  This legislation includes $5.7 billion for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery, and research.\r\nRetirement  The SECURE Act was included in FY 2020 Appropriations to modernize and provide greater flexibility in retirement planning to individuals.\r\nEnergy and Environment:\r\nANWR  Successfully blocked legislation included in the House bill that would have stopped domestic energy production in ANWR. \r\nDepartment of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program  $305 million was appropriated for the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program.\r\nEnergy Resources  $840 million is included for offshore and onshore energy resource development, as well as an additional $394 million specifically for offshore energy resources.\r\nWildres  Provides $5.6 billion for the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to ght wildres, an increase of $1.6 billion above enacted FY 2019 levels.\r\nSalmon Management Activities  The bill provides $58 million for Salmon Management Activities, which includes $35.5 million for the implementation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty.\r\nWater and Wastewater Infrastructure Grants  $68 million is provided as a package for water and wastewater infrastructure grants including the Rural Alaska Village Grant Program  known in-part as the Village Safe Water Program -- as well as grants for Native American Tribes and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. \r\nCircuit Rider Program  $19.6 million is provided for the Circuit Rider Program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Program. \r\nAlaska Native Policy:\r\nAlaska Native Education Program  $35.953 million is provided for the program, an increase of $500,000 compared to the FY 2019.\r\nAlaska Native and Native Hawaiian Higher Education Program  The bill provides $18.32 million for the program, which is an increase of $2.39 million compared to the FY 2019 enacted level and in line with Congressman Young's request.\r\nVillage Built Clinics  The bill provides $125 million total for 105(l) leases, which includes clinics in Alaska, per Congressman Young's request. This is an increase of $89 million compared to last fiscal year's amount.\r\nBureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service Contract Support Costs  The bill would continue funding as an ongoing, indefinite appropriation so that there will be no chance of a shortfall.\r\nNAHASDA Native Housing Funding  A funding level of $746 million has been maintained in FY 2020. \r\nTransportation and Infrastructure\r\nEssential Air Service  This legislation provides $162 million for the Essential Air Service program, an increase of $1 million compared to FY 2019.\r\nFAA Contract Tower Program  The bill provides $170 million for the Federal Aviation Administration's Contract Tower Program. Per Congressman Young's request, this represents a funding increase of $2 million.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/committee-reviews-nominee-for-office-of-surface-mining-", "Committee Reviews Nominee for Office of Surface Mining", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.19\n\t\t\t Committee Reviews Nominee for Office of Surface Mining  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to consider the nomination of Mr. Lanny Erdos to be Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) at the Department of the Interior.\r\nMurkowski opened the hearing by noting that while OSM plays an important role in approving and monitoring projects and reclamation, federal law clearly points to states as the lead regulator of coal mines.\r\nIn my home state of Alaska, the Coal Regulatory Program has regulated mining since 1983and together with the Usibelli Coal Mine, our only coal operatorhas demonstrated that safe and responsible operation can be assured with minimal permitting delays, Murkowski said. We have also seen the State of Alaska make good progress reducing its inventory of Abandoned Mine Land projects through the efficient use of federal AML dollars.\r\nMurkowski expressed her support for Erdos, who is currently the Acting Director of OSM, pointing to his decades of experience as a state regulator in Ohio.\r\nMr. Erdos has a good reputation. He has consistently promoted solutions that make sense for all sides and I believe he will lead OSM in a pragmatic, effective manner, Murkowski said.\r\nDuring the hearing, Murkowski outlined the unique aspects of Alaska's resource development framework. She asked Erdos to work with her to ensure that any regulatory changes made at OSM do not harm Alaskan entities.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. An archived video of today's hearing can be found on the committee's website. Clickhere to view Murkowski's questions for Erdos.\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/bipartisan-defense-bill-heads-to-the-presidents-desk-with-sullivans-support", "Bipartisan Defense Bill Heads to the President\u2019s Desk with Sullivan\u2019s Support", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.19\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Defense Bill Heads to the President's Desk with Sullivan's Support \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 Authorizes $738 billion in critical defense spending, contains numerous Sullivan-backed provisions that directly impact Alaska\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, todayjoined 85 of his colleagues in voting to pass the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) following a constructive conference process between the House and Senate. The bill authorizes$738 billion in critical defense spending and includes numerous provisions and amendments introduced by Sullivan, many of which directly impact Alaska.\r\nThe passage of this year's NDAA  the fifty-ninth successive passage of this bill  shows that members of Congress can rise above partisan politics to perform their most important constitutional duty, to provide for the common defense,said Senator Sullivan. This bill focuses our military on the 2018 National Defense Strategy's push to address great power competition with Russia and China, particularly in the Arctic, undoes a long-standing, discriminatory provision that targeted Native businesses competing for large DOD contracts, and provides support for Alaska's military priorities. Importantly, it also gives our service members a well-deserved 3.1 percent pay increase, the highest in a decade.\r\nStrategic Arctic Port and the Arctic:\r\nOver the past year, I have observed a sea change in how the media now covers the Arctic, namely as an emerging area of great power competition, saidSenator Sullivan. Unfortunately, while even the press has come to recognize this fact, the Department of Defense has maintained a myopic view of how changing Arctic conditions affect our national security. Due to strong bipartisan support on the Senate Armed Services Committee, we continue to compel the DOD to think strategically about Arctic issues. This year's NDAA includes several key Arctic provisions to help lay the foundation for a Strategic Arctic Port, better understand Russian and Chinese activities in the region, and carry out much-needed planning for potential mass-casualty scenarios in this remote and austere territory. The U.S. is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, and working with Senator Murkowski and Congressman Young, we continue to make progress on advancing critical Arctic initiatives in this strategically-important corner of the world.\r\nThis year's NDAA includes a number of Arctic-related provisions:\r\n \r\nStrategic Arctic Port Designation:Requires the Secretary of Defense to study potential sites for Naval Arctic infrastructure and gives the authorization to designate a site or sites for a Strategic Arctic Port. As the importance of the region grows, ensuring U.S. Naval access and presence in the Arctic is critical. This designation aims to create the strategic imperative for the United States to invest in a deep-water port or ports along Alaska's coast that can accommodate our national security needs.\r\nRussian and Chinese Arctic Military Activities:Requires a report on Arctic military activities by the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China.\r\nChinese Arctic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Requires a report on the People's Republic of China's foreign direct investment into the Arctic and an assessment of China's strategic objectives.\r\nArctic Mass Casualty Planning:Requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan for carrying out mass-casualty disaster response in the Arctic. The provision will help prevent challenges, such as those encountered by the Norwegian government earlier this year as it attempted to rescue 1,373 passengers from the cruise shipViking Sky.\r\nArctic Strategy Implementation Plan:Requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the service secretaries to report on how they will implement the Department of Defense's 2019 Arctic Strategy to defend the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and develop Arctic infrastructure and capabilities.\r\nDOD Official for the Arctic:Urges the Secretary of Defense to designate an existing Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense as the person within DOD to have the primary responsibility of overseeing military policy in the Arctic.\r\nArctic Sustainment Package:The Alaska National Guard independently developed an Arctic search-and-rescue package that allows the Guard to respond to potential large-scale mass-casualty events in the Arctic. This amendment brings attention to that effort and encourages the DOD to resource, field, and expand Arctic search-and-rescue capabilities.\r\nSmall-Unit Support Vehicle (SUSV) Replacement:Applauds the Army's decision to make the Cold-Weather All-Terrain Vehicle  the replacement for the aging SUSV  a program of record, and encourages the Army to procure its entire 163-vehicle requirement.\r\n \r\n\r\nAlaska-Specific Items:\r\nThe FY 2020 NDAA includes a number of provisions recognizing Alaska's strategic importance and supporting the military and service members in Alaska.\r\nI've always said that there are no greater champions of our military than the people of Alaska,saidSenator Sullivan. Our state sells itself. This year's NDAA provides important resources for the military in Alaska and the Alaska communities that support it. The bill takes a number of important steps to address the impacts of PFAS exposure and contamination, nearly doubles the size of the Innovative Readiness Training Program, seeks plans to modernize JPARC with advanced threats and the addition of F-35 Aggressors to augment Eielson's aging F-16 Aggressors, and authorizes a new DOD program to support small spaceports, like the one in Kodiak.\r\nThis year's NDAA includes a number of Alaska-related provisions:\r\n \r\nPerfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS):The FY 2020 NDAA requires the DOD to list all military installations and facilities where drinking water may exceed safe levels of PFAS, stop procuring any further firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals by 2023 and completely eliminate the use of PFAS firefighting foams by 2024, and requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include PFAS on the list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems.\r\nAggressor Modernization:A provision in the FY 2020 NDAA requires the Air Force to consider locations  such as Eielson Air Force Base (AFB)  that would be ideal for early-model F-35s to serve as Aggressor trainers and provide realistic training for our 5th-generation combat aircraft.Additionally, the provision directs the Air Force to consider options for upgrading Eielson AFB's Aggressors to make them a more realistic practice adversary.\r\nInnovative Readiness Training:This year's NDAA adds $14.3 million to the President's Budget for Innovative Readiness Training (IRT), for a total of $30 million dedicated to local reserve training projects, like Operation Arctic Care, which provides roving medical and dental care to rural Alaska villages. Additionally, the bill encourages the DOD to prioritize non-contiguous states, like Alaska, for IRT projects.\r\nJPARC Modernization:The Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) is the crown jewel of Air Force training ranges. A provision in the FY 2020 NDAA requires the Air Force to study what upgrades might be required for its test and training ranges, including JPARC, to ensure that they are capable of providing the best near-peer adversary threat environment for training 5th-generation combat aircraft pilots.\r\nCombat Rescue Helicopter Fielding:The Air Force's procurement of HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters has left the Air National Guard at the end of the line for a critical replacement to the aging HH-60G helicopter. A provision in the FY 2020 NDAA would require the Air Force to reconsider its fielding plan and ensure that its plan for replacing HH-60Gs would not negatively affect the training of Guard rescue warriors, like Alaska's 210thRescue Squadron.\r\nKC-46A Basing:In keeping with Senator Sullivan's focus on overseeing the basing decisions for critical strategic assets, this provision requires the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report on the projected plan for basing of the KC-46A aircraft outside of the continental United States.\r\nInstallation High-Intensity Energy Report:This provision requires the DOD to perform a comprehensive assessment of feasible and mission-appropriate energy initiatives to support energy production and consumption at military installations with high energy costs per capita, like our military installations in Alaska, especially in the Interior.\r\nCommercial Spaceports Program:This provision authorizes the DOD to carry out a program to support space launches for small and medium-class payloads. The program would make investments in federally-licensed, non-federally-owned launch facilities, such as the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska in Kodiak.\r\nSister Subsidiary Performance:This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to develop policies and training to ensure that the past performance of Native 8(a) corporations' sister subsidiaries is given proper consideration when Native corporations bid for new defense contracts.\r\nF-35 Procurement:This year's NDAA authorizes the purchase of 90 F-35s, the 5th-generation fighter aircraft critical to increasing the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps' aviation capability.\r\nNon-Homeport Shipyards:In an effort to avoid further delays in much-needed Naval vessel maintenance, this year's NDAA requires the Secretary of Navy to assess the ability of shipyards, including those in Alaska, to perform repair work on Naval vessels at locations other than their homeports.\r\nHAARP Support:The FY2020 NDAA includes a provision recognizing the value of ionospheric research at facilities, like the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) operated by the University of Alaska, and encouraging the DOD to leverage this facility for conducting military-related research.\r\nImpact Aid:The FY2020 NDAA authorizes an increase in funding for impact aid for schools with military-dependent students by $40 million, and an increase in impact aid for children with severe disabilities by $10 million. School districts in Alaska that educate children of military personnel benefit from this program.\r\nReport and Working Group on Remote and Isolated Installations:The FY2020 NDAA requires a report on the process by which the DOD designates installations as remote or isolated and the process by which sufficient resources are provided to those installations. It also establishes a working group to develop solutions to challenges faced by remote and isolated installations. The provision will help ensure that remote and isolated installations  like Clear Air Force Station, Fort Greely, and Eielson AFB  are sufficiently supported by the DOD.\r\nProhibition on Conducting Additional Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC):In years past, BRACs have threatened military installations in Alaska. Although the DOD did not request to conduct a BRAC this year, the FY 2020 bill would prohibit it.\r\n \r\nSupport for Service Members and their Families and the Creation of New Military Branch:\r\nA number of provisions in the FY 2020 NDAA provide support and resources for our nation's military service members and their families.\r\nOur military's greatest advantage is its people, said Sullivan. This year's NDAA ensures that we are doing all we can to take care of our service members and their families. In addition to the largest military pay raise in a decade, this year's bill ensures America's military families are living in the best possible housing, aids cross-state licensing for military spouses, improves military childcare, and guarantees that all veterans can have the full military funeral honors that they deserve.\r\n \r\nPay Raise:This year's NDAA supports a 3.1 percent pay raise for our military members while extending special pay and bonuses for service members.\r\nMilitary Funeral Honors:The FY 2020 NDAA includes language from a stand-alone bill Senator Sullivan introduced, theCreig Sharp Funeral Honors for Veterans Act,to provide full military funeral honors to all veterans that request it and require installation commanders to have a plan to use off-base services if resources are lacking.\r\nMilitary Housing Reform:Recognizing the urgent need to improve the quality of military family housing, this year's NDAA includes extensive military housing reform measures, establishing a Tenant Bill of Rights, requiring new quality control measures, directing the military to develop dispute resolution guidelines, and increasing transparency for military families.\r\nSupport to Military Spouses:The FY 2020 NDAA supports easing the burden on military spouses of transferring licensure from state to state, doubling the reimbursement amount for licensure expenses, and authorizing a cooperative agreement with the Council of State Governments to improve professional license portability across states.\r\nMilitary Education and Child Care Improvements:This year's NDAA provides direct hire authority for child development centers to streamline hiring for military childcare and authorizes $40 million to assist local educational agencies with military dependent students and $10 million for local agencies eligible to receive payments for children with severe disabilities.\r\nBurn Pits Accountability:A provision in this year's NDAA includes language fromSenator Sullivan'sBurn Pits Accountability Act, a bill for which he was the Republican lead,directing the DOD to assess, in periodic health assessments, whether military members deployed overseas have been exposed to open burn pits or toxic airborne chemicals, and document their exposure in both medical records and the Veterans' Affairs burn pit registry.\r\n \r\n \r\nEstablishment of the U.S. Space Force:Recognizing space's critical role in great-power competition, the FY20 NDAA established the U.S. Space Force as the sixth Armed Service, organized under the U.S. Air Force. The bill creates a Chief of Space Operations to oversee the space warfighting domain who reports to the Secretary of the Air Force and serves as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, it establishes an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration to focus on space acquisitions and an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy to oversee space warfighting.\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    \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-strengthen-8a-contracting-in-ndaa", "Sullivan Works to Strengthen 8(a) Contracting in NDAA", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Works to Strengthen 8(a) Contracting in NDAA \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 Senator's language undoes harmful and discriminatory decades-old provision\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC U.S.Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska),a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,todayvoted with 85of his colleagues to passthe Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes$738billion in critical defense spending and includes many provisions introduced by Sullivanthatpositively impact Alaska.One Sullivan-provision of particular importance wouldundoa discriminatory contracting requirement that applied only to businesses owned by tribes, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.For nearly a decade,this contracting requirement,called Section 811because it was enacted as Section 811 withintheFY2010 NDAA,hasnegatively impacted the abilityofthese entities to obtainsole-sourcecontractswithvalues in excess of $22million(inflation adjusted from $20 million). Section 811had a chilling effect on the ability of Nativecontractors across the country to compete with larger contractors.\r\nAlaska Native Corporations are an integral part of Alaska's economy, saidSenator Sullivan. Unfortunately, the restrictions put on these entities, in the midst of a recession in our state,not onlynegativelyimpacted Alaska Native corporations and their shareholders, butalso the thousands of Alaskans  Native and non-Native  who work for these corporations. Since joining the Senate in 2015, I have worked relentlessly to fix this discriminatory provision. With the support ofNative groups across the state, I'verepeatedlymade thecase to my colleaguessometimes in tensedebatesthat these restrictions unfairly targetedallNative peoplesandhurt small business opportunities in Alaska and throughout the country.\"\r\nI want to thank Congressman Young for passing this provision in the House,as well asSenator Inhofe and his staff for their help in getting this important provision across the goal line,said Senator Sullivan.I'mhopeful that this new law will streamline contracting practices within the Department of Defense, drive additional business to Alaska companies, and allow these businesses to continue their work enriching their communities withjobs,educational opportunities,dividends,and new investments.\r\nThe Provision\r\nSenator Sullivan's provision  Section 823  requires the Department of Defense to remove overly burdensome restrictions first enacted in late 2009, which applied only to Native 8(a) contractors. Specifically, this language reduces the administrative burden and lowers the disproportionately high level of approval authority for small-to-medium-sized sole-source contracts  $100 million and below  awarded to Native 8(a) contractors. The language  which Senator Sullivan included in the Senate Armed Services Committee markup of the FY 2020 NDAA and had broad bipartisan support among the senators on that committee  also positively impacts contracts above $100 million by delegating the approval for these contracts to the head of the procuring agency, or their designee.\r\nMoreover, this provision, which applies to Tribes, and Alaska Native and Hawaiian firms, helps ensures that DOD contracting officers have the additional tools they need to quickly and efficiently procure products and services when the need arises.As the 2018 National Defense Strategy explicitly states, Current processes are not responsive to need; the Department is over-optimized for exceptional performance at the expense of providing timely decisions We must not accept cumbersome approval chains Delivering performance means we will shed outdated management practices and structures while integrating insights from business innovation.\r\nBackground on 8(a):\r\nIn late 2009, less than a year after Senator Ted Stevens' departure from the U.S. the Senate, an extremely harmful contracting provision was airdropped into the National Defense Authorization Act by Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill.\r\nSection 811 of the FY 2010 NDAA created a unique and burdensome requirement on the Justification and Approval (J&A) processes of sole-source contract awards.\r\nThis requirement, which applied only to Native 8(a) small businesses, placed an onerous Head of Agency approval threshold on contracting agencies for contracts over $20 (now inflation adjusted to $22 million); these are relatively small government contracts compared to the high threshold of approval.\r\nThis process created confusion for contracting officers and resulted in overly high, undue levels of contract approval that were inconsistent with lower contract values and contracting agency risk.\r\nFor a decade, the separate and additional burden resulting from Section 811 created a chilling effect on contract awards to qualified Native 8(a) small businesses, effectively removing them from contracting officers' consideration when awarding any sole-source contracts greater than $20 million to meet critical Department of Defense mission needs.\r\n\r\nA graph from a September 2014 GAO Report, Contract Management: DOD's Implementation of Justifications for 8(a) Sole-Source Contracts, showed a dramatic decrease in the number and total value of DOD 8(a) sole-source awards over $20 million, thereby significantly decreasing opportunities for Alaska companies to compete for and be awarded DOD contracts.Moreover, according to DOD's 2015 Report, in FY 2014,DOD did not award any sole-source contracts in excess of $20 million in the 8(a) program. Section 811 ONLY applies to contracts in excess of $20 million. Since that point, only a few contracts above $20 million were awarded to Native 8(a) contractors, thus negatively impacting the broader Alaska economy where all of these companies are based.\r\n\r\nA 2016 GAO Report,Use of Sole-Source 8 a Contracts over $20 Million Continues to Decline, stated, Consistent with findings from our past reports, we found that sole-source awards generally declined in both number and value since 2011, when the 8(a) justification requirement went into effect.\r\nIn sum, Section 811 wasadiscriminatory and unnecessary legislative change that was neither subject to normalcongressional discussion nor amendment.\r\n# # #", 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-hugh-bud-fate", "Sullivan Honors Alaskan of the Week: Hugh \u201cBud\u201d Fate", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Honors Alaskan of the Week: Hugh Bud Fate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) recognizedDr.Hugh BudFate, of Fairbanks, Alaska, on the floor of the U.S. Senate last week.Bud, who recently celebrated his 90thbirthday, is a legend across Alaska. He has been a rodeo cowboy, a college football player, a roughneck, a soldier, a gold miner, a carpenter, a hunter, a commercial and subsistence fisherman, a dog musher, a bush pilot, a dentist, a businessman, a state representative, an author, an artistan Alaskan renaissance man through and through. But most importantly, he is a dedicated father, grandfather, husband to his wife, Mary Jane, for 65 years, and a man who has lived his life in service to his country, his State, and his community. He is also Senator Sullivan's father-in-law.\r\nSenator Sullivan recognized Bud as part of his series, Alaskan of the Week.\r\n\r\nMr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, it is that time of week in which I get to come down to the floor of the U.S. Senate--a great privilege--and talk about a special person in Alaska, somebody who helps to make my State the greatest State in the country, in my opinion. We call this person our Alaskan of the Week. It is one of the best things I get to do all week. I know that the pages really enjoy it as well because they get to hear about Alaska and all of the things that are happening.\r\nBefore I recognize our special Alaskan, let me tell you a little bit about what is going on in Alaska right now.\r\nWe have had some strange weather in Southcentral Alaska--warm by our standards--that being wet and windy, with gusts over 100 miles per hour in some places. In Fairbanks, which is in the interior--I was just up there last week and am going to talk about that, for it is where our special Alaskan of the Week is from--it feels a lot more like winter.\r\nIt got down to 27 below zero last week, and now it is in the single digits.\r\nWhen it comes to Alaska's interior weather, there is some debate as to what the lowest recordbreaking temperature was in Fairbanks. Some say it was 66 below zero in 1934, and others say it was in the negative 70 and 70-below-zero territory.\r\nThe numbers do matter. Take it from Dr. Hugh ``Bud'' Fate, who is our Alaskan of the Week--we call him Bud--who, during the time he was working construction on the North Slope in the early 1950s, once had to walk a mile for shelter after a tractor he was operating froze up.\r\nWhen I got to the station, they told me the official temperature was 70 degrees below zero, he said. I was dressed for it--Bud is a tough guy\"but my fingers and my toes were getting cold. I don't think I could have made another mile, Bud said.\r\nBud, we know you could have. We know you could have.\r\nThat is just one of many stories that Bud tells about his 70 years of living in the great State of Alaska.\r\nSo let me talk about Bud Fate--a legend across our State. He just turned 90 years old last week. He has been a rodeo cowboy, a college football player, a roughneck, a soldier, a gold miner, a carpenter, a hunter, a commercial and subsistence fisherman, a dog musher, a bush pilot, a dentist, a businessman, a State representative, an author, an artist, an all-around rabble-rouser, and an Alaskan renaissance man through and through.\r\nBut most importantly, he is a dedicated father, grandfather, husband to his wife, Mary Jane, for 65 years, and a man who has lived his life in service to his country, his State, and his community--very worthy of being our Alaskan of the Week.\r\nSo Bud Fate was born on December 4, 1929--90 years ago last week--and raised in Eastern Oregon--Cowtown, he called it. He began riding a horse when he was just 6 years old, eventually riding on the rodeo circuit, getting bucked off horses all across the American West.\r\nHe went to college at the University of Washington, where he initially played football. After he got hurt, he enrolled in a drama class and had dreams, when he made his way to California, to Hollywood, to work as an actor or as a stuntman in cowboy movies and films.\r\nAs it turned out, it wasn't California that called him; it was Alaska that called him--specifically, a good job in the far north of Alaska, a place called Umiat, working on oil rigs not too far away from what would become the biggest oil find ever in North America, the mammoth field at Prudhoe Bay. Bud was 20 years old, working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even though it was a barren and cold, cold place--this was in the winter--he fell in love with it. Alaska grabbed him, as it does to certain types of adventuresome, intelligent, and fiercely independent individuals.\r\nIt grabbed Bud, and it didn't let go--never let go. He was one of the drillers working on the shift which brought the first oil to the surface that came out of this rig in Umiat. Bud likes to describe it as this almost beautiful orange color, some of the first oil in Alaska in the fifties, early fifties--pretty exciting.\r\nHe was working on the slope when, in 1950, a radio message came in where they were working that the United States was at war in Korea.Bud said:\r\nI remember thinking it wouldn't affect me way up here on the North Slope of Alaska. Nobody is going to find me, a 20-year-old, but 2 weeks later, I got my first draft notice.\r\nThat is what Bud said. I guess it goes to show you Uncle Sam can find you anywhere if he wants you.\r\nAs a U.S. Army corporal, Bud was attached to the 11th Airborne Division when he got deployed not to Korea but actually back to Alaska. He was charged with riding the lead Jeep to conduct the combat survey on all the twists and turns of the newly constructed, 1,700-mile-long Alcan Highway, advising the mission commanders about the Arctic, cold weather, and Alaska.\r\nA couple of years later, he was out of the Army, back in Alaska, and he was having a drink one night at the famous Rendezvous Club in Fairbanks, a tongue-tied veteran, he was, and in walks a Miss Alaska contestant--or should I say, from Bud's perspective, in walks destiny.\r\nWhom am I talking about? Who was the destiny?\r\nWell, it is Mary Jane Evans, a young, smart--according to Bud--``Hollywood beautiful'' Athabaskan woman from the small Yukon River village of Rampart. She took his breath away. As a matter of fact, she took everybody's breath away.\r\nNow, Bud, at this event, was wearing moccasins. Mary Jane was wearing stilettos, and she promptly stepped on his toes, but it was still love at first sight for both of them, and according to Bud, it still is, 65 years later. For 65 years, they forged a life together, Bud and Mary Jane, the theme of which centered around public service.\r\nAlways working together, they raised three beautiful, kind and keenly intelligent daughters--keenly intelligent--and they worked to fundamentally change Alaska for the better, both through institutions and volunteering at organizations and through individual actions that profoundly impacted so many Alaskans over the years.\r\nEventually Bud, using the GI bill, went back to college, and then he went to get his degree in dentistry. He was a beloved dentist not only in Fairbanks but all across the region.\r\nNow, he was a bush pilot, and he had a plane, so he and Mary Jane, who was a trained dental assistant, traveled all around the small villages in the interior.\r\nTrust me, these villages do not and certainly back then did not have any dental care, so they provided dental care throughout the interior to tiny, little communities for free, for anybody who needed it.\r\nAs their three daughters were growing up--Janine, Jennifer, and Julie--it was a big time, a momentous time, in Alaska.\r\nThe Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was being debated. One of the biggest land settlements in American or all history took place right here on the floor of the U.S. Senate.\r\nBud and Mary Jane were both highly involved in this monumentally important bill for Alaska and in the overarching efforts to attain rights and lands for the Alaska Native people.\r\nOne of Bud's best friends was Ralph Perdue, a strong Alaska Native leader, who, along with Mary Jane and Bud, founded the Fairbanks Native Association. Working together, they focused heavily on education for Alaska Natives, particularly high school education, something most Americans take for granted. Until 1970, rural Alaska-a huge swath of America--by and large did not have any high schools. The small communities, small villages, did not have any high schools. To get a high school education, young students and even children had to leave their homes and their villages and travel to boarding schools in very faraway places in Alaska and in the lower 48.\r\nNow, that was an injustice--one, among others, that the Fairbanks Native Association decided to tackle. They produced studies. They gave lectures. They talked to State officials. They talked to Federal officials. They and so many others across the State helped lay the groundwork for the seminal lawsuit brought by a group of Alaskans that resulted in a State-signed consent decree to provide high schools in communities throughout the State--communities with at least 15 students--rather than sending their children all across Alaska, hundreds of miles away, or to the lower 48, thousands of miles away.\r\nAt the time, this education settlement was the largest education settlement in American history, but Bud's commitment to education didn't stop there--not even close. He was on the Board of Regents for the University of Alaska, eventually serving as president of the university. It should be noted that later, Mary Jane, his wife, also served on this very important board.\r\nWith a combined 24 years of service together, Bud and Mary Jane were on the University of Alaska Board of Regents. Bud helped run the university when the president abruptly resigned.\r\nHe and Mary Jane also opened their home to villagers all across the State who came to Fairbanks and just needed a place to stay. They knew that Bud and Mary Jane would take them in. Our house was always full, their lovely daughter Julie said.\r\nThere were always people living with us who were empowering themselves through education. To this day, I still have Alaskans stop to tell me how they were helped and given a second chance by my parents.\r\nAs Julie also noted, there was always a huge amount of smoked salmon strips on the table for all to share--the best smoked salmon in Alaska, I might add.\r\nThere is so much more to Bud Fate's life. For instance, at the young, tender age of 70, he decided he was going to run for office. He ran for the State legislature, and he won in a landslide. He served two terms.\r\nHe was immediately elected chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, which is a huge, important committee in Alaska, and was highly respected on both sides of the aisle.\r\nThe list of boards and commissions that he sat on is way too long to go into here, as is the list of service organizations he has volunteered for and led.\r\nHe has known Presidents of countries and dignitaries from all over the globe. He is as comfortable at his fish camp on the Yukon River as he is in the board room.\r\nAs I mentioned, he is a rabble rouser with very strong opinions--I have heard them for many years, but at heart all of his opinions are focused on a commitment to treat everybody with respect and kindness and provide every Alaskan--every American--an opportunity to better themselves.\r\nHe is a good man--Bud Fate--one of the best. The measure of Bud and the impact of his life is probably best reflected in his family and his friends, so many of whom gathered in Fairbanks on December 4 for his 90th birthday, where people from all walks of life all across the State came together--well over 100--talked about his generosity, how it impacted them, how it impacted families, and how it impacted people all around him.\r\nPeople gave speeches about how he and Mary Jane took in people from all walks of life--veterans coming back from Vietnam who needed comfort and respect, people who needed a helping hand, food, warmth, just love. He lifted people up, so did Mary Jane, and they saved lives.\r\nI was actually one of those people giving a speech in Fairbanks at Bud's 90th birthday party, and I talked about the profound impact Bud has had on my own life--after all, Bud Fate is my father-in-law, and I can't imagine a better one.\r\nHe has taught me so much. Bud and Mary Jane, along with my own mom and dad, have provided me a model--actually, for me and Julie, my wife, of what a true partnership looks like. He is a model for how fulfilling a life of service can be, especially a life in the great State of Alaska.\r\nAs I mentioned, he is not just a model for me but for the whole State of a life well lived and a life lived in full.\r\nSo, Bud, thanks for all you have done for Alaska, for America, for Fairbanks, for our family, for our great State, and all you continue to do. Thanks for being a great father-in-law and a friend, and, Bud, congratulations on being our Alaskan of the Week.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-questions-ihs-director-nominee-about-alaska-concerns", "Murkowski Questions IHS Director Nominee about Alaska Concerns", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Questions IHS Director Nominee about Alaska Concerns \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Highlights Health and Sanitation Needs, 105(l) Leasing Issues\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a Nomination Hearing this week to consider Rear Admiral (RADM) Michael D. Weahkee to be Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) raised a range of topics to RADM Weahkee, including health care and sanitation needs in Alaska and the issue of a federal mandate for payments of leasing costs under section 105(l) of the Indian Self Determination Act when tribal facilities are used to operate IHS programs.\r\n\r\nClick here for video of Senator Murkowski discussing sanitation and health care issues\r\nSenator Murkowski began her remarks by noting that many rural Alaska Native communities still lack even the most basic sanitation, noting the negative impact on public health for thousands of American Indians and Alaska Natives.\r\nIn far too many of our rural communities, we have communities that lack any level of basic sanitation needs being met. We have no running water. We have no sewer facilities. And when you do not to have clean water to drink or to bathe in or to clean your clothes or your home, disease is allowed to accumulate, said Senator Murkowski. We have issues. Whether they are respiratory issues or communicable diseases that are shared  I think we recognize that these are a key and integral part to how you're able to better provide for the healthcare needs of so many in my part of the country up in Alaska.\r\nRear Admiral Weahkee gave his full commitment to working with partner agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to combine resources that they received to help meet needs across Indian Country.\r\nIn personal visits that I have had the opportunity to make in Shishmaref and Wales, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the limited facilities, the solid waste concern, the PASS system in some communities that's been used as an innovative way to address sanitation. You definitely have my commitment for scanning the landscape for innovative solutions and to best use the Indian Health Service's resources to best serve the needs throughout Indian Country, said RADM Weahkee. As I have heard you say many times: we should not be relying on honey buckets and we should really take a public health approach to meet these needs.\r\nSenator Murkowski also raised the importance of proactively working to understand and address the issue of leases under section 105(l) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA).\r\nThis is something that I'm going to continue to press on and you've given me your assurance that you are going to be working on that but I think that is something that we all need to be very aware that this could literally take over our IHS budget if we don't have a better understanding, said Senator Murkowski.\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-advances-legislation-to-protect-vulnerable-children-and-strengthen-families-", "Committee Advances Legislation to Protect Vulnerable Children and Strengthen Families", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.19\n\t\t\t Committee Advances Legislation to Protect Vulnerable Children and Strengthen Families  \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 Acknowledges Progress, Calls for Continued Efforts\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced bills to the full Senate to improve how we protect vulnerable children, fund domestic violence shelters, and help families across the nation. The bills, which were reported favorably out of the HELP Committee, include legislation to strengthen programs intended to keep children safe, protect families from and prevent violence, support strong communities, increase effective interstate background checks for child care employees, and increase the number of health care providers in rural areas.\r\nU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a member of the Committee, recognized the progress made towards meeting the needs of underserved populations, including reauthorization of the Family, Violence, Prevention, and Services Act (FVPSA) which helps survivors of domestic violence receive services such as emergency shelter, crisis counseling, safety planning, and assistance recovering from financial abuse and housing insecurity. First authorized in 1984, the FVPSA ensures that local domestic violence shelters and programs are able to keep their doors open. The programs serve over 1.3 million Americans every year and has been expired since 2015. Building on her leadership to address law enforcement and public safety issues and the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Native women, Senator Murkowski has worked hard to improve the current FVPSA legislation.\r\nWe have made incredible progress in Alaska in recent months. Attorney General Barr has looked at the situation in Alaska and declared a public safety emergency in the state because of the lack of public safety and the impact on domestic violence. I thank Senator Casey, a great partner to work with as we have advanced the FVPSA legislation, said Senator Murkowski. I saw remarkable recognition from the field and non-tribal entities to address the high needs of the tribal population and the inequities that exist. With so many communities in this space that need the additional resources I think this recognition was truly remarkable.\r\nDuring the hearing, Senator Murkowski acknowledged the significant steps made, but also highlighted the need of more work to do in ensuring equitable resources for tribes in both the child welfare and domestic violence arenas, and called on her colleagues for continued support to address these awful and glaring issues. Murkowski also explained the situation in Alaska and why tribal FVPSA grants are vital to rural communities.\r\nOur rates are excessively high when it comes to domestic violence and child abuse. I hear so many stories, such as families with 5 or 6 kids and the woman finds herself in a serious domestic violence situation. These are small communities that are not accessible by road. The only way in is often an airplane flight, which means the only way out is an airplane flight. So if it has been an abusive spouse or partner or someone in the village, there is no place to go for safety in your village. It is 350 people, you're locked in, and often access to law enforcement is non-existent or you have to wait for a state trooper to fly in. But if the weather is bad, literally the community can be in a lock-down mode when you have someone moving through a village that is dangerous, said Senator Murkowski. So what you have is a need to fly the families to the hub regions to seek refuge, which could mean spending $10,000 if you're moving 5 or 6 kids and you've got multiple flights to get to Anchorage for safety. If your annual grant is $14,000 [per tribe], you have eaten that up just helping one family. And this is not an unusual situation. Often times we see this happening multiple times a month. FVPSA grants are the only federal grants specifically available for domestic violence shelters and transporting these families to safety has got to be an imperative.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE FOR VIDEO\r\nThe HELP Committee approved the following bills:\r\n \r\nChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Reauthorization Act of 2019: The legislation, of which Senator Murkowski is a cosponsor, provides grants to states to support the prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse and neglect. This includes family-strengthening services like parent empowerment and positive parenting education.\r\n \r\n \r\nFamily Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2019: In July 2019, Senator Murkowski and Senator Casey (D-PA) introduced the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act, legislation to enhance and expand support, protection, and prevention for Americans affected by family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the only federal grants specifically available for domestic violence shelters and authorizes a significant increase in resources to tribes. FVPSA was included within CAPTA.\r\n \r\n \r\nAdoption Opportunities Act: Included in CAPTA, this bill removes barriers to adoption through programs to increase the placement of minorities, older children, and children who are disabled.\r\n \r\n \r\nChild Care Improvement Act of 2019: The bill creates an interagency task force to assist state and Child Care and Development Block Grant-funded child care providers in the process of implementing the required interstate background check requirements for child care workers.\r\n \r\n \r\nTitle VII Health Workforce Reauthorization: The legislation would revise and extend health workforce programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act, by providing funds, through grants and direct assistance to individuals, in support of health professional education and training. Additionally, the bill calls for a comprehensive and coordinated workforce development plan, including performance measures for Title VII programs, identification of gaps, and barriers to addressing those gaps.\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/enr-advances-19-more-bills-to-the-full-senate-", "ENR Advances 19 More Bills to the Full Senate", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.19\n\t\t\t ENR Advances 19 More Bills to the Full 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 Veterans and Rural Communities to Benefit from Bipartisan Legislation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today held a business meeting to consider and report 19 public lands and energy-related measures to the full Senate.\r\nThis has been a remarkably productive year for the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. We will now turn to negotiating our energy package, so we can have it ready to bring it up on the floor early next year, Chairman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said.\r\nMurkowski highlighted several measures on the agenda, including legislation related to the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs, which were featured in a committee hearing last month.\r\nMany Alaska communities are forced to rely on SRS due to a decline in timber receipts, but its authorization has now lapsed and our ability to fund it is uncertain. I'm pushing to include SRS in any year-end appropriations package, but it's also important for us to report it here today, Murkowski said. Another important measure is the Small County PILT Parity Act, which will correct a bias in existing law so that small rural communities in Alaska, Montana, and Nevada are not disadvantaged compared to more populous counties in other states.\r\nThe committee also advanced a bill to provide wounded veterans with free access to national parks, as well as a bill to facilitate a research program to improve veterans' health care.\r\nArchived video, a full list of bills reported by the committee, and a rundown of the business meeting are available on the committee's website.\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\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\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-votes-to-confirm-new-fda-commissioner-", "Murkowski Votes to Confirm new FDA Commissioner", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Votes to Confirm new FDA Commissioner  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement today after voting to confirm Stephen Hahn as U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner:\r\nAs a member of the Senate HELP Committee I've had the opportunity to have constructive dialogue with the nominee and gauge his understanding of issues of importance to Alaska, said Senator Murkowski. As a cancer researcher and noted oncologist, Dr. Hahn understands the need to do everything we can to ensure another generation is not addicted to tobacco products, including an increased focus on harmful e-cigarette and vaping devices. I look forward to working with him and his team to make this a priority. It's encouraging to know that Dr. Hahn recognizes the importance of providing access to promising new therapies for devastating diseases such as ALS as well as the significance of including the patient in the development process. Bottom line, he has the experience necessary to fulfill this role.\r\nThe Senate confirmed Hahn's nomination in a vote of 72-18.\r\nLast month, Senator Murkowski participated in a Senate HELP Committee nomination hearing where she raised a range of Alaska interests with Dr. Hahn, including the epidemic of e-cigarettes and vaping, ALS research, FDA seafood advice, and labeling requirements for Genetically Engineered (GE) Salmon.\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/schatz-murkowski-urge-passage-of-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-critical-role-of-census-importance-of-full-and-accurate-count", "Schatz, Murkowski Urge Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Full and Accurate Count", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.19\n\t\t\t Schatz, Murkowski Urge Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Full and Accurate Count \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced a bipartisan resolutionto ensure the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted.\r\nThe Census is mandated by the Constitution and plays a vital role in our democracy, ensuring that every person is counted and receives the representation and services they deserve, said Senator Schatz. This is an opportunity for us to make clear Congress' commitment to achieving an accurate count and reaching all communities.\r\nCensus data is essential for the government to make informed decisions about the future of its people and ensure that all Americans have equal representation. I'm proud to join Senator Schatz on this bipartisan resolution that recognizes the importance and the significance of the 2020 Census and ensures it is quick, concise, and easy to complete, said Senator Murkowski. As the largest and most rural state, Alaska has one of the hardest populations to count in the decennial U.S. Census. Accurate census data provides crucial information for research and planning purposes, directing fair funding allotments for the federal programs that are vital to rural and Native American populations, and enabling the enforcement of federal nondiscrimination laws. I'm glad to shine a spotlight on our efforts to ensure an accurate census and look forward to the first census count in the nation that will take place in Toksook Bay, Alaska in January 2020.\r\nThe 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities.\r\nThe resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible.\r\nThe Schatz-Murkowski resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D- Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\r\nThe resolution is supported by a number of organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, National the Association of Towns and Townships, the Census Project, NAACP, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  AAJC, National Congress of American Indians, Service Employees International Union, National Education Association, Nielsen, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and Google.\r\nFor a PDF copy of the resolution, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-hirono-sullivan-murkowski-ask-cms-to-extend-aca-enrollment-deadline-to-accommodate-residents-of-hawaii-and-alaska", "Senators Hirono, Sullivan, Murkowski Ask CMS to Extend ACA Enrollment Deadline to Accommodate Residents of Hawaii and Alaska", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.19\n\t\t\t Senators Hirono, Sullivan, Murkowski Ask CMS to Extend ACA Enrollment Deadline to Accommodate Residents of Hawaii and 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 Senators Request Enrollment Deadline be Extended to Midnight Local Time on December 15 to Minimize Confusion for Residents of Hawaii and Alaska Seeking to Enroll in Health Care Coverage on Final Day of Open Enrollment\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) wrote to Seema Verma, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), requesting that CMS extend the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment deadline for 2020 by two hours to accommodate residents of Hawaii and Alaska. This change would ensure residents in all 50 states are able to enroll in health coverage by CMS's publicly available deadline of December 15th.\r\nAs it currently stands, Open Enrollment is scheduled to close at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 16, which is 10:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time and 11:00 p.m. Alaska Time on December 15. However, the timing of the deadline is not prominently advertised on HealthCare.gov leaving residents in Alaska and Hawaii to falsely assume they can enroll in health coverage through the end of the day on December 15, resulting in a misleading deadline for the residents of these two states, The Senators wrote. Data from past open enrollment periods indicate that many people put off enrolling in health coverage until the last minute. Last year, about half of sign-ups occurred in the last week and the final day of Open Enrollment is the busiest, particularly the final hours. Given how many mainland consumers sign up in the final hours of Open Enrollment, it is clear that consumers assume that midnight is the deadline. It is unacceptable to take away this valuable window of time away from people simply because they live in a different state.\r\nThe Senators Continued: It is absolutely vital that the residents of Hawaii and Alaska be given an equal opportunity to that of the rest of the country to enroll through midnight local time on December 15. It is our understanding that keeping the Marketplace open for an additional two hours does not require significant infrastructure changes or staffing changes, and is a policy that should have been implemented years ago.\r\nA signed copy of the letter can be downloaded here, and a copy of the full text is below.\r\n\r\nDecember 9, 2019\r\nThe Honorable Seema Verma\r\nAdministrator\r\nCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services\r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW\r\nWashington, District of Columbia 20201\r\nDear Administrator Verma:\r\nWe write to request that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services extend the deadline for 2020 Open Enrollment in the Federal Health Care Marketplaces to 5:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 16, which would allow residents of all states to enroll through the end of December 15, the publicly advertised deadline. We also request that you use the 5:00 am deadline for future Open Enrollment periods.\r\nAs it currently stands, Open Enrollment is scheduled to close at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 16, which is 10:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time and 11:00 p.m. Alaska Time on December 15. However, the timing of the deadline is not prominently advertised on HealthCare.gov leaving residents in Alaska and Hawaii to falsely assume they can enroll in health coverage through the end of the day on December 15, resulting in a misleading deadline for the residents of these two states. It is easy to imagine a consumer in Alaska or Hawaii going online at 11:00 p.m. on December 15 to enroll in coverage, only to be shut out despite being within the advertised deadline.\r\nData from past open enrollment periods indicate that many people put off enrolling in health coverage until the last minute. Last year, about half of sign-ups occurred in the last week and the final day of Open Enrollment is the busiest, particularly the final hours. Given how many mainland consumers sign up in the final hours of Open Enrollment, it is clear that consumers assume that midnight is the deadline. It is unacceptable to take away this valuable window of time away from people simply because they live in a different state.\r\nIt is absolutely vital that the residents of Hawaii and Alaska be given an equal opportunity to that of the rest of the country to enroll through midnight local time on December 15. It is our understanding that keeping the Marketplace open for an additional two hours does not require significant infrastructure changes or staffing changes, and is a policy that should have been implemented years ago.\r\nGiven the short amount of time left in this year's Open Enrollment period, we request a response by December 11, 2019. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kerry Allen on Senator Hirono's staff at 202-224-9726 or kerry_allen@hirono.senate.gov.\r\n Sincerely,\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-chairs-hearing-on-coast-guard-arctic-strategy", "Sullivan Chairs Hearing on Coast Guard Arctic Strategy", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Chairs Hearing on Coast Guard Arctic Strategy \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 Launches Senate Coast Guard Caucus, Announces New Legislation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Security, today convened a hearing, Expanding Opportunities, Challenges, and Threats in the Arctic: A Focus on the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Strategic Outlook, to examine the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) current presence in the Arctic and what capabilities or infrastructure the service needs to meet America's strategic priorities in the region. Additionally, Sullivan announced the formation of the U.S. Senate Coast Guard Caucus, and new legislation he will introduce directing the federal government to codify a strategy for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard's ability to operate in the Arctic.\r\n\r\nThe U.S., one of the eight actual Arctic nations, has lagged behind in developing the infrastructure needed to meet the challengesbrought on by this expanding economic opportunity, saidSenator Sullivan. A key component of the U.S. government's strategy for managing the changing landscape in the Arctic is the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has long been at the forefront of Arctic operations.\r\nThe hearing featured testimony from the vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Charles Ray, and three policy experts: Heather Conley, director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Sherri Goodman, senior strategist at the Center for Climate and Security; and Dr. Michael Sfraga, director of the Polar Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.\r\nIn his first line of questioning, Sullivan pressed each of the initial three witnesses on the importance of having infrastructure and a deep-water port in place in the Arctic that can support the Coast Guard, Navy, and commercial vessels that will be increasingly operating in the region.\r\nWe really don't have any capability with regard to a strategic [Arctic] port. This isn't a call for a giant Navy or Coast Guard base. It's simply right now the ability to have an icebreaker or a national security cutter or a Navy destroyer to pull up to a port in America's Arctic, saidSullivan. Right now, with the exception of Dutch Harbor and Anchorage, we can't do that. Is that acceptable to you? Shouldn't part of the DoD and Coast Guard plan be to at least have, what I have been calling for, a series of strategic Arctic ports in the region?\r\nSenator, we absolutely need a deep-water port in the Arctic, repliedMs. Conley. Let's think about how long it took to get the polar security cutter. It took over a decade of talking and studying. We cannot wait ten years for this infrastructure.\r\nMs. Goodmanaffirmed the senator's concern, saying,  I agree, we should have a strategic port in the Arctic and we should use this opportunity, because we need this infrastructure in the Arctic, also to understand  it should have an environmental security component as well. We should use it as a way to understand what it takes to build a resilient portresilient to changing conditions, changing more rapidly than we expect in the region.\r\nThe final witness,Dr. Sfraga, went a step further, emphasizing the need for more than just one port, saying, I think we need a string of ports from the North Slope, along the Bering Strait, down to using our Adak naval base.\r\nDuring the second panel, Sullivan then pressed Admiral Ray about the lack of a strategic port in the Arctic.\r\nThere's no question that a deep-water port north of Dutch [Harbor]would benefit Coast Guard operations, saidAdmiral Ray. No doubt about it.\r\nTo watch the full hearing, clickhere.\r\nU.S. Senate Coast Guard Caucus\r\nThe Senate Coast Guard Caucus, announced by Sullivan at the hearing, was formed on October 30, 2019 to advance [USCG] priorities through advocacy and legislation to ensure the continued security of the United States, safety of those operating on the nation's waterways, and stewardship of our resources.\r\nCurrent co-chairs include Senators Sullivan, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). Members include Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). A copy of the caucus charter is availablehere.\r\nStrategic Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019\r\nFinally, during the hearing, Sullivan announced his plan to introduce theStrategic Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019, with measures that would direct the federal government to recognize the importance of the Arctic to American national and economic security, and put forward a strategy for the U.S. fleet's ability to operate in the Arctic and respond to challenges.\r\nI will also soon be introducing legislation to further advance the collaboration between the Navy and Coast Guard to increase their effectiveness for carrying out sustained operations in the Arctic, saidSenator Sullivan. This bill will direct the strategic focus, infrastructure investment, and capability development needed to rapidly respond to crises in the Arctic, and to secure our sovereignty through persistent presence in this region of increasing great power competition.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401469", "House Passes Congressman Don Youngs Legislation to Improve Ocean Data Collection", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Congressman Don Young's Legislation to Improve Ocean Data Collection \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 11, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C.  Last night, as part of a broader legislative package, the House of Representatives passed the Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing System (ICOOS) Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Don Young (R-AK) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)  Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan House Oceans Caucus  to improve data collection and information sharing between the federal agencies and coastal observation partners dedicated to monitoring oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes.\r\nOur integrated Ocean Observation System helps make maritime commerce possible, said Congressman Don Young. Equipping our fishermen and ship captains with the best possible data is essential to making our waters safer and more navigable. Accurate data collection is also critical to maritime search and rescue operations, the health of fisheries, and the mitigation of coastal hazards. I am very pleased to see the House pass my legislation that not only benefits Alaska, but coastal communities across the country. I am grateful for Congresswoman Bonamici's partnership on this bill and look forward to continuing our work together on future Oceans Caucus priorities.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401470", "House Passes FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act with Critical Alaska Provisions Championed by Congressman Don Young", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, with the support of Alaska Congressman Don Young, the House of Representatives passed S. 1790  the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)  legislation to set the annual budget for the Department of Defense. In addition to supplying needed funding for military expenditures, providing a 3.1% military pay raise, and bolstering natural disaster preparedness, this legislation also includes several provisions of importance to the State of Alaska and Alaska Native communities. Following House passage of the NDAA, Congressman Young issued the following statement:\r\nEvery year, Congress passes the NDAA to authorize national defense spending for domestic and overseas operations. This year's bill is an important one, and I'm very proud of what we as a Congress were able to accomplish on behalf of our military. The FY 2020 NDAA takes critical steps to strengthen our national defense and provides funding for a well-deserved pay raise for the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces. I am especially proud to have worked with Senator Dan Sullivan to improve and strengthen the 8(a) Native Contracting program by removing barriers that had previously been hindering Alaska Native organizations from providing their impressive services to the Department of Defense. The NDAA also includes my language to help bolster security in the Arctic by providing for an independent study of Chinese investment in the region. The Arctic continues to be an area of great strategic importance. This bill also includes a provision written in conjunction with Senator Dan Sullivan allowing for the creation of a Strategic Arctic Port to bolster security and ensure that America is equipped to defend the region from foreign threats and to better respond to emergencies in the Arctic.\r\nMilitary readiness is crucially important. If our nation is to have a first-rate military capable of defending freedom across the globe, it must be equipped with the tools necessary to fight. I have long been a supporter of bringing the F-35 to Alaska, and I am happy that this year's NDAA authorizes nearly $9 million in Military Construction funding for F-35 storage facilities at Eielson Air Force Base. Additionally, the NDAA authorizes funding for the Air Force to acquire 60 F-35A aircraft. Safe and strong infrastructure is very important to our military readiness. When threats emerge, being able to quickly mobilize is essential to neutralizing threats. The NDAA authorizes $75 million for the Office of Economic Adjustment's Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which provides grants and other funds to assist Alaska and state governments across the country in addressing deficient infrastructure in our communities.\r\nThis is a very good bill, and I am proud to see such broad bipartisan support for our nation's military. I would like to thank our Senator Dan Sullivan for his continued leadership in the area of national defense and for working with me to secure results in the NDAA for Alaska. My commitment is to the men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe. In Congress, I will continue to champion their causes and make sure they know that Congress has their backs.\r\nCongressman Young's Initiatives Included in the Final Conference Language:\r\n8(a) Native Contracting Amendment: The amendment revises authorities related to Department of Defense approval of certain sole source awards to 8(a) firms, including tribes, Alaska Native organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Specifically, the threshold for requiring justification and approval would be increased from $22 million to $100 million. Click here for bill text. Chinese Foreign Investment in the Arctic: Congressman Young's amendment directs an independent study of Chinese foreign investment in Arctic countries, with a focus on the effects of this investment on United States national security and economic competition in the region. Click here for bill text.\r\nStrategic Arctic Ports: The amendment requires the United States Secretary of Defense -- in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the Administrator of United States Maritime Administration -- to submit a report evaluating potential sites for one or more strategic ports in the Arctic region. The provision would also provide the Secretary of Defense with the ability to designate one or more ports as Department of Defense Strategic Arctic Ports. Click here for bill text.\r\nProvisions of Interest:\r\nThe Defense Community Infrastructure Program: The conference agreement authorizes $75 million for the Office of Economic Adjustment's Defense Community Infrastructure Program. This program provides grants, and supplemental funds to assist state and local governments in addressing deficiencies in community infrastructure projects or outside facilities that support military installations.\r\nPFAS/PFOA: The final NDAA prohibits the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS after October 1, 2024, and immediately prohibits the uncontrolled release of fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and the use of AFFF in training exercises at military installations. This agreement also encourages the Secretary of Defense to finalize cooperative agreements with states to address contamination by these substances and authorizes the National Guard to access Defense Environmental Remediation Account funds for the purpose of addressing PFAS/PFOA exposure and contamination resulting from National Guard activities. \r\nMilitary Construction (MILCON): The conference report authorizes $8.6 million in MILCON funding for the F-35A AME Storage facility at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.\r\nParental Leave: The FY 2020 NDAA provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees provided the amount of leave taken is worked before employment ends. If the used leave is not made up, employees must pay back its value.\r\nA full summary of the FY 2020 NDAA can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/arctic-shipping-legislation-advances-in-us-senate", "Arctic Shipping Legislation Advances in U.S. Senate", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.19\n\t\t\t Arctic Shipping Legislation Advances in U.S. 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 Prioritizing Arctic Maritime Transportation Opportunities, Safety, and Security\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t The Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee Act, legislation to address the impacts and opportunities of increasing shipping and maritime traffic, today advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously. The bill is sponsored by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), Commerce Committee member Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Commerce Committee Ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The legislation calls for the U.S. to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the Arctic for maritime transportation by creating an advisory committee to study Arctic maritime transportation, including Arctic seaway development, and ensure that increased Arctic shipping proceeds safely and securely.\r\nWarming temperatures and diminishing sea ice are opening up shipping routes and changing the scope of the Arctic. It's imperative that we are not left behind as nations such as Russia, China, and many more are taking interest in the region. As an Arctic nation, the U.S. must maintain its leadership role in this area of global importance, said Senator Lisa Murkowski. As I continue my efforts to raise awareness of the Arctic and advance issues important to the region and to the people who live there, I thank my colleagues on the Commerce Committee for prioritizing the safety and management of the Arctic region. Advancing this bill to the full Senate today is an important step towards developing a strategic plan to support safe maritime transportation in the Arctic.\r\nThe United States has a vital interest in the safety and security of the Arctic region  especially as a corridor for commerce and trade, Senator Wicker said. With greater cooperation among regional stakeholders, we can develop a comprehensive plan to preserve U.S. leadership in this region.\r\nRussian President Vladimir Putin sees the Arctic as the new Suez Canal, and he has every intention of controlling these vital transit routes, said Senator Sullivan. As sea ice recedes further and shipping lanes open, America must strongly assert its sovereignty and step up to hostile nations that seek to undermine our economic and national security interests in the region. Right now, we're not prepared to do that. I'm glad to work on this legislation, with strong bipartisan support, that will engage the highest levels of the federal government in laying the groundwork for improved maritime transportation infrastructure in the Arctic.\r\nThis is very important legislation to improve the reliability of arctic maritime transportation. This is important to both Senators Sullivan and Murkowski, and I've appreciated working with them on what will be an important aspect of future maritime transport, said Senator Cantwell. The United States cannot ignore the opening of the Arctic, and this bill will help us get solutions to move our products more safely through that region.\"\r\nThe City of Nome feels that it is critically important for the US to play a strong leadership role in the growing dynamics affecting American waters in the Arctic related to vessel traffic and maritime shipping. We sincerely appreciate Senator Murkowski's hard work in all things Arctic, and support the framework in the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee Act which will help to establish the foundation for securing America's Arctic, said Nome, Alaska Mayor Richard Beneville.\r\nArctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee Act Details:\r\nThe Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee is tasked with developing a set of policy recommendations to enhance the United States' leadership role in improving the safety and reliability of maritime transportation in the Arctic Region. The bill also affirms that if a Special Representative for the Arctic Region is appointed by the Secretary of State, the representative will facilitate multilateral dialogues with the Arctic Council and encourage cooperation on Arctic maritime transportation as well as coordinate any plan recommendations by the Advisory Committee. \r\nClick here for full text of the bill.\r\n \r\nMembership: Comprised of 15 members representing federal agencies, the States of Alaska and Washington, Alaska Native tribes, coastal communities, subsistence co-management groups, and representatives from the shipping sector, the Advisory Committee will convene experts and stakeholders to develop recommendations for how the United States can lead in ensuring that shipping in the Arctic is safe, secure, and reliable.\r\nPolicy: The Advisory Committee is tasked to study options for U.S. leadership in Arctic shipping, including construction, operation, and maintenance of current and future maritime infrastructure needs, such as deepwater ports, for vessels transiting the Arctic Sea Routes. This tasking also includes determining services such as navigation and incident response that would improve maritime safety and environmental protection in the Arctic Region. The Committee is also mandated to consider the feasibility of a fee-for-service model to pay for necessary services for those who use the Arctic waterways\r\nReport: The Advisory Committee is directed to submit a report, no later than 2 years after the enactment of this Act, with its recommendations to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\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.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-introduce-legislation-to-help-prevent-suicide", "Senators Introduce Legislation to Help Prevent Suicide", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.19\n\t\t\t Senators Introduce Legislation to Help Prevent Suicide \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 Identifying Patients Sooner and Improving Follow Up Care\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t In an effort to curb the rising suicide rate in the country, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2019. The legislation establishes a grant program to improve suicide screening and prevention practices in emergency departments with a focus on increasing identification, assessment, and treatment of patients who are at risk for suicide. Senators Gardner (R-CO) and King (I-ME) are original cosponsors of the bill. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the House.\r\n \r\nThis bill addresses a prominent need  equipping Alaska emergency departments with the tools needed to assess for and treat suicidal patients, as well as strengthening connections to follow up care. As Alaska continues to face one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, additional resources dedicated to implementing suicide prevention programs in our emergency rooms can go a long way. Programs that include assessments, treatment, and care coordination can make a tremendous impact in our state, Senator Murkowski said. Our hearts break for those thinking about suicide or seeking to take their own life, and it's critical that we take every step we can to provide help before it is too late.\r\nOn average, someone dies by suicide every 10 hours in Alabama. We need all hands on deck to save lives and confront this tragic epidemic. This bill will help hospital emergency rooms better identify people who are at risk for suicide and make sure they have the care they need after they are discharged from the hospital, said Senator Jones.\r\nMore than 50,000 visits to Colorado emergency rooms in the last three years were due to a mental health crisis, said Senator Gardner. Data shows that around 40 percent of people who die by suicide visited an emergency department in the year leading up to their death. This bipartisan legislation will help emergency department professionals identify and treat patients with a high risk of suicide, improving prevention. It will also help recruit behavioral health professionals and develop innovative solutions for suicide prevention, through tools like telehealth, which will help provide critical mental health support for rural and underserved areas.\r\n \r\nClick here for bill text.\r\nBill Details: \r\n \r\nThe bill authorizes $20 million for Fiscal Year 2020 through 2024 for the new grant program with preference given to critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, tribally operated hospitals, or sites located in geographic areas with suicide rates higher than the national rate.\r\nThe grant funds shall be used::\r\n\r\nTo train emergency department health care professionals to identify, assess, and treat patients who are at risk of suicide;\r\nTo establish and implement policies and procedures for emergency departments to improve the identification, assessment and treatment of individuals who are at risk of suicide; and\r\nTo establish and implement policies and procedures with respect to care coordination, integrated care models, or referral to evidence-based treatment to be used upon the discharge from the emergency department of patients who are at risk of suicide.\r\nAwarded recipients can also use the grants for the following purposes:\r\n\r\nTo hire emergency department psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, counselors, therapists, or other licensed health care and behavioral health professionals specializing in the treatment of individuals at risk of suicide.\r\nTo develop and implement best practices for the follow-up care and long-term treatment of individuals who are at risk of suicide.\r\nTo increase the availability of and access to evidence-based treatment for individuals who are at risk of suicide, including through telehealth services and strategies to reduce the boarding of these patients in emergency departments.\r\nTo offer consultation with and referral to other supportive services that provide evidence-based treatment and recovery for individuals who are at risk of suicide.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nBackground: \r\n \r\nSince 2001, the suicide rate in the United States has increased by over 31 percent. Suicide is now the tenth leading cause of death in the country.\r\nSuccess in screening and treating these patients in the emergency department and linking them to follow up care is limited. A 2016 study estimated that 11 percent of emergency department patients present with suicidal thoughts, yet only 3 percent were identified by screening. Further, the study showed that up to 70 percent of patients that leave the ED after a suicide attempt never attend their first outpatient appointment.\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/arctic-shipping-legislation-advances-in-us-senate", "Arctic Shipping Legislation Advances in U.S. Senate", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.19\n\t\t\t Arctic Shipping Legislation Advances in U.S. 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\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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 Prioritizing Arctic Maritime Transportation Opportunities, Safety, and Security\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON D.C.U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, today thanked his colleagues on the committee for voting unanimously to advance theArctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee Act, legislation to address the impacts and opportunities of increasing shipping and maritime traffic. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and sponsored by Sullivan, Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). The legislation calls for the U.S. to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the Arctic for maritime transportation by creating an advisory committee to study Arctic maritime transportation, including Arctic seaway development, and ensure that increased Arctic shipping proceeds safely and securely.\r\n\r\n\r\nRussian President Vladimir Putin sees the Arctic as the new Suez Canal, and he has every intention of controlling these vital transit routes,saidSenator Sullivan.As sea ice recedes further and shipping lanes open, America must strongly assert its sovereignty and step up to hostile nations that seek to undermine our economic and national security interests in the region. Right now, we're not prepared to do that. I'm glad to work on this legislation, with strong bipartisan support, that will engage the highest levels of the federal government in laying the groundwork for improved maritime transportation infrastructure in the Arctic.\r\nWarming temperatures and diminishing sea ice are opening up shipping routes and changing the scope of the Arctic. It's imperative that we are not left behind as nations such as Russia, China, and many more are taking interest in the region. As an Arctic nation, the U.S. must maintain its leadership role in this area of global importance,saidSenator Lisa Murkowski.As I continue my efforts to raise awareness of the Arctic and advance issues important to the region and to the people who live there, I thank my colleagues on the Commerce Committee for prioritizing the safety and management of the Arctic region. Advancing this bill to the full Senate today is an important step towards developing a strategic plan to support safe maritime transportation in the Arctic.\r\nThe United States has a vital interest in the safety and security of the Arctic region  especially as a corridor for commerce and trade,Senator Wickersaid.With greater cooperation among regional stakeholders, we can develop a comprehensive plan to preserve U.S. leadership in this region.\r\nThis is very important legislation to improve the reliability of arctic maritime transportation. This is important to both Senators Sullivan and Murkowski, and I've appreciated working with them on what will be an important aspect of future maritime transport,saidSenator Cantwell.The United States cannot ignore the opening of the Arctic, and this bill will help us get solutions to move our products more safely through that region.\"\r\nArctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee Act Details:\r\nThe Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee is tasked with developing a set of policy recommendations to enhance the United States' leadership role in improving the safety and reliability of maritime transportation in the Arcticregion. The bill also affirms that if a Special Representative for the Arctic Region is appointed by the Secretary of State, the representative will facilitate multilateral dialogues with the Arctic Council and encourage cooperation on Arctic maritime transportation as well as coordinate any plan recommendations by the Advisory Committee.\r\nClick herefor full text of the bill.\r\n \r\nMembership:Comprised of 15 members representing federal agencies, the States of Alaska and Washington, Alaska Native tribes, coastal communities, subsistence co-management groups, and representatives from the shipping sector, the Advisory Committee will convene experts and stakeholders to develop recommendations for how the United States can lead in ensuring that shipping in the Arctic is safe, secure, and reliable.\r\nPolicy:The Advisory Committee is tasked to study options for U.S. leadership in Arctic shipping, including construction, operation, and maintenance of current and future maritime infrastructure needs, such as deep-water ports, for vessels transiting the Arctic Sea Routes. This tasking also includes determining services such as navigation and incident response that would improve maritime safety and environmental protection in the Arctic Region. The Committee is also mandated to consider the feasibility of a fee-for-service model to pay for necessary services for those who use the Arctic waterways\r\nReport:The Advisory Committee is directed to submit a report, no later than 2 years after the enactment of this Act, with its recommendations to the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\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.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-baldwin-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-veteran-suicide-crisis", "Sullivan, Baldwin, Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Veteran Suicide Crisis", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Baldwin, Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Veteran Suicide Crisis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced bipartisan legislation today to expand community-based outreach that will help veterans access services to improve their health and wellness and prevent suicides.\r\nThe number of veteran suicides nationwide continues to rise, and approximately 14 of the 20 veterans who die by suicide each day are not receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) are often the first point of contact in the community for veterans and are on the frontlines in this battle against veteran suicidesby helping enroll veterans into the VHA. TheCommitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Actwill increase resources for VSOs that will better connect more veterans to the services they need.\r\nThe legislation also allows the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to partner with comparable state, local or tribal entities, including Tribal Veteran Service Officers.\r\nAlaska is home to more than 75,000 veterans, yet less than half of them are currently enrolled in the VA system,said Senator Sullivan,a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.That means thousands of veterans are not connected to the benefits and health care services that they have earned. Local partners and veteran service officers are crucial resources in states, like Alaska, to reaching these off-the-grid veterans. This bipartisan bill, along with the groundwork already being done at my request by the Veterans Benefits Administration in Alaska, will reinforce the VA's mission to expand its reach and ensure veterans who live in rural, frontier states do not get left behind.\r\nIn 2017 alone, more than 6,100 veterans died by suicide, an amount nearly equal to the number of servicemembers killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. The veteran suicide rate has stayed relatively constant for the past 10 years and we need to do something about it,said Senator Baldwin.County Veteran Service Officers are on the frontlines everyday working to combat this tragic crisis, and this bipartisan legislation will support their efforts to provide needed services and solutions for our veteransthat will improve their health and well-being.\r\nVeterans are not always aware of the benefits available to them, and VSOs are often the first to inform them of their eligibility. VSOs are local employees who are nationally accredited by the VA to help veterans process their claims. These employees are responsible for successfully processing more than $22 billion in claims annually for direct compensation and pension benefits for veterans. They also provide assistance to veterans on a range of benefits and services, including compensation benefits, VA home loans, education benefits and available job placement assistance. However, there is currently no federal funding support directly available for VSOs.\r\nTheCVSO Actauthorizes $50 million annually for five years to expand and support VSOs, or similar local entities, that currently assist veterans in obtaining critical benefits and services. The VA will award competitive grants to VSOs, through the states, to create, expand, or support programs that promote health and wellness, prevent suicide, and reach veterans who need help navigating the often-burdensome VA processes.By increasing the number of VSOs, states will be able to better leverage their local and federal resources to serve our veterans.\r\nThe legislation is supported by the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and many individual VSOs, local officials and stakeholders.\r\nThis bill reflects a wonderful partnership between the Senate, the VA, and the states working together on behalf of veterans. It will go a long way to ensure the delivery of health and wellness programs, combat suicide, and increase a state's ability to improve outreach efforts and serve our veterans where they live  especially in frontier states, like Alaska. This is a huge step in keeping our nation's promise to our veterans.said Verdie Bowen, State of Alaska Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs and former President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.\r\nCounties provide much-needed services to millions of veterans and their families,said Matthew Chase, National Association of Counties Executive Director.The Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act will help us better connect veterans to key health, housing and career readiness resources. We applaud Senators Baldwin and Sullivan's bipartisan efforts to support county veterans service officers, and we look forward to working with Congress to better serve veterans in our communities.\r\nMore information on the legislation is availablehere.\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    \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-tester-veteran-suicide-prevention-bill-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Sullivan, Tester Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Tester Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill Heads to President's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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, bicameral legislation provides tools and resources for VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) are today celebrating the passage of theSupport for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act,a bipartisan, bicameral effort to help tackle one of the nation's most pressing health concernsveteran suicide. The senators' legislation requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the responsibilities, workload, training, and vacancy rates of Suicide Prevention Coordinators at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\r\n\r\nSuicide Prevention Coordinators are specially-trained employees at VA medical centers who identifyhigh-risk veterans and connect them with the care that they need. Across the nation, these VA professionals conduct outreach, promote awareness, and disseminate suicide prevention best practices. Due to the growing number of veterans seeking care, many Suicide Prevention Coordinators report being overworked and unable to keep up with their many responsibilities. TheSupport for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Actwill provide necessary information that will help ensuretheVA has the tools and resourcesitneedsto provide veterans with critical mental health resources.\r\nIt is a tragedy for our country that so many braveveterans, who sacrifice on behalf of all of us, feel as though they have no one to turn to whendealing with the unseen wounds of war, saidSenator Sullivan,a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. In order to stem the crisis of veteran suicide, it's important that the people who help them are given the support they need. The VA must have the skilled professionals available who are trained to recognize the warning signs of a veteran in crisis and able to connect a veteran with the numerous resources available to them before it is too late.Our legislationwillcompel the completion ofa comprehensive look at how suicide prevention coordinators are serving the needs of veterans, and which additional resources they need in order to support veterans and defeat the ongoing crisis of veteran suicide.\r\n\r\nFar too many of our country's heroes return home from service suffering from invisible wounds of war,saidSenator Tester, ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.VA employees and suicide prevention professionals are our nation's first line of defense when it comes to combatting veteran suicide. Our bill ensures a comprehensive approach to help connect veterans with the urgent, live-saving care they need, by identifying and addressing staffing needs for these vital frontline employees. I urge the President to sign this bill quickly into law, ensuring no veteran slips through the cracks. \r\n\r\nSenator Sullivan's legislative efforts in support ofveteransduring the 116thCongress:\r\nCreig Sharp Funeral Honors forVeteransAct:Inspired by Palmer resident Kathryn Sharp and her husband Creig Sharp, Navy Chief Petty Officer (Ret.), this legislation requires military installations to develop a plan to utilize both on-base and off-base resources for funeral ceremonies forveterans, even when government resources may not be available.\r\nMedal of Honor Surviving Spouses Recognition Act:Inspired by Wasilla Vietnam veteran Dave Glenn, this legislation would extend the Medal of Honor (MOH) special pension to the surviving spouses of certain MOH recipients.\r\nVeteransPreference Parity Act:Legislation that would reform outdated federal hiring rules to allow all retired service members and a greater number of National Guard and Reservists to qualify forveterans' preference.\r\nVeteransMember Business Loan Act:Legislation that would exclude business loans made toveteransfrom the statutory credit union member business loan cap. This will offer greater economic opportunities forveteransand will encourage veteran entrepreneurship across the country.\r\nVA-DoD Shared Medical Facilities Act:Legislation to enhance collaboration and resource sharing between the VA and the Department of Defense (DoD), as well as other federal health care providers, furthering the access, continuity, and cost effectiveness of direct health care provided toveterans, service members, and their beneficiaries.\r\nHighly Rural Veteran Transportation Program Extension Act:Legislation that extends the Highly Rural Veteran Transportation Program and allows the StateVeteransService Agencies and Veteran Service Organizations to continue to provide no-cost transportation services to VA or VA-authorized health care facilities to highly ruralveterans.\r\nVeteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act:Legislation that directs the U.S. Department ofVeteransAffairs to review veteran deaths by suicide by requiring the VA to work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to study the link between addictive opioids and the alarmingly high rate of suicide amongveterans.\r\nAdditional Legislative Victories forVeterans:\r\nVA MISSION Act:Legislation to replace theVeteransChoice Program and streamline and strengthen VA community care programs to ensureveteransreceive efficient, timely and quality care, signed by President Trump in June 2018. Additionally, the legislation expands eligibility for the VA's Family Caregiver Program toveteransof all generations. Senator Sullivan's amendments require the VA to cover a veteran's care from community providers if the VA doesn't operate a full-service facility in the state, like Alaska; require the VA to reimburse community providers at rates that could account for states with higher costs of care, like Alaska; and preserve Tribal Sharing Agreements, allowingveteransto access care in their community from Alaska Native tribal health providers. The legislation was signed into law by President Trump in December 2018.\r\nVeteransAffairs Accountability Act:Legislation increasing the VA's authority to remove employees at all levels who are ill-servingveterans. The bill also has safeguards for whistleblowers, and requires the VA to report on employee morale and the effectiveness of these new reforms. The legislation was signed into law by President Trump in June 2017.\r\nForever G.I. Bill:Legislation eliminating the 15-year G.I. Bill expiration date to use benefits. The bill makes updates to expand eligibility for reservists, Purple Heart recipients,veteranswho faced school closures, and surviving family members. The legislation was signed into law by President Trump in August 2017.\r\nNativeVeteransLand Allotment Equity Act:Legislation that allows several thousand Alaska Nativeveteranswho served during the Vietnam era to apply for their congressionally-promised Native land allotment after missing their initial opportunity due to their service. A version ofSenator Sullivan'sact was included in a larger land and resource bill, signed by President Trump in March 2019.\r\nVeteransAppeals Improvement and Modernization Act:Legislation to create a pilot program to modernize the outdated benefits claims appeals process at the VA and helpveteransreceive more timely decisions. The legislation was signed into law by President Trump in August 2017.\r\n\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-convenes-hearing-on-imo-2020", "Murkowski Convenes Hearing on IMO 2020", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Convenes Hearing on IMO 2020 \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 Committee Receives Update on Global Low Sulfur Standard for Marine Fuels\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to examinethe implementation of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) new global sulfur standard for marine fuels  known as IMO 2020  which will formally take effect on January 1, 2020.\r\nIn her opening remarks, Murkowski highlighted the global health benefits that will result from the new standard.\r\nIts purpose is to reduce air pollution from shipping around the world, Murkowski said. It accomplishes that purpose by limiting the sulfur content of marine fuel  which is how much sulfur is in the diesel that ships use to move across the ocean  to 0.5 percent by mass.\r\nMurkowski described the three primary options the global shipping industry has for compliance with IMO 2020. Those are using low sulfur diesel fuel, installing exhaust scrubbers, or switching to liquefied natural gas. She noted the consensus that the U.S. refining industry appears to be well-positioned for compliance and highlighted the need to remain vigilant in monitoring possible impacts as IMO 2020 is implemented.\r\nI'm glad to see consensus among many analysts that the economic impacts of IMO 2020 will be less than what was projected just a year ago, Murkowski said. As the Senator from the state that pays some of the highest prices for energy in the country, I have been paying very close attention to what IMO 2020 could mean for Alaskans  especially for those who live in rural and remote areas where shipping prices are already a cause of economic hardship.\r\nWith implementation just three weeks away, the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency are currently projecting that IMO 2020 will have limited price impacts in the global markets.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. An archived video of today's hearing can be found on the committee's website. Click here and here to view Murkowski's questions for the 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.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/shaheen-murkowski-unveil-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-tax-relief-to-communities-and-companies-for-critical-water-infrastructure-investments-", "Shaheen, Murkowski Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Communities & Companies for Critical Water Infrastructure Investments", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.19\n\t\t\t Shaheen, Murkowski Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Communities & Companies for Critical Water Infrastructure Investments  \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 Under Current Tax Law, Local Infrastructure Projects are Taxed, Creating a Disincentive to Critical Infrastructure Investments\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) unveiled new, bipartisan legislation that would reduce taxes on critical water infrastructure investments in New Hampshire, Alaska, and across the nation. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made adjustments to the Contribution In Aid of Construction (CIAC) tax.Previously, water and wastewater utilities were exempted from this tax; however, the TCJA reinstated the CIAC tax on these entities, which will either have to be covered by state and local governments or passed along to the ratepayers and property taxpayers.\r\nWater infrastructure is vital to economic development and fundamental to delivering clean drinking water. Communities across New Hampshire have been planning projects for years that are now threatened by this new tax, said Senator Shaheen. Congress should be encouraging infrastructure development which is why we need to fix this tax bill that was rushed through Congress. I appreciate Senator Murkowski's support on this bipartisan, common-sense effort and I urge more members to join us so our communities can make urgently needed investments in clean and safe drinking water.\r\nI am pleased to join Senator Shaheen in introducing a bill to restore tax-exempt status of contributions in aid of construction received by water utilities. Many water and sewer utilities in Alaska rely on contributions of homebuilders and others interested in expansion of service to offset the cost of service build-out. In the absence of this, the cost gets passed on to customers in the form of higher bills. I have said from the start that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act had room for improvement, and this legislation is a positive step towards fine-tuning the tax reform bill to bring relief to those who already struggle to face the high costs of basic water and sewer service in a state like Alaska, said Senator Murkowski.\r\n\"Tax Reform has helped to ease the tax burden for Americans, but in the case of water infrastructure a tweak to the bill is required to be sure that the people of Alaska do not see an increase in their water bills. We are grateful to Senator Murkowski for taking the lead on this important bill to support water services that are not only clean and reliable, but affordable as well,\" said Oran Paul, President of Fairbanks Sewer and Water.\r\nThe U.S. tax code has long provided favorable tax treatment for what are known as Contributions in Aid of Construction (CIAC), as well as for certain grants made by governmental or civic entities, to help companies and communities make investments in projects that benefit the public. Since 1996, the U.S. tax code has included a specific provision that excludes these contributions made to water and sewer utilities from their taxable income. The TCJA eliminated this tax exemption. The TCJA also made an additional change that eliminated the tax-free treatment of capital contributions if made by governmental entities or civic groups. These changes could impact the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund in New Hampshire, as well as municipal governments that make investments in water or other infrastructure. Specifically, Shaheen and Murkowski's bill would reverse these changes to the U.S. tax code and revert these specific provisions to pre-TCJA status.\r\nBACKGROUND: \r\nFollowing the bill introduction, Senator Murkowski submitted a statement for the Congressional Record to provide greater detail on her support of S. 2942.\r\nBill text of the legislation can be found 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"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401467", "ICYMI: Congressman Don Young Co-Introduces Legislation to Improve Housing Conditions in Native Communities", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Last week, U.S. Representatives Don Young (R-AK), Denny Heck (D-WA), Scott Tipton (R-CO), Deb Haaland (D-NM), Tom Cole (R-OK), Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), and Gwen Moore (D-WI) introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) through 2024. NAHASDA provides federal funding and assistance to tribes to ensure that their members can access safe, affordable housing.\r\n\"NAHASDA is a fundamental component of upholding the federal trust responsibility to our nation's Indigenous Peoples and Alaska Natives. The housing programs it supports have a proven track record of success, although tremendous needs still exist in Native communities across the country, said Young. This introduction reflects years of work with tribes and Native organizations to develop and advance the best approach for reauthorizing NAHASDA and combating some of the tragically inadequate housing conditions in the nation. The policy improvements within this legislation are long overdue, and I am grateful to Congressman Denny Heck and my fellow cosponsors for their leadership on this critical issue. I look forward to working with my friends on both sides of the aisle to once again move this legislation towards final passage.\"\r\nThe data is disturbingly clear: Indian Country is facing a severe housing crisis, said Heck. NAHASDA is one of the best tools Congress wields to respond to this crisis, yet, NAHASDA programs have stood expired for years. If Congress wants to get serious about fulfilling its federal trust responsibility when it comes to housing, we must dust off our #1 policy toolNAHASDAand pass a bill to reauthorize these critical programs.\r\n\"NAHASDA plays an important role in providing Native American tribes with affordable housing options,\" said Tipton. \"With the block grants and loan opportunities available to them in this reauthorization, tribal communities can continue to make strides to create good and affordable housing a reality on their own terms.\"\r\n\"Housing is a necessity for families to grow and thrive, but the federal government continues to fail to uphold the trust responsibility to Native Nations creating severe housing shortages in Indian Country, which was even further exacerbated when the Native Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act expired. The Native House Assistance and Self Determination Act is a critical measure to ensure Tribes can exercise self-governance. We're working to improve housing assistance programs for Tribes, so folks can raise their families in safe and affordable homes,\" said Haaland.\r\nProviding housing for Native Americans is a trust obligation of the United States Government, said Cole. For those living in Indian Country, particularly on reservations and without adequate housing, the federal government has a responsibility to undertake this issue. As an original cosponsor of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act, I am proud to be one of many introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for tribal housing across the country.\r\nIt is my privilege to support reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act and to support Congress' efforts to provide culturally responsive housing assistance for Native peoples, said Lujn. We cannot forget the role that safe and secure homes have in sustaining community health, especially for our service members. That is why I am proud to have my Tribal HUD-VASH bill authorizing housing assistance for Native veterans included in this legislation. Assuring domestic nations have the resources they require to tailor housing solutions to their citizenry is a crucial part of our trust obligation and our promise to safeguard Tribal sovereignty. I look forward to working with Rep. Heck, my colleagues in Congress, and Native Nations in moving this bold piece of legislation forward in the 116th Congress.\r\nI am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that respects Tribal sovereignty and meets our trust obligation to Native Americans by providing funding for low-income housing,\" said Moore. \"Native people experience some of the highest levels of poverty and, too often, this means that they experience some of the most severe shortages of quality housing. NAHASDA is a proven poverty alleviating program that uplifts Native tribes. I look forward to working with my bipartisan allies in Congress to pass this legislation.\r\n\"I'm excited to see Congress reintroduce a new NAHASDA reauthorization bill,\" said Gary Cooper, Chairman of the NAIHC Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation. \"The NAHASDA programs hasn't been updated since 2008, and tribes deserve the needed certainty that reauthorization would provide. While the bill would authorize and update NAHASDA, I applaud Congressman Heck and all the cosponsors on including language in the bill that would make a number of other federal housing programs work better for Indian Country. While the bill may not include everything on tribes' wishlists for housing, it is a strong start, and I look forward to working with Congressman Heck, the Financial Services Committee and all of Congress to get this bill passed.\"\r\nThe Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2019 would reauthorize NAHASDA programs, including the Native American Housing Block Grant, the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, and loan guarantee programs. \r\nThe bill also includes provisions to update NAHASDA and improve the federal response to the housing crisis in Indian Country more generally. The bill authorizes critical programs like the tribal HUD-VASH program and the Native American Housing Block Grant Competitive Grant Program.\r\nNative Americans living in tribal areas experience some of the poorest housing conditions in the U.S., and are several times more likely to live in housing that is physically substandard or overcrowded than the U.S. population as a whole. They are also more likely to live in poverty than the general population, further contributing to housing problems. In light of these conditions and the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, Congress has provided funding for Native American housing programs for several decades.\r\nIn 1996, Congress passed the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) to respond to the housing crisis in Indian Country. NAHASDA authorizes the Native American Housing Block Grant (NAHBG) and the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG), which tribes and tribally-designated housing authorities can use to fund a range of affordable housing activities to benefit low-income tribal households. NAHASDA also authorizes loan guarantee programs to encourage mortgage lending on tribal lands and to help tribes obtain private financing for housing activities.\r\nIn 2015, HUD estimated that over 100,000 housing units have been built, acquired, or rehabilitated since the NAHBG began. The NHHBG has been used to build, acquire, or rehabilitate nearly 600 homes since the program began, and to provide services or training to another 1,500 households.\r\nThe authorization for most NAHASDA programs expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2013. The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program has not been reauthorized since its initial authorization expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2005.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401468", "IN THE PIPELINE: 18 BILLIONTH BARREL OF ALASKAN CRUDE FOR TAPS", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "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 the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the operator of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), announced the 18-billionth barrel of oil entered Pump Station 1 of the 800-mile pipelinemore than double what was originally projected.\r\nTAPS is not just a pipeline, it is Alaska's economic lifeline. From day one, Alaska's pipeline has helped us build our state while also strengthening the prosperity and security of our nation,Murkowski said.I congratulate Alyeska on this milestone and appreciate their constant focus on the safe operation of the pipeline. I also thank the Trump administration for recognizing the value of Alaskan energy and for working with us to restore throughput.\r\nAlaska is witnessing some incredible energy milestones, including the18 billionth barrel to travel down TAPS, thanks in large part to the cooperation and alignment among the congressional delegation, federal agencies that oversee much of our lands, our governor and state legislators, North Slope communities, and private sector companies,Sullivan said.It's important for Alaskans to recognize that this degree of cooperation and alignment has not always been the case, and we can't take it for granted. We must work together to ensure we maintain these strong working relationships so that we can continue responsibly developing our world-class resources for the benefit of those living on the North Slope, for all Alaskans, and for our nation's energy security. If we succeed, Alaska will continue to serve as America's energy powerhouse with many more milestones to celebrate in the future.\r\nAlaska is the proud home to vast natural resources that help power our country and are central to our state's economic health,Young said.Today's milestone is good news for our resource economy, and serves as further proof of the safe operation of the Trans Alaska Pipeline by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. Carefully balancing energy development with environmental stewardship has always been a top priority for our state, and Alyeska continues to set the gold standard for energy production and transportation. I congratulate Alyeska on this incredible milestone, and look forward to continuing to work with the Alaska Delegation and the Trump Administration to ensure that Alaska is front-and-center in making America energy dominant.\r\nIn 1969, the Prudhoe Bay oilfield was projected to hold 9.6 billion barrels. TAPS total throughput has now more than doubled that initial projection.\r\nThe delegation also appreciates the years of service by Admiral Tom Barrett, the president of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. As he approaches a well-deserved retirement, this 18-billionth barrel is a significant capstone to a remarkable career. When TAPS turned 40, hewrote: Though there has been a lot of change on TAPS in 40 years, one unwavering constant remains: the commitment of the people who work on TAPS today to provide safe, reliable, operational excellence, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, resilient amid all of Alaska's extreme geography and weather.\r\nConstruction of TAPS began in 1974, and the first oil entered the pipeline on June 20, 1977. The pipeline itself was the largest privately funded infrastructure project ever undertaken in America at the time, at about $8 billion.In October 1975, about 28,000 people were working to make it a reality. While TAPS once carried 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for a full quarter of America's supply, today it runs just one-quarter full.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/in-the-pipeline-18-billionth-barrel-of-alaskan-crude-for-taps-", "IN THE PIPELINE: 18 Billionth Barrel of Alaskan Crude for TAPS", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.19\n\t\t\t IN THE PIPELINE: 18 Billionth Barrel of Alaskan Crude for TAPS  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Delegation Joins Alaskans in Marking Milestone for Alaskan Energy, Thanking Barrett\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 the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the operator of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), announced the 18-billionth barrel of oil entered Pump Station 1 of the 800-mile pipelinemore than double what was originally projected.\r\nTAPS is not just a pipeline, it is Alaska's economic lifeline. From day one, Alaska's pipeline has helped us build our state while also strengthening the prosperity and security of our nation, Murkowski said. I congratulate Alyeska on this milestone and appreciate their constant focus on the safe operation of the pipeline. I also thank the Trump administration for recognizing the value of Alaskan energy and for working with us to restore throughput.\r\nAlaska is witnessing some incredible energy milestones, including the18 billionth barrel to travel down TAPS, thanks in large part to the cooperation and alignment among the congressional delegation, federal agencies that oversee much of our lands, our governor and state legislators, North Slope communities, and private sector companies, Sullivan said. It's important for Alaskans to recognize that this degree of cooperation and alignment has not always been the case, and we can't take it for granted. We must work together to ensure we maintain these strong working relationships so that we can continue responsibly developing our world-class resources for the benefit of those living on the North Slope, for all Alaskans, and for our nation's energy security. If we succeed, Alaska will continue to serve as America's energy powerhouse with many more milestones to celebrate in the future.\r\nAlaska is the proud home to vast natural resources that help power our country and are central to our state's economic health, Young said. Today's milestone is good news for our resource economy, and serves as further proof of the safe operation of the Trans Alaska Pipeline by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. Carefully balancing energy development with environmental stewardship has always been a top priority for our state, and Alyeska continues to set the gold standard for energy production and transportation. I congratulate Alyeska on this incredible milestone, and look forward to continuing to work with the Alaska Delegation and the Trump Administration to ensure that Alaska is front-and-center in making America energy dominant.\r\nIn 1969, the Prudhoe Bay oilfield was projected to hold 9.6 billion barrels. TAPS total throughput has now more than doubled that initial projection.\r\nThe delegation also appreciates the years of service by Admiral Tom Barrett, the president of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. As he approaches a well-deserved retirement, this 18-billionth barrel is a significant capstone to a remarkable career. When TAPS turned 40, he wrote: Though there has been a lot of change on TAPS in 40 years, one unwavering constant remains: the commitment of the people who work on TAPS today to provide safe, reliable, operational excellence, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, resilient amid all of Alaska's extreme geography and weather.\r\nConstruction of TAPS began in 1974, and the first oil entered the pipeline on June 20, 1977. The pipeline itself was the largest privately funded infrastructure project ever undertaken in America at the time, at about $8 billion.In October 1975, about 28,000 people were working to make it a reality. While TAPS once carried 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for a full quarter of America's supply, today it runs just one-quarter full.\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/in-the-pipeline-18-billionth-barrel-of-alaskan-crude-for-taps", "IN THE PIPELINE: 18 Billionth Barrel of Alaskan Crude for TAPS", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.19\n\t\t\t IN THE PIPELINE: 18 Billionth Barrel of Alaskan Crude for TAPS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Delegation Joins Alaskans in Marking Milestone for Alaskan Energy, Thanking Barrett\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the operator of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), announced the 18-billionth barrel of oil entered Pump Station 1 of the 800-mile pipelinemore than double what was originally projected.\r\nTAPS is not just a pipeline, it is Alaska's economic lifeline. From day one, Alaska's pipeline has helped us build our state while also strengthening the prosperity and security of our nation,Murkowski said.I congratulate Alyeska on this milestone and appreciate their constant focus on the safe operation of the pipeline. I also thank the Trump administration for recognizing the value of Alaskan energy and for working with us to restore throughput.\r\nAlaska is witnessing some incredible energy milestones, including the18 billionth barrel to travel down TAPS, thanks in large part to the cooperation and alignment among the congressional delegation, federal agencies that oversee much of our lands, our governor and state legislators, North Slope communities, and private sector companies,Sullivan said.It's important for Alaskans to recognize that this degree of cooperation and alignment has not always been the case, and we can't take it for granted. We must work together to ensure we maintain these strong working relationships so that we can continue responsibly developing our world-class resources for the benefit of those living on the North Slope, for all Alaskans, and for our nation's energy security. If we succeed, Alaska will continue to serve as America's energy powerhouse with many more milestones to celebrate in the future.\r\nAlaska is the proud home to vast natural resources that help power our country and are central to our state's economic health,Young said.Today's milestone is good news for our resource economy, and serves as further proof of the safe operation of the Trans Alaska Pipeline by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. Carefully balancing energy development with environmental stewardship has always been a top priority for our state, and Alyeska continues to set the gold standard for energy production and transportation. I congratulate Alyeska on this incredible milestone, and look forward to continuing to work with the Alaska Delegation and the Trump Administration to ensure that Alaska is front-and-center in making America energy dominant.\r\nIn 1969, the Prudhoe Bay oilfield was projected to hold 9.6 billion barrels. TAPS total throughput has now more than doubled that initial projection.\r\nThe delegation also appreciates the years of service by Admiral Tom Barrett, the president of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. As he approaches a well-deserved retirement, this 18-billionth barrel is a significant capstone to a remarkable career. When TAPS turned 40, hewrote: Though there has been a lot of change on TAPS in 40 years, one unwavering constant remains: the commitment of the people who work on TAPS today to provide safe, reliable, operational excellence, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, resilient amid all of Alaska's extreme geography and weather.\r\nConstruction of TAPS began in 1974, and the first oil entered the pipeline on June 20, 1977. The pipeline itself was the largest privately funded infrastructure project ever undertaken in America at the time, at about $8 billion.In October 1975, about 28,000 people were working to make it a reality. While TAPS once carried 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for a full quarter of America's supply, today it runs just one-quarter full.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-highlights-global-importance-of-energy-efficiency-", "Murkowski Highlights Global Importance of Energy Efficiency", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Highlights Global Importance of Energy Efficiency  \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 Participates in First Meeting of New IEA Commission\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week attended the inaugural meeting of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency (Commission) in Paris, France.\r\nMurkowski, an honorary member of the Commission, spoke to the importance of efficiency in saving energy, reducing energy bills, promoting economic growth, and addressing climate change. She also highlighted a number of successful U.S. initiatives, including the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP).\r\nWe call efficiency the first fuel' because it is often our best option, but as IEA has identified, we need to do more to promote investment in efficiency through proven and pragmatic policies, Murkowski said. That starts with identifying what has worked both in the U.S. and around the world, and one of those examples is FEMP. The federal government is our nation's largest consumer of energy, which presents an opportunity to save both energy and taxpayer dollars. I thank Dr. Birol and the IEA team for inviting me to join this commission and to help develop a voluntary roadmap for countries to follow to increase their efficiency.\r\nSome FEMP functions have informally been in place since 1975. In the past 45 years, the program has saved taxpayers an estimated $50 billion. Senator Murkowski has introduced bipartisan legislation to formally authorize FEMP as an established program and set longer-term energy and water conservation goals.\r\nIEA established the Commission in July 2019 after finding that global energy demand is outpacing reductions in global energy intensity. Murkowski, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is the only U.S. federal official on the Commission.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-resolution-to-support-at-risk-youth-and-help-eliminate-homelessness", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution to Support At-Risk Youth and Help Eliminate Homelessness", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.19\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution to Support At-Risk Youth and Help Eliminate Homelessness \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC A bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) recognizing November as National Runaway Prevention Month passed the U.S. Senate this week. The resolution will help raise awareness of thenationwiderunaway and homeless youth crisis and educate the public on how to help end youth homelessness.U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also co-sponsored the resolution.\r\nOne of the best ways to advance efforts to end youth homelessness is to raise awareness of the challenge with the American people who exhibit great generosity for worthy causes that support our neighbors in need,saidSullivan.I'm glad to seeourresolution recognizing runaway youth pass the Senate, shining a light on the millions of vulnerable young people without a support system, a home, or financial security that so many of us take for granted.\r\nIt's a tragedy when any child does not have a safe roof over their head, but all too often their heartbreaking stories go unheard and unnoticed,saidDuckworth.I'm glad my colleagues passed this important bipartisan resolution, which willhelp raise awarenessandbring us closer to assisting children and families break the cycle of poverty, secure affordable housing and access a safe and supportive home environment.\r\nWith Senate passage of this resolution to recognize November as National Runaway Prevention Month, we can raise awareness about the resources available to address the youth runaway and child homelessness crisis that affects nearly 4.2 million children annually,saidDurbin.This bipartisan effort will help us ensure the safety of homeless and runaway children while addressing the root causes of this crisis by providing support to children experiencing these traumatic circumstances.\r\nThis November, I'm proud to recognize National Runaway Prevention Month in order to shine a light on some of our most vulnerable children and young adults,saidScott.Let us all continue working towards increasing public awareness and expanding the resources available for runaway and homeless youth.\r\nApproximately 4.2 million youth run awayor experience homelessness each year and have an increased risk of becoming victims ofhumantrafficking. Homeless youth are also more likely to be coerced into participating in criminal activity.\r\nThe following organizations supported the resolution: National Network for Youth (NN4Y), National Safe Place Network, National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, SchoolHouse Connection, Covenant House International.\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    \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-baldwin-introduce-bill-to-prevent-overmedication-among-veterans", "Sullivan, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Overmedication Among Veterans", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Overmedication Among Veterans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced theVeterans Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act, legislation that would direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an independent expert study on the deaths of all veterans being treated at the VA who died by suicide or from a drug overdose in the last five years.\r\nThroughout my service as an officer in the Marine Corps Reserve, I witnessed the struggles our servicemen and women experience in their search for proper care,said Senator Sullivan.It is our collective obligation  as members of Congress and as American citizens  to better understand the factors that contribute to veteran suicide, bolster preventative measures, and prevent these tragedies from occurring. Making sure that the VA has a holistic understanding of the information needed to stem veteran suicide is a critical step in this effort, and one that this bill makes great strides in addressing.\r\nI have worked across party lines to hold the VA accountable because too often our veterans have been prescribed drugs as a first resort before exploring other safer ways of getting the care they need. I'm proud to continue that work by leading this bipartisan effort with Senator Sullivan to confront the overmedication of veterans and prevent suicide deaths,said Senator Baldwin. Our veterans and their families deserve solutions to the challenges they face and this bipartisan legislation can help improve and save the lives of those that have served and sacrificed for our country.\r\nThis review would ensure that the VA has accurate information about the relationship between veteran suicides and prescription medication. Additionally, this legislation would direct the VA to perform a more comprehensive review of its behavioral health workforce with a focus on mental health counselors in an effort to address workforce shortages. These professionals will increase access to services and help reduce the incidence of suicide.\r\nIn a September 2019 report released by the VA, the department confirmed that at least 60,000 veterans had died by suicide between 2008 and 2017. Among U.S. adults, the average number of suicides per day rose from 86.6 in 2005 to 124.4 in 2017. These numbers included 15.9 Veteran suicides per day in 2005 and 16.8 in 2017. In 2017, the suicide rate forveterans was 1.5 times the rate for non-veteran adults, after adjusting for population differences in age and sex.\r\nThe legislation would require a National Academies of Science study to review:\r\n \r\nThe total number of veterans who died by suicide in the last five years;\r\nThe total number of veterans who were involved in a violent, suicidal or accidental death;\r\nThe prevalence of medications or illegal substances in the system of each veteran who died;\r\nThe number of instances in which the veteran was concurrently on multiple medications prescribed by VA physicians or non-VA physicians;\r\nThe percentage of veterans who are receiving non-medication first-line treatment (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) as treatment and its effectiveness compared with other treatments;\r\nAn analysis, by state, of programs of the VA that collaborate with state Medicaid agencies, including an analysis of the sharing of prescription and behavioral health data for veterans; and\r\nOther aspects of care and recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of veterans.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401465", "Alaska Congressional Delegation Welcomes Grant for Earthquake Long-Term Disaster Recovery", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, today welcomed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant announcement that the State of Alaska is set to receive $35,856,000 to support long-term disaster recovery efforts from the November 30, 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake. The 7.1 magnitude earthquakeandnearly 8,000 subsequent aftershocks impacted the Municipality of Anchorage, Mat-Su Borough, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, causing widespread damage to infrastructure such as highways, roads, and bridges, as well as schools, homes, and businesses.\r\nThe support comes through HUD's Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, which helps communities that have experienced natural disasters rebuild and increase their resilience to future disasters. Specifically, the grant addresses seriously damaged housing, businesses, and other infrastructure.This is the first time Alaska has received CDBG-DR funds.\r\nAlaskans are resilient but the reality is, the road to recovery is not a short one, said the Alaska Congressional Delegation. This federal assistance will go a long way towards meeting continued needs for long-term recovery. We are thankful for the input of Alaskans who worked to develop thoughtful recovery plans and for HUD for recognizing the importance of coming alongside us to meet these needshelping Alaskans and our communities recover. From day one, we were assured by the administration that Alaskans would have what they need to deal with and recover from what was a devastating earthquake. We are pleased to see that promise being carried out.\r\nBackground:The CDBG-DR funding supplements other Federal recovery assistance programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). To date, nearly $130 million in federal assistance has been provided to Alaskans impacted by the Cook Inlet Earthquake through FEMA programs and SBA low-interest disaster loans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-welcomes-grant-for-earthquake-long-term-disaster-recovery_", "Alaska Congressional Welcomes Grant for Earthquake Long-Term Disaster Recovery", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.19\n\t\t\t Alaska Congressional Welcomes Grant for Earthquake Long-Term Disaster Recovery   \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 State of Alaska to Receive $35 Million HUD Grant for Housing, Economic Development, Infrastructure, and Services Programs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, today welcomed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant announcement that the State of Alaska is set to receive $35,856,000 to support long-term disaster recovery efforts from the November 30, 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake and nearly 8,000 subsequent aftershocks impacted the Municipality of Anchorage, Mat-Su Borough, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, causing widespread damage to infrastructure such as highways, roads, and bridges, as well as schools, homes, and businesses.\r\nThe support comes through HUD's Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, which helps communities that have experienced natural disasters rebuild and increase their resilience to future disasters. Specifically, the grant addresses seriously damaged housing, businesses, and other infrastructure. This is the first time Alaska has received CDBG-DR funds.\r\nAlaskans are resilient but the reality is, the road to recovery is not a short one, said the Alaska Congressional Delegation. This federal assistance will go a long way towards meeting continued needs for long-term recovery. We are thankful for the input of Alaskans who worked to develop thoughtful recovery plans and for HUD for recognizing the importance of coming alongside us to meet these needshelping Alaskans and our communities recover. From day one, we were assured by the administration that Alaskans would have what they need to deal with and recover from what was a devastating earthquake. We are pleased to see that promise being carried out.\r\nBackground: The CDBG-DR funding supplements other Federal recovery assistance programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). To date, nearly $130 million in federal assistance has been provided to Alaskans impacted by the Cook Inlet Earthquake through FEMA programs and SBA low-interest disaster loans.\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/alaska-congressional-welcomes-grant-for-earthquake-long-term-disaster-recovery-", "Alaska Congressional Welcomes Grant for Earthquake Long-Term Disaster Recovery", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.19\n\t\t\t Alaska Congressional Welcomes Grant for Earthquake Long-Term Disaster Recovery  \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 State of Alaska to Receive $35 Million HUD Grant for Housing, Economic Development, Infrastructure, and Services Programs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, today welcomed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant announcement that the State of Alaska is set to receive $35,856,000 to support long-term disaster recovery efforts from the November 30, 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake. The 7.1 magnitude earthquakeandnearly 8,000 subsequent aftershocks impacted the Municipality of Anchorage, Mat-Su Borough, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, causing widespread damage to infrastructure such as highways, roads, and bridges, as well as schools, homes, and businesses.\r\nThe support comes through HUD's Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, which helps communities that have experienced natural disasters rebuild and increase their resilience to future disasters. Specifically, the grant addresses seriously damaged housing, businesses, and other infrastructure.This is the first time Alaska has received CDBG-DR funds.\r\nAlaskans are resilient but the reality is, the road to recovery is not a short one,said the Alaska Congressional Delegation.This federal assistance will go a long way towards meeting continued needs for long-term recovery. We are thankful for the input of Alaskans who worked to develop thoughtful recovery plans and for HUD for recognizing the importance of coming alongside us to meet these needshelping Alaskans and our communities recover. From day one, we were assured by the administration that Alaskans would have what they need to deal with and recover from what was a devastating earthquake. We are pleased to see that promise being carried out.\r\nBackground:The CDBG-DR funding supplements other Federal recovery assistance programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). To date, nearly $130 million in federal assistance has been provided to Alaskans impacted by the Cook Inlet Earthquake through FEMA programs and SBA low-interest disaster loans.\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-introduces-alaskan-federal-district-court-nominee-at-judiciary-hearing", "Sullivan Introduces Alaskan Federal District Court Nominee at Judiciary Hearing", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Introduces Alaskan Federal District Court Nominee at Judiciary Hearing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today introduced Joshua Kindred, President Donald J. Trump's nominee to serve as the U.S. District Court judge for the District of Alaska, in a hearing on pending judicial nominations in the Senate Judiciary Committee.\r\nI first met Josh a decade ago, Mr. Chairman, when I was Alaska's Attorney General. He was working with me as a prosecutor in the Criminal Division. I was impressed then, and continue to be impressed, with his fierce commitment to equal justice under the law, respect for all, and [his] deep understanding of Alaska's unique legal landscape,said Senator Sullivan.He has broad-based criminal litigation experience[He]has significant civil litigation experience on some of the most prominent legal issues facing Alaska. He has served as environmental counsel for the Alaska Oil & Gas Association and, most recently, as the regional solicitor general for the Department of the InteriorFinally, Josh has very strong qualifications in regard to being familiar with the numerous complex federal laws that are Alaska specific.\r\nMr. Chairman, Josh Kindred understands Alaska's unique legal jurisprudence, he is committed to honoring Congress's commitments to Alaska's first peoples, he is committed to equal justice under the law, and [he] will serve with honor and distinction on the federal court in Alaska. I urge that his nomination be sent to the floor with a positive recommendation.\r\n\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\nJoshua Kindred is the regional solicitor for the Alaska Region of the U.S. Department of the Interior in Anchorage, Alaska. Before joining the Interior Department, Mr. Kindred was environmental counsel to the Alaska Oil and Gas Association and served as an Assistant District Attorney and Violent Unit Supervisor for the State of Alaska. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Kindred served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Paul DeMuniz of the Supreme Court of the State of Oregon. Mr. Kindred earned his B.A. from the University of Alaska Anchorage and his J.D. from Willamette University College of Law, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Willamette Law Review.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401464", "Congressman Don Young Cosponsors Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution in Support of International Day of Persons with Disabilities", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Don Young Cosponsors Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution in Support of International Day of Persons with Disabilities \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 3, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C.  Today, Alaska Congressman Don Young joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues on the introduction of a resolution recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)  recognized every year on December 3rd. This resolution reiterates longtime Congressional support for inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities around the world. Earlier this year, Congressman Young and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced H.R. 3373, the Office of International Disability Rights Act. H.R. 3373 would establish in law the Office of International Disability Rights at the U.S. State Department, to be supervised by a Special Advisor of International Disability Rights.\r\nPeople living with disabilities come from all walks of life. They are our family members, friends, and neighbors, and we should be doing all that we can to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of people living with disabilities across the globe, said Congressman Don Young. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an important opportunity for all of us to recognize the difficulties faced by people with disabilities, particularly those struggling in the labor market or involvement in public life. I am proud to be cosponsoring this critical resolution on a day that is important to so many advocates. I will continue working with colleagues to support policies promoting inclusion in all areas of public life.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-confirmation-of-secretary-brouillette", "Murkowski Welcomes Confirmation of Secretary Brouillette", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Welcomes Confirmation of Secretary Brouillette \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after voting to confirm Dan Brouillette to be Secretary of Energy. The Senate confirmed Brouillette, who will replace departing Secretary Rick Perry, through a bipartisan vote of 7015.\r\nI congratulate Dan on his confirmation to be Secretary of Energy and look forward to working with him even more closely to build on his strong record as Deputy Secretary. From energy security to technological innovation, Dan's leadership will be critical for the Department of Energy and for our country, Murkowski said. As Secretary Perry departs from DOE, I also thank him for his service, and wish him all the best in his next endeavors.\r\nThe Senate confirmed Brouillette to be Deputy Secretary of Energy on a bipartisan basis on August 3, 2017. The President nominated Brouillette to be Secretary of Energy on November 7, 2019, and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee reported his nomination to the full Senate by a vote of 16-4 on November 19, 2019.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Energy. She spoke on the Senate floor before voting in support of cloture on Brouillette's nomination in late November.\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-chairs-armed-services-subcommittee-hearing-on-dods-agency-wide-audit", "Sullivan Chairs Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing on DOD\u2019s Agency-Wide Audit", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Chairs Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing on DOD's Agency-Wide Audit \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC Recently, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) chaired a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support hearing to discuss the Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Defense (DOD) agency-wide audit with Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist. The hearing focused on the department's progress from its first-ever audit last year and its importance to U.S. national security and maintaining the trust of Congress and American taxpayers.\r\nThe completion of this audit represents a critical piece of executing the 2018 National Defense Strategy, ensuring the Department of Defense gains full value from every taxpayer dollar,said Senator Sullivan. Maintaining our military's fiscal responsibilities enables Congress to provide the military with the resources it needs to combat threats around the world, particularly our near-peer competitors: Russia and China. I congratulate Deputy Secretary Norquist on his efforts to complete this year's DOD audit and look forward to continued improvement next year. I hope to see the department again build off of this year's audit  as they did off of last year's  to create a more efficient and effective military going forward.     \r\n\r\n\r\nFY19 DOD Audit Background:\r\n \r\nThe Department of Defense maintains $2.9 trillion in assets and $292 billion in inventory (more than six times the size of Walmart's inventory) making this one of the largest audits ever attempted.\r\n \r\n \r\nOf the 24 agencies within the department audited this year, one additional agency's audit came back with a clean opinion, bringing the total to seven agencies with clean audits.\r\n \r\n \r\n23 percent of the unfavorable findings identified in FY18 were closed out.\r\n \r\nCongressional actions:\r\n \r\nCongress mandated that the Department of Defense complete an audit in 1990 under theChief Financial Officers Act.Since then, the Department of Defense has been attempting to become audit ready for nearly three decades.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe 2010National Defense Authorization Actmandated that the DOD be audit ready by September 30, 2017. Under the leadership of Deputy Secretary Norquist, the department completed its first ever audit in 2018 and went on to complete its second on November 15, 2019.\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-applauds-executive-order-on-mmiw-crisis", "Murkowski Applauds Executive Order on MMIW Crisis", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.26.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Applauds Executive Order on MMIW Crisis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executiveorder to create a taskforce to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The executive order follows a recent Department of Justice announcement launching a nationwide strategy to respond to the crisis.\r\nFrom legislative efforts such as my bills Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act to securing significant funding through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I've been working hard to elevate the epidemic of missing, trafficked, and murdered Indigenous women and girls on a national level. Between this executive order, the initiatives coming out of the Department of Justice, and my long-standing effortsturning the tide of this crisis has truly become an all-hands-on-deck' approach,said Senator Murkowski. I applaud the President for this action, building on Attorney General Barr's recent announcement, which is a signal of the urgency and importance that has been placed on this issue. Alongside the notable efforts of the administration, I will continue to push enduring policy to bring prevention, awareness, and justice to the many women and girls that have fallen victim to this heartbreaking reality.\r\nCLICK HERE for details on the White House announcement.\r\nBackground:\r\nLast Friday, U.S. Attorney General Barr announced the Department of Justice is launching a national strategy to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons. The plan places coordinators in multiple U.S. Attorney offices with the goal of developing protocols to improve the ability of law enforcement to address missing person cases, and also invests in training and tools to develop a more comprehensive and effective response process.\r\nLast week, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee advanced legislation led by U.S. Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto (D-NV) to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Native women. The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, aim to combat the epidemic by improving the federal government's response to the crisis. Savanna's Act increases coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increases data collection and information sharing, and empowers tribal governments with access to law enforcement databases they need in cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, wherever they occur. The Not Invisible Act engages law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal partners, and service providers and improves coordination across federal agencies. The bill designates an official to coordinate efforts across agencies and also establishes a commission of tribal and federal stakeholders to make recommendations to the Department of Interior and Department of Justice on best practices to combat the epidemic of disappearances, homicide, violent crime and trafficking of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.\r\nLess than a month ago, the Senate passed a funding package which included the Appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2020 on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Commerce, Justice, Science which provide for the first time, funding to address the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered Indigenous women. Specifically, $6.5 million is included for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to take a comprehensive look at the issue across the BIA and Indian Health Service (IHS), which includes funding for cold case work, background checks, equipment needs, training, and a directive for the IHS regarding forensic training. The bill also includes language directing coordination and data collection among Tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement.\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/delegation-applauds-presidential-memo-on-alaska-mapping", "Delegation Applauds Presidential Memo on Alaska Mapping", "2019-11-25", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.25.19\n\t\t\t Delegation Applauds Presidential Memo on Alaska Mapping \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 Efforts will Address Gaps in the Arctic\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 President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to map the shoreline and nearshore of Alaska and the United States exclusive economic zone (EEZ).\r\nThis is an important step for Alaska, especially for the Arctic as we are woefully behind in developingup-to-date maps for the region,Senator Murkowski said.The Arctic is crucial toournation's geopolitical, economic,and environmental well-being.Alaskans know this better than perhaps anyone else. Our waters are home to an abundantvariety of untappednatural resources that can be used for food, medicine,and energy. Only a small part of the Arctic has been charted to modern standards, hindering the safety of maritime operations in the region. This Presidential directive builds on my own efforts to secure strong funding for NOAA's hydrographic surveys to address the backlog of charting needs in the Arctic. Mapping the waters around ourstatewill provide valuable information on critical mineralsand coastalresources while supporting safer shipping in the Arctic.\r\nAs Alaskans, we depend on our oceans to provide for our families and drive our economy, Senator Sullivan said. Ensuring that the maps of both our state's and nation's waters are contemporary is vital to ensuring our economic growth and national security. The provisions outlined in this order will serve to bolster our understanding of our oceans and coastlines, and I commend the President for prioritizing this issue.\r\nEnsuring our oceans are thoroughly mapped is one of the most important things we can do to protect our economy and the maritime careers that depend on safe, navigable waters, Congressman Young said. This order is once again proof that President Trump and his administration are strong partners for the State of Alaska. As the Arctic's significance to our global economy continues to grow, a better understanding of our oceans will be crucial. I will continue working with the Alaska Delegation and the Administration to ensure that Alaska is well-equipped for the years ahead.\r\nPresident Trump's memo builds upon a 1983 memo issued by President Ronald Reagan, which established the EEZ to advance the development of ocean resources and promote the protection of the marine environment. With more than 13,000 miles of coastline and 3.4 million square nautical miles of ocean within its territorial jurisdiction, the United States' EEZ is among the largest in the world and larger than the combined land area of all 50 states.\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\tEnergy,\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=401463", "Food Bank Locations in Alaska", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Food Banks for Alaska: \r\n2121 Spar Avenue Anchorage AK, 99501\r\nPhone: (907) 272-3663  \r\n\r\nAnchorage: \r\nMobile Food Pantry  Fairview Recreation Center \r\no http://www.muni.org/departments/parks/pages/fairview.aspx \r\no 1121 E 10th Ave Anchorage, AK - 99501\r\no (907) 343-4130\r\nMobile Food Pantry First Christian Methodist Episcopal Church\r\no 3600 Macinnes St Anchorage, AK - 99508\r\no 907-272-3663\r\nMobile Food Pantry Jewel Lake Church Of The Nazarene\r\no http://jlcn.org\r\no 4025 W 88th Ave Anchorage, AK - 99502\r\no (907) 243-2344\r\nMobile Food Pantry Lutheran Church Of Hope\r\no 1847 W Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage, AK - 99517\r\no 907-272-3663\r\nMobile Food Pantry - Muldoon Community Assembly\r\no 7041 Debarr Rd Anchorage, AK - 99504\r\no 907-272-3663\r\nMobile Food Pantry - The Adelaide\r\no 201 E 9th Ave Anchorage, AK - 99501\r\no 907-272-3663\r\nLions Clubs Of Alaska\r\no 4233 Mountain View Dr Anchorage, AK - 99508\r\no 907-561-3680\r\nSpenard Lions Club  Anchorage\r\no 2108 Roosevelt Dr Anchorage, AK - 99517\r\no 907-428-0832\r\nLutheran Social Services Of Alaska\r\no 1305 W 33rd Ave Anchorage, AK - 99503\r\no 907-272-0643\r\nMother Lawrence Foundation\r\no 3609 Richmond Ave. Anchorage, AK - 99508\r\no (907) 272-0989\r\nMountain View Baptist Church\r\no 300 N Bragaw Anchorage, AK - 88407\r\no 907-279-4316\r\nNew Hope Compassionate Ministry Food Pantry\r\no https://www.newhopeak.org/pantry \r\no 1220 E Street Anchorage, AK - 99501\r\no (907) 274-4673\r\nNorth Anchorage Church Of God\r\no 1711 Bragaw St Anchorage, AK - 99508\r\no 907-338-2316\r\nSalvation Army - McKinnell House\r\no https://mckinnellhouse.salvationarmy.org \r\no 1712 A Street Anchorage, AK - 99501\r\no (907) 277-2593\r\nShiloh Baptist Family Services\r\no 1928 Juneau St Anchorage, AK - 99501\r\no 907-276-6673\r\nEmergency Food Bank St Benedict''s Outreach\r\no 8110 Jewel Lake Road Anchorage, AK - 99502\r\no 907-273-1596\r\nSt. Christopher''s Episcopal Church\r\no 7208 Duben Ave Anchorage, AK - 99504\r\no 907-333-5010\r\nShiloh Food Pantry\r\no https://www.shilohmbcalaska.org \r\no 855 E. 20th Ave. Anchorage, AK - 99501\r\no (907) 276-6673\r\nMother Lawrence Foundation\r\no 3609 Richmond Avenue Anchorage, AK - 99508\r\no (907) 272-0989\r\nMobile Food Pantry - Muldoon Community Assembly\r\no http://www.mcaonline.org \r\no 1005 Ermine Street Anchorage, AK - 99504\r\no (907) 272-3663\r\nMobile Food Pantry - Mountain View Boys and Girls Club\r\no https://bgcalaska.org \r\no 315 N Price Street Anchorage, AK - 99508\r\no (907) 297-5437\r\nFairbanks\r\nFairbanks Community Food Bank\r\no http://www.FairbanksFoodBank.org \r\no 725 26th Avenue Fairbanks, AK - 99701\r\no (907) 457-4273\r\nSalvation Army - Fairbanks Corps\r\no http://westernusa.salvationarmy.org \r\no 1602 10th Ave Fairbanks, AK - 99701\r\no (907) 452-3103\r\nCommunity Covenant Church Fairbanks\r\no 2136 Mccullam Ave Fairbanks, AK - 99701\r\no 907-456-6553\r\nFairbanks Native Association\r\no 315 Wendell St Fairbanks, AK - 99701\r\no 907-452-5225\r\nFairbanks First Church Of The Nazarene\r\no 1524 Westwood Way Ste B Fairbanks, AK - 99709\r\no 907-479-6734\r\nSacred Heart Cathedral Fairbanks\r\no http://www.sacredheartak.org/ \r\no 2501 Airport Way Fairbanks, AK - 99701\r\no (907) 474-9032\r\nJuneau\r\nShepherd Of The Valley Lutheran Church Juneau\r\no 4212 Mendenhall Loop Rd Juneau, AK - 99801\r\no 907-789-4093\r\nSoutheast Alaska Food Bank\r\no 10020 Crazy Horse Drive Juneau, AK - 99801\r\no (907) 789-6184\r\nSalvation Army - Juneau Corps\r\no 439 Willoughby Avenue Juneau, AK - 99801\r\no (907) 586-2136\r\nSaint Brendan\\'s Episcopal Church\r\no http://www.stbrendansjuneau.org/ \r\no 4207 Mendenhall Loop Road Juneau, AK - 99801\r\no (907) 789-5152\r\nResurrection Lutheran Church\r\no http://rlcjuneau.com \r\no 740 W 10th Street Juneau, AK - 99801\r\no (907) 586-2380\r\nKetchikan \r\nSalvation Army - Ketchikan Corps\r\no http://www.salvationarmy.org/ \r\no 342 Stedman St Ketchikan, AK - 99901\r\no 907-225-5277\r\nKodiak \r\nKodiak Baptist Mission\r\no 1944 E Rezenof Dr Kodiak, AK  99615\r\no 907-486-4126\r\nKenai\r\nKenai Peninsula Food Bank \r\no 33955 Community College Drive Soldotna, AK 99669\r\no kpfoodbank@gmail.com \r\no 907-262-3111", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-administrations-focus-to-address-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-crisis-", "Murkowski Applauds Administration\u2019s Focus to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Applauds Administration's Focus to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday U.S. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Barr announced the Department of Justice is launching a national strategy to address the crisis of missing an murdered indigenous persons:\r\nAddressing the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered Indigenous women has been a high priority of mine in the Senate. I applaud the administration for this announcement and for making proactive, directed initiatives to improve the federal response to this epidemic. I was glad to host Attorney General Barr and his team in Alaska to show him first-hand the role that the lack of public safety plays in this heartbreaking epidemic. The urgency and attention he has placed on this issue is truly critical, said Senator Murkowski. Understanding the extent of the problem and how we implement solutions is imperative. With the Senate Indian Affairs Committee advancing Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act this week, coupled with this announcement today, we are showing women across the nation, and those who love them, that we will not sit idly by as our sisters, our mothers, our neighbors, and our friends continue to go missingthat we are with them in this fight.\r\nCLICK HERE for details on the Department of Justice announcement.\r\nBackground:\r\nEarlier this week, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee advanced legislation led by U.S. Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto (D-NV) to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Native women. The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, aim to combat the epidemic by improving the federal government's response to the crisis. Savanna's Act increases coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increases data collection and information sharing, and empowers tribal governments with access to law enforcement databases they need in cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, wherever they occur. The Not Invisible Act engages law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal partners, and service providers and improves coordination across federal agencies. The bill designates an official to coordinate efforts across agencies and also establishes a commission of tribal and federal stakeholders to make recommendations to the Department of Interior and Department of Justice on best practices to combat the epidemic of disappearances, homicide, violent crime and trafficking of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.\r\nIn September of 2019, the Senate passed a funding package which included the Appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2020 on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Commerce, Justice, Science which provide for the first time, funding to address the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women. Specifically, $6.5 million is included for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to take a comprehensive look at the issue across the BIA and Indian Health Service (IHS), which includes funding for cold case work, background checks, equipment needs, training, and a directive for the IHS regarding forensic training. The bill also includes language directing coordination and data collection among Tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement.\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\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-raises-alaska-interests-with-fda-commissioner-nominee", "Murkowski Raises Alaska Interests with FDA Commissioner Nominee", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Raises Alaska Interests with FDA Commissioner 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 Calls for Focus on Vaping Epidemic, ALS Research, Seafood Advice, and GE Salmon\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t The nominee to serve as the next U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, Dr. Stephen M. Hahn is moving through the vetting process in the U.S. Senate, with a nomination hearing today in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. During the Senate HELP Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski raised a range of Alaska interests with Dr. Hahn, including the epidemic of e-cigarettes and vaping, ALS research, FDA seafood advice, and labeling requirements for Genetically Engineered (GE) Salmon.\r\n\r\nSenator Murkowski began her remarks by echoing the concerns of her Senate colleagues regarding nicotine addiction and the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products among youth, and thanked Dr. Hahn for committing to addressing the epidemic.\r\nI want to add my voice to so many on the committee that have expressed concern on what we are seeing with rising levels of nicotine addiction through the e-cig and vaping products-- just the dangers that we know with kids and nicotine. We are absolutely going the wrong way when it comes to nicotine addiction, said Senator Murkowski. After making the turn, if you will, on that trend, to see where we are now is not only alarming, it's frightening.\r\nDuring the hearing, Senator Murkowski noted the importance of patient partnerships when it comes to research and asked Dr. Hahn for his commitment to ensuring the voices of ALS patients, as well as other patients dealing with terminal diseases, are heard by the FDA.\r\nOne of the things that I have learned with all of my interactions with the ALS advocates is that patient partnership is really essential to move forward in the research, said Senator Murkowski. Your predecessor had committed to the ALS community in meetings with patients, that he would have patients in every Investigational New Drug Meeting. I think that making that kind of commitment is important. I think that it's important that at these meetings, the question be asked who here is the patient at the table' to ensure that those patient voices are heard throughout the trial process.\r\nSenator Murkowski also raised the FDA's current, flawed advice surrounding seafood consumption and the benefits for pregnant women and fetal development. Senator Murkowski stated that in 2014 the FDA published a study on the net effects of seafood consumption for pregnant and for nursing women. Murkowski went on to explain that the FDA did not rely on that science in developing the current seafood consumption advice, but rather based their advice on the Environmental Protection Agency's mercury reference dose. She noted that in her view, the EPA's toxicology standard ignores the benefits of seafood and measures risks in isolation. Murkowski asked Dr. Hahn if he was willing to help correct this issue.\r\nI don't want to throw out statistics out here, but there is an average of 7.7 point increase in IQ for babies whose moms ate seafood during pregnancy. You want a smart baby? Eat that seafood now and in good quantities, said Senator Murkowski.\r\nMurkowski ended her comments by discussing her ongoing concerns over Genetically Engineered salmon, the first genetically engineered animal to have been approved by the FDA, noting that nearly 2 million Americans submitted comments to the FDA opposing that approval. She asked Dr. Hahn to commit to helping ensure clear, consistent labeling requirements for any GE Salmon that enters the U.S. market. Specifically, she called on Dr. Hahn to agree to work towards establishing a regulatory system, outside of the FDA's New Animal Drug Approval Process, that is appropriate for approving GE Salmon and GE animals for human consumption.\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-honors-alaskan-of-the-week-rosemarie-habeich", "Sullivan Honors Alaskan of the Week: Rosemarie Habeich", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Honors Alaskan of the Week: Rosemarie Habeich \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) yesterday recognized Rosemarie Habeich, of Anchorage, Alaska, on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Rosie, as her friends call her, is a registered nurse who, alongside her husband, Eben Hopson, Jr., has fostered more than 50 children from all across the state. During her time living in Utqiagvik, she worked as the director of the city's rec department, director of the health department, and executive director of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. In Anchorage, Rosie volunteers for Friends In Serving Humanity (FISH), a church network that feeds the hungry. She is known for doing so much in service to others, oftentimes out of her own pocket. Regarding her giving, Rosie says, That's the way life is supposed to be. You are supposed to recognize when people have less than you, and you are supposed to help them out. Giving is fundamental. Senator Sullivan recognized Rosie as part of his series, Alaskan of the Week.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTribute to Rosie Habeich:\r\nIt is Thursday. I know the pages know this, and many people watching know this, but it is that time of the day in the Senate when I come down on the Senate floor and talk about somebody who makes my State a very unique and special place--and it is an opportunity for me to talk a little bit about what is going on in Alaska right now, particularly before the holidays--somebody we refer to in Alaska and here in the Senate as the Alaskan of the Week.\r\nBefore I get into this very special Alaskan, I will give you a little weather update. A lot of people like to understand what is going on. Winter has come. It is coming to Alaska. Snow has arrived throughout much of the State. In Southcentral Alaska it has come. Anchorage is covered in snow. A lot of people are getting ready to undertake winter. Sports and activities on Monday in Utqiagvik, the northernmost point in North America--it used to be called Point Barrow--the Sun rose and set for the last time until January 23. So it is going to be dark up there, but they are used to that. They are great people. The community has now officially settled in for a bit of a dark Arctic winter, but they have been doing that for a millennium.\r\nIt is a winter wonderland right now throughout Alaska. So I always encourage people watching, watching on TV, to come on up. Summer, winter, fall, spring, come on up and visit. You will love it. It will be the trip of a lifetime.\r\nAs I mentioned before, I think I come from the most beautiful State in the country, but it is also a place made up of the most important, caring, wonderful, generous, and supportive people anywhere. Some of these people have had ancestors living in Alaska for thousands and thousands of years. Others arrived more recently but immediately found a home in a community that they were supportive of and was supportive of them.\r\nLet me introduce you to Rosemarie Habeich. Her friends call her Rosie. She is an extraordinary Alaskan who has done extraordinary things for our people. She is our Alaskan of the Week. What has she done? What is extraordinary about Rosie?\r\nLet me just mention one off the top, which is pretty remarkable--fostering over 50 Alaskan children with her husband, Eben Hopson, Jr. I should add here that Eben is the son of the first mayor of Alaska's North Slope Borough and someone who has also fought for the rights of Alaska Natives throughout his life. He deserves mention, as well as his wife, as a legendary Alaskan.\r\nNot only did Rosie and Eben foster all these children, they adopted three, and raised five of their own children. That is a crowded household but a kind, loving, supportive and warm household--a place of love.\r\nI can say here that the recommendation for Rosie to be our Alaskan of the Week comes from our First Alaskans Institute fellow, Elizabeth Ahkivgak, who is right here with me and who has done a great job in my office.\r\nElizabeth is one of dozens and dozens of children Rosie and Eben took into their bright home and loved them so much so they could love themselves.\r\nLet me tell you a little bit about Rosie, our Alaskan of the Week. She was born in Idaho. Like too many Americans, unfortunately, she actually came from a broken home. Her mother was battling an illness and sometimes was too sick to handle Rosie and her siblings.\r\nIt was during one of those bouts of illness that Rosie herself briefly became a foster child. That experience, the experience of visiting her mother in an institution, and the kindness of neighbors who stepped up and helped during those very difficult years would form the basis of Rosie's steadfast belief that helping others in your community throughout your State is a higher calling.\r\nEventually, Rosie moved with her family to Fairbanks when she was just a young girl. Those were good years for her and her family. She thrived in Alaska, went to college, and became a social worker for the State. Eventually, her work took her to Utqiagvik--as I mentioned, formerly Barrow, AK--where she fell in love both with her husband, Eben, and with the community.\r\nShe found in Utqiagvik that if you had a good idea and were willing to do the work and see it through, you could succeed with the help of others, and she did succeed.\r\nAt various points during her time in the North Slope Borough of our great State, she worked as the director of the city's rec department, director of the health department, and executive director of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. She also sat on the board for the Rural Alaska Community Action Plan. She was a public health nurse and was appointed director of the North Slope Borough Health Department by two different mayors. That is an impressive resume, as you see.\r\nShe now spends much of her time in Anchorage, where she volunteers for a group called Friends in Serving Humanity, or F.I.S.H.--a church network that feeds the hungry. On many days, you can find her in different communities handing out meals and food boxes often paid for out of her own pocket.\r\nRosie gives her all to everything she does, but one of her truly lasting contributions to Alaska and to her community is how she has taken in so many children across the State who need a home, who need support, and who need love. She took in siblings. She took in infants. She took in teenagers. She took them from all backgrounds, from all across the State, and she loved them. She was patient with them. She intuitively understood what they needed and when they needed it. Some of the children she took in were horribly abused, most others were homesick, and some were confused.\r\nIn Alaska, getting running water to households across the State has long been a major challenge, one we are still working on today. If you can believe this--this is certainly one of my passions in the Senate--we have over 30 communities in Alaska with no flush toilets, no water and sewer--in America. Many of the children who came to Rosie were from these kinds of households and these kinds of communities. Many had never flushed a toilet in their lives.\r\nShe was sensitive to all this. One of the first things she did when a child came to her was to teach her how a faucet and a bathroom and a toilet worked. Then she fed them. Rosie's cooking is renowned. She listened to them and loved them.\r\nThis is how one of her former foster children described the experience of walking into Rosie's home:\r\nImagine coming from a place with nothing--absolutely nothing, [poverty]--and you walk into a normal house, filled with normal things that people and the rest of America take for granted--a warm house, a flush toilet, food on the stove, adults who speak to you [kindly]. It was like visiting a toy store for the first time. It was like visiting a different planet. It showed us what [a good] life could be like.\r\nNot all of Rosie's kids made it out of a life of challenges and dysfunction and abuse, but many of them have. Many have broken the cycle of violence in their families for the first time. Some of them, along with their biological children and the ones she has adopted, are now doing great things for our State and our country. They are successfully running businesses. They have joined the military. They have worked at high levels of government. One of them, who is sitting right here next to me on the Senate floor, works in my office. We are lucky to have Elizabeth.\r\nAll of them, regardless of where they are now ''have a place in my heart,'' says Rosie. Why does she do it? Why has this woman given herself to so many others and changed so many lives?\r\nShe tells a story about a time when her mother was sick and had to go back into the institution, leaving her to take care of her four younger siblings. It was Christmastime, and Rosie literally had nothing. So the neighbors got together, left boxes of presents at the door of their house, and brought over Christmas dinner when she was young and needed help. ''That's the way life is supposed to be,'' Rosie said. ''You're supposed to recognize when people have less than you, and you are supposed to help them out. It doesn't matter if you're looking at it through a biblical lens, or through karma, or through Buddha. Giving is fundamental.'' That is her quote: ''Giving is fundamental.''\r\nAll the Senators here today are heading home and heading back to the great States they represent for Thanksgiving, which we will be celebrating next week--a uniquely American holiday that all of us love and cherish so much. I know I certainly do. Rosie and Eben's story and commitment to others are exactly the kinds of things we as Americans should be thankful for as we are celebrating Thanksgiving next week. Giving is fundamental. I know I am thankful for what they have done.\r\nTheir household will be full this holiday season--friends, family, children. At some point this season, she will make her famous apple sausage stuffing, a recipe she learned from her own foster mother and one she has passed down to foster kids all across the great State of Alaska. It is made with love and with kindness and with thanksgiving.\r\nRosie, thank you for all you have done. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for your spirit, your generosity, and your example as we head into Thanksgiving weekend, for touching so many lives across Alaska. Congratulations on being our Alaskan of the Week and happy Thanksgiving.\r\nI yield the floor.\r\n\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-lauds-barrs-missing-indigenous-persons-effort-continued-focus-on-alaska", "Sullivan Lauds Barr\u2019s Missing Indigenous Persons Effort, Continued Focus on Alaska", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Lauds Barr's Missing Indigenous Persons Effort, Continued Focus on 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\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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 Initiative comes just one month after $42 million in DOJ support for rural public safety\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today applauded U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr'sannouncementof a new national strategy to address missing and murdered Native Americans. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative will establish coordinators in the offices of eleven U.S. Attorneys tasked with developing protocols for a more coordinated law enforcement response to missing persons cases. Additionally, the plan authorizes the deployment of the FBI's most advanced response capabilities, improved data collection and analysis, and training to support local response efforts.\r\nNo U.S. attorney general in history has shown greater commitment to the safety and well-being of indigenous people in Alaska than Bill Barr, saidSenator Sullivan. The initiatives being undertaken and support being offered by Attorney General Barr and the Trump Justice Department are simply unprecedented. I believe his meetings with Alaska tribal leaders and visits to some of our most challenged villages this summer had a lasting impact on the attorney general. He is clearly determined to put the full weight of the federal government behind addressing the lack of justice for missing indigenous persons and safety in many rural communities. I want to thank Attorney General Barr for launching this comprehensive missing persons initiative that can bring hope to so many Alaskans who've mourned the loss of loved ones without answers and without justice being served.\r\nAmerican Indian and Alaska Native people suffer from unacceptable and disproportionately high levels of violence, which can have lasting impacts on families and communities. Native American women face particularly high rates of violence, with at least half suffering sexual or intimate-partner violence in their lifetime. Too many of these families have experienced the loss of loved ones who went missing or were murdered, saidAttorney General Barr. This important initiative will further strengthen the federal, state, and tribal law enforcement response to these continuing problems.\r\nThe launch of the MMIP Initiative comes just one month after Attorney General Barr's announcement at the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, in Fairbanks, of$42 millionfor Alaska Native tribes, tribal consortiums, and shelters to increase law enforcement presence and improve public safety in the state's rural communities, with an additional $7 million being sent to the Denali Commission to tackle this issue in the form of micro-grants. And, in June, Barr declared alaw enforcement emergencyfor rural Alaska following his visit to a number of communities. Barr's emergency declaration provided another $10.5 million in resources dedicated to training and equipping rural law enforcement officers, acquiring mobile holding cells, and funding 20 officer positions.\r\nThe initiative mirrors much of the efforts ofSavanna's Act,legislation introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and cosponsored by Sullivan. Murkowski's legislation was incorporated into theReauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act(VAWA)that was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sullivan earlier this week.\r\n# # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401462", "Congressman Don Young Stands with Alaska Nurses and Social Workers, Helps Pass Bill to Prevent Workplace Violence", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Don Young Stands with Alaska Nurses and Social Workers, Helps Pass Bill to Prevent Workplace Violence \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 21, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C.  Today, with the support of Alaska Congressman Don Young, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1309, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. This legislation takes action to prevent workplace violence against our nation's nurses and social workers. These professions suffer injuries from workplace violence at far higher rates than any other profession in the United States. This measure assists in the prevention of workplace violence by strengthening OSHA protections, bolstering risk assessment efforts, and reducing barriers to completing investigations. Congressman Young has worked on this issue with organizations such as the Alaska Nurses Association, and cosponsored the bill earlier in the 116th Congress.\r\nMy wife Anne was herself a nurse, so for me, protecting the health care workers who take care of our friends and family is personal, said Congressman Don Young. It was a very proud moment for me today to help the House pass the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. Very frankly, this is how the legislative process should work  constituents came to me with a problem, and we worked together to find a solution. This bill is an important component to preventing violence against our nurses and social workers, and I am thankful for the Alaska Nurses Association's work to help get this legislation through this House. Supporting our nation's caregivers continues to be one of my priorities, and I'll keep working to ensure they have the resources and protections necessary to provide compassionate care to our nation's patients.\r\n###  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/11/21/2019/senators-legislation-to-address-crisis-of-missing-murdered-and-trafficked-native-women-advances-in-senate", "Senators\u2019 Legislation to Address Crisis of Missing, Murdered and Trafficked Native Women Advances in Senate", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Senators' Legislation to Address Crisis of Missing, Murdered and Trafficked Native Women Advances in Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Murkowski and Cortez Masto Applaud Committee Passage of Not Invisible Act and Savanna's Act\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Legislation addressing the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Native women, passed out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee with strong, bipartisan supportheading to the full Senate for consideration. The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, are both led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and aim to combat the epidemic by improving the federal government's response to the crisis.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE for video of Senator Murkowski's remarks.\r\nSavanna's Act, sponsored by Senator Murkowski and co-led with Senator Cortez Masto, increases coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increases data collection and information sharing, and empowers tribal governments with access to law enforcement databases they need in cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, wherever they occur.The legislation, originally introduced by former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota with Murkowski as a cosponsor, is named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and killed in 2017 in Fargo, North Dakota.\r\nNot Invisible Act, sponsored by Senator Cortez Masto and co-led with Senator Murkowski, engages law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal partners, and service providers and improves coordination across federal agencies. The bill designates an official to coordinate efforts across agencies and also establishes a commission of tribal and federal stakeholders to make recommendations to the Department of Interior and Department of Justice on best practices to combat the epidemic of disappearances, homicide, violent crime and trafficking of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.\r\nI've heard far too many horror stories about the issues women in our communities face when it comes to the need for law enforcement and the response. Through our bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, we have been working to bring attention to this issue nationwide. The statistics are shocking how quickly vulnerable, Native women are being swept into a net of violence that is devastating. They go missing, are trafficked, and some to the point of being murdered. Families have experienced an unspeakable loss and felt let down by a system that has failed and not protected them, said Senator Murkowski. Today was an important step and I thank my colleagues on the Indian Affairs Committee for recognizing the importance of these legislative efforts. We must improve coordination among law enforcement and provide the necessary resources so that these families have a fighting chance. My hope is that we can advance these bills quickly and have them signed into law.\r\nWe're staring down a crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and Congress has the moral responsibility to act to stop these mothers, sisters, and daughters from becoming another statistic, said Senator Cortez Masto. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Murkowski to empower our communities and law enforcement to protect Native women. I know we won't stop fighting to end this crisis, and I call on all of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with us and pass these bills out of the Senate.\r\n\r\n(A qaspeq displayed at the Alaska Federation of Native Convention, made by artist Amber Webb as a powerful symbol to honor many of the far too many lives lost to the MMIW epidemic.)\r\nSavanna's Act bill highlights: \r\n \r\nImproves tribal access to certain federal crime information databases and mandates that the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Interior consult with Indian tribes on how to further develop these databases and access to them.\r\nRequires the creation of standardized guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans, in consultations with tribes, which will include guidance on inter-jurisdictional cooperation among tribes and federal, state, and local law enforcement.\r\nRequires statistics on missing and murdered Native women, and recommendations on how to improve data collection, to be included in an annual report to Congress.\r\n \r\nNot Invisible Act bill highlights: \r\n \r\nRequires the Secretary of the Interior to designate an official within the Office of Justice Services in the Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate violent crime prevention efforts across federal agencies.\r\nRequires the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Attorney General, to establish a commission on violent crime composed of members including law enforcement, service providers, representatives of relevant federal agencies, tribal leaders, survivors and family members.\r\n\r\nThe Commission will identify legislative, administrative, training, and staffing changes to increase reporting and prosecutions of relevant crimes.\r\nThe Commission will make recommendations to the DOI and DOJ on what more the department can do to combat violent crime against Native Americans.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nTribal communities across the country are experiencing an epidemic of violence. In tribal villages and Native communities, domestic violence rates are up to 10 times higher than the rest of the nation. Alaska Native women in particular are 2 and a half times more likely to be a victim of domestic violence. More than 80 percent of Native men and women will experience violence in their lifetimes, and 34 percent of Native women will experience sexual violence or assault.\r\nAdditionally, Native women and girls are disproportionately likely to become victims of sex trafficking, contributing to the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. The rate of sexual violence victimization among Alaska Native women is at least seven times greater than non-Native females.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\nThe Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a legislative hearing on both Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act in June of 2019.\r\nIn September of 2019, the Senate passed a funding package which included the Appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2020 on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Commerce, Justice, Science. As chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, Murkowski crafted a bill which provides for the first time, funding to address the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women. Specifically, $6.5 million is included for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to take a comprehensive look at the issue across the BIA and Indian Health Service (IHS), which includes funding for cold case work, background checks, equipment needs, training, and a directive for the IHS regarding forensic training. The bill also includes language directing coordination and data collection among Tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement. Additionally $1 million is provided and a directive for the Department of Justice to improve coordinationincluding training and technical assistance, data sharing, and other resourceswith the BIA, to better address violent crime in Indian country.\r\nIn November of 2019, Senator Murkowski spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the growing crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women across the nation and the need to both understand the scope of the problem and address coordination between our state, federal, and tribal governments. Senator Murkowski emphasized how Native women are victims of violence in unprecedented proportions, the lack of updated data, her legislative efforts to address the epidemic, and urged her colleagues to move beyond awareness to action by taking up Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlaska Natives & Rural Alaska", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-welcomes-draft-environmental-impact-statement-on-npr-a-integrated-activity-plan", "Delegation Welcomes Draft Environmental Impact Statement on NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Delegation Welcomes Draft Environmental Impact Statement on NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for an updated Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). A Notice of Availability will appear in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 60-day public comment period that ends on January 21, 2020.\r\nThis is a significant step toward a new plan that is more consistent with the legal purposes of the petroleum reserve, which holds the potential for billions of barrels of recoverable oil that can help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline,Murkowski said.We have recently learned a great deal about the abundant resources of the NPR-A, and updating the deeply flawed 2013 IAP to provide greater access is necessary to reflect our opportunities for responsible development. We will review the draft EIS closely and encourage Alaskans to provide comments and participate in the public process.\r\nToday's announcement is welcome progress towards evaluating how to best realize the potential of Alaska's vast energy resources, Sullivan said. The previous administration was dead set on locking up the NPR-A which, in turn, stunted our economy. The Department of Interior's efforts to provide a new activity plan furthers our goal of responsible exploration and development, ensuring that Alaska's resources help the U.S. remain an energy superpower. I encourage Alaskans to share their views throughout the comment period.\r\nAn updated NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan is not only good news for Alaska, but is an encouraging development for our continued push to make America truly energy independent, Young said. The resources available in the NPR-A are vast, and very frankly, the Obama Administration's 2013 IAP was an overly-restrictive disaster for Alaskans who know our lands can be responsibly developed. I look forward to reviewing the newly-published EIS and continuing my work with the Delegation and the Administration to ensure that Alaska's resources can be utilized to meet the energy needs across our great nation.\r\nThe NPR-A is administered by the Bureau of Land Management under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act and other federal laws. It covers more than 23 million acres on the western North Slope of Alaska, an area larger than the state of Indiana.\r\nIn 2013, the Obama administration issued a highly restrictive IAP for the NPR-A that withdrew roughly half of the reserve from energy development.\r\nIn 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the NPR-A area contains an estimated 8.7 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil.\r\nComments on the EIS may be submitted via the e-Planning website, mail, fax, or at one of eight public meetings.Those meetings will be held in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the North Slope communities of Utqiagvik, Atqasuk, Nuiqsut, Anaktuvuk Pass, Wainwright, and Point Lay. The schedule of public meetings is being finalized and will be posted on the NPR-A IAP e-Planning websitehere.\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-decline-in-timber-revenue-means_increased-reliance-on-federal-programs", "Murkowski: Decline in Timber Revenue Means  Increased Reliance on Federal Programs", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski: Decline in Timber Revenue Means  Increased Reliance on Federal Programs \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to examine federal payments to local governments provided through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs.\r\nAs part of the hearing, the committee also received testimony on three bills:\r\n \r\nS. 430, a bill from Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000;\r\nS. 1643, Sen. Ron Wyden's (D-Ore.) Forest Management for Rural Stability Act; and\r\nS. 2108, Sen. Steve Daines' (R-Mo.) Small County PILT Parity Act.\r\n \r\nAround the country, states with large swaths of federal lands face significant challenges in developing sustainable economies, Murkowski said. When we are not allowed to responsibly develop our resources, our rural communities suffer. We lose jobs. We lose revenues. And many communities are left with inadequate funding for their schools, forcing them to depend more and more on programs like SRS and PILT to make up the difference.\r\nMore than 60 percent of Alaska's land is managed by the federal government.\r\nPrograms like PILT and SRS are so vital to our rural economies. Many Alaska communities rely on SRS to pay for essential services such as schools, roads, and first responders due to the decline in timber receipts and a lack of access to federally-owned forested lands, Murkowski said. Alaska is vast, but we simply don't have a lot of private land. That leaves a very small tax base to address everything from public services to necessary infrastructure.\r\nFor example, the federal government owns more than 97 percent of the 3,400-square mile-span of the Borough of Wrangell. Mayor Stephen Prysunka testified at the hearing, and shared that SRS payments last year provided one-sixth of the school district's annual budget.\r\nCommunities like mine saw their timber industries decimated, which not only reduced the revenues we received from production on our national forests, but also reduced economic growth and tax revenue, Prysunka said. In fiscal year2018 alone, SRS provided $257 million to over 700 rural counties, parishes and boroughs across the nation, as well as 4,000 school districts. These payments supported county road maintenance, conservation projects, search and rescue missions and fire prevention programs, among other essential services.\r\n\r\nClick the photo for video of Wrangell City and Borough Mayor Prysunka at today's hearing\r\nThe other witnesses who appeared before the committee were: Denise Flanagan, Director of the Office of Budget at the Department of the Interior; Allen Rowley, the Associate Deputy Chief of the USDA Forest Service; and Justin Dilley, a teacher from the Pocahontas County Board of Education. \r\nS. 430, a bill to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, would provide two years of SRS reauthorization to assist the over 700 counties across the United States that receive payments from it.Murkowski is a cosponsor of the bill.\r\nS. 1643, the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act, would establish the Forest and Refuge County Foundation to manage a new endowment, the Natural Resources Permanent Fund, as part of an effort to make permanent the SRS program. \r\nS. 2108, the Small County PILT Parity Act, amends the population-based ceiling payment for PILT Section 6902 payments. Current law assigns all counties with a population under 5,000 people the same per capita payment rate. This bill adds four new population caps to provide different funding levels below for counties with less than 5,000 people. Murkowski is a cosponsor.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. An archived video of today's hearing can be found on the committee's website. Click here and here to view Murkowski's questions for the 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.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-hassan-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-seniors-and-people-with-disabilities-struggling-with-eating-disorders", "Senators Hassan, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Seniors and People with Disabilities Struggling with Eating Disorders", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Senators Hassan, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Seniors and People with Disabilities Struggling with Eating Disorders \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to care for seniors and people living with disabilities who struggle with eating disorders.\r\nWhile often not discussed, eating disorders affect 3-4 percent of the senior population. Eating disorders also affect 6 percent of females and 3 percent of males who experience disabilities. The bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act would expand access to medical care for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B, which will provide patients with a more comprehensive, specialized approach to combating eating disorders than what is currently offered under Medicare.\r\nEating disorders tend to be discussed in the context of young people, but that misses the full extent of the problem, Senator Hassan said. My bipartisan bill with Senator Murkowksi would help ensure that seniors and people living with disabilities  both populations who often face other health challenges in addition to eating disorders  receive the comprehensive care that they need.\r\nAlthough eating disorders are often perceived as solely impacting teens and young adults, they also impact aging Americans, which can further complicate existing chronic disorders or diseases. These issues are psychologically rooted, but they can take a serious long-term toll on the body. The Alaska Psychological Association acknowledges that this is among one of Alaska's most pressing mental illness issues, but our state is unfortunately lacking the resources needed for treatment, said Senator Murkowski. Addressing these complex illnesses cannot be one-size-fits-all.' Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach, tailored to fit each unique case that is encountered. For Alaskans that rely on Medicare that are struggling with an eating disorder, this legislation will expand access to medical nutrition therapy, a key component of outpatient treatment which prioritizes customized diets and meal plans based on each patient's physical, dietary, and psychosocial history.\r\nThe Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action applauds the leadership of Senators Murkowski and Hassan in leading the Nutrition CARE Act, saidChase Bannister, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, Board President of the Eating Disorders Coalition.The formal Senate introduction of this critical piece of legislation moves our community one step closer toward making comprehensive coverage for eating disorders treatment a reality for the millions of Americans affected by this illness. \r\nI welcome the introduction of the Nutrition Care Act by Senator Hassan because it expands access to medical nutrition therapy for Medicare beneficiaries suffering from eating disorders, said Seda Ebrahimi, Ph.D., Founder and Director of the Cambridge Eating Disorder Center, which operates centers in Cambridge, MA and Concord, NH. It provides a much-needed component toward the effective treatment of eating disorders in the elderly.\r\nThis bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act would allow registered physicians, dieticians, nutrition specialists, and mental health professionals to provide medical nutrition therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries struggling with an eating disorder can only access psychiatric, therapy, and medical services. The expanded services would include at least 13 hours of medical nutrition therapyincluding a one hour initial assessment and 12 hours of reassessment and interventionduring the first year that the beneficiary begins receiving services. The beneficiary would then be able to access four hours of medical nutrition therapy services during each subsequent year.\r\nRead the text of the legislation introduced 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 Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-welcomes-draft-environmental-impact-statement-on-npr-a-integrated-activity-plan", "Delegation Welcomes Draft Environmental Impact Statement on NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Delegation Welcomes Draft Environmental Impact Statement on NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)announcedthe draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for an updated Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). A Notice of Availability will appear in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 60-day public comment period that ends on January 21, 2020.\r\nThis is a significant step toward a new plan that is more consistent with the legal purposes of the petroleum reserve, which holds the potential for billions of barrels of recoverable oil that can help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline,Murkowski said.We have recently learned a great deal about the abundant resources of the NPR-A, and updating the deeply flawed 2013 IAP to provide greater access is necessary to reflect our opportunities for responsible development. We will review the draft EIS closely and encourage Alaskans to provide comments and participate in the public process.\r\nToday's announcement is welcome progress towards evaluating how to best realize the potential of Alaska's vast energy resources,Sullivan said.The previous administration was dead set on locking up the NPR-A which, in turn, stunted our economy. The Department of Interior's efforts to provide a new activity plan furthers our goal of responsible exploration and development, ensuring that Alaska's resources help the U.S. remain an energy superpower. I encourage Alaskans to share their views throughout the comment period.\r\nAn updated NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan is not only good news for Alaska, but is an encouraging development for our continued push to make America truly energy independent,Young said.The resources available in the NPR-A are vast, and very frankly, the Obama Administration's 2013 IAP was an overly-restrictive disaster for Alaskans who know our lands can be responsibly developed. I look forward to reviewing the newly-published EIS and continuing my work with the Delegation and the Administration to ensure that Alaska's resources can be utilized to meet the energy needs across our great nation.\r\nThe NPR-A is administered by the Bureau of Land Management under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act and other federal laws. It covers more than 23 million acres on the western North Slope of Alaska, an area larger than the state of Indiana.\r\nIn 2013, the Obama administration issued a highly restrictive IAP for the NPR-A that withdrew roughly half of the reserve from energy development.\r\nIn 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the NPR-A area contains an estimated 8.7 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil.\r\nComments on the EIS may be submitted via the e-Planning website, mail, fax, or at one of eight public meetings.Those meetings will be held in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the North Slope communities of Utqiagvik, Atqasuk, Nuiqsut, Anaktuvuk Pass, Wainwright, and Point Lay. The schedule of public meetings is being finalized and will be posted on the NPR-A IAP e-Planning websitehere.\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    \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-manchin-bill-to-address-veterans-burn-pit-exposure", "Sullivan-Manchin Bill to Address Veterans\u2019 Burn Pit Exposure", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan-Manchin Bill to Address Veterans' Burn Pit Exposure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, today introducedS.2950, The Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Recognition Act of 2019, legislation which addresses a barrier currently preventing many veterans from getting U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for illnesses and diseases related to exposure to burn pits. The act would recognize and concede their exposure during deployed service. Notably, the bill would not automatically grant benefits or health care to veterans who served near a burn pit, nor would it create a presumption of service connection, like Agent Orange.\r\nWe owe it to the men and women of our Armed Forces to continue to work toward addressing the impacts many face after being exposed to burn pits while serving our country overseas, saidSenator Sullivan. The Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Recognition Actreaffirms our commitment to those in uniform and ensures we will not wait decades to tackle this issue head on. I was pleased to work with my colleague Senator Manchin on this legislation which is an important step in the right direction.\r\nWe've made a promise to the men and women who have bravely fought to defend our nation, often in harsh conditions, that when they return home we take care of them. West Virginians have seen first-hand how long it's taken for the Vietnam-era Veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals like Agent Orange to receive the care and benefits they deserve, and the toll it took on them and their families. I want to make sure that doesn't happen to this generation of Veterans. That's why my colleague Senator Sullivan and I introducedThe Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Recognition Actto make it easier for Veterans exposed to open-air burn pits in the Middle East and Afghanistan to apply for care and benefits. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue our commitment to the patriotic men and women in uniform and I thank them every day for their service,said Senator Manchin.\r\nFor years, we've known of the adverse health effects caused by burn pits, and in that time we've seen too many seriously ill veterans struggle to get help from the VA because they lacked the documentation to prove what everyone already knowsthat they were exposed to toxic chemicals released by burn pits while serving overseas, saidRandy Reese, Washington headquarters executive director of Disabled American Veterans. This bipartisan bill will help get rid of red tape and assist affected veterans seeking burn pit-related benefits. We are grateful to Senators Sullivan and Manchin for working with us to develop and introduce this critical legislation and for being committed champions for our nation's veterans.\r\nTheVeterans Burn Pit Exposure Actwould:\r\n \r\nAcknowledge an information gap. Given the limited information that exists about exactly when and where burn pits were active, or the precise locations of individuals who served near them, it is unreasonable for a veteran to prove they were exposed to specific toxins from specific burn pits on specific days.\r\n \r\n \r\nWork in acknowledgment of ongoing research being conducted by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.\r\n \r\n \r\nFormally recognize that veterans who served near burn pits in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations were exposed to airborne hazards, toxins and particulate matters. This recognition and concession can potentially aid thousands of veterans who otherwise do not have documentation of their exposure.\r\n \r\n \r\nNot automatically grant benefits or health care to veterans who served near a burn pit. It also does not create a presumption of service connection, like veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The decisions on presumption of service connection will require further scientific study and evidence, much of which is ongoing.Even with a concession of exposure, veterans will still need to provide sufficient evidence of a link to a specific illness or disease in order to qualify for VA benefits.\r\n \r\nThe legislation is also supported by Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), including Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America.\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    \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-van-hollen-lead-bipartisan-letter-underscoring-the-importance-of-alliances-with-japan-republic-of-korea", "Sullivan, Van Hollen Lead Bipartisan Letter Underscoring the Importance of Alliances with Japan, Republic of Korea", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan, Van Hollen Lead Bipartisan Letter Underscoring the Importance of Alliances with Japan, Republic of Korea \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, led by Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), sent a letter to the leaders of Japan and the Republic of Korea to reaffirm the importance of America's bilateral alliances with the two countries in light of rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.\r\nYou can find a signed copy of the letter HERE and the full text below:\r\nYour Excellencies,\r\nWe write to you as bipartisan members of the United States Senate and as strong supporters of the U.S. bilateral alliances with Japan and the Republic of Korea. We believe it is important to reaffirm the critical importance of these partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. These alliances, each independently forged after the difficult trials of war, serve as the linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and help advance the cause of a more peaceful, prosperous and free world.\r\nWhile we recognize the complex history between your two great countries, we believe it is a critical time for Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States to work together and deepen our economic, security and cultural relationships. Disunity only provides the opportunity for countries such as China and North Korea to sow discord in our relationships in order to shift the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific away from freedom and towards authoritarianism. Additionally, there are a number of pressing global challenges that are best addressed through a unified approach.\r\nWe remain committed to deepening and broadening our diplomatic, economic and security ties with your great nations and look forward to continued cooperation and partnership in the years ahead.\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Doug Jones (D-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Todd Young (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Rob Portman (R-OH), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Thune (R-SD), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), James Lankford (R-OK), John Kennedy (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Martha McSally (R-AZ).\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=401466", "Daily News-Miner AK congressional delegation tours F-35 plant in Texas", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, toured Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday, along with a group of military and community leaders from Interior Alaska. The group got to see the first F-35 aircraft that will eventually be stationed at Eielson Air Force Base starting in spring 2020.\r\nIn response to concerns about the cost of sustaining the F-35 fleet, which were raised in a Government Accountability Office report released Nov. 13, both Murkowski and Suillivan said that efforts are being made to reduce the cost of maintaining the aircraft but acknowledged that it was an area that needs more attention.\r\nThe F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is a fifth generation stealth aircraft capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, electronic warfare and delivering nuclear weapons. By December 2021, 54 F-35s are scheduled to have arrived at Eielson, along with 1,300 personnel. The first of two combat F-35 squadrons was reactivated in October, and the first aircrafts are scheduled to begin arriving in April.\r\nDuring the Monday visit to Lockheed Martin, the Alaska delegation toured the production line, was briefed on the F-35 program, and learned about the aircraft's capabilities. They also signed the bulkhead of an Alaska-bound F-35 currently in production.\r\nSpecifically, the delegation heard about updates being made to improve the aircraft's maintenance and performance, and how it provides critical advantages over America's adversaries, according to a news release.\r\nSullivan explained that the tour was arranged by Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force, as a celebration of a milestone.\r\nIt was more than just a tour, it was a serious briefing and an important milestone, Sullivan said.\r\nWhat you can see, as you're going through the assembly line, is each aircraft actually had (a label for) where it was going. There were several, as we were going through this assembly line, that were destined for Eielson.\r\nSullivan said that those slated for Eielson are on schedule and already paid for. Sullivan also emphasized the importance of the Fairbanks and North Pole community members who were invited and flown down to Texas on a National Guard plane. Amongst the group were Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward, Sen. John Coghill, Rep. Tammie Wilson, members of the Fairbanks Tiger Team, local business owners and others. He cited the strong community support for the military in general in Alaska and called the invited group a great mix of Fairbanksans and North Pole residents, who, in my view, if you look at the last 20 years, were relentlessly trying to make this day happen.\r\nThat actually makes a really important impact on where services end up deciding where to base military forces, he said. We just take it for granted  it doesn't matter what political party you're in. Nationally, it's not always like that. There are a lot of communities that aren't thrilled to have more military there; our state is not one of those, which is great.\r\nLikewise Murkowski said that the invited group was a reflection of community support for the military.\r\nThere has been an extrodinary group of individuals that have made sure that the message is loud and clear as to the military strategic advantage that Interior Alaska offers, especially Eielson and Wainwright and Greely and Clear, she said.\r\nIn a statement released via the news release, Young focused on the economic benefits that the new aircraft will bring to Alaska.\r\nWhat Lockheed Martin has accomplished with the F-35 is good news not only for our country's continued advancements in military technology, but for the State of Alaska, where some of the jets on display today will soon end up, said Congressman Young via the release. The arrival of these jets will also provide a significant economic benefit to our state, and I look forward to welcoming the pilots and mechanics, and their families to the Great State of Alaska.\r\nConstruction activity relating to the basing of the 54 new aircraft at Eielson has created an estimated 2,300 new construction jobs and is anticipated to generate roughly $450 million in overall economic output from 2016-20.\r\nHowever, the Nov. 13 report published by the Government Accountability Office raises concerns about the vast cost of sustaining the F-35 fleet.\r\nThe report states that the F-35 is the department of defense's most costly weapon system, with the purchase cost expected to exceed $406 billion and sustainment costs expected to cost more than $1 trillion. As an example of the skyrocketing costs of maintaining the fleet, the report states between the program's 2014 and its 2015 estimates, the costs of initial spare parts over the life cycle increased by $447 million.\r\nIt notes that the department will need to reduce sustainment costs of the aircraft by by 43% per aircraft per year in order for the military services to operate the F-35 as planned. These concerns have been raised by the government accountability office in the past.\r\nWhile there is little doubt that the F-35 brings unique capabilities to the U.S. military, DOD faces significant challenges in sustaining a growing fleet, the report states.\r\nWhen asked how this issue might be solved, Sullivan said it will be a combination of congressional actions and the department of defense finding ways to reduce costs  but he added that Lockheed Martin are also responsible.\r\nI actually think it's on the manufacturer, he said. As they produce more of these aircraft, the cost per aircraft goes down, which I think is important.  As these new aircraft hit the fleet, the supply chain dynamics are always a challenge. with an aircraft of this kind of sophistication, I think it's been particularly a challenge. I do think they're starting to get their arms around it.\r\nSullivan said that the report was important and helpful and that the readiness committee, which he chairs, will continue to press Lockheed Martin and the Air Force.\r\nThey assured us that they were getting a handle on this. And there are examples with other aircraft. The F-32s and F-16s, when they initially were deployed in the fleet, you had similar problems that I think the Air Force and the manufacturer can get in front of, Sullivan said. For Eielson, they talked about how they were going to try and address this by having the parts and supply system already in place at Eielson as these aircraft are starting to show up.\r\nSimilarly, Murkowski said that, during the tour of the assembly plant, the group was informed on what has been done over the course of this program to bring down the costs of the F-35.\r\nWe had a very good exchange, back and forth, Murkowski said. Everything, from what is the status of availability of parts to a question that was raised about what level of testing has been done in cold weather environments and what degree of cold are you testing in. There was a lot of opportunity to focus hard and ask appropriate questions. The GAO report was not mentioned specifically  and I have not read that full report  but I think it was enunciated clearly that the efforts to bring down the sustainment costs is an ongoing thing that DOD continues to work on and will continue to work on, while making sure that we have a superlative aircraft in the sky and giving us that critical advantage.\r\nThe report also brought up concerns over the lack of available spare parts for the F-35s, stating that spare parts shortages are keeping the aircraft grounded more often than expected.\r\nFrom May to November 2018, F-35s across the fleet were unable to fly about 30 percent of the time due to lack of parts, the report states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-joins-colleagues-in-reauthorization-of-violence-against-women-act", "Sullivan Joins Colleagues in Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.19\n\t\t\t Sullivan Joins Colleagues in Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Bolster Protections for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) joined his colleagues in introducing the reauthorization and modernization of theViolence Against Women Act(VAWA). Thebillwould reauthorize and robustly fund VAWA grant programs, prevent and address domestic violence and sexual assault, and support victims.\r\nWomen make up roughly half of our state, and the statistics show that more than half of them have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence,said Senator Sullivan.The numbers are likewise horrific across our nation. This important ten-year reauthorization of theViolence Against Women Actincreases resources for survivors and works to combat the epidemic of murdered and missing Native women in Alaska and across the country. I'm pleased that theChoose Respectinitiatives that I authored were also included. These three provisions  found under theChoose RespectTitle of the bill  address specific challenges, including combatting the cultural acceptance of violence, the lack of legal representation afforded to victims, and the ability of perpetrators to evade court orders. This reauthorization deserves the support of every member of the Senate and I look forward to its swift passage.\r\nThe proposed VAWA reauthorization incorporates three bills authored by Senator Sullivan as part of his nationalChoose Respectinitiative. The first would create a national media campaign focused on preventing and responding to violence against women, including spreading awareness of legal and other assistance for survivors. October 1 would also be designated as Choose Respect Day.\r\nThe second Sullivan provision would substantially expand the availability of legal assistance for survivors of domestic violence by ensuring that the Legal Assistance for Victims grant program under the federal Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) is robustly funded, distributed to organizations in every state, and that the maximum number of survivors are helped. This provision ensures that survivors across the nation receive legal assistance in matters that arise directly from their victimization, including divorce, custody, housing, health care, and obtaining a protection order.\r\nThe third Sullivan provision would require a study of the service process of protection orders and possible improvements in efficiency and safety through the use of electronic service methods. Currently, protection orders are often difficult, dangerous, and expensive to serve upon perpetrators. Electronic service  through email, text, or even social media  may have significant benefits for survivors who urgently need protection.\r\nAs a survivor and someone who worked at a victim's shelter during my time in college, I have a clear understanding of how vital it is for survivors to have resources and support in what can be some of the darkest times of their lives,said Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). Reauthorizing VAWA shouldn't be a partisan issuewe should be putting the wellbeing of women and children of sexual and domestic violence first. That's what this bill does; it's a practical solution that focuses on survivors, not politics. Our bill will dramatically increase resources for survivors, punish abusers, and provide greater support for our rural communities in Iowa and across the country. I'm optimistic that my colleaguesRepublican and Democratwill join me in getting this vitally important bill signed into law.\r\nThe reauthorization of VAWA was introduced by Senator Ernst, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\n\r\n \r\nReauthorizes VAWA programs for 10 years with on average 10% more funding than alternative VAWA reauthorizations, including triple funding for rape-related programs and for rural focused programs.\r\n \r\n \r\nExpands VAWA coverage to include sex trafficking as a form of sexual assault.\r\n \r\n \r\nCombats revenge pornography by empowering victims through copyright enforcement.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncludesSavanna's Actto combat the epidemic of murdered and missing Native women by increasing law enforcement coordination.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncludes theSURVIVE Actwhich increases set-aside resources for tribal victim assistance.\r\n \r\n \r\nHolistically addresses female genital mutilation by clarifying and increasing the federal penalty.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401461", "House Prevents Loss of $7.6 Billion in Highway Funding Following Efforts by Congressman Don Young", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Prevents Loss of $7.6 Billion in Highway Funding Following Efforts by Congressman Don Young \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 19, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution that includes a repeal of the FAST Act rescission and protects states from a loss in highway funding totaling $7.6 billion. Last week, Congressman Don Young and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) led 107 of their colleagues on a bipartisan letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy urging them to take immediate action to prevent the loss of unobligated funding for transportation and infrastructure projects.\r\nToday's vote is a victory for infrastructure projects in Alaska and across the country, and I am pleased to see many colleagues on both sides of the aisle who joined me in taking action against this looming loss of funding, said Congressman Don Young. Americans want to know that their infrastructure is strong, secure, and safe to use. Very frankly, mandatory recessions should have never been on the table, and the federal government should be making good on the promises made to states by Congress -- including nearly $44 million for infrastructure in our state that was threatened by these rescissions. Alaskans know how critical infrastructure is to their everyday lives. Roads, airstrips, and bridges are critical to our economy and deliver goods and services to families every day. Alaskans have my promise that in Congress, I will continue fighting for safe and functioning infrastructure.\"\r\n###\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/enr-advances-key-nominees-15-bills-to-full-senate-", "ENR Advances Key Nominees, 15 Bills to Full Senate", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.19\n\t\t\t ENR Advances Key Nominees, 15 Bills to Full Senate  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today held a business meeting to report three nominations and 15 energy and lands-related measures to the full Senate, including legislation focused on offshore revenue sharing and the deferred maintenance backlog at the National Park Service.\r\nThe nominees advanced to the full Senate for confirmation votes are:\r\n \r\nMr. Dan Brouillette to be Secretary of the Department of Energy;\r\n \r\n \r\nMr. James Danlyto be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and\r\nMs. Katharine MacGregorto be Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior.\r\n \r\nI strongly support the nominations of Mr. Brouillette, Ms. MacGregor, and Mr. Danly. All three did remarkably well at their hearings, and all three will excel in their new roles, Chairman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said. I'm pleased all three nominees received bipartisan support from our committee, and hope the full Senate will confirm them as soon as possible.\r\nThe committee favorably reported Brouillette a vote of 16-4, Danly by a vote of 12-8, and MacGregor by a vote of 14-6.\r\nThe committee also reported three major lands bills: S. 500, the Restore Our Parks Act, from Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Mark Warner, D-Va., and Angus King, I-Maine; S. 1081, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act, from Ranking Member Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; and S. 2418, the Conservation of America's Shoreline Terrain and Aquatic Life (COASTAL) Act from Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.\r\nThe COASTAL Act would address a long-standing priority for Alaska by establishing an offshore revenue sharing program for our state. For me, and for many Alaskans, this is a matter of fairness and equity, Murkowski said. We build the infrastructure, we produce the resource, and we bear the risks and impacts. This bill would help us meet a number of critical purposes, including the protection of our coasts; assistance for villages facing the impacts of climate change; support to our university system; and the development of lower cost and clean energy generation.\r\nMurkowski also spoke in support of S. 500, the Restore Our Parks Act, which is sponsored by more than 40 members of the Senate.\r\nThis bill would help address the multi-billion dollar deferred maintenance backlog at our National Parks. There is perhaps no better step we can take to protect those treasured places than sending this bill to the President in this Congress, Murkowski said.\r\nFinally, the business meeting featured 12 energy-related measures, which the committee reported en bloc by voice vote.\r\nI'm pleased we were able to report additional energy bills as we continue to put together a consensus package for floor consideration, Murkowski said. Our committee reported a number of bipartisan bills in July, again in September, and today we are advancing promising measures to promote geothermal and other renewable energy sources, improve our cybersecurity, workforce development, and reauthorize the ARPA-E program.\r\nAmong the energy bills reported today are S. 2556, Murkowski's Protecting Resources On The Electric grid with Cybersecurity Technology (PROTECT) Act, S. 2657, the Advanced Geothermal Innovation Leadership (AGILE) Act, and S. 2799, the Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability (NEWS) Act.\r\nMurkowski thanked her colleagues for working cooperatively to ensure bipartisan results at this business meeting and announced the committee intends to hold another one, focused primarily on lands-related measures, in mid-December.\r\nArchived video, a full list of bills reported by the committee, and a rundown of the business meeting are available on the committee's website.\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", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-klobuchar-combat-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-and-prenatal-substance-abuse", "Murkowski, Klobuchar Combat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Prenatal Substance Abuse", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski, Klobuchar Combat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Prenatal Substance Abuse \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 Reintroduce Legislation to Advance Research, Prevention, and Services\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) recently reintroducedS.2879, theAdvancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act, which would authorize programs and funding to individuals and families effected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), and related conditions.Specifically, the bill would create an Interagency Coordinating Committee to combat FASD as well as reestablish the Center of Excellence on FASD and related conditions. For the first time, the legislation will also address other prenatal substance abuse, including the use of opioids by pregnant women.\r\nAccording to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, an estimated 15 percent of infants are affected by prenatal alcohol or illicit drug exposure each year. Those infantswhich have been exposed to prenatal substance abuse but do not receive the appropriate treatment and developmental supportare at high risk of ongoing mental, emotional, and even physical challenges. Although there has been heightened awareness of fetal alcohol syndrome disorders since the 1990s, there continues to be a shortage in Alaska and nationally of diagnostic clinics and resources for those with FASDs.This legislation aims to develop a more collaborative approach across the federal government to support the medical, substance use, child welfare, and educational issues that the mother, infant and family face after being diagnosed with FAS, FASDs, or a related condition.\r\nAlaska faces some of the highest rates of FASD in the nation. And while the effectsphysical, mental, and behavioralmay be incurable, FASD is completely preventable. We also know that the epidemic of opioid and substance abuse has wreaked havoc in Alaska, impacting entire communities, families, and unfortunately, even pregnant mothers. It is a heartbreaking and unfortunate reality, but it is important to know that this legislation approaches the issue of prenatal substance abuse with a broader scope than in years past, said Senator Murkowski. Alongside Senator Klobuchar, I am proud to continue building on my years-long effort to bolster research, raise awareness, and increase resources to help protect future generations of Alaskans.\r\nAs the top prosecutor for Minnesota's largest county, I saw firsthand the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol and other substances and the devastation it caused families and communities. That's why Senator Murkowski and I are working together to pass bipartisan legislation to support people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and their families while working to help prevent FASD in the first place, said Senator Klobuchar.\r\n\"This strategic plan would benefit the many individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the families who care for them. The set of neurodevelopmental disabilities known as FASD, which often have lifelong consequences, are surprisingly common. Yet FASD often goes unrecognized and under-served. Families raising those with FASD deserve informed, accessible support and care, said Heather Carmichael Olson, Ph.D., Clinical Professor at the Seattle Children's Research Institute and University of Washington School of Medicine\r\nThe FASD community thanks Senators Murkowski and Klobuchar for leading the charge to enact this bipartisan FASD legislation to bring much needed focus and resources to a huge societal problem. Over two decades ago, while Minnesota's First Lady and a Juvenile Court Judicial Officer, I became convinced that the numbers of children born with FASD was a crisis affecting each and every one of us that, we as a nation, had failed to make a priority. S. 2879 confronts this crisis, said Susan Shepard Carlson, National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) Legislative and Policy Chair. Existing FASD prevention efforts and services are too fragmented among federal, state, and local approaches. This new legislation provides a structure to develop well-informed public policy on FASD and creates a clear, ongoing societal commitment to advancing research and ensuring essential services for persons with FASD and their families.\r\nImproving the recognition, services and supports available to individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the families who care for these individuals is a critical public health need. This condition has been historically under-recognized and underserved. This bill provides essential support needed to improve surveillance, clinical care, and research to address this public health problem. This bill will go a long way towards advancing the care of individuals with FASD to reduce the secondary disabilities and family stress often experienced by their loved ones. We are personally very excited by the broad scope of supports included in this proposal for individuals throughout the lifespan with this condition and encourage others to support this legislation, said Julie Kable, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine.\r\nFor a one-pager on the bill, click here.\r\nFor the full text of the bill, click here.\r\nBackground\r\n \r\nSenator Murkowski was honored by the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) for her leadership on the issue at the Smart Moms, Healthy Babies International Commemoration event  hosted by NOFAS to raise national and international awareness about recommendations and resources for a healthy pregnancy.\r\nSenator Murkowski first introduced the Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act in the 109th Congress and has reintroduced various versions of the legislation since.\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-sinema-bill-improves-workplace-safety-for-social-workers-and-health-professionals", "Murkowski, Sinema Bill Improves Workplace Safety for Social Workers and Health Professionals", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski, Sinema Bill Improves Workplace Safety for Social Workers and Health Professionals \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen workplace protections for social workers and behavioral and home health professionals. The Senators' bipartisanProtecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act of 2019 establishes a grant program to fund workplace safety programs for social workers and health professionals, ensuring these public servants can continue doing their jobs safely. \r\nUnfortunately, violence in the workplace is on the rise in America with social workers and healthcare professionals facing disproportionate and alarming levels. These men and women have dedicated their lives to helping others, sometimes in dangerous and high-risk situations. We must ensure they have access to the necessary tools, training, and technology to keep themselves and others safe, as well as appropriate services to support employees that experience a violent or traumatic event, said Murkowski. Recognizing the need to address the safety and risk factors associated with these careers, I'm proud to help lead bipartisan legislation that will help states, as well as Tribes, provide critical safety measures to social workers, health workers, and human services professionals.\r\nAs a social worker, I've seen firsthand the critical roles that nurses, social workers, and other caseworkers serve in Arizona's communities. Strengthening workplace safety shows our appreciation for social workers and health professionals and will help recruit and retain qualified specialists to serve vulnerable Arizona families, said Sinema. \r\nThe congressional sponsors of the Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act of 2019 recognize the dangers that too many social workers and health professionals face on the job. Whether they work in office settings or out in the community, these vitally important professionals deserve to be free of verbal and physical assault. This legislation will go a long way towards providing the safe workplaces, which benefits not only social workers but their clients, who are best served in violence-free settings, said Kathryn Conley Wehrmann, PhD, MSW, LCSW, President, NASW.\r\nIn 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that health and social service workers were nearly five times more likely to suffer a serious workplace violence injury than workers in other sectors. TheProtecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act of 2019 establishes a grant program for social, health, and human service professionals within the Department of Health and Human Services to fund the implementation of state and tribal workplace safety programs. Specifically, the grants will be used for safety equipment, safety training, and technical assistance to track violence incidence rates and the efficacy of workplace safety programs.\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-stresses-need-to-equip-dod-with-tools-to-support-arctic-defense-strategy-", "Murkowski Stresses Need to Equip DoD With Tools to Support Arctic Defense Strategy", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski Stresses Need to Equip DoD With Tools to Support Arctic Defense Strategy  \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 Promotes Ted Stevens Arctic Center for Security Studies\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t In honor of what would have been U.S. Senator Ted Stevens' ninety-sixth birthday, U.S. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) raised attention to an issue that was significant to himthe importance of the Arctic and a strong national defense to Alaska and the nation. Senator Murkowski highlighted her legislation she introduced with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to create a new Department of Defense (DoD) Regional Center for Security Studies for the Arctic, which would be named in Senator Stevens' honor.\r\nThe center, as Murkowski explained, would advance defense readiness, develop Arctic awareness, and improve allies and partner capabilities. With the growing prominence of the Arctic in global geopolitical and strategic affairs, Murkowski stressed the urgent need to give DoD the necessary tools and support to foster research and dialogues that will be critical to our nation's national security. The primary goals of the Ted Stevens Arctic Security Studies Center would be to find solutions for the greatest security challenges of the Circumpolar Arctic region while promoting greater engagement to addressingthe challenges that lay ahead.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO\r\nThe DoD currently has five academic Regional Centers for Security Studies which cover the regions of Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Near East-South Asia, and Northern Hemisphere. The centers aim to support defense strategy objectives and policy priorities through a unique academia forum and to foster strong international networks of security leaders.\r\nSpeech Excerpts:\r\n \r\nToday we think about that role that Senator Stevens envisioned for Alaska in terms of our role in protecting and defending the country but also our broader, more global role and responsibility.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe overarching goals of this study center is to find solutions for the greatest security challenges of the circumpolar Arctic region and to help promote greater understanding of the Arctic. We know we've got to do more, as well as facilitate greater engagement and potential solutions for the many challenges we know lie ahead.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Arctic presents an opportunity to expand the DoD regional center model, to study the rapid changes in communications, technology, environment, and societies in remote, sparsely populated areas with underdeveloped infrastructure.\r\n \r\n \r\nWe see Arctic security emerging as an area of threat as well as interest as it certainly remains the likely spill over conflict area should confrontations occur within Europe or Asia. So great scholarships plus international and interdisciplinary engagement from an Arctic center would help advance defense readiness, develop Arctic awareness, and improve allies and partner capabilities to support multinational security cooperation across the circumpolar Arctic.\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\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDefense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401459", "Representatives Young, Haaland, and Cole Introduce Legislation to Restore Buffalo Populations on Tribal Lands", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today,Congressman Don Young(R-AK),Vice Chairof the Congressional Native American Caucus, along withCaucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) introduced the Indian Buffalo Management Act of 2019. TheAmericanbuffalo, a North American species of bison, once roamed freely across the United States, and served an important role for Native communities throughout North America. Historically, bison were a reliable source of food, shelter, clothing, and economic mobility for Indigenous peoples across the American west. The decimation of the American buffalo that began in themid-19thcentury significantly impacted the Native communities that depended on these majestic creatures. The Indian Buffalo Management Act establishes a program within the Department of the Interior to assist tribes and tribal organizations with the protection,conservation, and fosteringof buffalo herds.This legislation is supported by the 68 tribes in 18 states that are the members of the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Congress of American Indians, the American Bison Society, the National Bison Association, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the World Wildlife Fund.\r\nFor hundreds of years, the American buffalo was central to the culture, spiritual wellbeing, and livelihoods of our nation's Indigenous peoples,said Congressman Don Young. The tragic decimation of these iconic animals remains one of the darkest chapters in America's history, and we must be doing all that we can to reverse the damage done not only to the American buffalo, but to the way of lifeof Native peoplesacross our country. I am proud to be joined by Congresswoman Deb Haaland and Congressman Tom Cole, in additionto Alaska Native and American Indian organizationsand countless tribes,as we introduce this critical legislation to protect a resource vital toNativecultural, spiritual, and subsistencetraditions.I would like to thank the InterTribal Buffalo Council, in particular, for their advocacy and hard work on the development of this legislation.This bill is an important step to restoring once-vibrant buffalo herds, and I will keep working with friends on both sides of the aisle to see this legislation across the finish line.\r\nSelf-governance is key to protecting tribal sovereignty, but since the near extinction of buffalo due to mindless slaughter, tribes have often been left out of reestablishing and managing their own buffalo herds,said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. We're making sure the federal government honors its role in a government-to-government relationship to Native Nations, by creating a program that promotes and develops tribes' capacity to conserve their buffalo herds and buffalo habitat.\r\nFor centuries, buffalo have sustained the livelihood of tribes by providing necessary food, clothing, tools and so much more,said Congressman Tom Cole.Before their systematic devastation, millions of these species roamed freely across the Midwest. It is important that we create this permanent buffalo restoration and management program so that tribes can continue to preserve their cultural, spiritual and survival purposes. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this vital legislation.\r\nWe are very excited that Congressman Don Young is introducing the Indian Buffalo Management Act to help return buffalo to tribal lands,said Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor Chairman Jeff Peterson. This legislation will provide the Tribe with access to a traditional, healthy, and self-sustaining food source.\r\nWe are very excited that Tom Cole is cosponsoring the Indian Buffalo Management Act to help return buffalo to tribal lands,said Iowa Tribe of the Oklahoma Chairman Kent.This legislation will restore the cultural, historical, spiritual, and traditional connection between buffalo and tribal people.\r\nThe Pueblo of Taos greatly appreciates Congresswoman Deb Haaland's support of reintroduction of Buffalo to Indian lands through her co-sponsorship of the Indian Buffalo Management Act,said Pueblo of Taos leadership.This Act will allow the Pueblos of New Mexico to enhance exiting herds, start new herds, reintroduce buffalo into Native population diets and generate critical tribal revenue through marketing.\r\nWhen it becomes law, the Indian Buffalo Management Act will strengthen the federal-tribal partnership in growing buffalo herds across the country and in the process restore this majestic animal to a central place in the lives of Indian people,said John L. Berrey, the Chairman of the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma, which maintains a world-class cattle and bison operation on its land in northeast Oklahoma.I want to thank Congressmen Don Young, Deb Haaland and Tom Cole for their vision and enduring support for Indian Country in sponsoring this legislation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401460", "Alaska Congressional Delegation Tours F-35 Plant in Texas", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FORT WORTH, TX  Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, alongside military and community leaders from Interior Alaska, toured Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant and were shown the first F-35As that will eventually be stationed at Eielson Air Force Base beginning in the spring of 2020. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the overall F-35 program and its capabilities, toured the production line to get a firsthand look at the U.S. Air Force's latest 5th Generation aircraft, and signed the bulkhead of an Alaska-bound F-35A currently in production. Specifically, the delegation heard about updates being made to improve the aircraft's maintenance and performance, and how it will be a game-changer in dominating the skies, providing critical advantages over America's adversaries.\r\nTo see the national role Eielson Air Force Base will play with the upcoming arrival of these two squadrons of F-35's has been a dream of the Alaska Congressional Delegation since I joined the Senate over sixteen years ago. Senator Sullivan, Congressman Young and I have fought hard, alongside Alaskans in the Interiorwith a particular thanks to the Fairbanks Tiger Teamensuring we utilize Alaska's geo-strategic location for the broader national security. Alaska is truly the tip of the spear for responding to threats in the Arctic Region and beyond, said Senator Murkowski. This visit and tour was a tremendous opportunity for Dan, Don and I, along with Fairbanks community leaders, to view these warfighters up close and understand more about the extraordinary nature of what we are able to do and produce. Seeing the very first F-35 Alaska One off the production line was an exciting milestone, but I look forward to seeing it at its new home in Alaska even more.\r\nTouring Lockheed Martin's F-35 factory today and seeing thousands of Americans working hard to build our nation's next great fighter aircraft instills an immense sense of patriotism, said Senator Sullivan. It is equally inspiring to know that some of the aircraft we saw will soon arrive in Alaska and continue the legacy of other historic airframes in protecting our northern flank and ensuring American air dominance for decades to come. I am especially glad to share this amazing day with Lisa and Don and the countless Alaska leaders who were instrumental in bringing the F-35s to the Interior. Together, we began the process of welcoming these jets, their Air Force operators and maintainers, and their families to Alaska. I believe this is just the beginning as the strategic importance of the Arctic continues to increase. I am hopeful that other U.S. military assets, like icebreakers and the KC-46 tankers, will also call Alaska home one day soon.\r\nToday, the Alaska Delegation wrapped up a very productive visit to Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas. What Lockheed Martin has accomplished with the F-35 is good news not only for our country's continued advancements in military technology, but for the State of Alaska, where some of the jets on display today will soon end up, said Congressman Young. Alaska's unique geography and location make it an asset to our nation's national defense posture. Additionally, our state's vast airspace helps create an ideal home base for the F-35. The arrival of these jets will also provide a significant economic benefit to our state, and I look forward to welcoming the pilots and mechanics, and their families to the Great State of Alaska. In addition to Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, I would like to thank the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and the distinguished group of Alaskans who helped make today's trip possible. As the Arctic's importance to our national defense continues to grow, I will keep fighting to make sure Alaska helps lead the way to superiority in the sky.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\n \r\n    The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is a 5th Generation stealth aircraft designed to operate jointly between military services and allied countries as the quarterback of air combat. The F-35A is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, electronic warfare, and delivering nuclear weapons.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Announced by the U.S. Air Force in April 2016, the two squadrons of F-35As will ultimately bring 54 new aircraft and approximately 2,765 new residents to Interior Alaska. The first aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in April 2020, with a total of 54 to arrive by December 2021.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The two squadrons of F-35As will join the reactivated 356th Fighter Squadron, which will join the 18th Aggressor Squadron of F-16s and the 168thAir Refueling Wing currently assigned to Eielson AFB.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Construction activity in the Interior associated with the basing of the F-35A has been estimated at 2,339 new construction jobs and will generate $453.4 million in overall economic output from 2016  2020.\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-tours-f-35-plant-in-texas", "Alaska Congressional Delegation Tours F-35 Plant in Texas", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.19\n\t\t\t Alaska Congressional Delegation Tours F-35 Plant in Texas \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 Views Aircraft Destined for Alaska\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, alongside military and community leaders from Interior Alaska, toured Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant and were shown the first F-35As that will eventually be stationed at Eielson Air Force Base beginning in the spring of 2020. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the overall F-35 program and its capabilities, toured the production line to get a firsthand look at the U.S. Air Force's latest 5th Generation aircraft, and signed the bulkhead of an Alaska-bound F-35A currently in production. Specifically, the delegation heard about updates being made to improve the aircraft's maintenance and performance, and how it will be a game-changer in dominating the skies, providing critical advantages over America's adversaries.\r\n\r\nClick here or the image above for photos\r\nTo see the national role Eielson Air Force Base will play with the upcoming arrival of these two squadrons of F-35's has been a dream of the Alaska Congressional Delegation since I joined the Senate over sixteen years ago. Senator Sullivan, Congressman Young and I have fought hard, alongside Alaskans in the Interiorwith a particular thanks to the Fairbanks Tiger Teamensuring we utilize Alaska's geo-strategic location for the broader national security. Alaska is truly the tip of the spear for responding to threats in the Arctic Region and beyond, said Senator Murkowski. This visit and tour was a tremendous opportunity for Dan, Don and I, along with Fairbanks community leaders, to view these warfighters up close and understand more about the extraordinary nature of what we are able to do and produce. Seeing the very first F-35 Alaska One off the production line was an exciting milestone, but I look forward to seeing it at its new home in Alaska even more.\r\nTouring Lockheed Martin's F-35 factory today and seeing thousands of Americans working hard to build our nation's next great fighter aircraft instills an immense sense of patriotism, said Senator Sullivan. It is equally inspiring to know that some of the aircraft we saw will soon arrive in Alaska and continue the legacy of other historic airframes in protecting our northern flank and ensuring American air dominance for decades to come. I am especially glad to share this amazing day with Lisa and Don and the countless Alaska leaders who were instrumental in bringing the F-35s to the Interior. Together, we began the process of welcoming these jets, their Air Force operators and maintainers, and their families to Alaska. I believe this is just the beginning as the strategic importance of the Arctic continues to increase. I am hopeful that other U.S. military assets, like icebreakers and the KC-46 tankers, will also call Alaska home one day soon.\r\nToday, the Alaska Delegation wrapped up a very productive visit to Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas. What Lockheed Martin has accomplished with the F-35 is good news not only for our country's continued advancements in military technology, but for the State of Alaska, where some of the jets on display today will soon end up, said Congressman Young. Alaska's unique geography and location make it an asset to our nation's national defense posture. Additionally, our state's vast airspace helps create an ideal home base for the F-35. The arrival of these jets will also provide a significant economic benefit to our state, and I look forward to welcoming the pilots and mechanics, and their families to the Great State of Alaska. In addition to Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, I would like to thank the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and the distinguished group of Alaskans who helped make today's trip possible. As the Arctic's importance to our national defense continues to grow, I will keep fighting to make sure Alaska helps lead the way to superiority in the sky.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\n \r\nThe F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is a 5th Generation stealth aircraft designed to operate jointly between military services and allied countries as the quarterback of air combat. The F-35A is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, electronic warfare, and delivering nuclear weapons.\r\n \r\n \r\nAnnounced by the U.S. Air Force in April 2016, the two squadrons of F-35As will ultimately bring 54 new aircraft and approximately 2,765 new residents to Interior Alaska. The first aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in April 2020, with a total of 54 to arrive by December 2021.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe two squadrons of F-35As will join the reactivated 356th Fighter Squadron, which will join the 18th Aggressor Squadron of F-16s and the 168thAir Refueling Wing currently assigned to Eielson AFB.\r\n \r\n \r\nConstruction activity in the Interior associated with the basing of the F-35A has been estimated at 2,339 new construction jobs and will generate $453.4 million in overall economic output from 2016  2020.\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 \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/new-sinema-murkowski-bill-improves-workplace-safety-for-social-workers-and-health-professionals-", "New Sinema, Murkowski Bill Improves Workplace Safety for Social Workers and Health Professionals", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.19\n\t\t\t New Sinema, Murkowski Bill Improves Workplace Safety for Social Workers and Health Professionals  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tArizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen workplace protections for social workers and home and behavioral health professionals.\r\nThe Senators' bipartisanProtecting Social Workers and Human Services Professionals from Workplace Violence Act establishes a grant program to fund workplace safety programs for social workers and health professionals, ensuring these public servants can continue doing their jobs safely.\r\nAs a social worker, I've seen firsthand the critical roles that nurses, social workers, and other caseworkers serve in Arizona's communities. Strengthening workplace safety shows our appreciation for social workers and health professionals and will help recruit and retain qualified specialists to serve vulnerable Arizona families, said Sinema.\r\nUnfortunately, violence in the workplace is on the rise in America with social workers and healthcare professionals facing disproportionate and alarming levels. These men and women have dedicated their lives to helping others, sometimes in dangerous and high-risk situations. We must ensure they have access to the necessary tools, training, and technology to keep themselves and others safe, as well as appropriate services to support employees that experience a violent or traumatic event, said Murkowski. Recognizing the need to address the safety and risk factors associated with these careers, I'm proud to help lead bipartisan legislation that will help states, as well as Tribes, provide critical safety measures to social workers, health workers, and human services professionals.\r\nThe congressional sponsors of the Protecting Social Workers and Health Professionals from Workplace Violence Act of 2019 recognize the dangers that too many social workers and health professionals face on the job. Whether they work in office settings or out in the community, these vitally important professionals deserve to be free of verbal and physical assault. This legislation will go a long way towards providing the safe workplaces, which benefits not only social workers but their clients, who are best served in violence-free settings, said Kathryn Conley Wehrmann, PhD, MSW, LCSW, President, NASW.\r\nIn 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that health and social service workers were nearly five times as likely to suffer a serious workplace violence injury than workers in other sectors. TheProtecting Social Workers and Human Services Professionals from Workplace Violence Actestablishes a grant program for social, health, and human service professionals within the Department of Health and Human Services to fund the implementation of state and tribal workplace safety programs. Specifically, the grants will be used for safety equipment, safety training, and technical assistance to track violence incidence rates and the efficacy of workplace safety programs.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHealth\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-congressional-delegation-tours-f-35-plant-in-texas", "Alaska Congressional Delegation Tours F-35 Plant in Texas", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.19\n\t\t\t Alaska Congressional Delegation Tours F-35 Plant in Texas \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 Views Aircraft Destined for Alaska\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t FORT WORTH, TX Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, alongside military and community leaders from Interior Alaska, toured Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant and were shown the first F-35As that will eventually be stationed at Eielson Air Force Base beginning in the spring of 2020. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the overall F-35 program and its capabilities, toured the production line to get a firsthand look at the U.S. Air Force's latest 5th Generation aircraft, and signed the bulkhead of an Alaska-bound F-35A currently in production. Specifically, the delegation heard about updates being made to improve the aircraft's maintenance and performance, and how it will be a game-changer in dominating the skies, providing critical advantages over America's adversaries.\r\nTo see the national role Eielson Air Force Base will play with the upcoming arrival of these two squadrons of F-35's has been a dream of the Alaska Congressional Delegation since I joined the Senate over sixteen years ago. Senator Sullivan, Congressman Young and I have fought hard, alongside Alaskans in the Interiorwith a particular thanks to the Fairbanks Tiger Teamensuring we utilize Alaska's geo-strategic location for the broader national security. Alaska is truly the tip of the spear for responding to threats in the Arctic Region and beyond,said Senator Murkowski.This visit and tour was a tremendous opportunity for Dan, Don and I, along with Fairbanks community leaders, to view these warfighters up close and understand more about the extraordinary nature of what we are able to do and produce. Seeing the very first F-35 Alaska One off the production line was an exciting milestone, but I look forward to seeing it at its new home in Alaska even more.\r\nTouring Lockheed Martin's F-35 factory today and seeing thousands of Americans working hard to build our nation's next great fighter aircraft instills an immense sense of patriotism,saidSenator Sullivan.It is equally inspiring to know that some of the aircraft we saw will soon arrive in Alaska and continue the legacy of other historic airframes in protecting our northern flank and ensuring American air dominance for decades to come. I am especially glad to share this amazing day with Lisa and Don and the countless Alaska leaders who were instrumental in bringing the F-35s to the Interior. Together, we began the process of welcoming these jets, their Air Force operators and maintainers, and their families to Alaska. I believe this is just the beginning as the strategic importance of the Arctic continues to increase. I am hopeful that other U.S. military assets, like icebreakers and the KC-46 tankers, will also call Alaska home one day soon.\r\n\r\nToday, the Alaska Delegation wrapped up a very productive visit to Lockheed Martin's F-35 assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas. What Lockheed Martin has accomplished with the F-35 is good news not only for our country's continued advancements in military technology, but for the State of Alaska, where some of the jets on display today will soon end up, saidCongressman Young. Alaska's unique geography and location make it an asset to our nation's national defense posture. Additionally, our state's vast airspace helps create an ideal home base for the F-35. The arrival of these jets will also provide a significant economic benefit to our state, and I look forward to welcoming the pilots and mechanics, and their families to the Great State of Alaska. In addition to Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, I would like to thank the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and the distinguished group of Alaskans who helped make today's trip possible. As the Arctic's importance to our national defense continues to grow, I will keep fighting to make sure Alaska helps lead the way to superiority in the sky.\r\n\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\n\r\n \r\nThe F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is a 5th Generation stealth aircraft designed to operate jointly between military services and allied countries as the quarterback of air combat. The F-35A is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, electronic warfare, and delivering nuclear weapons.\r\n \r\n \r\nAnnounced by the U.S. Air Force in April 2016, the two squadrons of F-35As will ultimately bring 54 new aircraft and approximately 2,765 new residents to Interior Alaska. The first aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in April 2020, with a total of 54 to arrive by December 2021.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThe two squadrons of F-35As will join the reactivated 356th Fighter Squadron, which will join the 18th Aggressor Squadron of F-16s and the 168thAir Refueling Wing currently assigned to Eielson AFB.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nConstruction activity in the Interior associated with the basing of the F-35A has been estimated at 2,339 new construction jobs and will generate $453.4 million in overall economic output from 2016  2020.\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\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401458", "Young and Pappas Lead Bipartisan Letter to Protect States from Loss of $7.6 billion in Highway Funding", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressmen Don Young (R-AK) and Chris Pappas (D-NH), who both serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, led 107 of their colleagues in a letter calling on Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Leader Kevin McCarthy to address the upcoming rescission of $7.6 billion of federal-aid highway contract authority that has been previously provided to states for surface transportation projects.\r\nWith the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act provision set to kick in next year, states will lose $7.6 billion in unobligated highway contract authority for transportation and infrastructure projects if Congress does not act. However, due to the long lead time needed to obligate and spend these funds, states will be forced to account for these massive losses long before the effective date of July 1, 2020.\r\nAmericans want to know that their infrastructure is strong, secure, and safe to use. Bolstering critical improvement projects requires the funding certainty that state and federal partnerships have historically provided, said Congressman Don Young. Without immediate action, our nation is set to leave billions of dollars set aside for infrastructure on the table. Very frankly, the federal government needs to make good on the promises made to states by Congress. For the sake of our economy, this vital funding must be protected.\r\nFederal-state partnerships play a critical role in maintaining and rebuilding our infrastructure, and it is impossible for our states to plan and complete projects while the potential loss of billions of dollars in federal funding looms over them, said Congressman Pappas. It is critical that we take immediate action to safeguard the funds that have already been provided to our states so they can move forward with smart investments that will move our economy and our nation forward. \r\nYou can find a signed copy of the letter HERE and the full text below: \r\nDear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy,\r\nAs the first session of the 116th Congress is nearing its end, we will likely be finalizing several important pieces of legislation that will be signed into law. We write to respectfully request that we address the upcoming rescission of $7.6 billion from the last highway bill in one of those bills.\r\nSection 1438 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act would rescind $7.6 billion in unobligated federal-aid highway contract authority on July 1, 2020. This provision was included as a budget offset in the last highway bill, although some have characterized it as gimmick, the real-world impacts on states' budgets are drastic.\r\nAccording to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, states have approximately $7.9 billion in unobligated contract authority. This rescission will remove nearly all of this authority. Across the board, states will lose precious dollars needed for investment in infrastructure projects. In fact, California will see their contract authority reduced by $280 million and Texas will lose $960 million in contract authority. Every state will lose millions in contract authority, with 37 states losing over $50 million. \r\nStates have already started planning for the next construction season next summer. This provision must be addressed soon to ensure that states have enough time to plan for the coming year without disruption. Every one of these dollars represent vital jobs and needed investment in our economy and the movement of goods. These investments will be threatened if we do not act. \r\nWe stand ready to work with you to ensure that Congress takes the urgent action that these impending cuts demand. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/bill-to-safeguard-funding-for-protection-and-safety-of-olympic-athletes-advances-in-senate", "Bill to Safeguard Funding for Protection and Safety of Olympic Athletes Advances in Senate", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.19\n\t\t\t Bill to Safeguard Funding for Protection and Safety of Olympic Athletes Advances in 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 SAFESPORT Act bolsters transparency and accountability for abuse review of U.S. Olympians and amateur athletes\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t A group of senators, including U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both (R-Alaska), introduced legislation this week that would safeguard funding for resources designated for the investigation of Olympic and amateur athlete abuse. The Stopping Abuse from Entering Sports, Promoting Oversight, Responsibility and Transparency (SAFESPORT) Act was authored by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and is also co-sponsored by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and David Perdue (R-Ga.). Much of the legislation was included as amendments to the Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act, which was approved earlier this week by the Senate Commerce Committee.\r\nOver the past few years we've heard more and more stories of athletes experiencing emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse in their training environments. This type of misconduct against participants can be challenging to detect and difficult to report, but we must do everything we can to foster an environment of respect for our athletes, free from the fear of abuse. I am committed to working with my colleagues to carry on the legacy of Ted Stevens, and to help ensure the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Center for SafeSport run as efficiently, effectively, and as safely possible. The Olympics are about the athletes, and we cannot lose sight of their well-being. By creating policies that improve transparency, increase financial oversight, and ensure that any misconduct is quickly addressed, we're ensuring that every athlete can feel safe and empowered in their sport, Senator Murkowski said.\r\nAlaska produces countless Olympians and world-class athletes and I am committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of these competitors  in our state and around the nation, Senator Sullivan said. As a cosponsor of the bill that created the Center for SafeSport, protecting these athletes has long been a priority of mine. This bill furthers that goal and ensures tragedies like those that occurred in recent years never happen again.\r\nNobody should ever face abuses like those perpetrated by Olympic physician Larry Nassar, someone entrusted to support and care for young athletes. The U.S. Center for SafeSport was established to respond to claims of abuse and exploitation of athletes in amateur sports, including those who train and compete under the supervision of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and its associated organizations. Our legislation applies the same safeguards used for federal grant oversight to ensure resources are going to support SafeSport's mission to protect athletes, Senator Grassley said.\r\nLike so many Americans, I remain appalled by the crimes committed by Larry Nassar, the USA Gymnastics doctor who abused hundreds of young athletes. The U.S. Olympic Committee has shown a willingness to make necessary reforms to prevent these abuses in the future and this legislation supports that effort. Our bill will increase oversight and accountability, begin necessary steps to prevent all forms of abuse, and will help in moving us down the long road to rebuilding trust within our country's Olympic community, Senator Ernst said.\r\nIf there's anything we've learned in recent years, it is that sexual abuse knows no bounds in terms of where it may occur, and the athletic community is no exception. Victims must have an outlet available to hold their perpetrators accountable, which is why Congress established the U.S. Center for SafeSport as an independent entity tasked with investigating reports of abuse and protecting Olympic athletes. It is incumbent on Congress to ensure a robust, functioning, and transparent SafeSport, Senator Blackburn said.\r\nAll athletes should have access to a safe environment to train and compete without any threat of exploitation or misconduct. This is a zero tolerance issue. By working together in a bipartisan way, we can ensure that the U.S. Center for SafeSport is enabled to address claims of abuse and guarantee that the program's funding is handled appropriately, Senator Perdue said.\r\nTo ensure those resources are best used to further this important mission the SAFESPORT Act establishes safeguards such as annual audits and funding allocation requirements that are standard for many federal grant recipients. The bill also provides for enhanced child abuse reporting and prohibitions on retaliation against certain individuals who report instances of abuse or harassment.\r\nFor more information on the SAFESPORT Act, see the legislative text and summary.\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-resolution-to-honor-women-veterans-passes-senate-unanimously", "Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Women Veterans Passes Senate Unanimously", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.19\n\t\t\t Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Women Veterans Passes Senate Unanimously \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 Resolution Championed by Warren, Murkowski, McSally, Tester, Harris, Sullivan, Gillibrand and Hassan Urges Postal Service to Issue a Commemorative Stamp Series Honoring Women Veterans of the Armed Forces\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Resolution Text (PDF)\r\nUnited States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today applauded the unanimous passage of their bipartisan resolution to urge the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp series honoring women veterans of the Armed Forces and calling for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp series be issued.\r\n\"Our women veterans have made incredible sacrifices to keep our nation safe, and they deserve our full support,\" said Senator Warren. \"I'm glad that my Senate colleagues agree, and recognize the contributions of these bold, courageous women throughout our nation's history.\"\r\n\"Across every branch, women have served bravely and selflessly alongside their brothers and sisters in uniform in combat, behind the lines in foreign lands, and here at home,\" said Senator Murkowski. \"I'm glad to support this legislation that serves as a testament to the women who have sacrificed to protect the liberties and freedoms that all Americans hold so dear.\"\r\n\"Throughout American history, women such as Specialist Lori Piestewa of Arizona have played crucial roles in defending our country,\" said Senator McSally. \"I applaud my colleagues for supporting this resolution to honor the commitment and sacrifice of our female veterans.\"\r\n\"For the many thousands of women who have taken the oath to protect our country-some of whom gave their lives while doing it-this resolution is a small token of gratitude from a grateful nation,\" said Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Jon Tester. \"I'm glad to see my colleagues pass this resolution, doing right by these brave women and giving them the recognition they earned.\"\r\n\"Captain Jennifer M. Moreno of California courageously sacrificed her life to protect others,\"said Senator Harris.\"We will never be able to repay the enormous debt we owe her and all of our service members and their families, but issuing a commemorative stamp is one small way we can honor femaleveteransnow and in the future.I am pleased that this resolution is one step closer to reality.\"\r\n\"I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues recognize the grit, selflessness and love of country of America's women veterans, and I am hopeful that this new collection of stamps will inspire a new generation of young women to carry on their legacy,\" said Senator Sullivan.\r\n\"Too many of the selfless and brave women who risked their lives serving in our military never received the recognition they deserve,\" saidSenator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \"I am glad my colleagues came together to honor heroes, like New Yorkers Margaret Corbin, Mary Edwards Walker, Shannon Kent, and Margaret Zane Fleming, who fought to protect our country.\"\r\n\"I am thrilled that this bipartisan resolution to honor exemplary women veterans - who are often overlooked in the history books - passed the Senate unanimously.\" Senator Hassan said, \"We must support women veterans and service members in all aspect of their lives to ensure that they receive the support that they need and haveearned.\"\r\nCongresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) first introduced this resolution in the House of Representatives, and the Senate companion was introduced by Senators Warren, Murkowski, McSally, Tester, Harris, Sullivan, Gillibrand and Hassan earlier this month.\r\nThere are approximately 2,000,000 women veterans of the Armed Forces currently living in the United States and Puerto Rico, who have served the United States with honor and distinction; and yet, their service is often forgotten, and they become invisible veterans. Women veterans of the Armed Forces have made invaluable contributions to the United States since the American Revolution. All women who have served in the Armed Forces throughout our Nation's history, whether on the frontlines, in support positions behind the lines, or here at home have marked a trail of honor for those who will follow them. These women warriors should be honored for their service and recognized for their important contributions to the United States. The bipartisan resolution recognizes historic women veterans such as:\r\n \r\nDeborah Sampson of Massachusetts, who disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the Revolutionary War, was wounded in battle, and was the only woman to earn a military pension for her service in the Revolutionary Army;\r\nDr. Mary Edwards Walker of New York, who served as a surgeon for the Union during the American Civil War and is the only woman to have been awarded the Medal of Honor;\r\nCathay Williams of Missouri, who was born a slave, enlisted in the Regular Army disguised as a man, and served in the American West for three years;\r\nLenah Sutcliffe Higbee, Canadian born but resided in Florida upon her death, a nurse in the Navy who served during World War I, and who was the first woman to receive the Navy Cross;\r\nHazel Lee of Oregon, the first Asian-American woman to become a pilot in the Armed Forces, and who flew with the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II;\r\nColonel Mary Louise Rasmuson of Alaska, who enlisted in the Army as a private during World War II, was appointed by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy as Director of the Women's Army Corps (WAC), worked to successfully integrate Black women into the WAC, ensured that the Army opened new military occupational specialties to active duty enlisted women and women reservists, and successfully fought for active duty credit for service in the precursor to the WAC;\r\nMargaret Zane Fleming of New York and her 12 colleagues with the 1st Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, who landed at Inchon, Korea, on September 15, 1950, and the many other nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, and other women who saved lives on the front lines of the Korean War;\r\nSpecialist Lori Piestewa of Arizona, a member of the Hopi Tribe, who was the first Native American woman in history to die in combat while serving in the Armed Forces and the first woman member of the Armed Forces killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom;\r\nFirst Lieutenant Ashley White of Ohio and Captain Jennifer Moreno of Califonia, both soldiers and members of the Cultural Support Teams of the Army, who gave their lives for the United States while serving in action alongside the special operations forces they supported in Afghanistan; and\r\nUnited States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent of New York, a cryptologic technician who was killed in action in Manbij, Syria.\r\n \r\nThe resolution has been endorsed by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)andService Women's Action Network (SWAN).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/udall-murkowski-introduce-legislation-to-address-health-care-provider-shortages-in-indian-country", "Udall, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Address Health Care Provider Shortages in Indian Country", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.19\n\t\t\t Udall, Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Address Health Care Provider Shortages in Indian Country \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill would provide tax parity to Indian Health Service scholarship and loan program recipients\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.),vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs,andLisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the Indian Health Service Health Professions Tax Fairness Act to help address health care provider shortages at the Indian Health Service (IHS).\r\nThe legislation wouldexempt IHS'scholarship and loan repayment programs, two key employeerecruitment and retention tools, from federal income tax requirements, allowing the service to better leverage its existing funding.\r\nMedical provider shortages pose a serious risk to the health and safety of families in Indian Country.As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I am proud towork with Senator Murkowskito introduce legislation that will make surethatthe resources Congress provides to tackle this shortage can stretch further. And, by freeing up more funding for scholarship and loan repayment programs, this bill will support more Native youth studying to work in the health care field,said Udall.I will always fight to ensure that Indian Country gets the resources it needs for the health and wellness of all Native communities.\r\nI have been working hard to move legislation that will help ensure greater access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare, in Alaska and across the nation. But the vacancy rates for doctors, nurses, and other medical workers in Alaska is a real challenge, said Murkowski. Through Indian Health Services initiatives such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program and the Loan Repayment Program, we've seen a great number of Native students who have been able to receive the support they need to pursue good career--but there's still a great need to be met. I'm proud to support this bill alongside Senator Udall that will help open the door for more Alaska Native students to fill those positions and provide the best possible care for their communities.\r\nRecent estimates indicate IHS has over 1500 health care provider vacancies. However, IHS must currently use 25 percent of its scholarship and loan repayment funding to pay taxes on the recruitment programs. If passed, the savings made possible by this bill would allow IHS to award nearly 200 additional loan repayment benefits and scholarships each year.\r\nCongress made similar scholarship and loan repayment programs offered by the National Health Service Corps and the U.S. Army permanently tax exempt in 2012.\r\nThis legislation is supported by theNational Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the National Indian Health Board (NIHB),and the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH).\r\nCurrently, Indian Health Service health professionals do not receive the same tax treatment as other public sector health professionals for scholarships and loan repayment programs, saidKevin J. Allis, Chief Executive Officer of NCAI. This disparity in tax treatment makes it harder for IHS and tribal nations to recruit and retain quality health care professionals across Indian Country. The Indian Health Service Health Professions Tax Fairness Act is a positive step that will help improve the quality of care offered to American Indians and Alaska Natives by helping to bring more doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to tribal communities.\r\nNIHB views this as a necessary and compassionate step towards addressing the desperate need for AI/AN health care providers in Indian Country, saidStacy Bohlen, NIHB Executive Director.The Indian Health Service has provider vacancy rates as high as 33 percent in some areas. Under the current system, incentives to recruit and retain providers become penalties because IHS loan repayment funds can be taxed by as much as 20 percent. Senator Udall's bill provides much needed tax relief for these providers.\r\nStudent loans are a debilitating issue in this country and serious challenges exist in finding quality health care providers to serve American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, said Francys Crevier, NCUIH Executive Director. This bill will help by making the IHS repayment and scholarship programs tax exempt and assist in recruiting and retaining more doctors, nursing and health care professionals to fill critical vacancies in Indian Country.\r\nThe full text of the legislation can be found 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/senators-bill-to-safeguard-funding-for-protection-and-safety-of-olympic-athletes-advances-in-senate", "Senators Bill to Safeguard Funding for Protection and Safety of Olympic Athletes Advances in Senate", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.19\n\t\t\t Senators Bill to Safeguard Funding for Protection and Safety of Olympic Athletes Advances in 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\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\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 SAFESPORT Act bolsters transparency and accountability for abuse review of U.S. Olympians and amateur athletes\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C. A group of senators, including Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both (R-Alaska), introduced legislation this week that would safeguard funding for resources designated for the investigation of Olympic and amateur athlete abuse. TheStopping Abuse from Entering Sports, Promoting Oversight, Responsibility and Transparency (SAFESPORT) Actwas authored by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and is also co-sponsored by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and David Perdue (R-Ga.). Much of the legislation was included as amendments to theEmpowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act, which was approved earlier this week by the Senate Commerce Committee.\r\nAlaska produces countless Olympians and world-class athletes and I am committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of these competitors  in our state and around the nation,SenatorSullivan said.As a cosponsor of the bill that created the Center for SafeSport, protecting these athletes has long been a priority of mine. This bill furthers that goal and ensures tragedies like those that occurred in recent years never happen again.\r\nOver the past few years we've heard more and more stories of athletes experiencing emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse in their training environments. This type of misconduct against participants can be challenging to detect and difficult to report, but we must do everything we can to foster an environment of respect for our athletes, free from the fear of abuse. I am committed to working with my colleagues to carry on the legacy of Ted Stevens, and to help ensure the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Center for SafeSport run as efficiently, effectively, and as safely possible. The Olympics are about the athletes, and we cannot lose sight of their well-being. By creating policies that improve transparency, increase financial oversight, and ensure that any misconduct is quickly addressed, we're ensuring that every athlete can feel safe and empowered in their sport,Senator Murkowski said.\r\nNobody should ever face abuses like those perpetrated by Olympic physician Larry Nassar, someone entrusted to support and care for young athletes. The U.S. Center for SafeSport was established to respond to claims of abuse and exploitation of athletes in amateur sports, including those who train and compete under the supervision of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and its associated organizations. Our legislation applies the same safeguards used for federal grant oversight to ensure resources are going to support SafeSport's mission to protect athletes,SenatorGrassley said.\r\nLike so many Americans, I remain appalled by the crimes committed by Larry Nassar, the USA Gymnastics doctor who abused hundreds of young athletes. The U.S. Olympic Committee has shown a willingness to make necessary reforms to prevent these abuses in the future and this legislation supports that effort. Our bill will increase oversight and accountability, begin necessary steps to prevent all forms of abuse, and will help in moving us down the long road to rebuilding trust within our country's Olympic community,Senator Ernst said.\r\nIf there's anything we've learned in recent years, it is that sexual abuse knows no bounds in terms of where it may occur, and the athletic community is no exception. Victims must have an outlet available to hold their perpetrators accountable, which is why Congress established the U.S. Center for SafeSport as an independent entity tasked with investigating reports of abuse and protecting Olympic athletes. It is incumbent on Congress to ensure a robust, functioning, and transparent SafeSport,SenatorBlackburn said.\r\nAll athletes should have access to a safe environment to train and compete without any threat of exploitation or misconduct. This is a zero tolerance issue. By working together in a bipartisan way, we can ensure that the U.S. Center for SafeSport is enabled to address claims of abuse and guarantee that the program's funding is handled appropriately,Senator Perdue said.\r\nSenator Sullivan cosponsored theProtecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, which was signed into law and authorized the formal designation of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which protects amateur athletes from abuse.\r\nTo ensure those resources are best used to further this important mission theSAFESPORT Actestablishes safeguards such as annual audits and funding allocation requirements that are standard for many federal grant recipients. The bill also provides for enhanced child abuse reporting and prohibitions on retaliation against certain individuals who report instances of abuse or harassment.\r\nFor more information on theSAFESPORT Act, see thelegislative textandsummary.\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-brouillette-will-excel-in-new-role-", "Murkowski: Brouillette Will Excel in New Role", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski: Brouillette Will Excel in New 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 Committee Reviews Nomination for Secretary of Energy\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to consider the nomination of Dan Brouillette to be Secretary of the Department of the Energy (DOE). The Senate previously confirmed Mr. Brouillette to be Deputy Secretary with a strong bipartisan vote of 79-17 on August 3, 2017, and he has served in that role since then. Current Secretary Rick Perry has announced he will depart DOE on December 1.\r\nMurkowski opened the hearing by expressing her strong support for Brouillette's nomination, recognizing he has done an excellent job as second-in-command to Secretary Perry.\r\nAs Deputy Secretary, Mr. Brouillette has helped craft a solid agenda for the Department that is focused on science and technology, including new fields like quantum and artificial intelligence, Murkowski said. I appreciate Mr. Brouillette's visits to Alaska, to see our needs and opportunities in communities like Kwigillingok and Kongiganak. He has made a good impression on just about everyone, and he is a great choice to replace Secretary Perry.\r\nMurkowski also spoke to the important role that DOE plays in fostering energy security and energy innovation.\r\nThe United States is a leading energy producer and a disruptor of world markets. We are now sending oil and LNG around the world, providing our friends and allies with energy while creating jobs and prosperity here at home, Murkowski said. We are also on the cutting edge of exciting technologies like advanced nuclear energy, carbon capture, and energy storage. Through the Department's continued work, we have the opportunity to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and build on our status as a global leader in the field of energy.\r\nLater in the hearing, Murkowski asked Brouillette about his priorities for the Arctic, encouraging him to ensure the Department engages on issues affecting the region. Brouillette responded that the U.S. needs to do more, not less, and pledged to lead the effort to expand the Department's efforts. He noted the Department plans to expand the Office of Indian Energy, which helps Alaska Native villages transition off of costly diesel fuel, and will re-open and fully staff an Arctic Energy Office by the end of 2020.\r\nMurkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She is also chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, where she has worked to revive DOE's Arctic Energy Office over the last two budget cycles.\r\nAn archived videoand witness testimony from today's hearing are available on the committee's website. Click here, here, and here to view Murkowski's questions for Brouillette.\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/murphy-murkowski-applaud-committee-passage-of-save-our-seas-20-", "Murphy, Murkowski Applaud Committee Passage of Save Our Seas 2.0", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.19\n\t\t\t Murphy, Murkowski Applaud Committee Passage of Save Our Seas 2.0  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) applauded committee passage of Save Our Seas 2.0, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to combat marine debris. Murphy and Murkowski are both cosponsors of the bill. The legislation includes a Murphy-Murkowski drafted provision to fund a Genius Prize for Save Our Seas Innovation to be given out for the development of projects to replace single use plastic and innovations that remove and prevent plastic waste.\r\nAddressing plastic pollution is critical to protecting our oceans and coastlines, including the Long Island Sound in Connecticut. I'm glad to see this legislation pass Committee with our provision that sets up a genius prize to reward projects that clean up marine debris and replace single use plastics. I look forward to working with this group of bipartisan partners to pass this important bill, said Murphy.\r\nWith over half of the nation's shoreline in our state, Alaskans in particular depend on our ocean resources. Keeping our oceans and shoreline clean is one of my top priorities, and I am always looking for opportunities to harness American innovation and ideas to tackle the challenges posed by marine debris, said Murkowski. This legislation encourages innovative methods and novel designs to help reduce plastic waste in our oceans and ultimately prevent marine debris altogether. Fostering innovation can help lead to healthier oceans that will benefit all of us. I'm proud to build on the good work of Senators Sullivan, Whitehouse, and Menendez.\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/troops-need-more-than-support-rhetoric-from-democrats-says-sullivan", "Troops Need More Than \u201cSupport\u201d Rhetoric from Democrats, says Sullivan", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.19\n\t\t\t Troops Need More Than Support Rhetoric from Democrats, says Sullivan \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 Senate Democrats Filibustering Defense Approps; House Democrats Stalling FY 2020 NDAA Agreement\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) rebuked Senate Democrats yesterday on the floor of the Senate for continuing to filibuster defense appropriations, and House Democrats for refusing to reach a compromise in the conference committee with their Senate counterparts on the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both pieces of legislation are crucial for supporting ongoing national security priorities and properly resourcing America's military members, particularly those serving overseas.\r\n\r\nThe Senate's version of the FY 2020 NDAA passed out of the Armed Services Committee, on which Sullivan sits, by a vote of 25 to 2, and the full Senate with 85 senators voting in support.\r\nOn October 31, a procedural motion to begin the Senate's consideration of a package of spending bills, including the FY 2020 Defense Appropriations bill and the Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, failed to achieve the necessary 60 votes.\r\n\r\nRemarks on Defense Appropriations and the FY 2020 NDAA\r\nMr. President, we just celebrated Veterans Day here in the Senate, back home, and across our great country in the States that all of us represent. Everybody was celebrating our troops, our military, and supporting their families.\r\nYou hear that word ``support'' a lot when it comes to Veterans Day and our military and their families, but I am going to talk a little bit about that rhetoric. That is great. Senators talk a lot. But that is very disconnected from what actually is going on in the Senate right now and what is happening in terms of the action of supporting our troops.\r\nI came to the floor a couple of weeks ago to talk about this. I was pretty fired up. I am someone who is very collegial with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, but the one thing I have noticed is that there is talk on supporting troops and then there is action. The rhetoric, particularly with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, doesn't always match what is actually happening.\r\nI would like to explain to my constituents at home, the American people, and anyone watching what is happening right now with regard to supporting our troops--the action, not rhetoric--the action. Two weeks ago, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle filibustered the Defense appropriations bill. That is the bill that funds our troops. We had a big budget deal. We all agreed to it.\r\nIt is hard to vote for it. I voted for it because it actually supports rebuilding our military pretty significantly after the Obama-era cuts. I voted for that.\r\nWe are starting to bring up these minibus appropriations. We had one a couple of weeks ago. We debated and voted on it. The plan was to bring up the Defense approps bill. What did my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do? They filibustered it. It was the ninth time since I have been in the Senate that my colleagues decided to filibuster the spending for our troops. There is no other bill in the body of the Senate that the Democrats filibuster more than the bill that funds our troops. They don't want you to know that. They don't go home and brag about it because they should be ashamed about it, but that is what they did.\r\nDespite this budget deal and despite all of this great support for our troops, right now, my colleagues, for the ninth time since I have been a Senator, which is 5 years--nine times they filibustered the spending for the men and women who serve in the military. I ask the leaders to come out and explain that to the American people. Explain that to the press. Explain that to the people watching on TV. They don't. I think most of my colleagues don't want to do it, but they are told to do it because their leadership wants another priority. That is what is happening.\r\nThey talk about supporting our troops, but then the action is that we are actually not supporting our troops at all. We are keeping funding away from them because we are trying to leverage the desire to support our military and a Defense appropriations bill for other political goals. This has happened nine times.\r\nThere is no other bill since I have been elected to the Senate that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle filibuster more. When they want leverage on a nonmilitary issue, they filibuster spending for the troops. I would welcome some of my colleagues to come and explain why they do that. That is one issue.\r\nAnother issue is not my colleagues in the Senate, but it is certainly the Democrats on the other side of Capitol Hill. We are now debating the National Defense Authorization Act--the NDAA, as we call it. This is the heartbeat of the Congress. Why? It has passed this body 58 years in a row. That is the closest thing we have to a guarantee in this body. Members--Democrats and Republicans--come together, and we set forward--coming out of the Armed Services Committee, on which I sit--the NDAA, which oversees, reforms, and authorizes important programs for our national defense and sets spending authorization for the entire military. Again, this process is normally very bipartisan, and it has been and continues to be in the Senate.\r\nI give Chairman Inhofe, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, my good friend from Oklahoma, and Senator Reed from Rhode Island, the ranking member, enormous credit for getting a bill that came out of committee 25 to 2. That is very bipartisan. Then, when it came to the Senate floor, it was 86 to 8. OK. That is the Senate saying: Hey, this is really important. We are going to take care of our military. We are going to lay out the policies and the topline numbers for rebuilding our military after the massive cuts from 2010 to 2015. So that is positive.\r\nWhy am I complaining about it? Well, that bill right now on the House side, as we have gone into conference, is stuck. It is stuck. Many of the more extreme Members on the House side, who really aren't big supporters of the military--let's call a spade a spade--are now not allowing us to move forward on any kind of compromise in the broader NDAA as we move into conference.\r\nThere are provisions that are very important to the military that this body strongly supported in a bipartisan way, but right now, because of what is going on in the House--the leadership in the House, which seems to be a lot more focused on other issues and not the national security of our Nation, is not moving forward on any compromise. Who does this benefit? Well, it certainly doesn't help our troops. It certainly doesn't help our military. It certainly doesn't help their families. I can guarantee you, whether it is our adversaries or potential adversaries--Russia, China, North Korea, or Iran--as they are watching the stalemate on the NDAA, they are very pleased.\r\nThis is something we need to come together and address. I am asking the chairman of the Armed Services Committee over on the House side, Chairman Adam Smith, and others to work with the Senate, work with Chairman Inhofe, work with Senator Reed on getting to the compromises we all know we need to move this bill for the fifth year in a row to support our military. We think that should be based on the Senate bill.\r\nWhen you have 86 Senators vote for something--a super-bipartisan majority--that should be the basis for compromise. But it is stalled. The chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Chairman Inhofe, has done a great job. He is a very patient man. He and Senator Reed, the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee, are frustrated. We are frustrated. The troops are frustrated. We don't have much time to waste.\r\nAgain, I would like to conclude by saying that there is a lot of rhetoric here. There is a lot of rhetoric about supporting our troops. But what we need is action. By the way, I think a lot of times my colleagues are like, well, you know the men and women in the military are not really watching this. They don't really know that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have filibustered the funding for what they need nine times in the last 4\\1/2\\ years--nine times. It is disgraceful, in my view. People think, well, they are not really watching what is going on with the NDAA, how the extreme elements of the Democratic Party and the House side are making sure there is no compromise so that we can't move this bill. Guess what. They are watching. They know this.\r\nWhen they don't get support from the Congress of the United States, it is a problem for our military, not just in terms of the resources they need but in terms of morale. I am going to ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle: The next time you go home and give speeches about supporting our troops, supporting our families, do me a favor. Don't come back to this body and filibuster their spending or, for the Members of the House, don't stake out such obstinate positions that you know there is going to be no compromise on an NDAA bill that is really important to our military and has strong bipartisan support in this body.\r\nI know some of my other colleagues are going to be on the floor talking about this NDAA issue, talking about the Defense appropriations issue. Again, let's match the rhetoric we all talked about with regard to Veterans Day--about supporting our troops--with action on the floor, not just hot air and words.\r\n\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401457", "Congressman Don Young Receives the Hunger Action Hero Award from the Food Bank of Alaska", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Don Young", "Y000033", "donyoung.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  During the November state work period, Alaska Congressman Don Young was awarded with the Hunger Action Hero' award from the Food Bank of Alaska in recognition of his work in Congress to combat hunger in Alaska and throughout the country.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nFood insecurity is a devastating issue for far too many families in Alaska and across our nation. Hunger affects every community, and the fact of the matter is that food insecurity all too often goes unrecognized, with families suffering silently without access to the nutrition they need. As a father and a grandfather, I strongly believe that no family  and certainly no child  should go hungry, and tackling this issue has always been one of my highest priorities in Congress, said Congressman Don Young. I am grateful to the Food Bank of Alaska for honoring me with the Hunger Action Hero Award, but most of all, I am grateful to them for everything they do to fight hunger in communities across our vast state.\r\nOur work continues in the 116th Congress. This year, I have introduced and cosponsored several pieces of legislation to help ensure that the most vulnerable among us have access to the nutrition and support systems they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Crafting policy to help fight this epidemic requires engaging all stakeholders: businesses, educators, and all community leaders who share the goal of ensuring that no person goes hungry. Alaskans have my promise that I will work hard with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to help turn the tide in the fight against hunger.\r\nThis year Food Bank of Alaska celebrated our 40th anniversary, and as part of that celebration we wanted to honor the people, businesses, and organizations that have supported us along the way, said Jim Baldwin, CEO of the Food Bank of Alaska. Congressman Don Young is certainly one of those people, and we are proud to honor the Congressman for his commitment to ending hunger.\r\nCongressman Young's legislative initiatives to combat hunger in the 116th Congress:\r\n \r\n    The INFANT Act  legislation to remove an unnecessary rule that limits the number of foods eligible to purchase under the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program. Current WIC policy prohibits certain food combinations from being purchased under the program. The INFANT Act eliminates these unnecessary guidelines and allows mothers and children receiving WIC assistance to purchase healthier and more nutritious foods. Clickhereto read more.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The Summer Meals Act  legislation to fight childhood hunger by expanding access to summer meal programs in Alaska and across the country. The Summer Meals Act helps strengthen childhood nutrition by cutting red tape for local organizations serving summer meals and expanding the availability of meals and snacks to students outside of normal school hours. Clickhereto read more.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The Wild Game Donation Act  legislation to provide hunters with charitable deductions for the costs associated with donating wild game, such as deer and moose. This legislation also provides a tax deduction for meat processors participating in food donation programs, helping to protect against the use of spoiled and unsafe meat. Clickhereto read more.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The Military Hunger Prevention Act  legislation to assist U.S. Military servicemembers who utilize nutrition programs better afford food in areas with high cost-of-living. Congressman Young is the lead Republican sponsor of this legislation. Clickhereto read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/klobuchar-murkowski-urge-department-of-health-and-human-services-to-examine-the-collaboration-between-google-and-ascension-health-system-over-privacy-concerns", "Klobuchar, Murkowski Urge Department of Health and Human Services to Examine the Collaboration between Google and Ascension Health System over Privacy Concerns", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.19\n\t\t\t Klobuchar, Murkowski Urge Department of Health and Human Services to Examine the Collaboration between Google and Ascension Health System over Privacy Concerns \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to examine a collaboration between Google and Ascension health system that enables Google to collect the personal health information of roughly 50 million Americansincluding personally identifiable information, lab results, hospital records, and physician diagnoseswithout their knowledge or consent. According to the Wall Street Journal, neither Ascension patients nor physicians were informed of the agreement before the data sharing program known as Project Nightingale' began. Roughly 150 Google employees now have access to Ascension patients' personal health information, which allegedly includes identifiable patient data. While Google claims the data sharing agreement is permitted under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the partnership raises significant questions concerning the safeguarding of private health data. Under HIPAA, covered entities like hospitals are allowed to share protected health information with business associates to help the covered entity carry out its health care functions  not for the business associate's independent use or purposes. However, Google has reportedly declined to comment on whether it would use this data for profit or to conduct independent researchboth of which could potentially fall outside the scope of HIPAA protections.\r\nIn a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the senators sought information regarding Google and Ascension's partnership out of concern for the protection of patient data, and asked whether HHS agrees with the broad interpretation of HIPAA by which Project Nightingale' is reportedly operating, in that Google is permitted to receive personal health information without patient consent from Ascension as a business associate.\r\nTechnology has undoubtedly made it easier for people to monitor and control their own health and health care decisions, but it has also given companies more access to personal and private health data with very few rules of the road in place to regulate data sharing, processing, and analysis. We have introduced legislation to strengthen privacy and security protections for consumers' personal health data by requiring the creation of meaningful health data privacy regulations for entities not currently regulated under HIPAA, the senators wrote.\r\nKlobuchar and Murkowski are the authors of the Protecting Personal Health Data Act, bipartisan legislation to protect consumers' private health data not covered under existing privacy law. While recent reports have highlighted how home DNA testing kits and health data tracking apps have given companies access to unprecedented levels of consumer health data, current law does not adequately address the emerging privacy concerns presented by these new technologies. The Protecting Personal Health Data Act addresses these health privacy concerns by requiring the Secretary of HHS to promulgate regulations for new health technologies such as health apps, wearable devices like Fitbits, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits that are not regulated by existing laws.\r\nThe full text of today's letter can be found HERE and below:\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Azar:\r\nCC: Roger Severino\r\nWe write to raise concerns about recent reports detailing a collaboration between Google and Ascension health system that enables Google to collect the personal health information of roughly 50 million Americansincluding personally identifiable information, lab results, hospital records, and physician diagnoseswithout their consent. We encourage the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to examine this initiativeknown as Project Nightingale'to ensure compliance with federal health privacy law and the protection of Americans' most personal and private health data.\r\nAccording to the Wall Street Journal, neither Ascension patients nor physicians were informed of the agreement before the data sharing program began. Roughly 150 Google employees now have access to Ascension patients' personal health information, which allegedly includes identifiable patient data. While Google claims the data sharing agreement is permitted under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the partnership raises significant questions concerning the safeguarding of private health data. Under HIPAA, covered entities like hospitals are allowed to share protected health information with business associates to help the covered entity carry out its health care functions  not for the business associate's independent use or purposes. However, Google has reportedly declined to comment on whether it would use this data for profit or to conduct independent researchboth of which could potentially fall outside the scope of HIPAA protections.\r\nTechnology has undoubtedly made it easier for people to monitor and control their own health and health care decisions, but it has also given companies more access to personal and private health data with very few rules of the road in place to regulate data sharing, processing, and analysis between covered entities and non-covered entities. We have introduced legislation to strengthen privacy and security protections for consumers' personal health data by requiring the creation of meaningful health data privacy regulations for entities not currently regulated under HIPAA. In light of previous incidents that have highlighted the need for additional protections for user privacy on Google's platform, we are concerned that technological progress is once again taking precedence over adequately protecting Americans' sensitive information.\r\nIn an effort to ensure that Project Nightingale' is in compliance with federal law and has adequate protections in place, we respectfully ask that HHS answer the following questions:\r\n1.) Given that the Office for Civil Rights has reportedly announced plans to initiate an inquiry about Project Nightingale,' what information has been requested from Google or Ascension concerning how each entity plans to ensure the protection and privacy of patient data?\r\n2.) Has HHS learned whether Google ensured their employees with access to protected health information as part of Project Nightingale' have received training on HIPAA compliance when handling such sensitive information?\r\n3.) Is HHS aware of any efforts by Google to use the data that is being collected beyond providing tools for Ascension medical providers?\r\n4.) Does HHS agree with the broad interpretation of HIPAA by which Project Nightingale' is reportedly operating in that Google is permitted to receive personal health information without patient consent from Ascension as a business associate?\r\nThank you for your attention to this important health and privacy issue. We hope you will continue to work with Congress to ensure Americans' most private and sensitive data is adequately protected.\r\nSincerely,\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-and-colleagues-address-youth-vaping-epidemic", "Murkowski and Colleagues Address Youth Vaping Epidemic", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Lisa Murkowski", "M001153", "www.murkowski.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.19\n\t\t\t Murkowski and Colleagues Address Youth Vaping 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 Hearing Also Takes Closer Look at Recent Illnesses Related to E-Cigarette Products\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined her colleagues on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee today for a hearing to examine the federal response to lung illnesses and rising electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among youth. During the hearing, witnesses spoke about the public health response to the outbreak of lung injuries linked to the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping products, and federal actions to prevent youth from using electronic tobacco products. The hearing also focused on findings and recommendations from the ongoing investigation being conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into the severe pulmonary diseases associated with using e-cigarette products.\r\nI continue to build on my years-long effort to protect youth from becoming addicted to nicotine products. We had made headway in recent years and saw the trend going down with young people smoking cigarettes. That changed when e-cigarettes were introduced to the market. Since 2013, we have seen dramatic increases in e-cigarette use. Data from 2019 indicates that 27.5 percent of high school students have used e-cigs. I have worked with my colleagues and the administration to take off the market flavored productssuch as tutti frutti, bubble gum, and gummy bearthat are designed for no other purpose than to attract kids, said Senator Murkowski. The access kids have to these products is real. And now with the recent illnesses and deaths associated with e-cigs and vaping, it's clear that much more needs to be done to educate young people of the dangers. The stark reality is they are not only buying these products but figuring out how to alter them, adding even more harmful substances. I appreciate the HELP Committee for prioritizing how we can protect the health and safety of our youth and families.\r\n\r\n(CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO)\r\nDuring the hearing, Senator Murkowski emphasized the inadequate labeling on e-cigarette and vaping products, and raised the need to clearly and directly educate youth on their potential health implications.\r\nThe frustration here is you have kids who have seen advertised very clearly that these products are a cessation product. So if it can be used to get someone off nicotine, then surely it can't be that bad, even if there is nicotine in it. When we're talking about consistent messages to kids, I think you have to be up front and direct. This harms you. This addicts you. This could ultimately kill you. I don't think we need to nuance the message here, said Senator Murkowski.\r\nSenator Murkowski also highlighted statistics included in the witnesses' testimonies surrounding the recent outbreak of pulmonary disease associated with the use of e-cigarette products, citing that 80 percent of samples tested from sick patients have shown a presence of THC. Murkowski asked witnesses to respond to her concern, that if the findings of the investigation do not solely implicate nicotine  those findings could ultimately distract from the public health epidemic of nicotine and e-cigarettes. Panelists confirmed there are two clear epidemics taking place: the skyrocketing use of e-cigarette use among children and the outbreak of lung injury that is pointing to THC and other additives being used in e-cigarette and vaping products. As of November 5, 2019, 2,051 cases of the illness have been reported from all states except Alaska, and thirty-nine deaths have been confirmed.\r\nThe funding package for Fiscal Year 2020 bill containing the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration Appropriations bill includes language secured by Senator Murkowski directing the FDA to work with the CDC and other agencies to investigate the recent outbreak in pulmonary illnesses. The bill also requires the FDA to collect information to help determine the next steps to respond to the uptick in these illnesses.\r\nBACKGROUND ON SENATOR MURKOWSKI'S EFFORTS:\r\n \r\nIn October of 2018, Senator Murkowski, alongside Senator Durbin, urged the FDA to immediately ban kid-friendly e-cigarette flavorings and restrict online sales of the addictive nicotine products.\r\nIn March 2019, Senator Murkowski and Senator Durbin introduced the SAFE Kids Act, legislation that would place strong restrictions on e-cigarette flavorings. The bill places strict limitations on the use of flavors in tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and cigars, in an effort to reverse the marketing tactics that make tobacco products more appealing for kids.\r\nIn September 2019, Senator Murkowski sent a letter to the FDA, with Senators Durbin, Merkley, and Blumenthal, urging the agency to immediately remove all pod- and cartridge based e-cigarettes from the market until they can be proven to be safe.\r\nIn September 2019, Senator Murkowski cosponsored the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, sponsored by Senators Cornyn and Feinstein. The bill would make it clear that online sales of e-cigarettes must abide by all age verification requirements that store sales adhere to.\r\nOn September 2019, Murkowski introduced the E-Cigarette Device Standards Act of 2019, with Senators Merkley, Durbin, Blumenthal, and Shaheen to improve the safety standards in the design of e-cigarette and vaping devices, to prevent tampering with 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\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/news/in-the-news/save-our-seas-20-tackles-global-marine-debris-crisis", "Save Our Seas 2.0 tackles global marine debris crisis", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OPINION  We may have plenty of political differences, but we come from coastal states. That means we have a front-row seat to the peril of plastic waste and marine debris flowing into our oceans at the rate of around 8 million metric tons per year. We understand what it will mean for our fishing and tourism industries when the weight of plastic in our oceans equals the weight of fish in the sea  something projected to happen by mid-century. We don't have a moment to lose in confronting this problem. That's why we built a coalition in Congress and gathered input from environmental and industry stakeholders alike. Despite a divided Washington, that work resulted in a bill that won broad, bipartisan support. When the Save Our Seas Act became law last October, it was a moment of bipartisan progress on a vital issue  one to be celebrated. Before the president's ink on Save Our Seas was dry, our bipartisan trio of senators began developing the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. We sought to harness the momentum behind the first bill to up the ante on combatting the global marine debris crisis. Marine debris requires multifaceted, multisector solutions with a global reach, and the United States ought to be driving these solutions. In developing the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, we collected hundreds of comments and ideas from researchers, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and industry. We reviewed the latest science on marine debris and plastics pollution. We identified areas ripe for legislative action and others where investments in research are needed. We looked inward at the United States' own waste management systems and how we could better position the country as an international leader  not hindrance. The result is an ambitious bill spanning jurisdictions of three Senate committees. Save Our Seas 2.0 seeks to bolster federal agencies in their work to combat marine debris, push international action, support needed domestic infrastructure improvements and promote innovation. It makes significant progress toward the goals of reducing the creation of new plastic waste while dealing with existing plastic waste to stop it from polluting the oceans. Because of strong support from inside and outside the government, Save Our Seas 2.0 has advanced in the Senate quickly. No one bill in Congress can solve a global crisis such as marine debris on its own. But Save Our Seas 2.0 represents significant progress and sets all of us up for continued efforts of all kinds in this field. Save Our Seas 2.0 will support environmental groups cleaning up beaches, industry collaborating with government, scientists conducting research, legislative efforts moving forward at all levels of government, and much more. Save Our Seas 2.0 builds on the progress of Save Our Seas. It has served as a rallying point to welcome members of any party or sector who are sincere in their commitment to solving this problem. Plastic waste in our oceans is solvable, but a solution will require coordination, and lots of it. That is what Save Our Seas 2.0 represents. Pitting solution versus solution will only stall progress and allow more plastic to pollute our precious oceans. We are encouraged by the progress so far but know there is more work to do. We appreciate the support of our co-sponsors and the experts who contributed to this important bill. We welcome anyone who wants to engage in constructive conversations and will work with us to do so. We look forward to swift approval by the Senate Commerce Committee and passage in the U.S. Senate. To save our oceans, there is no time to waste.\nSen Dan Sullivan is a Republican representing the state of Alaska.Sen. Bob Menendez is a Democrat representing the state of New Jersey.Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/ocean-plastics-bill-sails-through-senate-committee", "Ocean Plastics Bill Sails Through Senate Committee", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.19\n\t\t\t Ocean Plastics Bill Sails Through Senate Committee \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 Plastic pollution bill approved in committee, despite objections from Udall\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t A bill that would combat plastic pollution in the ocean won approval in another Senate committee despite objections from one of the chamber's most active environmentalists.\r\nThe Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approvedS. 1982, also known as the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, on a voice vote at a Nov. 13 markup. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), would create a federal marine debris foundation, establish a genius prize to encourage the development of solutions to the plastic pollution problem, and launch a number of federal studies into this problem.\r\nThe bill moved forward despite a no vote from Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), who said it does little to attack this problem.\r\n Bottle Deposit \r\nUdall wants to add a provision that would create a 10-cent deposit program for plastic bottles that would be funded by the makers of those bottles. He said, despite the widespread adoption of recycling programs over the years, billions of tons of plastic are still winding up in landfills or in oceans every year.\r\nThe firstiterationof the Save Our Seas Act cleared Congress without objections from any lawmakers in either chamber. Udall said this type of unanimity still may be possible for that bill's sequel, but it must be significantly beefed up to ensure that plastic makers do more to fix this problem.\r\nWe're paying massive, massive amounts of moneytaxpayers areand we're not getting the recycling done, Udall told Bloomberg Environment. Recycling is broken.\r\nA different version of this bill (S. 2260) already won approval in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and a third version (S. 2372) was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The backers of these three bills plan to combine them into one version on the Senate floor.\r\n Other Bills \r\nThe Commerce committee also approved bills by voice vote at its markup that would:\r\n \r\nCreate a federal sustainable chemistry interagency task force (S. 999);\r\nRequire the Commerce Department to study how firefighters are affected by wearing protective gear that's been coated with PFAS chemicals (S. 2525); and\r\nBoost a program that provides assistance to fishermen who are affected by natural disasters (S. 2346).\r\n \r\n  A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said no timing has been established for when these bills would be brought to the floor.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\n\t\t\t\t    David Schultz\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBloomberg\n\t\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/save-our-seas-20-act-advances-through-final-senate-committee", "Save Our Seas 2.0 Act Advances Through Final Senate Committee", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AK", "Dan Sullivan", "S001198", "www.sullivan.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.19\n\t\t\t Save Our Seas 2.0 Act Advances Through Final Senate Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) applauded the passage of theSave Our Seas 2.0 Act(introduced in whole as S. 1982) through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. TheSave Our Seas 2.0 Actwas introduced in June to address the plastic debris crisis threatening coastal economies and harming marine life.\r\nPortions of the bill previously passed through the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The three bills now head to the Senate floor to be rejoined.\r\nThe legislation seeks to help reduce the creation of plastic waste, find uses for the plastic waste that already exists to keep it from entering the oceans, spur innovation, and tackle the problem on a global scale. It builds on the initial progress of theSave Our Seas Act, which was sponsored by Whitehouse and Sullivan and signed into law by President Trump in 2018.\r\nThe passage of SOS 2.0 through three separate Senate committees is a testament to the momentum we've built toward protecting coastlines in Alaska, around the country, and across the globe,said Senator Sullivan.I want to thank Senators Menendez and Whitehouse, and their staff, for working with me and my team to advance SOS 2.0 this far, and for garnering broad support from both sides of the aisle, as well as theprivate sector, environmental groups, and the executive branch. Marine debris in our oceans is an environmental challenge that is solvable. SOS 2.0 provides the opportunity to solve it together. Ilook forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this important bill is passed and signed into law.\r\nThe Save Our Seas 2.0 Act takes a big step in the right direction toward solving our global marine debris crisis,said Senator Whitehouse, who co-founded the bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus to find common ground in responding to issues facing the oceans and coasts.The Senate has a bipartisan tradition of working together to protect our oceans, and I hope that will continue as this bill moves to the full Senate with strong votes in three committees.\r\nMarine debris and plastic waste threatens public health and safety and economic prosperity of coastal communities in New Jersey, and around the globe,said Senator Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.This legislation that Senators Sullivan, Whitehouse and I have partnered on, which has now received overwhelming bi-partisan support from three Senate committees, provides much needed resources and improved U.S. domestic and foreign policy to bolster U.S. leadership to address this global environmental challenge. It is my expectation that this commonsense legislation will be swiftly passed by Congress and sent to the President's desk for his signature into law. \r\nIn September, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee considered and approved part of theSave Our Seas 2.0 Act(introduced separately as theSave Our Seas 2.0: Improving Domestic Infrastructure to Prevent Marine Debris Act,S. 2260) pertaining to improving domestic waste and water infrastructure. Additionally, the Foreign Relations Committee considered and approved its piece of the bill (introduced separately as theSave Our Seas 2.0: Enhanced Global Engagement to Combat Marine Debris Act,S. 2372) that would step up global engagement to combat marine debris.\r\nRoughly eight million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste from land enters the oceans each year. Ninety percent of this plastic enters the oceans from ten rivers, eight of which are in Asia. The plastic breaks down into tiny pieces that can enter the marine food chain and harm fish and wildlife, and wash ashore on even the most remote stretches of coastline.\r\nThe fullSave Our Seas 2.0 Actis cosponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Brian Schatz (D- Hawaii), King (I-Maine), Cruz (R-Texas) in addition to Senators Whitehouse, Sullivan, and Menendez. \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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 553, "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": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 553, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2019&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 553, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "AK", "label": "AK", "count": 553, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 553, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-11-13,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Esullivan~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsave-our-seas-20-act-advances-through-final-senate-committee", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AK&year=2019&_next=2019-11-13%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Esullivan~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fsave-our-seas-20-act-advances-through-final-senate-committee&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 161.50327096693218, "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"}