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473 rows where chamber = "House", state = "AK" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/year-end-omnibus-appropriations-package-signed-into-law Year-End Omnibus Appropriations Package Signed Into Law 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.28.20 Year-End Omnibus Appropriations Package Signed Into Law U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded a year-end omnibus bill being signed into law, which includes a 12-bill appropriations package to fund the government through the end of Fiscal Year 2021, including Senator Murkowski's Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. This historic funding package also provides nearly $900 billion for COVID-19 relief; Senator Murkowski's bipartisan, bicameral Energy Act of 2020; a bipartisan compromise to address the issue of Surprise Medical Billing; a major tax extenders package, and more. I am glad that Congress was able to put our differences aside and work together in a bipartisan manner to do what's right for our nation. Together, we've crafted an omnibus bill which directs critical federal funding to where it is needed most, said Senator Murkowski. The 12-bill appropriations package invests in every sector of America. It will create economic opportunities for Alaskans, strengthen our national defense and military infrastructure, support Alaska's fisheries, and invest in transportation. It includes funding for a number of Native and rural programs, as well as provisions to protect Alaska's land and people. Building on my efforts to address Alaska's public safety crisis, including the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women, additional funding is included for the BIA to continue to address those issues. We secured a number of funding initiatives that will build on my work to increase America's presence in the Arctic, as well as funding is included to improve healthcare for Alaskans. Full funding is also included for the PILT program which supports vital services, such as firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations. Reaching this agreement took significant bipartisan compromise from members across the board, and I'm proud to have been a part of that good work. The President's decision to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-ndaa-veto Murkowski Statement on NDAA Veto 2020-12-24 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.24.20 Murkowski Statement on NDAA Veto President Donald J. Trump vetoed H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Following the announcement, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement: It's incredible that the President chose to veto the annual National Defense Authorization Act, particularly because his reason for doing so is an issue not related to national defense. Congress has passed a defense authorization bill for 60 years, which emphasizes the priority. In Alaska and across our nation, military members and their families are grappling with the challenges of COVID-19 while standing on the front lines of our national defense. This is a disservice to military members, their families, and our nation, said Senator Murkowski. It is pivotal that this bill becomes law so that our service members, their families and veterans receive the support they have earned and our military forces are fully equipped to defend our national interests. Related Issues: Defense Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-outlines-covid-19-emergency-relief-bill-in-year-end-omnibus-package Murkowski Outlines COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill in Year-End Omnibus Package 2020-12-23 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.23.20 Murkowski Outlines COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill in Year-End Omnibus Package The U.S. Senate passed a year-end omnibus bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes nearly $900 billion in targeted COVID-19 emergency relief for vulnerable Americans. The final COVID-19 emergency relief package was based on the Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, legislation which Senator Murkowski recently unveiled alongside U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23). The health and economic impacts of COVID-19 have been devastating, having touched every corner of the nation. Americans are counting on Congress for support. Following months of standstill and arguing over COVID-19 negotiations, I joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues committed to find compromise. We put our differences aside, put in the necessary time, and developed an emergency relief framework that put Americans first. I am proud to have been a part of a good-faith effort which led to the final COVID-19 relief legislation before us today, said Senator Murkowski. For small businesses struggling to keep their doors open, additional funding is included for the Paycheck Protection Program. The bill also temporarily provides $300 per week supplemental unemployment insurance as well as a $600 economic impact payments for many Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. The bill includes funding to support health care providers, schools, renters facing eviction, the Postal Service, and the food insecure. The bill also includes funding to expand the purchase and distribution of vaccines, taking us one step closer to ending the pandemic. There is still work to be done, but the targeted relief measures included in this bill will deliver direct and timely results … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/critical-year-end-bill-package-passes-us-senate Critical Year-End Bill Package Passes U.S. Senate 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 Critical Year-End Bill Package Passes U.S. Senate Includes FY2021 Appropriations Bills, COVID-19 Relief Funding, Murkowski-Manchin Energy Bill, Tax Extenders Package, Health Care Package Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded Senate passage of a year-end omnibus bill, which includes 12 appropriations bills to fund the government through the end of Fiscal Year 2021, among which is Senator Murkowski's Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. This historic funding package also includes a nearly $900 billion COVID-19 relief package; Senator Murkowski's bipartisan, bicameral Energy Act of 2020; a bipartisan compromise to address the issue of Surprise Medical Billing; a major tax extenders package, and more. The bill passed the Senate with a 91-7 vote and now heads to the President's desk. Today the Senate passed a year-end bill package that includes significant targeted emergency relief for hardworking Americans and their families at a time when they need it most. As a result of COVID-19, Alaskans are struggling with so much uncertainty, including devastating health impacts, economic disparity, and difficult changes to their everyday lives. I spent weeks working with a bipartisan group of colleagues from both chambers on a relief bill, and that product spurred action that resulted in the bill we passed today. This legislation is not the end-all, be-all of COVID-19 relief, but it will provide Americans and Alaskans with much-needed support to help get them through this difficult time, said Senator Murkowski. In addition to COVID-19 relief funding, the package also includes a number of other policy initiatives that are critical to Americans, including appropriations bills to fund the entire federal government on a bipartisan basis, and a number of bills to address the quality and cost of healthcare.I'm also proud that through my leadership as Chairman of the Energy and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-senate-passage-of-interior-appropriations-bill- Murkowski Applauds Senate Passage of Interior Appropriations Bill 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 Murkowski Applauds Senate Passage of Interior Appropriations Bill Improves Health, Safety and, Livelihoods of Alaskans U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded Senate passage of an Appropriations Package for Fiscal Year 2021, which included the Interior-Environment Appropriations bill. As chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, Murkowski crafted a bill which invests in health and wellness, reduces regulatory burdens, increases economic opportunity, improves Alaskans' abilities to respond to natural disasters, support for the arts and humanities, and more. Building on my long-standing efforts to address issues of public safety in rural Alaska, including the crisis of missing, trafficked, and murdered indigenous women, additional funding is included to support the BIA. Full funding is included for the PILT program which supports vital government services, such as firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations. The bill invests in mineral security, aids Alaska's timber industry, and supports Alaska's public lands. To improve the health and safety of Alaskans the bill includes support for a Zero Suicide Initiative, alcohol and substance abuse prevention programs, and village built clinics, said Senator Murkowski. Throughout my time as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I've worked hard to ensure the needs of Alaskans are well-represented. This year, with the added health and economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the fiscal security and stability this bill brings is as important as ever. Click here for a full list of FY2021 Alaska Interior Appropriations Bill Highlights. Investing in Clean Air, Water, and Land The bill increases funding for Targeted Airshed Grants to ensure communities like Fairbanks have the resources to continue to reduce harmful levels of PM 2.5. The bill provides robust fundin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-manchin-house-colleagues-reach-agreement-on_energy-package-for-year-end-appropriations-bill Murkowski, Manchin, House Colleagues Reach Agreement on Energy Package for Year-End Appropriations Bill 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.20 Murkowski, Manchin, House Colleagues Reach Agreement on Energy Package for Year-End Appropriations Bill U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., today announced that their bipartisan, bicameral Energy Act of 2020 has been included as Division Z of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, must-pass legislation that will be considered in the House and Senate starting today. The Energy Act features consensus provisions from the Senate's American Energy Innovation Act (S. 2657) and the House's Clean Economy Innovation and Jobs Act (H.R. 4447). It stands to become the first comprehensive modernization of our nation's energy policies in 13 years. Murkowski and Manchin, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, spent months negotiating with Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J.-6, and Ranking Member Greg Walden, R-Ore.-2, of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as with Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas-30, and Ranking Member Frank Lucas, R-Okla.-3, of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to reach six-corner' agreement on the final package. The Energy Act represents the first modernization of our nation's energy policies in well over a decade. This bipartisan package will foster innovation across the board on a range of technologies that are critical to our energy and national security, our long-term economic competitiveness, and the protection of our environment, Chairman Murkowski said. This has been a years-long effort that would not have been possible without great partners on both our committee and the committees of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives. I'm also grateful to Leader McConnell and Senator Schumer for recognizing the importance of our work and agreeing to include it in this year-end legislation. This all-of-the-above energy package is the first comprehensive national energy policy update in 13 years. The Energy Act of 2020 provides a down payment on the technologies th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/final-covid-19-emergency-relief-package-based-on-original-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION 2020-12-20 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.20 FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) applauded the final COVID-19 emergency relief package. Following months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief. Related Issues: COVID-19 Resource Page Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/bipartisan-bicameral-group-finish-what-we-started- BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP: FINISH WHAT WE STARTED 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.20 BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP: FINISH WHAT WE STARTED Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) called on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus shared two bills, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most. Related Issues: COVID-19 Resource Page Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-fda-approval-of-moderna-covid-19-vaccine Murkowski Statement on FDA Approval of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.20 Murkowski Statement on FDA Approval of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine, the second to receive such approval in the U.S. The FDA approval of a second highly effective and safe vaccine option is welcomed news, as it will not only substantially increase America's vaccine supply, but will also provide additional shipping options for hard to reach areasparticularly important for a state like Alaska, said Senator Murkowski. With Pfizer vaccines currently being distributed and Moderna vaccines arriving as soon as next week, this is a strong signal of hope for Alaskans as they continue to navigate the significant health and economic challenges of COVID-19. It is still vital that Alaskans continue to follow public health guidelines, including wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings, and social distancing, but the roll-out of these two vaccines is significant progress. This is the light at the end of the tunnel that we've all been waiting for. Related Issues: COVID-19 Resource Page Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/national-landslide-preparedness-act-heads-to-presidents-desk National Landslide Preparedness Act Heads to Presidents Desk 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.20 National Landslide Preparedness Act Heads to President's Desk The Senate yesterday passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help communities prepare for and respond to landslides and other natural hazards, sending it to the President's desk for signature. The Senate first passed S. 529, the National Landslide Preparedness Act, in July, and yesterday unanimously passed a modified version of the bill as H.R. 8810, which the House of Representatives passed and sent to the Senate last week. Sens. Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., along with Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, Cory Gardner, R-Colo., Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., shepherded the bill through the Senate a second time. The legislation will improve emergency preparedness and planning by targeting key gaps in current science and mapping, which are critical to understanding landslide hazards and risks. The passage of this legislation is particularly timely in the wake of landslides that have impacted Southeast Alaska in recent weeks. Two young Alaskans remain missing after landslides devastated Haines earlier this month, which remains under threat of even more landslides, Murkowski said. The tragedy in Haines, the threat from the Barry Arm landslide in Prince William Sound, and the 2015 Sitka landslides are some recent real-world examples of why there needs to be a national strategy to prepare for, monitor, and respond to landslides. I'm glad that we can finally round out the suite of hazards programs and complement the great work already being done by our federal partners to address earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and avalanches. Six years after the Osolandslide, everyone in the State of Washington remembers the devastating impactslandslides can have, Cantwell said.This bill woulddramaticallyincrease our use of LIDAR data needed to map, identify, and track landslide risk areas. Employing our best science and mapping technologies will help communities across our state save lives, safeguard pr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/qanda-with-murkowski-bipartisan-bicameral-covid-19-emergency-relief-package Q&A WITH MURKOWSKI: Bipartisan, Bicameral Covid-19 Emergency Relief Package 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.20 Q&A WITH MURKOWSKI: Bipartisan, Bicameral Covid-19 Emergency Relief Package Murkowski Highlights Alaska Highlights This week, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) to unveil the legislative text for the two bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief bills. Today, Senator Murkowski took part in a Q&A to help further explain details of the legislation. QUESTION 1: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NOTABLE WINS FOR ALASKA IN THE TWO-BILL PROPOSAL? CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO QUESTION 2: WHAT MAKES THIS COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PROPOSAL UNIQUE? CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO I think what is important to recognize is what went into this. This bipartisan, bicameral group was initially four Republicans and four Democrats. We actually met at my house for a dinner. We came together to talk about what we might be able to dohow we could respond to the urgency of the issue. We broadened that group to include members of the Problem Solvers Caucus in the House, said Senator Murkowski. This is a reflection of the good work that can come when you've got a commitment to work together to really reach compromise when Americans are in need. We know this is not the end-all and be-all; we were trying to focus on targeted emergency relief and that's what you see reflected in this proposal. It's something the American people have asked for, something Alaskans need, and I am proud to have put my muscle behind it. QUESTION 3: WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR ALASKANS? CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO I think people need to know that when things are really hard, members can come togetheracross parties, across the halls of Congressand say what is it that we … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/bipartisan-senators-representatives-share-details-of-two-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills BIPARTISAN SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES SHARE DETAILS OF TWO BIPARTISAN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF BILLS 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.14.20 BIPARTISAN SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES SHARE DETAILS OF TWO BIPARTISAN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF BILLS Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) shared additional details for the two bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, Portman and Durbin would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, shared by Senators Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, Romney and Portman would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House. The American people are hurting in ways we haven't seen in generations. The next several months are going to the most difficult stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, and we as Members of Congress have a responsibility to act. Food banks are overwhelmed with requests, small businesses are being forced to shut their doors again, we are on the verge of a devastating housing crisis and millions of Americans still find themselves unemployed. The two bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief bills shared today are a compromise that will carry the American people through April 1st of next year to ensure our healthcare crisis doesn't become an economic catastrophe. For Congress to do nothing in the face of a national crisis of this magnitude is unacceptable and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-congratulates-president-elect-biden-and-vice-president-elect-harris-on-presidential-campaign-victory Murkowski Congratulates President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on Presidential Campaign Victory 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.14.20 Murkowski Congratulates President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on Presidential Campaign Victory Thanks Trump Administration for Past Four Years U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement after the Electoral College declared President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the winners of the 2020 presidential election: Today Electoral College delegations voted in their respective states. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have crossed the 270-vote threshold needed to be declared our elected President and Vice President. I congratulate them on their victory. I thank President Trump, Vice President Pence, and all who served within their administration for the contributions they made to our state, and our nation, during their time in office. On behalf of Alaska, I am grateful for their diligent work on our behalf. As the Biden administration begins their time in office, we are grappling with the ongoing pandemic, working to revitalize our economy, striving to address social justice issues, and tackling a number of challenging policy initiatives. Now, more than ever, is the time for us to come together as a nationto put differences aside move forward for the benefit of the American people. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-kaleb-froehlich-back-to-team-as-chief-of-staff Murkowski Welcomes Kaleb Froehlich Back to Team as Chief of Staff 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.14.20 Murkowski Welcomes Kaleb Froehlich Back to Team as Chief of Staff Announces Promotions and Departures Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed Kaleb Froehlich back to her team in Washington, D.C. as her Chief of Staff and announced the promotion of Garrett Boyle to Deputy Chief of Staff. I am excited to welcome Kaleb back to my team, said Senator Murkowski. He has spent much of his career working on behalf of Alaskans and has a deep passion for our state. Kaleb's previous experience and strong work ethic will help us achieve many successes for Alaska. Kaleb Froehlich will become Senator Murkowski's Chief of Staff. Kaleb is a born and raised Alaskan from Juneau. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. From 2009-2014, Kaleb served as Senior Counsel to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee under Sen. Murkowski. I am also pleased to announce that Garrett Boyle will be promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel, said Senator Murkowski. Garrett's steady shepherding of our legislative agenda as my Legislative Director has been both invaluable to the team and made the difference securing critical policy wins for Alaska. Boyle received his bachelor's degree from Seattle University and is a graduate of Tulane University School of Law.He was raised in small towns throughout Alaska, including Ouzinkie, Unalakleet, and Seward.Prior to joining Senator Murkowski's staff, he ran his own business dealing with oil and gas and patent law issues, and served as an extern in the Eastern District of Louisiana while in law school. I am blessed to able attract young Alaskans who want to serve their state in Washington to my office, said Senator Murkowski. But we all know Alaska is home and there comes a time when it is time to go home. I want to thank Michael Pawlowski Fish for his years… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-new-polar-security-cutters-authorized-in-coast-guard-bill Murkowski Applauds New Polar Security Cutters Authorized in Coast Guard Bill 2020-12-13 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.20 Murkowski Applauds New Polar Security Cutters Authorized in Coast Guard Bill Icebreakers Critical to U.S. Arctic Operations U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded the authorization of additional Polar Security Cutters (icebreakers) in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which passed Congress as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The bipartisan provision was authored by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Since coming to the senate, Senator Murkowski has focused on Arctic issues, working to raise awareness of the significance of the region and is recognized as the congressional leader on the arctic. For years, Murkowski has led the charge to recapitalize and expand America's fleet of Polar Security Cutters to further prioritize the U.S. presence in the Arctic region. My priority in the arctic has long been to raise awareness of America's role in this rapidly evolving region. As recognized by this year's NDAA now, more than ever, it's time to move from awareness to action. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have worked aggressivelyto help secure a robust fleet of Polar Security Cutters to meet our nation's needs in the Arctic, to protect our interests in the region, and to strengthen our national security. I'm proud of the progress that we have made to help the U.S. strengthen its capacity and presence in the Arctic as other Arctic and non-Arctic nations expand theirs, said Senator Murkowski. The authorization of additional Polar Security Cutters in the final NDAA is significantand a sign that we are moving in the right direction. The reality is, there is a race on for the Arctic passageway, and we need to be ready, said Senator Cantwell. This formal authorization of six polar icebreakers will send a strong message to the rest of the world: the United States is showing up in the Arctic… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-comments-on-fda-authorization-of-pfizer-biontech-vaccine Murkowski Comments on FDA Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine 2020-12-12 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.20 Murkowski Comments on FDA Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine: The FDA authorized the Pfizer vaccine to combat COVID-19, meaning administration of the first doses for frontline health workers and long-term care facility residents in Alaska could begin as soon as next week. This is a major milestone in the fight against the pandemic, said Senator Murkowski. In the midst of the holiday season, adhering to the changes that COVID-19 requires of us is increasingly difficult. But, as the rollout of a nationwide vaccine distribution plan begins, it is as important as ever that all Alaskansall Americanscontinue to follow public health guidelines, including social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, wearing masks, and washing your hands. This announcement is good progress, but this is just the first step in a long journey back to normal'. As we navigate this phase of recovery, the best gift we can give each other is to continue our efforts to protect the health and safety of ourselves and others. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-senate-passage-of-ndaa Murkowski Applauds Senate Passage of NDAA 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.20 Murkowski Applauds Senate Passage of NDAA U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted in favor of the final Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill passed the Senate by an 84-13 vote and now heads to the President's desk. This major national security bill authorizes the annual budget for the Department of Defense (DoD), providing funding for training and readiness, to improve the livelihoods of military members and their families, modernize military technology, and includes multiple provisions to address high rates of suicide among the military community. The legislation includes portions of a bill introduced by Senators Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) which authorizes a new regional Department of Defense (DoD) Center for Arctic Security Studies. The Center, named after the late Ted Stevens, would be the first DoD Regional Center focused on the Arctic, its infrastructure and America's leadership in the region. The bill will also reform the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which authorizes the federal transfer of military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. Around the globe, emerging conflicts and security challenges require us to remain as vigilant as ever. In order to ensure America's national security, we must first ensure that our military forces are fully equipped to carry out their assigned duties, both on American soil and overseas. At a national level, this legislation invests in all sectors of the militarytechnology and equipment, training, infrastructure, and most importantly, the overall well-being of our troops and their families. We also include a pay raise for service members, provisions to help shore up some of the gaps in our military's mental and behavioral health needs, and reforms to the Department of Defense's 1033 program. Recognizing the emerging threats and challenges in the Arctic, this legislation prioritizes the needs of Alaska's military and America's role in the Arctic region. Within the legislation we aut… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/new-dod-arctic-security-studies-center-approved-by-congress New DOD Arctic Security Studies Center Approved by Congress 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.20 New DOD Arctic Security Studies Center Approved by Congress The U.S. Senate today passed theNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA),including a provision authorizing a new regional Department of Defense (DOD) Center named theTed StevensCenter for Arctic Security Studies.U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, successfully included key elements of a bill he introduced earlier this Congress with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) successfully included the provision in the House's version of the NDAA, which passed on Tuesday. The Ted Stevens Center, the first DOD regional center in the Arctic and the first new DOD regional center since 2000, will support defense strategy objectives and policy priorities through a unique academic forum, while also fostering strong international networks of security leaders. This year's defense authorization will be recognized as one of the most impactful in recent memory for our country, particularly for the Arctic region,said Senator Sullivan.In addition to the historic investments being made in the Arcticincluding new icebreakers,space-based communications, critical militaryinfrastructure, and new initiatives for remote locationswe will soon have an institute to cultivate theArcticpolicyexpertise that is desperately needed in the Department of Defense.In order to address the rise of Great Power' competitorsin the Arctic,the Ted Stevens Centerwill bea new focal point for strategic thinkingas it combines Alaska's extensive reserveofArctic expertise with the best andbrightest minds from around the world. I want to thank Senator Murkowski, who conceived of this idea, and Congressman Young, who included the provision in the House NDAA. Both of them worked with me to make the Ted Stevens Center a reality and honor the legacy of the center's namesake, a seminal Alaskan leader on whose shoulders we sta… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/us-senate-passes-continuing-resolution-to-fund-the-government U.S. Senate Passes Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.20 U.S. Senate Passes Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today made the following statement after voting in favor of a continuing resolution to fund the government at current levels through December 18, 2020: Today I supported a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through December 18, to keep the government functioning and to avoid adding unnecessary economic strain on hard-working Americans. For the thousands of Alaskans that are federal employees and contractors, and for all Americans who rely on government services, keeping the government open as we work to finalize FY2021 funding bills is crucial, said Senator Murkowski. Passing this resolution allows Congress the needed time to find compromise on a number of appropriations bills, including funding to support national defense, energy and water initiatives, education, and so much more. And in an effort to support Alaskans and Americans who are struggling to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to work with colleagues on a bipartisan measure to provide much-needed emergency relief. A CR is not ideal, but during this additional work week, we have the opportunity to advance key policy initiatives in support of the American people. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-uae-arms-sale- Murkowski Statement on UAE Arms Sale 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.20 Murkowski Statement on UAE Arms Sale U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today made the following statement after voting against S.J. Res. 77 and S.J.Res.78, Resolutions of Disapproval which would block portions of an arms deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Along with many colleagues, I had significant concerns with the speed of this sale. I wanted to be certain the sale was following protocols that ensure Foreign Military Sales don't compromise information pertaining to sophisticated technology, and measures in place to safeguard the equipment, and that the U.S. has proper oversight going forward. I was able to get questions pertaining to those matters answered and given assurances. I am now comfortable moving forward with the sale. The UAE is a reliable partner to the U.S. and military operations. This sale ensures the Emiratis are properly equipped to defend themselves from threats in the region and remain an important partner for America. Resolution Details: S.J.Res.77 provides Congressional Disapproval for the sale of up to 18 MQ-9B reaper drones plus equipment and armaments. S.J.Res.78 provides Congressional Disapproval for the sale of up to 50 F-35A Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-npfmc-closing-eez-waters-to-commercial-fishing-in-cook-inlet Murkowski Statement on NPFMC Closing EEZ Waters to Commercial Fishing in Cook Inlet 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.20 Murkowski Statement on NPFMC Closing EEZ Waters to Commercial Fishing in Cook Inlet Following the announcement that the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC) has decided to close all Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters to commercial fishing in the Cook Inlet, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement: I am disappointed by the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council's decision to close federal waters in Cook Inlet to commercial fishing, but I am also very concerned about the prospect of federal management over resources that have been, and should be, managed by the State of Alaska. I understand this decision was made under difficult circumstances, and to meet the deadline required under the Ninth Circuit decision affecting management of the salmon fishery in Cook Inlet's federal waters. Nonethelessthis outcome underscores the need to collaboratively resolve tensions that have long persisted in Cook Inlet.Our fishery management process is intended to give the public a voice in decision-making, allow for a deliberative discussion of management policies, and foster compromise, but it cannot address serious management challenges arising from the Ninth Circuit's flawed interpretation of the Magnuson Stevens Act. I stand ready to work with Cook Inlet stakeholders, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the State of Alaska on a better long-term solution that supports fishing livelihoods in Cook Inlet. Related Issues: Alaska's Fisheries Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-baldwin-murkowski-digital-coast-act-passes-congress ICYMI: Baldwin-Murkowski Digital Coast Act Passes Congress 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.07.20 ICYMI: Baldwin-Murkowski Digital Coast Act Passes Congress Bipartisan Legislation Aids Shoreline Communities by Delivering Next Generation Coastal Data Recently, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) passed theUnited States Senate.TheDigitalCoastActwill help shoreline communities along the Great Lakes and oceancoasts better prepare for storms, cope with varying water levels and strengthen economic development efforts. Following today'saction, the bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Wisconsin's Great Lakes are a great asset for our quality of life and also for our long-term economic security,said Senator Baldwin. I'm proud that this bipartisanlegislationhas passed both chambers of Congress to strengthen our shoreline communities, which face a variety of challenges to keep their harbors open, their waters clean and their beaches ready for visitors. This bipartisan bill ensures that our Great Lakes communities have the resources and tools they need to adapt to changing environmental conditions, maintain healthy shores, and make smart planning decisions to support their local economies and way of life. I'm looking forward to the President signing this bill into law. With more than 46,000 miles of shoreline - more than all the Lower 48 states combined - measures to improve coastal mapping and development through research and analysis are critical to Alaska. The Digital Coast Act will help ensure coastal managers and developers have readily accessible and up-to-date tools to inform their decisions on emergency weather preparation and response, coastal restoration, and economic development. Coastal communities rely on these data sets to make informed decisions on issues such as coastal erosion, sea level rise, ecosystem restoration, and storm surge. I am hopeful the President will quickly sign this bill into law, helpin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-group-in-calling-for-permanent-expansion-of-telehealth-coverage-in-end-of-year-legislation Murkowski Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.20 Murkowski Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Group In Calling For Permanent Expansion Of Telehealth Coverage In End Of Year Legislation Telehealth Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries Increased By Nearly 13,000% In Just Over A Month U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. Provisions from the Schatz-authored CONNECT for Health Act that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth, were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act now to make those measures permanent. Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe, the lawmakers wrote. We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth. Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. In addit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/sullivan-markey-murkowski-applaud-senate-passage_of-young-fishermens-development-act Sullivan, Markey, Murkowski Applaud Senate Passage of Young Fishermens Development Act 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.20 Sullivan, Markey, Murkowski Applaud Senate Passage of Young Fishermen's Development Act U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) applauded the Senate's passage of theYoung Fishermen's Development Act,legislationto mitigate the challenges facing the next generation ofentrants into the fishing industry bysupporting regional training opportunities and apprenticeship programs. Alaska istheunquestioned superpower of seafood, thanks to our world-class, sustainably-managedfisheries and our countless hard-working fishermen, saidSenator Sullivan. The sustainability and endurance of this vital industry, which employs morepeoplein Alaska than any other, depends onup-and-coming qualified fishermen. I thank my Senate colleagues for passing our legislation toreduce basic barriers to entry through new grants, training opportunities andapprenticeship programs. Helping the next generation of Alaskans enter our fisheries will help ensure Alaska remains the superpower of seafood. Despite centuries of fishing tradition in Massachusetts's coastal communities, new fishermen are finding it a challenge to join the industry,said Senator Markey.Our legislation will help ensure that our fishing industry continues to attract and grow future generations of young fishermen. More young men and womenwillbe pushing off the dock into new careers andfully participating in the economy of their communities. I thank my colleagues for their partnership on this hopeful legislation and look forward to enacting it into law. I appreciate Senator Sullivan leading this effort and am glad to once again join him in addressing some of the barriers facing young people as they try to join the commercial fishing fleet. This legislation will support education, training, and workplace development of future fishermen and help maintain sustainable fishing careers, strengthen food security, and encourage future generations of Alaskans to pursue jobs in this important industry,said Senator… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-welcomes-announcement-of_first-coastal-plain-lease-sale Delegation Welcomes Announcement of First Coastal Plain Lease Sale 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.20 Delegation Welcomes Announcement of First Coastal Plain Lease Sale 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) announced that a Notice of Sale for the first lease sale in the non-wilderness Coastal Plain (1002 Area) of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) will be published on December 7, 2020. BLM's announcement means we are now just weeks away from a long-awaited lease sale in the 1002 Area, Murkowski said. This is a tremendous opportunity for Alaska's resources to continue benefitting our nation and providing American families with well-paying jobs. Alaskans have proven, over and over again, that we can responsibly develop our resources while being good stewards of our lands and waters. I thank Secretary Bernhardt and his team for their efforts to ensure the first lease sale is carried out, as required by law, enabling us to strengthen our state's economy over the long-term. This is great news for Alaska. Responsibly developing the untapped resources of ANWR's Coastal Plain will be critically important to filling TAPS, bolstering Alaska's economy, and providing jobs for hard-working Alaskans in the decades to come,Sullivan said. I applaud the Interior Department and the Bureau of Land Management for working diligently to implement the provision we as a delegation included in the 2017 tax law, and announcing a leasing program that Alaskans have fought so hard for more than 40 years to secure. This is an exciting day not only for Alaska, but for American energy dominance. I am very pleased that BLM has announced its first Notice of Sale for the 1002 Area of ANWR. This is a tremendous step forward for our state and the countless Alaskans who make a living in our energy sector. Finally achieving what was promised by ANILCA four decades ago is in sight, and I want to thank everyone involved for their ongoing hard work and commitment. As we approach the day when drilling can be… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-doe-effort-to-strengthen-domestic-mineral-supply-chains Murkowski Welcomes DOE Effort to Strengthen Domestic Mineral Supply Chains 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.20 Murkowski Welcomes DOE Effort to Strengthen Domestic Mineral Supply Chains U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement after the Department of Energy's (DOE) Loan Programs Office issued new guidance encouraging applications for projects that support secure supply chains of critical minerals. I thank Secretary Brouillette for his continued efforts to boost our economic and national security by strengthening our mineral security, said Murkowski. This guidance will help ensure that reasonable support is available to help domestic producers, refiners, and recyclers supply the minerals that make our modern life possible. It is critical that this policy be maintained and that Congress do its part to build robust domestic supply chains. Today'sannouncementbuilds on executive orders issued by President Trump and actions taken by various Departments and agencies.Specifically, the guidance applies to applicants for the Title XVII and the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan programs. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the United States imported at least half of its supply of 46 different nonfuel minerals in 2019, including 100 percent of 17 of them. China, in particular, hasconsolidated controlover the supply chains of many of the minerals used to make medical equipment, smart phones, clean energy, and defense technologies. TheWorld Bankreleased a report earlier this year estimating that demand for lithium, graphite, and cobalt will increase 500 percent by 2050 to meet clean energy demand. Murkowski has long been an advocate of U.S. mineral security. Her bipartisan legislation, theAmerican Mineral Security Act, would ensure timely surveying of domestic deposits of critical minerals, cut down on unnecessary permitting delays for projects to produce them, promote workforce development, and invest in research and development to increase recycling and the development of alternatives. It has been included in three proposed Senate coronavirus relief packa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-epa-grant-to-alaska-to-improve-air-quality- Murkowski Welcomes EPA Grant to Alaska to Improve Air Quality 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.20 Murkowski Welcomes EPA Grant to Alaska to Improve Air Quality U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded news that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $14.7 million to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to help improve air quality in Fairbanks. A portion of the Fairbanks North Star Borough is currently designated as a PM2.5 non-attainment area, with wood stoves serving as a major contributor to non-attainment. The funding, which is part of the EPA's Targeted Airshed grant program, will be used to continue a wood stove change out and conversion program to help reduce air pollution. For many Alaskan communities, burning wood is the most affordable option to stay warm. Unfortunately, older, inefficient heaters contribute to local air pollution and negatively impact public health. I worked hard to ensure that Fairbanks was eligible for this funding and have worked year-after-year to ensure that the program continues. There is still work to be done, but this funding from the EPA is good progress toward providing Alaskans with safer, more cost-effective home heating options. I commend the EPA for directing these much-needed funds to Alaska and thank Region 10 Administrator Hladick for understanding Alaskans' unique challenges, said Senator Murkowski. Background: Senator Murkowski has long worked to ensure the EPA provides grant assistance to the Fairbanks North Star Borough to meet new particulate matter standards (PM 2.5) for air quality. Senator Murkowski previously secured an amendment to modify the Targeted Airshed grant program so that communities like Fairbanks, where wood stoves have been a major reason for not meeting air quality standards, could qualify for federal aid. Most recently, as Chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murkowski increased funding for the program for Fiscal Year 2020. Senator Murkowski has also cosponsored bipartisan legislation, the Wood Heater Emissions Reduction Act, to create a dedicated g… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murphy-murkowski-applaud-final-passage-of-save-our-seas-20 Murphy, Murkowski Applaud Final Passage Of Save Our Seas 2.0 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.20 Murphy, Murkowski Applaud Final Passage Of Save Our Seas 2.0 U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) applauded passage of Save Our Seas 2.0, legislation to combat marine debris. Murphy and Murkowski are both cosponsors of the bill, which was introduced and led by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey). The legislation includes a Murphy-Murkowski drafted provision that allows for the establishment of a new Genius Prize to fund the development of materials to replace single use plastic and innovations that remove and prevent plastic waste. The amount of plastic flowing into our oceans poses a huge problem. That's why I was proud to work with Senators Sullivan, Whitehouse and Menendez on the bipartisan Save our Seas 2.0 Act, which will reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans at home and abroad, said Senator Murphy. I am also grateful the final bill includes language I drafted with Senator Murkowski to allow for the establishment of a genius prize to clean up marine debris and replace single-use plastics. There's more work to do, but this bill is an important step in the right direction. Alaskans depend on healthy oceans and coastlines to support the marine resources that so many of our communities depend on. Whether it's for our fisheries, tourism, or subsistence activitiesmaintaining a healthy marine environment is essential to our everyday lives. I applaud Senator Sullivan for his leadership on legislation to eliminate plastic waste polluting our oceans and am pleased by the Senate passage of Save Our Seas 2.0, legislation that I cosponsored, said Senator Murkowski. The bill includes a provision of mine with Senator Murphy to fund a new Genius Prize, which would reward innovation and creative strategies to combat the growing issue of marine debris. By creating incentives for the development of projects to clean up our oceans and shorelines, as well as to replace or improve single-use plastics, w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-working-group-announcing-covid-19-emergency-relief-framework- Murkowski Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Working Group Announcing COVID-19 Emergency Relief Framework 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 12.01.20 Murkowski Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Working Group Announcing COVID-19 Emergency Relief Framework Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Tom Reed (R-NY-23), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Dean Phillips (D-MN-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), and Fred Upton(R-MI-6) of the Problem Solvers Caucus, to announce a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework that will help American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here. For video of Senator Murkowski, click here. I am honored to work with an exceptional group of Senators, as well as colleagues in the House, on a bipartisan measure to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In my home state of Alaska, Anchorage is officially going into our third round of hunker-down orders, shutting down businesses, restaurants, bars, hair salons, gymsessentially bringing to a halt the day-to-day life of many people in Anchorage. Many of our rural villages and off road communities are also in various stages of shutdown to control the spread of this awful virus. These lockdowns come at a significant cost. As the long winter approaches, the uncertainties of job loss, food insecurity, and stable housing all continue to grow, said Senator Murkowski. Our response our responsibility is to come together not as Republicans with a plan or Democrats with a counter-plan, but coming together with a proposal that will provide for targeted emergency relief for the American people. I am calling on my colleagues to join us in advancing the proposal we offer today, to provide much-needed relief for our nation. For video of today's full press conference, click here. Millions of Americans h… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-sullivan-army-corps_right-to-reject-pebble-permit Murkowski and Sullivan: Army Corps Right to Reject Pebble Permit 2020-11-25 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.20 Murkowski and Sullivan: Army Corps Right to Reject Pebble Permit U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) formally rejected the Pebble Limited Partnership's application for a permit to discharge dredged or fill material into navigable waters under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The Army Corps determined the Pebble project is contrary to the public interest. Murkowski and Sullivan, while staunch advocates of mining in Alaska, oppose the project and voiced their strong support for the Army Corps' decision to deny the permit. The agency's denial concludes the permitting process on the application submitted by the Pebble Partnership in December 2017. After years of review and analysis, the Army Corps has found that this project is contrary to the public interest,' ending consideration of its permit application and affirming that this is the wrong mine in the wrong place. I thank the agency and the broader Trump administration for completing a rigorous, impartial, and science-based process to determine the best course of action, Murkowski said. This is the right decision, reached the right way. It should validate our trust and faith in the well-established permitting process used to advance resource development projects throughout Alaska. It will help ensure the continued protection of an irreplaceable resource Bristol Bay's world-class salmon fishery and I hope it also marks the start of a more collaborative effort within the state to develop a sustainable vision for the region. Iwelcome the Army Corps' Record of Decision to deny the permit,said Senator Sullivan.The Pebble Limited Partnership had its opportunity to present a project that could meet the high environmental standards in Alaska that we demand. Today, the Army Corps has made the correct decision, based on an extensive record and the law, that the project cannot and should not be permitted. Resource development is one of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-murkowski-cortez-masto-op-ed-on-fight-against-mmiw-crisis ICYMI: Murkowski, Cortez Masto Op-Ed on Fight Against MMIW Crisis 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.23.20 ICYMI: Murkowski, Cortez Masto Op-Ed on Fight Against MMIW Crisis A pathway toward ending the dark history of violence against Native women In case you missed it, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) wrote an Op-Ed for Indian Country Today to share their collaborative efforts to help respond to the inordinate violence that Native American women and girls face. In October, President Trump signed into law Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, two bills led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Indigenous women. Specifically, the bills work to improve the federal government's response through increased coordination, development of best practices, and creation of a joint commission on violent crime, ensuring Alaska Natives and survivors have a voice in developing methods to end these horrible crimes. To read the Senators' Op-Ed, click here or see below: November marks National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, immense diversity and important contributions of Native people, while also acknowledging our country's dark history toward tribal nations. As representatives of states with vibrant tribal communities, we wanted to share how we're working together to help respond to the inordinate violence that Native American women and girls face. For years now, we've known that Native American communities are facing a crisis of missing, murdered and trafficked American Indians and Alaska Nativesin particular women and children. One of those victims was Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a member of the Spirit Lake Nation who wasbrutally murderedby her neighbor in August 2017. She was only 22 years oldand eight months pregnantat the time of her death. This heartbreaking tragedy drew widespread attention upon a frightening reality that's been going on for gen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-files-amicus-brief-in-support-of-alaska-native-corporations Alaska Congressional Delegation Files Amicus Brief in Support of Alaska Native Corporations 2020-11-19 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.19.20 Alaska Congressional Delegation Files Amicus Brief in Support of Alaska Native Corporations Continue Push for ANCs to Be Eligible for COVID-19 Tribal Assistance U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, filed an amicus curiae brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court togrant the petitionfor a writ of certiorari in support of Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) eligibility for tribal assistance appropriated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The amicus brief states that the indigenous peoples of Alaska will suffer severe negative consequences as a result of theD.C.Circuit Court of Appeals' September 25, 2020 decision,which heldthatANCs are ineligible for CARES Act tribalcoronavirus relief funding. The Alaska Congressional Delegation argued the decision should be reversed, citing decades old precedent and federal Indian law which supports ANCs eligibility for thisfunding. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit's September ruling overturned an earlier June 26 ruling by a U.S. District Court that concluded ANCs are eligible for the aid. We worked hard to secure funding within the CARES Act to provide emergency-relief funds to 'Indian tribes' as defined by the Indian Self-Determination Education and Assistance Actwhich includes Alaska regional or village corporationsto help provide the maximum benefit to all indigenous people to help overcome the impacts of COVID-19. The ruling by the D.C. Circuit deeming ANCs as ineligible for this critical funding is unacceptable as it goes against the language of ANCSA, ISDEAA, and the CARES Act, erasing more than 45 years of precedent, with the potential to undo the tribal systems of healthcare, education, housing, and more, said the delegation. The pandemic is hitting Alaska Native villages hard with COVID cases continuing to rise. We stand with the ANCs who are fighting for the healt… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-responds-to-pentagon-announcement-of-troop-withdrawals-in-afghanistan-and-iraq Murkowski Responds to Pentagon Announcement of Troop Withdrawals in Afghanistan and Iraq 2020-11-19 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.19.20 Murkowski Responds to Pentagon Announcement of Troop Withdrawals in Afghanistan and Iraq Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller recently announced plans to reduce U.S. troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan by January 15, 2021. In response, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement: I do not support indefinite American troop presence in Afghanistan and Iraq and generally support efforts toward their removal, but it must be done in a thoughtful and strategic manner. I find the recent announcement of an abrupt troop withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan troubling with the deadline for removal coming shortly before the expected transition of presidential administrations, and the recent termination of former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. A premature withdrawal of troops from these theaters could have lasting negative impacts on national and regional security and be a disservice to the thousands of Americans who have fought and died in these wars. I encourage taking a pause in major shifts in our military posture. We must ensure that any future plans do not risk American lives or unravel the progress that has been made in counterterrorism efforts. I look forward to the opportunity to be briefed further on the details of this decision. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/blumenthal-and-murkowski-lead-bipartisan-push-to-preserve-legal-rights_protections-of-servicemembers--veterans Blumenthal & Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Push To Preserve Legal Rights & Protections Of Servicemembers & Veterans 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.18.20 Blumenthal & Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Push To Preserve Legal Rights & Protections Of Servicemembers & Veterans U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led a bipartisan group of eleven senators urging the conference committee working on reconciling the differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to retain provisions passed by the House that would preserve servicemembers and veterans' access to justice. Access to the court system to enforce rights granted under the law is one of the fundamental principles of our democracy, wrote the senators in a letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership. Servicemembers and veterans should not be denied their right to their day in court if their federal, statutory rights are violated. Forced arbitration deprives servicemembers of that basic right. Arbitration is a private system without any legal protections. There is no public filing of cases, public review of decisions, or requirement that arbitrators have legal training or even follow the law. Laws like the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protect servicemembers from consumer scams, abuses, and fraud. These protections are undermined by mandatory arbitration clauses that deprive servicemembers from being able to seek justice in courts or joining together to seek accountability for claims of wrongdoing. The senators urged the NDAA conference committee to include a provision that would prohibit forced arbitration for USERRA claims. A number of consumer, military, and veterans groups support the House-passed provisions of the NDAA, including the American Association for Justice, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Military Officers Association of America, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Their letter of support can be viewed here. A copy of the full letter is available here and below… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/enr-advances-ferc-nominees ENR Advances FERC Nominees 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.18.20 ENR Advances FERC Nominees The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today held abusiness meetingand reported the following nominees to the full Senate: Mr. Mark Christie to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and Ms. Allison Clements to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Mr. Christie has been nominated to replace former Commissioner Bernie McNamee for a term that ends on June 30, 2025. Ms. Clements has been nominated to replace former Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur for a term that ends on June 30, 2024. The committee favorably reported both Christie and Clements by voice vote. Both nominees will now be added to the Senate's Executive Calendar for potential floor consideration. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-highlights-need-for-university-land-grant_ancsa-fulfillment-act-at-legislative-hearing Murkowski Highlights Need for University Land Grant, ANCSA Fulfillment Act at Legislative Hearing 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.18.20 Murkowski Highlights Need for University Land Grant, ANCSA Fulfillment Act at Legislative Hearing U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today highlighted two bills important to Alaska at an Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining (PLFM)legislative hearing. Murkowski spoke about the need to provide long-term fiscal stability for the University of Alaska (University) and to resolve a set of outstanding issues from the almost 50-year-old Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). Murkowski's first bill, S. 4696, the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act, will resolve the University's outstanding land grant by directly transferring up to 360,000 acres of land from the federal estate to the University. The transferred land will count against Alaska's Statehood entitlement, so it will come at no net loss to the federal government. Murkowski also submitted statements of support from Governor Dunleavy, the President of the Alaska State Senate, the University's Board of Regents, and the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities for the record of today's hearing. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, is a cosponsor of S. 4696 and Congressman Don Young, also R-Alaska, has introduced companion legislation in the House. Right now our largest state has a land-grant university with a land grant smaller than just about every other land-grant university in every other state. Alaska has a tremendous need for long-term support and stability for our University system as we navigate some of the most significant economic headwinds our state has ever faced,Murkowski said.This bill brings the State of Alaska and federal government together to cooperatively execute a program to fulfill the University's land entitlement. Murkowski's second bill, S. 4889, the ANCSA Fulfillment Act,is a package that aims to resolve a number of outstanding issues related to the landmark 1971 law, including: addressing the outstanding entitlement for the villages of Kaktovik and Ca… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-hassan-push-legislation-to-extend-deadline-for-communities-to-spend-cares-act-funding-through-september-2021 Murkowski, Hassan Push Legislation to Extend Deadline For Communities to Spend CARES Act Funding through September 2021 2020-11-17 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.17.20 Murkowski, Hassan Push Legislation to Extend Deadline For Communities to Spend CARES Act Funding through September 2021 U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced legislation that extends the period during which States, Indian Tribes,territories,and local governments may use Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) payments, allocated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. If enacted, thisbipartisanlegislation will allow the relief funds to be used until September 30, 2021, rather than the original deadline of the end of this year, December 30, 2020. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allocated$150 billion to create the Coronavirus Relief Fund, out of which$8 billionwere reservedfor tribal governments. However, Indian Country did not receive any funds until May 5, 2020, well after the bill's statutory deadline. Alaska Natives in small, remote villages often travel long distances for healthcare, have limited internet to high-speed internet, and many homes lack running water and electricity, making legislation to extend the deadline to use CARES Act funding even more urgent. In crafting the CARES Act, Congress worked hard to ensure that Americans continue to have access to much needed, targeted relief. Unfortunately, a number of American Indian and Alaska Native communities, many of which have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, did not receive any funds until well after the CARES Act's statutory deadline.Particularly for our smaller communities in Alaska, spending this funding by the current deadline is an unreasonable task which is only compounded by the difficulties of preparing for Alaska's harsh winter. As local governments continue to assess and respond to the needs created by this pandemic, it's imperative that we aren't putting up red tape,said Senator Murkowski.As we continue our efforts to respond to the impacts of COVID-19, I remain committed to putting the needs of Alaskans first. Right now, that means allow… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/one-step-closer-interior-issues-call-for-nominations-for_first-lease-sale-in-alaskas-coastal-plain One Step Closer: Interior Issues Call for Nominations for First Lease Sale in Alaskas Coastal Plain 2020-11-17 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.17.20 One Step Closer: Interior Issues Call for Nominations for First Lease Sale in Alaska's Coastal Plain 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) announced it will issue a Call for Nominations for tracts to be offered in the first lease sale in the non-wilderness Coastal Plain (1002 Area) of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The Call for Nominations follows the administration's Record of Decision in August and will include 32 tracts covering 1.6 million acres. This is a key step that puts us on track to have a lease sale in the 1002 Area as soon as January 2021, Murkowski said. While we face headwinds, from global economic conditions to an organized effort to prevent leasing, the Department's rigorous environmental review has provided a solid framework to ensure responsible exploration and development. We are now within sight of the first-ever lease sale on the Coastal Plain, and I appreciate the continued good work of Secretary Bernhardt and his team to help us reach this point. A lease sale in ANWR's Coastal Plain will be a major step in cementing the historic progress we've made for Alaska's economic future over the past four years,Sullivan said. This development could mean thousands of jobs forhard-workingAlaskans and hundreds of thousands of barrels in daily pipeline throughput. I applaud Secretary Bernhardt and the Interior Department team for faithfully implementing the law we passed in 2017 and moving us one step closer to responsibly developing the 1002 Area for the benefit of Alaskans and the entire country. Alaskans have always been strong environmental stewards who know how to develop our resources responsibly. Securing the longtime promise of development on ANWR's Coastal Plain was a tremendous victory for Alaska, and this call for nominations is a critical step toward a lease sale. Make no mistake: the voices that want to lock away Alaska from development … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/appropriations-bills-for-fiscal-year-2021-unveiled Appropriations Bills for Fiscal Year 2021 Unveiled 2020-11-12 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.12.20 Appropriations Bills for Fiscal Year 2021 Unveiled This week the Appropriations Committee released all twelve of its Fiscal Year 2021 draft funding bills. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where she is the Chairman of the Interior and Environment Subcommittee. Our full Committee and subcommittees worked hard on these bills as it's critically important that we fund agencies and programs vital to Americans and our communities. Senator Murkowski said. As Americans grapple with the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, having a full-year funding agreement signed into law will bring much needed fiscal certainty at a time when Alaskans and all Americans need their government to function smoothly. Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food & Drug Administration Bill Text Explanatory Statement Commerce, Justice, Science Bill Text Explanatory Statement Defense Bill Text Explanatory Statement Energy and Water Development Bill Text Explanatory Statement Financial Services and General Government Bill Text Explanatory Statement Homeland Security Bill Text Explanatory Statement Interior and Environment [Note: Senator Murkowski is chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. Click here for bill highlights.] Bill Text Explanatory Statement Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Bill Text Explanatory Statement Legislative Branch Bill Text Explanatory Statement Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill Text Explanatory Statement State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Bill Text Explanatory Statement Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Bill Text Explanatory Statement Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-honors-american-veterans Murkowski Honors American Veterans 2020-11-11 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.11.20 Murkowski Honors American Veterans It doesn't take a big ceremony or long speeches to honor those who have dedicated their life in service to America' U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) shared the following message with Alaskans on Veterans Day: (Click here to watch Murkowski's video message.) To all of you on Veterans Day, this year is different as many of our Veterans Day ceremonies are cancelled or as we follow new guidance due to COVID-19. But it doesn't take a big ceremony or long speeches to honor those who have dedicated their life in service to America. Whether you're attending an in-person event, joining a virtual celebration, or offering a simple thank you' to a veteran, I encourage everyone to find their own way to honor the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve. They have sacrificed their safety, their time, and so much more in the name of America's freedom and protection. Close to 70,000 veterans live among us in Alaska, more veterans per capita than any other state70,000 men and women who have shown commitment, strength, and perseverance for the sake of the freedoms we enjoy. We honor them for their devotion to duty, both to Alaska and to our great nation. Today and every day we pay tribute to all our veterans who have fought and served honorablywhether in times of war or in times of peace. You are our heroes. Thank you. Click here for Senator Murkowski's legislative efforts in support of veterans during the 116th Congress. Related Issues: Veterans Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegations-landless-legislation-rectifies-50-year-injustice Delegations Landless Legislation Rectifies 50-Year Injustice 2020-11-10 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.10.20 Delegation's Landless Legislation Rectifies 50-Year Injustice Bill Would Provide Lands and Rights Under ANCSA to Five Southeast Native Communities U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, andRep.Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued statements on new legislation they introduced to allow the Alaska Native communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Tenakee to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). The five Southeast communities were not included in ANCSA, which divided 44 million acres of land among more than 200 regional, village, and urban corporations to resolve land claims throughout Alaska. Thedelegation's new bill entitled the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act would amend ANCSA to provide each community with the right to form an Alaska Native Urban Corporation and receive 23,040 acres, or one township, of federal landjust as ANCSA granted to other Southeast Native communities 50 years ago. The identity of Alaska's first people is inextricably tied to the land they have inhabited for centuries, Murkowski said. For five decades, these five landless communities have sought the same benefits ANCSA granted to other Alaska Natives throughout Southeast. This is a matter of equity. Our new legislation will help correct this historical wrong. It is simply a matter of fairness that the five landless' Alaska Native communities in Southeast have the same access to land that other communities received following the historic enactment of ANCSA, Sullivan said. Our legislation directs the federal government to make good on its promises to the indigenous communities that were excluded from this seminal agreement, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to help them understand the unique importance of this bill to the people of my state. For too long, the so-… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-unveils-interior-environment-bill- Murkowski Unveils Interior-Environment Bill 2020-11-10 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.10.20 Murkowski Unveils Interior-Environment Bill Prioritizing Health, Safety, and Well-being of Alaskans Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released her Fiscal Year 2021 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act bill. The Committee is responsible for funding agencies that are tasked with ensuring clean water and clean air, managing public lands, meeting federal trust responsibilities for Native peoples, and funding cultural agencies and museums. As chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, Murkowski crafted a bill with funding to strengthen local economies and create safer and healthier communities. For Alaskans, this Interior bill means cleaner air and water, as well as safer and healthier communities. Through my work on this bill we are prioritizing the need to protect our people, our water, and our lands. As we continue to navigate the detrimental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill will help to create an economic boost and opportunities for communities across Alaska, Senator Murkowski said. I look forward to working with my colleagues to finalize our work and have a bill signed into law that will bring much needed fiscal certainty at a time when Alaskans and all Americans need it most. Click here for the bill text. Click here for the explanatory statement. Investing in Communities The Interior bill fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program at $515 million. The PILT program provides monetary compensation to local governments throughout Alaska that contain federal lands that are not subject to state or local taxation. 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. As the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) serve a vital role in Alaska, bill fulfills the federal promises made to Alaska Natives … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-court-ruling-declaring-ge-salmon-unlawful Murkowski Welcomes Court Ruling Declaring GE Salmon Unlawful 2020-11-06 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.20 Murkowski Welcomes Court Ruling Declaring GE Salmon Unlawful U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after a US District Court Judge for the Northern District of California ruled yesterday the Food and Drug Administration violated core environmental laws in approving the genetically engineered (GE) salmon: The impacts that genetically engineered salmon could have on Alaskans, our commercial fishing industry, and seafood consumers all over the world are concerning, and, as this ruling found, understudied. Yesterday's court ruling is welcome news. It confirms the FDA's decision to allow GE salmon to be produced in different locations across North America was in violation of the law, and did not consider the potential for severe consequences on nature's best brain food wild salmon. I have introduced legislation for years identifying these exact flaws within FDA's wholly inadequate assessment of the threat GE salmon poses to wild salmon stocks. I'm glad the court has caught up with my reasoning and recognized the concerns raised by many Alaskans about GE salmon. Background: In the 116th Congress, Senator Murkowski introduced the Genetically Engineered Salmon Labeling Act to ensure that any GE salmon products in the U.S. market are clearly labeled genetically engineered in the market name. In the year-end Fiscal Year 2020 funding bill, Senator Murkowski secured a provision which requires the market name of any genetically engineered product approved prior to the effective date of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard to include the term genetically engineered. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-vaccine-discussion-with-senator-murkowski-and-alaska-chief-medical-officer-dr-zink-in-light-of-covid-19-and-flu-season ICYMI: Vaccine Discussion with Senator Murkowski and Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Zink in Light of COVID-19 and Flu Season 2020-11-05 2020 2020-11 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 11.05.20 ICYMI: Vaccine Discussion with Senator Murkowski and Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Zink in Light of COVID-19 and Flu Season Just like winter, COVID, if we plan and prepare to mitigate it, we will be safer In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) held a virtual discussion with Alaska's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anne Zink, last week to discuss vaccines and the important role of seasonal influenza vaccinations as Alaskans continue to face the health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. They covered everything from efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the need for preventing a bad flu season, Alaskan concerns regarding vaccines, and efforts to prepare for a COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for video of their entire discussion. Dr. Zink first provided an update on current state of play of COVID-19 in Alaska and explained the importance of Alaskans working together to slow the spread, particularly as the winter flu season approaches. COVID fatigue is real and we are seeing that across our state and we are seeing cases rise because of it. So as we are really facing a very challenging time in our state right now we need to remember that prevention works, that masks work, that distance works, and we need to do it collectively. There's no one magic answer. It's a series of tools that we use in collection to really slow the spread. There's no one policy, no one person, no one thing that's going to make this go away. It's going to be all Alaskans working together, said Dr. Zink. The important message with us right now is to recognize that the protocols and the guidance haven't changed, said Senator Murkowski. Our numbers are not where we want them to be. In fact we are going in a direction that all of us had hoped we wouldn't see. The outbreaks that we are seeing in rural Alaska right now are quite concerning to all of us, because we recognize that we have much more limited capacity … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-usgs-funding-to-improve-earthquake-monitoring-and-response-in-alaska- Murkowski Applauds USGS Funding to Improve Earthquake Monitoring and Response in Alaska 2020-10-30 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.30.20 Murkowski Applauds USGS Funding to Improve Earthquake Monitoring and Response in Alaska The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently announced an award of $2.85 million to the Alaska Earthquake Center at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks to support operations of the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS), including stations received from the National Science Foundation USArray. When an earthquake strikes, the ANSS a collaboration between regional, state, and academic institutes and the USGS works to collect and analyze real-time data, and distribute information to the local government, emergency responders, media, and the public. Year-after-year, in her role as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has secured funding to support the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. For Alaskans, earthquakes are a part of life. But the destruction caused by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that took place in Alaska in November of 2018 was a stark reminder that our efforts to improve earthquake research, monitoring, and real-time date is imperative. This funding will play a critical role in supporting ANSS and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in their efforts to reduce the impacts of earthquakes in Alaska as well as to keep the public informed and prepared in the face of disaster, said Senator Murkowski. In my role as Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I've worked hard to secure funding to support efforts to help develop and enhance earthquake monitoring capabilities, including the purchase of seismic monitors that are part of the USArray. I'm proud to have played a role in securing funding which helped make this announcement possible and thank the USGS for prioritizing the needs of Alaskans. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-and-house-introduce-accelerating-access-to-critical-therapies-for-als-act Senate and House introduce Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act 2020-10-30 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.30.20 Senate and House introduce Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act Early access to promising treatments offers new hope in fight against ALS and improved infrastructure for neurodegenerative disease drug development This week, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) along with Representatives Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) introduced an updated version of ACT for ALS,Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. The two new pieces of legislation, S.4867in the Senate and H.R.8662in the House, create new pathways for faster and broader access to therapies for those most in need, including those facing a fatal disease like ALS. For years I've been working with the ALS community to help increase research opportunities and ensure those living with this deadly disease have the support they need. We've made progress, but even with promising treatments in clinical trials, patients unable to enroll in those research studies unfortunately have very few options for treatment. Through a new pilot grant program, as well as other additional funding, this bipartisan legislation will help address barriers to utilizing the current expanded access pathway, while also broadly supporting the development of ALS treatments. As someone whose family has been personally impacted by ALS, I'm proud to help Senator Coons lead this effort,said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "We must do all we can to support thetens of thousandsof Americansimpacted byALS, aterrible diseasewithout a cure.ACTfor ALS will expand early treatment options and support the cutting-edge research needed to improve quality of life and find a cure. Weshouldtake steps to facilitate access to new therapies, drug treatments, and medical breakthroughsto aid Americans who sufferfromALS orotherforms of neurodegenerative disease,said Senator Ch… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/-delegation-tongass-exemption-will-help-build-sustainable-economy-in-southeast-alaska Delegation: Tongass Exemption Will Help Build Sustainable Economy in Southeast Alaska 2020-10-29 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.29.20 Delegation: Tongass Exemption Will Help Build Sustainable Economy in Southeast Alaska U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) published aRecord of Decision(ROD) and final rule exempting the Tongass National Forest from the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). The Tongass is home tomanyAlaskans who want what most Americans take for grantedthe opportunity to live, work, and raise their families in the communities in which they grew up,said Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.A full exemption from the Roadless Rule means access to more affordable and renewable energy to power homes and schools, access to technology at a time when more Americans are logging online for health care and education, and access for transportation and recreation to promote jobs and economic activity in the regionall while ensuring continued good stewardship of our lands and waters. I thank the USDA and Forest Service team for recognizing that one-size-fits-all federal policies are not appropriate in Alaska, and sometimes simply do not fit at all. Alaskans in Southeast have seen their opportunity to harvest timber, advance vitalrenewableenergy and mineral projects, build basic infrastructure and connect communities stifled for too long as a result of the 2001 Roadless Rule,said Sullivan. These opportunities are finally back on the table with thefinalization today ofa full exemption for the Tongass from this overly-burdensome and out-of-touch regulation. I will always fight to take control from bureaucratic D.C. agencies and put it into the hands of Alaskans who rely on our lands to make a living and understand intimately the important balance of conservation and local economies. I commend Secretary Perdue and the administration for working closely with Alaskans throughout this process and bringing us to this historic day. This is a great day for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-coast-guard-heavy-icebreaker-deploying-to-the-arctic Murkowski Welcomes Coast Guard Heavy Icebreaker Deploying to the Arctic 2020-10-29 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.29.20 Murkowski Welcomes Coast Guard Heavy Icebreaker Deploying to the Arctic Safeguarding Economic and National Security Interests in the Arctic Region U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announcement that the USCG's POLAR STAR, our nation's sole operational icebreaker is deploying to the Arctic. The U.S. Coast Guard announced that beginning in early December 2020, POLAR STAR, a heavy icebreaker, will conduct an 82-day deployment in the Arctic, primarily in the Bering and Chukchi Seas, to execute Coast Guard statutory missions, reduce regional maritime risks, and advance national security objectives. This will mark the first time since 1984 the Arctic had a U.S. polar class icebreaker in the region. I am working hard to ensure that America is well positioned to assert and defend our interests as geo-strategic activity in the Arctic increases at remarkable rates. As we continue to push for more icebreakers, I welcome news that America's only operational heavy icebreaker, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter POLAR STAR and her crew, will serve in America's Arctic this winter. While the USCGC POLAR STAR typically operates in Antarctica on resupply missions, this year Antarctica will be resupplied by aircraft and our area will enjoy USCGC POLAR STAR's presence instead, said Senator Murkowski. I look forward to a strong Coast Guard maritime domain asset in our waters and will be excited to see the great work the crew will accomplish during this time. USCGC POLAR STAR providing maritime domain presence and leadership this year will be a tremendous asset to the region, and in the years to come I look forward to the future fleet of Polar Security Cutters providing the same. Background: Senator Murkowski is committed to raising awareness of America's role as an Arctic nation as well as action necessary to support it. Murkowski has advocated for assets and capabilities needed for the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-proposes-us-canada-border-crossing-solutions Alaska Delegation Proposes US-Canada Border Crossing Solutions 2020-10-28 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.28.20 Alaska Delegation Proposes US-Canada Border Crossing Solutions In an effort to address US-Canada border crossing issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young, and Governor Mike Dunleavy (all R-AK) sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, raising issues severely impacting Alaskans. In their letter, the Alaska Delegation highlighted specific, persisting challenges impacting the health and safety of Alaskans and proposed reasonable solutions. As we continue to work together to address the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, to keep our residents and citizens safe and healthy, we appreciate the consideration for reasonable land crossing exceptions for essential travel between Alaska and the contiguous United States through your country. The Delegation explained that each year Alaskans, many elderly and with medical conditions, journey south, traveling through Canada to the contiguous United States, in order to be closer to comprehensive medical facilities better equipped to address their healthcare needs in addition to being in a warmer climate, which is easier on their health. Such travel is currently considered non-essential according to Canada's cross-border travel restrictions. In addition, the Delegation raised the unique circumstance of residents in Hyder, Alaska who are being impacted by current border closures. For example, the only grocery store in the region is located in nearby Stewart, British Columbia, and Hyder children typically attend the nearby Canadian schools. While there are many more individual instances of travel restrictions impacting daily lives, we highlight these two as some of the most pressing issues, but ones for which we think there are reasonable solutions to ensure the safety and health of both Canadians and Alaskans alike. We all agree that we must remain vigilant against the threats to the health and wellbeing of our people that COVID-19 has created. We have at-risk Alaskans who wi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-smith-introduce-bill-to-extend-important-flexibility-and-funding-to-after-school-programs Murkowski, Smith Introduce Bill to Extend Important Flexibility and Funding to After School Programs 2020-10-28 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.28.20 Murkowski, Smith Introduce Bill to Extend Important Flexibility and Funding to After School Programs Will help afterschool programs support students and parents struggling with online learning during the school day. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program provides competitive grants to school districts, community based organizations, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations that provide supplemental academic and enrichment activities for students during non-school hours or periods when schools are not in session. The value of 21st CCLC-funded afterschool programs is well-established, ensuring children have an opportunity to access engaging learning activities while giving working parents peace of mind that their kids are safe when school is out. Unfortunately, 21st CCLC programs have been limited in their ability to support students whose schools are offering online-only or hybrid instruction during the COVID-19 health emergency. U.S, Senate Afterschool Caucus Co-Chairs, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tina Smith (D-NM), introduced the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020 to ensure that these students can receive the support they need to succeed. The bill also includes funding to help programs meet state and local health mandates. 21st Century Community Learning Centers have provided high-quality educational programming for over 20 years, inspiring students of all ages to learn, grow, and succeed. Through my roles on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, I've been a strong and consistent advocate for the 21st CCLC program. However, grantees have been unable to use the funding we've secured to deliver school-day support to students who have transitioned to virtual learninga significant disservice to not only children, but also their parents, said Senator Murkowski. COVID-19 has … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-welcomes-federal-approval-for-willow-master-development-plan- Alaska Delegation Welcomes Federal Approval for Willow Master Development Plan 2020-10-27 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.27.20 Alaska Delegation Welcomes Federal Approval for Willow Master Development Plan 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) released itsRecord of Decisionfor the Willow Master Development Plan in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). As we navigate these uncertain times, the federal approval of a major new North Slope development project provides real opportunities for Alaska and a path forward to help rebuild and strengthen our economy for years to come,said Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Willow could put hundreds of Alaskans back to work, boost state revenues, and generate more than 160,000 barrels of daily throughput for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. I thank the BLM team for their work to complete this comprehensive review, and appreciate ConocoPhillips' efforts to address community concerns in their project design. With this important Record of Decision completed, the NRP-A is slated to be among the hottest energy prospects in the world,said Sullivan. The Willow project alone willbemassiveandbring to our state hundreds of good-paying jobs forhard-workingAlaskans, more than one hundred thousand barrels a day in TAPS throughput, and billions of dollars in economic activitywithout negatively impacting the environment Alaskans cherish.We as a delegation have fought hard with the administration against those in the Lower 48 who want to shut Alaska's economy down, and I have every intention of protecting what we've earned.I thank the Department of Interior for their work on this important project. The Willow project represents immense potential for our state, and this ROD comes at a critical time, said Young.The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our economy. We must continue making progress on projects like Willow that could bring good-paying jobs, significant revenue, and the resources we need to make America energy independent. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-to-confirm_judge-amy-coney-barrett-to-supreme-court Murkowski Votes to Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court 2020-10-26 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.26.20 Murkowski Votes to Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as the next Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of 52-48. On Saturday, prior to the vote, Senator Murkowski spoke on the Senate floor to explain her opposition to the process, but turning to the decision of whether Judge Amy Coney Barrett is qualified to serve on the highest court in the land, announced she would vote in favor of the nominee. My constitutional responsibility is to now look beyond process and to vote based on a solid evaluation of her qualifications and fitness of judicial temperament, said Senator Murkowski. I have reviewed Judge Barrett's confirmation hearing and her writings. I also had a lengthy discussion with her this week to delve further into her record and views of jurisprudence. It is clear that she is qualified by any objective standard and has received the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association. She has demonstrated a strong command of the law, intellect, discipline, and, ultimately, the capability to hold the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. In Case You Missed It: Click here for Senator Murkowski's full statement announcing her vote. Click here to watch Senator Murkowski's floor speech. Click here to read Senator Murkowski's floor speech. Speech Excerpts: I have looked inward, considering in these difficult days what I believe is best for the institutions of our government. And I recognize that confirming this nominee is not going to heal, it's not going to salve the wounds that those institutions have endured. But neither will threats that, should the balance of power in this chamber change, that everything is on the table including the end of the legislative filibuster and packing the Court. I do not believe that moving forward on a nominee just over a week removed from a pitched presidential election, when… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-announces-how-she-will-vote-on-nomination-of_judge-amy-coney-barrett- Murkowski Announces How She Will Vote on Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett 2020-10-24 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.24.20 Murkowski Announces How She Will Vote on Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as the next Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court: I voted no on the motion to proceed yesterday because I have stated on multiple occasions since 2016 I do not believe the Senate should take up a Supreme Court nomination this close to a presidential election. I have been clear in that position throughout this process. With that vote, my view did not prevail, so the question now facing the Senateis whether Judge Amy Coney Barrett is qualified to serve on the highest court in the land. My constitutional responsibility is to now look beyond process and to vote based on a solid evaluation of her qualifications and fitness of judicial temperament. I have reviewed Judge Barrett's confirmation hearing and her writings. I also had a lengthy discussion with her this week to delve further into her record and views of jurisprudence. It is clear that she is qualified by any objective standard and has received the highest possible rating from the American Bar Association. She has demonstrated a strong command of the law, intellect, discipline, and, ultimately, the capability to hold the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. There will be at least one more procedural vote on Sunday, and I will once again object to advancing the nomination past cloture. Assuming that motion prevails, when we reach a final vote, I will vote to confirm Judge Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court. Click here to watch Senator Murkowski's floor speech. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-time-op-ed-by-senators-hassan-murkowski-on-their-bipartisan-efforts-to-ensure-a-future-covid-19-vaccine-is-safe-and-effective ICYMI: TIME Op-Ed by Senators Hassan, Murkowski on Their Bipartisan Efforts to Ensure a Future COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe and Effective 2020-10-23 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.23.20 ICYMI: TIME Op-Ed by Senators Hassan, Murkowski on Their Bipartisan Efforts to Ensure a Future COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe and Effective In case you missed it, U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wrote a piece for TIME on the importance of a transparent vaccine review process that maintains key oversight measures to ensure that a future COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and to boost public confidence. The Senators recently introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention follow well-established measures so that COVID-19 vaccines meet rigorous standards that the public can rely on. To read the Senators' op-ed, click here or see below: TIME: The FDA and CDC Promised Transparency in the Vaccine Approval Process. Here's How Congress Can Hold Them to It By Senators Maggie Hassan and Lisa Murkowski The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the health and economic well-being of families and communities across the country, and this virus will remain a significant threat until a safe and effective vaccine can be made available to all. While we all hope to get potential vaccines reviewed, produced and distributed as quickly as possible, we can't sacrifice safety and efficacy for speed. It is also critically important that the public has confidence in the federal government's vaccine review process, which includes assurances that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has followed the necessary protocols to ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness. Together, we've introduced the Safe Authorization for Vaccines during Emergencies (SAVE) Act to ensure that the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) follow well-established measures so that COVID-19 vaccines meet rigorous standards that the public can rely on. The FDA and CDC have existing vaccine review processes that are considered the gold standard by public-health experts around the world. During… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-murkowski-and-sullivan-receive-security-briefing-on-alaska-election-security- Senators Murkowski and Sullivan Receive Security Briefing on Alaska Election Security 2020-10-23 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.23.20 Senators Murkowski and Sullivan Receive Security Briefing on Alaska Election Security After reports some Alaskans were targeted by Iran in an effort to intimidate American voters, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, today released the following statement following a security briefing on election security in Alaska: This morning, we received detailed briefings by FBI and intelligence community officials on election security in Alaska. Given that our state and some of our citizens have already been targeted by Iran through spoofed emails designed to intimidate voters, Alaskans need to remain vigilant about the possibility of continued misinformation attacks from Iran or other foreign governments meant to sow discord and dissent or cast doubt on the integrity of Alaska's electoral system and infrastructure. We were assured there have been no known security breaches on Alaska election systems, which remain secure. Alaskans should remain skeptical about sensationalist, dubious, and last-minute claims about Alaska election infrastructure. If Alaskans see or hear evidence of such tactics, they should direct questions to State & Local election officials, the FBI, or congressional offices. Background: On October 21, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Ratcliffe and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray announced Iran targeted American voters with fake emails used to intimidate voters, which included Alaskans. Click here for Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe's remarks. Click here for a joint statement from Select Committee on Intelligence Acting Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) on the matter. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/feinstein-murkowski-introduce-resolution-supporting-domestic-violence-awareness-month Feinstein, Murkowski Introduce Resolution Supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020-10-22 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.22.20 Feinstein, Murkowski Introduce Resolution Supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced a bipartisan resolution in support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed in October. The resolution would raise further awareness about the ongoing problem of domestic violence in the United States and the struggles survivors face, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic Violence Awareness Month encourages survivors to share their stories so that others will know they are not alone, said Senator Feinstein. This is particularly important right now, when the pandemic has left so many feeling isolated. Silence only allows the cycle of abuse to continue. I hope our resolution will show more survivors of domestic violence that they aren't alone and should feel comfortable coming forward so their abusers can be held accountable. Domestic violence is rampant in Alaska with statistics that are completely unacceptable. Unfortunately, isolation measures and increased stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic have only increased the reports of domestic violence in my state, said Senator Murkowski. Creating lasting policy changes to help put a stop to assault and abuse has long been a priority of mine. I'm proud to join Senator Feinstein on this resolution to bring awareness to the challenges we continue to face in this arena, and also to acknowledge the strength, bravery and resilience of domestic violence survivors. The full text of the resolution can be found here. Excerpts of the Resolution: According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, up to 12,000,000 individuals in the United States report experiencing intimate partner violence annually, including physical violence, rape, or stalking. More than 160 States, counties, and cities have experienced an increase in reports of domestic violence during the COVID19 pandemic. Domestic violence programs and hotlines have se… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-bipartisan-call-for-quick-distribution-of-liheap-assistance Murkowski Joins Bipartisan Call for Quick Distribution of LIHEAP Assistance 2020-10-16 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.16.20 Murkowski Joins Bipartisan Call for Quick Distribution of LIHEAP Assistance As state agencies prepare to assist low-income homeowners and renters with heating their homes in the upcoming winter months, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) in a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) quickly at the highest level possible under the current continuing resolution.Forty Senators signed on to the letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murkowski fights each year to ensure that the LIHEAP continues to receive adequate funding. As the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, LIHEAP provides critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. October marks the start of the heating season for many states and low-income families and seniors will be facing additional strains on their household budgets. In addition, millions of low income families, including seniors, are facing new and severe financial hardship due to the coronavirus, making the assistance provided through LIHEAP more important than ever, the Senators wrote. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides eligible low-income households with help paying a portion of their heating and utility bills. Eligibility is based on a household's combined income as well as the number of residents. In fiscal year 2020, Maine received more than $40 million in LIHEAP funding. Low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities can get help paying their winter heating bills by applying for LIHEAP through their local Community Action Agency.Benefit amounts are based on each household's income level, family size, whether they live in subsidized or non-subsidized housing, and the type of fuel used for heating. Click HERE to read the full letter. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-lisa-murkowski-congresswoman-elaine-luria-urge-ndaa-conferees-to-include-nela-in-final-conference-report- Senator Lisa Murkowski, Congresswoman Elaine Luria Urge NDAA Conferees to Include NELA in Final Conference Report 2020-10-15 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.15.20 Senator Lisa Murkowski, Congresswoman Elaine Luria Urge NDAA Conferees to Include NELA in Final Conference Report This week, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va.-2, led 29 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, urging them to include the text of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (S. 903/H.R. 3306) in the final Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Provisions of this bipartisan bill have been included in the Senate's NDAA and the House of Representatives' Clean Economy and Jobs Innovation Act. The United States can be a strategic clean energy leader through the development of innovative nuclear technologies, said Senator Murkowski. The Department of Defense would be able to deploy advanced microreactors to bolster reliability, resilience, and security. Homes, schools, and businesses could switch to clean, safe, and more affordable power. This letter demonstrates that there is broad bipartisan and bicameral support for advanced nuclear energy, and all of us want to make the most of this policymaking opportunity. As a naval surface warfare officer who operated nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers, I know that the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act will safeguard national security,said Congresswoman Luria.By building a thriving nuclear workforce with expertise in defense-critical areas, our nation can once again become a leader in nuclear energy. I strongly urge the NDAA conferees to include this bipartisan legislation in the final conference report. The bill has seven key sections designed to jumpstart innovation in advanced nuclear energy: Establishing a nationwide strategy for nuclear science and engineering research and development; Providing for at least two advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects, to be completed by the end of 2025; Revising federal energy contracting authority so that the government can enter into Power Purchase Agreements… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/-supreme-court-ruling-allows-administration-to-end-census-count-early- Supreme Court Ruling Allows Administration to End Census Count Early 2020-10-14 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.14.20 Supreme Court Ruling Allows Administration to End Census Count Early U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after a U.S. Supreme Court order Tuesday granted the Justice Department's request to halt the 2020 Census count early, blocking a lower court order that required the government to continue with the count as originally planned through October 31, 2020: The Census data collection deadline has continued to play out like a yo-yo. I'm disappointed to see the Supreme Court order that the 2020 Census count can be cut short while appeals move forward. Ending data collection prematurely will undermine efforts for an accurate count of our nation and especially historically undercounted communities. While I continue to push to advance my bipartisan legislation with Senator Schatz, the 2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act, to ensure the Census Bureau has the time needed to finish the counting operations and data processing, I strongly encourage every Alaskan who hasn't participated in the Census questionnaire to do so in the next day. The deadline to respond online is now October 15, 2020 through 11:59 pm Hawaii Standard Time. What takes just a few minutes to complete has impacts to our state that last for the next ten years as it determines how much federal funding our local communities will receive for public services like schools and roads. This is too important to not get right. Background: U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) previously introduced the 2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act, alongside U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Congressmen Don Young (R-AK) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to provide for additional time to complete the 2020 Census and is also cosponsored by Senators David Perdue (R-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Jon Tester (D-MT). Their bill extends the Census operations of nonresponse follow-up and self-response to October 31, 2020 as well as ex… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-to-receive-46-million-in-usda-grants_to-expand-high-speed-internet-access Alaska to Receive $46 million in USDA Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet Access 2020-10-13 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.13.20 Alaska to Receive $46 million in USDA Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet Access U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, (all R-Alaska) joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue today for a virtual announcement of more than $46 million in USDA Broadband ReConnect Program grants being awarded to two Alaska service providers to establish and improve broadband infrastructure in some of the state's most remote communities. The grants are matched by nearly $17 million contributed by the grant recipients, bringing the total investment to roughly $63 million. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the shortcomings of not being connected, a familiar problem to many Alaskans for far too long. We must continue to help Alaskan communities have the telecommunications broadband infrastructure that is taken for granted elsewhere,said Senator Murkowski.The announcement of these two grants is incredibly exciting news for Southeast and the Aleutians, and will improve connectivity for families, businesses, schools, other critical community services, and so much more. I appreciate Senator Sullivan and Congressman Young for working with me on this effort and thank Secretary Purdue for addressing the needs of Alaskans. Gaining access to high-speed internet connectivity can be life-changing, especially for residents in rural Alaska where communication resources and infrastructure are most scarce,said Senator Sullivan. Thousands more Alaskansacross the statewill finally experience a utility so many of us take for granted, one that has shown itself to be absolutely indispensable in the age of COVID-19. Iappreciate that Secretary Perdue has made these funds available after our numerous discussions and correspondencesin whichI have calledattention to the lack of broadband across our state. As a member of the Commerce Committee, I will continue to work relentlessly to bring high-speed internet access to all communities across Alaska. "Alaskans from our … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowskis-bipartisan-legislation-addressing-crisis-of-missing-murdered-and-trafficked-indigenous-women-signed-into-law Murkowskis Bipartisan Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous Women Signed into Law 2020-10-10 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.10.20 Murkowski's Bipartisan Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous Women Signed into Law Today President Trump signed into law Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, two bills led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Indigenous women. Specifically, the bills work to improve the federal government's response through increased coordination, development of best practices, and creation of a joint commission on violent crime, ensuring Alaska Natives and survivors have a voice in developing methods to end these horrible crimes. Savanna's Act improves coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increases data collection and information sharing, and empowers tribal governments with access to the necessary law enforcement databases in cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, wherever they occur. Not Invisible Act improves engagement among law enforcement, tribal leaders, federal partners, and service providers. The bill also designates an official to coordinate efforts across agencies and establishes a commission of tribal and federal stakeholders to make recommendations to the Department of Interior and Department of Justice on combating the epidemic of disappearances, homicide, violent crime and trafficking of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Today we've reached a huge milestone in our efforts to provide justice for victims, healing for their families, and protection for women, children, and families across the nation. I'm proud that we have elevated this issue from raising awareness, to actionhaving created enduring policy to make real, lasting change. And the way to make that necessary change is through partnerships, coordination, and pooling resourcesby working to solve this problem, together. Today we are reminding these families, they matter and their loved ones who are lost matter, said Senator Murkowski. Advancing these bills has b… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/seward-and-alaska-railroad-awarded-20-million-grant-for-port-improvements Seward & Alaska Railroad Awarded $20 Million Grant for Port Improvements 2020-10-09 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.09.20 Seward & Alaska Railroad Awarded $20 Million Grant for Port Improvements U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, (all R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement today of a roughly$19.78 millionport infrastructure grant issued by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the City of Seward and the Alaska Railroad Corporation to improve the freight dock and corridor in Seward, Alaska. The Alaska congressional delegationwrote a letterto Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao supporting the grant application in May. This grant announcement by MARAD is an exciting development for the people of Seward and the industries that form the backbone of our economy, particularly fisheries and tourism,the delegation said. An expanded and revitalized port at the southern tip of Alaska's Railbelt will unleash new economic opportunities for Alaskans on the Peninsula and throughout the state, while also expanding vital transportation services to a number of rural communities. We also can't overstate the importance of this infrastructure to our maritime security and Coast Guard operations, with Seward soon poised to host a new Fast Response Cutter, in addition to the fueling and maintenance work already conducted at this important port. Mayor Terry, the community and the Railroad made a strong case for the wide-ranging benefits of this project, and we thank Secretary Chao for heeding the voices of Alaskans. According to the grant announcement, the project will lengthen and widen the primary freight dock at the Port of Seward to accommodate growing freight cargoes and minimize operational conflicts between freight and cruise movements, both onshore and in the harbor. Additionally, the project will include a roadway connection between the dock and Airport Road, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-shaheen-led-bipartisan-letter-urging-inclusion-of-pfas-provisions-in-final-fy21-ndaa Murkowski Joins Shaheen Led Bipartisan Letter Urging Inclusion of PFAS Provisions in Final FY21 NDAA 2020-10-08 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.08.20 Murkowski Joins Shaheen Led Bipartisan Letter Urging Inclusion of PFAS Provisions in Final FY21 NDAA U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined a bipartisan letter, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), along with 19 Senators, to Senate and House Armed Services Committee leadership urging the inclusion of provisions in the final fiscal year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to prevent and address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. The NDAA is annual defense legislation that authorizes the United States' national defense programs and priorities for the fiscal year. The Senate and House passed FY2021 defense bills earlier this year, and leadership from both committees are currently negotiating a final version of the bill to be considered by both chambers of Congress before going to the President to be signed into law. In their letter, the Senators underscored the adverse health effects tied to PFAS chemicals, two of which perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have emerged as widespread contaminants to the drinking water sources of military bases across the country due to their use in aqueous firefighting foam (AFFF) used by the military. They cited the Department of Defense's PFAS Task Force report updating the count of military installations impacted by these materials from 401 to 651. The Senators also expressed concern about occupational exposure for firefighters in particular who are more exposed to these chemicals through the use of firefighting foam and also potentially through their personal protective equipment (PPE). They argued that the serious health implications tied to these chemicals coupled with unknown long-term health effects demands action from Congress and the attention of the Department of Defense. The Senators wrote, We acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the Department of Defense (DOD); however, additional action is needed to address the immediate concerns of citizens near these military bases who are … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/amidst-a-pandemic-and-ahead-of-flu-season-murkowski-and-colleagues-send-bipartisan-letter-calling-for-americans-to-receive-critical-immunizations- Amidst a Pandemic & Ahead of Flu Season, Murkowski and Colleagues Send Bipartisan Letter Calling for Americans to Receive Critical Immunizations 2020-10-07 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.07.20 Amidst a Pandemic & Ahead of Flu Season, Murkowski and Colleagues Send Bipartisan Letter Calling for Americans to Receive Critical Immunizations Carper, Murkowski, Hassan, Smith press HHS, CDC to take steps to make sure vulnerable populations, especially children and seniors, receive vaccines Amidst a pandemic and ahead of flu season, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Tina Smith (D-MN), called on the Administration in partnership with state and local governments to ensure all Americans continue receiving necessary immunizations to prevent additional illness and outbreaks. In a letter to the leaders of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bipartisan lawmakers called attention to low immunization rates even before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, despite the fact that childhood vaccines are one of the most cost-effective and life-extending public health interventions providing immunity to infectious and deadly diseases. In fact, vaccination to the seasonal flu could prevent up to 810,000 hospitalizations and 61,000 deaths each year. Additionally, low adult immunization rates for vaccine-preventable diseases cost the U.S. economy about $9 billion each year. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to the yearly influenza vaccination varies across state, age group, and demographic information. In 2017, only 37 percent of adults adhered to the recommendations, a 6-percentage point drop from 2016 Should our Nation's influenza immunization rates remain low as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we could see an unprecedented strain on our healthcare resources and an inconceivable death toll. A high influenza disease rate will make it difficult to distinguish between the two viruses, resulting in diagnostic uncertainty. This can lead to mistreatment, coinfection, and confusion ab… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-welcomes-cross-border-permit-for-alaska-canada-railway Alaska Delegation Welcomes Cross-Border Permit for Alaska-Canada Railway 2020-10-02 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.02.20 Alaska Delegation Welcomes Cross-Border Permit for Alaska-Canada Railway U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, issued the following statements after President Trump signed a presidential border-crossing permit for the Alaska-Alberta (A2A) Railway Development Corporation to lay track across the border between Alaska and Canada. The proposed $17-billion freight rail project would run through northwest Canada and connect into the existing Alaska Railroad system, transporting energy, minerals, and other commodities to global markets through ports in Southcentral Alaska. The effort to establish a railway connecting Alaska and Canada has been underway for decades, but never this close to reality. My father advocated for a rail connection between Canada and Alaska throughout his years in public office, and I have likewise worked with my partners in the delegation to advance the concept since coming to the Senate. I thank the President for sharing this vision and approving the cross-border permit for the A2A project. This rail infrastructure would strengthen the relationship between the United States and Canada while boosting Alaska's economy for years to come. As the project moves forward, I encourage the project sponsors and federal permitting agencies to continue to engage and consult with indigenous peoples and local communities along its proposed route, Murkowski said. TheA2Aproject would be a boon for Alaska, with the potential to expand our transportation system, decrease the cost of goods, provide greater security for food and supplies, and create hundredsifnot thousands of good-paying jobs for hard-working Alaska families during the construction and operation phases,Sullivan said. I thank the President for approving this permit and for his administration's dogged focus on advancing important economic and job-producing projects in Alaska. TheA2Aproject represents tremendous potential, not only for our economy but for the delivery of affordable energy fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-leads-bipartisan-call-to-ensure-noaa-surveys-proceed-in-2021 Murkowski Leads Bipartisan Call to Ensure NOAA Surveys Proceed in 2021 2020-10-02 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.02.20 Murkowski Leads Bipartisan Call to Ensure NOAA Surveys Proceed in 2021 In May 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries started canceling research surveys to protect the health of its crews and personnel at sea on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. In support of coastal communities across the country who rely on these surveys as a basis for their livelihoods, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led a letter, co-signed by 18 of her Senate colleagues, calling on NOAA to identify and resolve any challenges created by COVID-19 that prevented surveys from occurring in 2020 in order to ensure surveys could be successfully executed in 2021. The COVID pandemic created formidable challenges for NOAA this year as the agency prepared to execute its annual research surveys. While I understand the decision to cancel this year's surveys as a result of COVID, it is critical that NOAA Leadership begin preparing immediately for a safe and successful field season in 2021. We cannot lose another year of critical data to this pandemic. I look forward to reviewing the agency's strategy to ensure that the data we need to properly manage our fisheries and marine resources is collected, while ensuring the safety of all federal personnel, said Senator Murkowski. In their letter, the Senators highlight the value of NOAA's work to fisheries and the blue economy. Fishery and ecosystem research surveys are essential to support the U.S. blue economy and provide valuable fishery-independent data needed to carry out provisions of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Data collected from NOAA's research surveys are used to manage commercial and recreational fisheries that contributed 1.74 million jobs, over $240 billion in sales, and $111 billion in gross domestic product to the U.S. economy in 2017. The economic output of U.S. fisheries is maximized by setting accurate quotas and catch limits, which depend on the long-term, fishery-independent datasets collect… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-stronger-push-on-mineral-security Murkowski Welcomes Stronger Push on Mineral Security 2020-10-02 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.02.20 Murkowski Welcomes Stronger Push on Mineral Security U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement on President Trump's new executive order to improve our nation's mineral security. The new order, issued on Wednesday evening, focuses on addressing the threat to the domestic supply chain from reliance on critical minerals from foreign adversaries and supporting the domestic mining and processing industries. The Trump administration has been a strong partner and continues to show real leadership in the effort to improve our nation's mineral security, Murkowski said. This new executive order will result in new actions to rebuild supply chains and end our reliance on foreign nations for the minerals we could be producing here at home. I thank the administration for recognizing the importance of this issue and urge Congress to provide additional authorities through the passage of my American Mineral Security Act. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the United States imported at least 50 percent of its supply of 46 different nonfuel minerals in 2019, including 100 percent of 17 of them. China, in particular, has consolidated control over the supply chains of many of the minerals used to make medical equipment, smart phones, clean energy, and defense technologies. This week's executive order builds on an executive order issued by President Trump in 2017 and actions taken by various Departments and agencies since then. The new order will help focus agencies on finding solutions to supply chain challenges and should result in needed improvements in mapping, permitting, financing, and other areas. Murkowski has long been a champion of U.S. mineral security. Her bipartisan legislation, the American Mineral Security Act, would ensure timely surveying of domestic deposits of critical minerals, cut down on unnecessary permitting delays for projects to produce them, promote workforce development, and invest in research and development to increase recycling and the develop… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/schatz-murkowski-call-on-census-bureau-to-comply-with-court-ruling-continue-counting-until-october-31 Schatz, Murkowski Call On Census Bureau To Comply With Court Ruling, Continue Counting Until October 31 2020-10-01 2020 2020-10 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 10.01.20 Schatz, Murkowski Call On Census Bureau To Comply With Court Ruling, Continue Counting Until October 31 Census Bureau Currently Plans To End Self-Response, Field Operations For 2020 Census On October 5 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) urged the Census Bureau toreverse its decision to end the self-response period and field data collection for the 2020 Census on October 5 and instead allow operations to continue until October 31. This bipartisan effort follows the Census Bureau's decision to ignore a recent federal court ruling, whichfoundthat ending the counting operations early would result in a serious undercount. The Decennial Census has a profound impact on both representation and federal funding for all communities, and must be completed in a full, fair, and accurate manner,the senators wrote in their letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham.It is imperative that you extend self-response and field data collect operations to the original October 31 end date, and continue to count people across the country until then. On September 24, Judge Lucy Koh blocked the CensusBureau from endingthe counton September 30 anddelivering apportionment data to the president on December 31, 2020. However, the Bureau declined to follow the spiritof the ruling by selecting October 5 as the new target end date just five days after the deadline that the judge found would result in an inaccurate count. Delays in census operations due to the COVID-19 pandemicwillresult in a severe undercount of the population, specifically in Native, minority, and rural communities across the country. Extending the deadline until October 31,as the administration had originally proposed,willallow the Census Bureau to continue collecting and processing data, which will lead to a more accurate count. Earlier this month, Senators Schatz and Murkowskiintr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/duckworth-murkowski-urge-senate-leadership-to-include-head-start-funding-in-a-future-covid-relief-package Duckworth, Murkowski Urge Senate Leadership to Include Head Start Funding in a Future COVID Relief Package 2020-09-30 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.30.20 Duckworth, Murkowski Urge Senate Leadership to Include Head Start Funding in a Future COVID Relief Package U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) sent a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership requesting that any future COVID-19 relief package include emergency funding for Head Start programs that have experienced an uptick in operational costs due to expanded programming and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Head Start programs deliver high-quality, evidence-based education and comprehensive services to children across the country. During this public health crisis, the organization has made it possible for families to receive critical health and education resources they would not have had otherwise. Emergency funding is needed so Head Start programs can cover these added expenses and enable more low-income parents to access the high-quality child care they need to get back to work. Programs like Head Start are critical to giving kids in Illinois and across the country the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. These services are a lifeline for many families during the COVID-19 pandemic. We should do all we can to make sure these programs can continue providing education and high-quality childcare so children access their full potential, said Senator Duckworth. In Alaska and across the country, Head Start programs not only provide child care so parents can work, they help vulnerable families get on a path to a successful future.They provide high-quality early learning, health, and nutrition services for infants and toddlers.They also help parents learn strong parenting skills, advance their family's well-being, and successfully navigate times of crisis. During this pandemic, Head Start programs have employed innovative ways to provide these crucial services while centers have been closed.But in order to maintain these efforts and re-open centers safely, Head Start needs additional support.We must ensure that these programs have suffi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/us-senate-passes-legislation-to-fund-the-government- U.S. Senate Passes Legislation to Fund the Government 2020-09-30 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.30.20 U.S. Senate Passes Legislation to Fund the Government U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today made the following statement after voting in favor of the continuing resolution (HR 8337), which will fund the government at current levels through December 11, 2020: Today I supported a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11, avoiding an unnecessary shutdown. It is important that we keep our government operating, for the thousands of Alaskans that are federal employees and for all Americans who rely on government services. A government shutdown is never a good outcome, and with so much uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, it's imperative that we provide certainty where we can and prevent any additional economic hardship weighing on Americans. While this keeps the wheels on the bus for several more months, I look forward to continuing our work toward reaching a long-term solution. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/new-legislation-would-provide-greater-fiscal-stability-for-the-university-of-alaska New Legislation Would Provide Greater Fiscal Stability for the University of Alaska 2020-09-29 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.29.20 New Legislation Would Provide Greater Fiscal Stability for the University of Alaska U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, last week introduced new legislation, the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act, in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The legislation is supported by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, also R-Alaska, and would resolve the University of Alaska's (University) unfulfilled land grant to help it generate revenues that support its students and operations. The University currently has one of the smallest land endowmentsjust 110,000 acresof any applicable institution of higher education. While those lands help the University generate revenues, a complicated history of federal laws and an adverse court ruling have prevented the State of Alaska (State) from being able to directly convey additional lands to the University from its own entitlementdespite that being Congress' clear intent for several decades. The delegation's new bill addresses these issues by allowing the University and State to jointly identify up to 500,000 acres for potential conveyance, which the Department of the Interior (DOI) would survey. The State and University would then work with DOI to transfer up to 360,000 acres in total to the University. Any land ultimately transferred to the University would be deducted from Alaska's outstanding statehood lands entitlement, which still totals several million acres. As we navigate these unprecedented times,the University of Alaska will continue to play a critical role by providing quality educations to young Alaskans and future generations, said Senator Murkowski, Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.This legislationwillfulfillthe University of Alaska's land grant for the benefit of its students and help provide a permanent foundation to support higher education in Alaska.This is key to a healthy and vibrantfuturefor our state, and I thankthe Governor and the Universityfor workingwith us todevelop t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-comments-on-us-supreme-court-nominee Murkowski Comments on U.S. Supreme Court Nominee 2020-09-26 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.26.20 Murkowski Comments on U.S. Supreme Court Nominee U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after President Trump nominated U.S. Circuit Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court: For weeks I have stated that I do not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to an election. But today the President exercised his constitutional authority to nominate an individual to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Supreme Court nominee, just as I did in 2016. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-criticizes-circuit-court-ruling-against-native-corporations Alaska Delegation Criticizes Circuit Court Ruling Against Native Corporations 2020-09-25 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.25.20 Alaska Delegation Criticizes Circuit Court Ruling Against Native Corporations U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today commented on a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit determining Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) are ineligible for tribal assistance appropriated by theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The ruling overturns an earlier June 26 ruling by a U.S. District Court that concluded ANCs are eligible for the aid. We strongly disagree with the D.C. Circuit Court's decision today on the status of Alaska Nativepeopleunder the law,thedelegation said. TheCARES ActCoronavirus Relief Fund tribal set-aside was created to provide pandemic relieffor allAmerican Indian and Alaska Native people, regardless of how they receive the relief. It is unconscionable that COVID-19 aid would be withheld from a subset of Alaska Native people simply because of theuniquetribal system that exists in Alaska. Furthermore, this decision goes beyond the CARES Act, erasing more than 45 years of precedent and practice, with the potential to undo the tribal systems of health care, housing, education, workforce development, and more in our great state. Timeline: -On March 27, theCARES Actwas signed into law, including an $8 billion set-aside for tribal governments. -On April 14, the Alaska congressional delegation wrote to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt detailing the unique legal framework and circumstances for tribal entities in Alaska. The letter provided a historical background on Alaska regional corporations, which are made eligible forCARES Actassistance because of the definition of Indian tribe used in the bill. -In April, several tribes filed lawsuits to preventCARES Actfunds from being distributedtoANCs. -On April 23, the delegation submitted an op-ed to theAnchorage Daily Newsto correct the mischaracterizations about ANCs and explain why the entities are eligible… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-welcomes-next-step-on-rulemaking-to_help-southeast-alaska-build-a-more-sustainable-economy Delegation Welcomes Next Step on Rulemaking to Help Southeast Alaska Build a More Sustainable Economy 2020-09-25 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.25.20 Delegation Welcomes Next Step on Rulemaking to Help Southeast Alaska Build a More Sustainable Economy U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Don Young, all R-Alaska, today issued the following statements after the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) published the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Tongass-specific Roadless Rule. The final EIS includes six alternatives, with a full exemption selected as the preferred alternative. The Tongass is home to Alaskans who want what most Americans take for grantedthe opportunity to live, work, and play in the communities in which they grew up, Murkowski said. A full exemption from the Roadless Rule is about accessaccess to recreation, renewable energy, and more. This puts us on track for a Record of Decision and final rule by the end of the year, in turn opening the door for individuals and communities throughout Southeast to build a more sustainable economy while still ensuring good stewardship of our lands and waters. I thank Secretary Perdue and the Forest Service team for their continued good work on this important rulemaking. For nearly two decades, theRoadlessRule has stifled opportunities for Alaskans in Southeast to harvest timber, connect communities, develop minerals and build vital energy projects,Sullivan said. With this newTongass-specific regulation, the Forest Service has struck a better balance betweenconservation and fosteringopportunities for Alaskans to make a living.I thank Secretary Perdue,Chief Christiansen, andthe Forest Service team for working with Alaskans and reaching this critical stage on the path to a more responsible and workableRoadlessRule. For years, I have said that the one-size-fits-all Roadless Rule was a disaster for Alaska. This Congress, I have been working closely with the President and senior White House staff to secure a Roadless Rule exemption for the Tongass. Not only has the Roadless Rule put an unconscionable economic and social burden on Southeast Alaska, it also violates… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-court-ruling-moving-2020-census-deadline-back-to-late-october Murkowski Welcomes Court Ruling Moving 2020 Census Deadline Back to Late October 2020-09-25 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.25.20 Murkowski Welcomes Court Ruling Moving 2020 Census Deadline Back to Late October U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Judge Lucy H. Koh issued a preliminary injunction which prevents the Trump administration from ending the 2020 Census count by Sept. 30, a month before the previously scheduled completion date of Oct. 31. Judge Koh also bars officials from delivering completed population data to the White House on Dec. 31 versus the April 2021 delivery date earlier requested by the administration in response to the pandemic. The Judge found that a shortened census timeline would likely lead to inaccurate data for historically undercounted communities. Alaska is well-known to be a difficult state to enumerate and flawed census data would hurt affected communities for a full decade. I've continued to stress the importance of ensuring a fair and accurate census count and the need to address the various challenges the Census Bureau has faced this year that were created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This court ruling is welcome news. By going back to the October 31 deadline, we are providing everyone the necessary time to help ensure we get the census count right, said Senator Murkowski. The reality, though, is that this court ruling may face an appeal, continuing the uncertainty for census operations. My bipartisan legislation with Senator Schatz, the 2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act, is still important to provide certainty and clarity to the Census Bureau that they will have the time needed to finish the counting operations and data processing, ensuring a more accurate population count. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to respond to the Census if you have not already done so. Background: U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) previously introduced the 2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act, alongside U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Congressmen Don Young (R-AK) and Ruben Gallego… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/white-house-covid-19-task-force-provides-an-update-on-the-federal-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic White House COVID-19 Task Force Provides an Update on the Federal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020-09-24 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.24.20 White House COVID-19 Task Force Provides an Update on the Federal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Development, Testing and Contact Tracing As communities in Alaska and across the country work to address the health and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) participated in a Senate HELP Committee hearing focused on the COVID-19 federal response. The hearing included information on testing, data collection and vaccine development, and how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has used funding provided by Congressto support state, territorial, tribal, and local public health capacity. The witnesses testifying in the hearing provided an update on recent actions to address supply chain needs and accelerate the research, development, and manufacturing scale-up of COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines, as well as plans for the distribution of vaccines. Expert witnesses included: CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn, and Admiral Brett Giroir of HHS. Recently, a CDC team deployed to Anchorage, Alaska to assist the Anchorage Health Department with responding to a COVID-19 outbreak within the population experiencing homelessness. Senator Murkowski began her opening remarks thanking the CDC for their swift response in helping Alaskans address this issue and for the agency's continued effort assisting Alaska's state and local public health departments during COVID-19. Click here for video of Senator Murkowski Murkowski asked Dr. Redfield for additional clarity on how the first allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine will be determined, whether the tribal health system receives its own allocation, and how critical populations will be defined within the federal distribution plan. When we talk about critical populations, it's my understanding that the first phase … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-convenes-hearing-on-offshore-energy-technologies Murkowski Convenes Hearing on Offshore Energy Technologies 2020-09-22 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.22.20 Murkowski Convenes Hearing on Offshore Energy Technologies U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired ahearingto examine the development of emerging offshore energy technologies, including renewable resources such as offshore wind and marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy. When most people hear the phrase offshore energy,' they think of offshore oil and gas, which make a substantial contribution to our economy and energy security. But there are numerous other ways to produce energy in the ocean, Murkowski said. Coastal states have the opportunity to expand and reimagine their ocean-based economies with these technologies, and developing them will enable cleaner and more affordable energy for a wide range of communities. Murkowski also noted that from the wind and tidal energy capacities in Cook Inlet to the RivGen Power System now providing nearly half of the power used in the village of Igiugig, Alaska is an ideal proving ground for such technologies. Dr. Walter Cruickshank of the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management testified that securing offshore energy technologies such as wind, MHK, and the potential recovery of methane (gas) hydrates from the ocean floor creates American jobs and promotes innovation in the United States. The hearing also included testimony from: Daniel Simmons, the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy; Stuart Davies, the CEO of Ocean Renewable Power Company, which developed and manufactured the technology utilized in Igiugig; Siri Kindem, President of Equinor Wind US; and Jonathan Lewis, Senior Counsel at the Clean Air Task Force, who urged immediate passage of the American Energy Innovation Act to expand research and development for zero-carbon fuels. Murkowski is Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. An archived videoof today's hearing can be found on the committee'swebsite. Click here,here andhereto view Murkowski's questions for the witnesse… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-cortez-masto-legislation-addressing-crisis-of-missing-murdered-and-trafficked-indigenous-people-advances- Murkowski, Cortez Masto Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous People Advances 2020-09-22 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.22.20 Murkowski, Cortez Masto Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous People Advances U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) applauded the unanimous House passage of two bills to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Indigenous people (MMIP). The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, are both led by Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto and aim to combat the MMIP epidemic by improving the federal government's response through increased coordination, development of best practices, and creation of an advisory committee on violent crime. Both pieces of legislation passed the Senate in March of 2020 and will now be heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. The issue of missing or murdered Indigenous women has been a crisis for such a painfully long time. Many tribal advocates and family members of those affected worked so tirelessly on this issue, and I am proud to have worked alongside them to elevate this crisis at the local, state, and national level. The bipartisan action we have seen, from tribal communities to the administration, has been significant. With the Senate's passage of Savanna's Act now in both Congressional chambers, we are not just making headway, we are taking the necessary steps to make real, lasting change, said Senator Murkowski. Today is a big victory in our fight to provide justice for victims, healing for their families, and protection for women and children across the nation. Earlier this year, the Senate took an important step forward in addressing the epidemic of missing and murdered Native women and girls. I am proud to see the House following suit today by passing Savanna's Act to give local and Tribal law enforcement the federal resources they need to address this crisis. Today's vote brings us one step closer to finally acting to protect our Native sisters, mothers and daughtersand to honoring the memory of those taken. The Silver State is home to many Native commu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowskis-legislation-addressing-crisis-of-missing-murdered-and-trafficked-indigenous-people-advance_ Murkowskis Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous People Advance 2020-09-22 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.22.20 Murkowski's Legislation Addressing Crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Trafficked Indigenous People Advance U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded the unanimous House passage of two of her bills to address the crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Indigenous people. The bills, Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act, are both led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and aim to combat the epidemic by improving the federal government's response through increased coordination, development of best practices, and creation of an advisory committee on violent crime. Both pieces of legislation passed the Senate in March of 2020 and will now be heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. The issue of missing or murdered Indigenous women has been a crisis for such a painfully long time. Many tribal advocates and family members of those affected worked so tirelessly on this issue, and I am proud to have worked alongside them to elevate this crisis at the local, state, and national level. The bipartisan action we have seen, from tribal communities to the administration, has been significant. With the Senate's passage of Savanna's Act now in both Congressional chambers, we are not just making headway, we are taking the necessary steps to make real, lasting change, said Senator Murkowski. Today is a big victory in our fight to provide justice for victims, healing for their families, and protection for women and children across the nation. Savanna's Act, sponsored by Senator Murkowski and co-led with Senator Cortez Masto, improves coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increases data collection and information sharing, and empowers tribal governments with access to the necessary law enforcement databases 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-Gre… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-supreme-court-vacancy Murkowski Statement on Supreme Court Vacancy 2020-09-20 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.20.20 Murkowski Statement on Supreme Court Vacancy U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement on the United States Supreme Court vacancy: For weeks, I have stated that I would not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancythis close to the election. Sadly, what was then a hypothetical is now our reality, but my position has not changed. I did not support taking up a nomination eight months before the 2016 election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Justice Scalia. We are now even closer to the 2020 election less than two months out and I believe the same standard must apply. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401743 Congressman Don Young Announces $4 Million Rail Infrastructure and Safety Grant Awarded to Alaska Railroad Corporation 2020-09-18 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy Congressman Don Young Announces $4 Million Rail Infrastructure and Safety Grant Awarded to Alaska Railroad Corporation f t # e Washington, September 18, 2020 Washington, D.C. Today,Alaska Congressman Don Young, announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $4,110,480 to the Alaska Railroad Corporation as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program. This funding will be used to replace a timber bridge over the Trail River approximately 23 miles north of Seward. The new bridge will support the Alaska Railroad's freight and passenger services by allowing industry standard gross weight capabilities of railcars and intermodal double-stack cars from 263k to 286k. "Whether it is by train, plane, or watercraft, ensuring that Alaska's infrastructure is strong and safe is critical to our economy and way of life," said Congressman Don Young. "As former Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have seen first-hand the need for reliable roads, bridges, and highways. I am very grateful to the Department of Transportation for making this funding available to the Alaska Railroad. From tourism to the movement of goods and services, the work of the Alaska Railroad is vital. This funding will go a long way toward keeping the wheels turning on our trains for years to come. Infrastructure has always been one of my highest priorities in Congress, and I will always fight to ensure that Alaskan families and businesses can safely and effectively travel around our state." Click here for more grant information. ### f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/09/18/2020/murkowski-joins-colleagues-in-examining-ways-to-simplify-the-fafsa Murkowski Joins Colleagues in Examining Ways to Simplify the FAFSA 2020-09-18 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.18.20 Murkowski Joins Colleagues in Examining Ways to Simplify the FAFSA HELP Committee Hears Testimony on the FAFSA Simplification Act U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) took part in a Senate HELP Committee hearing focused on fixing the burdensome and complicated Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA), which students utilize to apply for federal student financial aid to help pay for college. The hearing explored legislative solutions to simplify and shorten the FAFSA, including making it easier for low-income families to qualify for federal Pell Grants. We must do a better job of not only communicating to high school students what grants and loans might be available to them to go to college, but also improve the process on how they go about accessing that aid. The reality is, Alaskan students and families have missed out on federal aid because the process to get there is unnecessarily complex and onerous. It's important that we work to simplify this process and better equip student to make these important decisions. There are a number of challenges in pursuing a higher educationthe application process for student aid shouldn't be one of them. Click here for video of Senator Murkowski discussing options to improve the FAFSA process. Related Issues: Education Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-help-military-families Murkowski and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Military Families 2020-09-18 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.18.20 Murkowski and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Military Families U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) as an original cosponsor of the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, legislation that would give military spouses with valid professional licenses in one state, reciprocity in the state where their spouse is currently serving on military orders. Military families consistently rate Utah as a top destination to serve, and a big reason why is the work our state has done to make sure professional military spouses licensed in one state can also work in Utah. The American people absolutely depend on the brave men and women of our nation's Armed Services, and the families of those brave men and women deserve all the support we can give them, said Senator Lee. This bill helps do that by making it easier for military spouses to work when they have to transition to a new duty station. While we prioritize supporting our military, we must ensure we are supporting their families as well. This legislation underscores the importance of reducing obstacles that prevent spouses of service members from using their occupational licenses when moving across states lines for a Permanent Change of Station. Not allowing them to use their license is a disservice to members of our military, their families, and the communities they live in, said Senator Murkowski. This topic has arisen many times from Alaska-based service members, and is an issue leaders within the Alaska military and at the VA are both hoping to address. This commonsense bill will not only employ spouses of service members, it will also save families time and money, including providing much-needed workers in communities across Alaska and the nation. Additional Senators cosponsoring the bill include: Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Martha McSally (R-AZ), John Boozman (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roy Bl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-statement-on-the-passing-of-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg Murkowski Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 2020-09-18 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.18.20 Murkowski Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) tonight made the following statement after hearing of the passing of Justice of United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Tonight America lost a true leader and pioneer. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second female Supreme Court Justice to sit on the bench. She has been a champion and crusader for equal justice and civil liberties and has made an enduring mark on history. Her life's story is a reminder of how far women have come in the fight for equality but there is more to be done. I have the greatest respect for her as a trailblazer among women. I am personally deeply saddened by her passing and know that women around the world who have also admired her tenacity and spirit feel the same. Tonight we mourn her passing and turn to honoring her life and legacy. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401735 Congressman Don Young Helps the House Pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to Protect Women in the Workplace 2020-09-17 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy Congressman Don Young Helps the House Pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to Protect Women in the Workplace f t # e Washington, September 17, 2020 Washington, D.C. Today, Alaska Congressman Don Young helped the House of Representatives pass H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This legislation takes action to support pregnant workers by clarifying an employer's obligation to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees or job applicants with a known physical limitation. This bill has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. "I am both a father and a former business owner. I understand first-hand the importance of making sure that pregnant employees' health is protected in the workplace and that they are empowered to earn a living," said Congressman Don Young. "Pregnant women in Alaska and across the country should not have to choose between staying home to protect their child's health or putting food on their family's table. This legislation takes crucial steps to properly balance a pregnant mother's health and the needs of their workplace. The establishment of a uniform federal standard for pregnant workers gives employers and employees the ability to work together productively, and will help retain pregnant employees in the workforce. Furthermore, this bill will reduce stress on the mother and ensure that her pregnancy is safe. By keeping mothers and their babies healthy, and helping businesses remain operational and free from litigation, this bill is pro-woman, pro-family, and pro-business. In our politically divided times, it is not every day that a sweeping piece of legislation can unify Republicans and Democrats, but that is what we were able to do today in the House. I am very proud to have supported this legislation, and will cont… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401741 Congressman Don Young Announces Economic Development Administration Grant Awarded to the Bering Sea Fishermen's Association 2020-09-17 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today,Alaska Congressman Don Youngannounced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $599,053 to the Bering Sea Fishermen's Association. This funding will assist in the rollout of the Alaska Ocean Cluster, an initiative to foster innovation in Alaska's ocean economy through a platform that engages existing industry members, entrepreneurs, investors, and government agencies. "Alaska's seafood industry is central to our state's culture and way of life. Our fishermen and processors work day in and day out to move our seafood to market, but in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are facing more challenges than ever before,"said Congressman Don Young. "Getting our fishing sector onto solid footing will require tremendous collaboration and innovation. TheAlaska Ocean Clusterrepresents tremendous economic potential for our fishermen. I am grateful to the Bering Sea Fishermen's Association for thinking outside the box and bringing industry and business leaders together, in collaboration with government entities, to strengthen our seafood industry by finding new economic opportunities. Alaska is home to tremendous natural resources and vast fishing expertise, and the Blue Pipeline Venture Studio is an exciting initiative that will help grow our economy. The funding announced by the Economic Development Administration is welcome news for the Alaskan families who make their living on the water, and I am grateful to the Department of Commerce for making these crucial investments in our state. I want to thank the Bering Sea Fishermen's Association for their long-time advocacy in our state. In Congress, I will always stand with our fishermen and processors, and will be fighting hard to ensure that they come out of these unprecedented times stronger than ever before." "This grant is very exciting news for our ocean and our fishermen. It has been three years since we launchedthe Alaska Ocean Cluster, and have proudly worked with folks from every corner of Alaska. We have designe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401742 U.S. Department of Energy Announces Establishment of Office of Arctic Energy 2020-09-17 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette joined Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski in announcing the reestablishment of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Arctic Energy Office (AEO), which will be located on the campus of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The AEO will drive coordination and collaboration on DOE's many activities in the Arctic region including: international cooperation on Arctic issues, research on methane hydrates, and development of advanced micro grids and nuclear power systems, such as small modular reactors. Reestablishing the office fulfills Secretary Brouillette's commitment to do so by the close of this fiscal year. The United States is an Arctic nation, and the region continues to play an essential role in meeting our Nation's energy needs, as well as those of our friends and allies, said Secretary Brouillette. DOE's Arctic Energy Office will grow to strengthen and coordinate our work in energy, science, and national security and help build an Arctic future of prosperity and increased opportunity. The reestablishment of the Arctic Energy Office will bring the power of DOE innovation and expertise to the region, ensuring we play an important role in its energy future, said Deputy Secretary Mark W. Menezes. As the region's geopolitical importance increases, the Office will also better facilitate strategic coordination with our fellow Arctic nations. The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, and the reestablishment of the Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks will ensure greater collaboration between our state's innovators and the Department of Energy's cutting-edge researchers, said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I prioritized this office in the Appropriations process because I know it will help facilitate the development of new energy technologies that benefit resource-rich Alaska and the country. I thank Secretary Brouillette, Deputy Secretary Menezes and their … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-re-establishment-of_arctic-energy-office-in-fairbanks-- Murkowski Welcomes Re-Establishment of Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks 2020-09-17 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.17.20 Murkowski Welcomes Re-Establishment of Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement after the Department of Energy (the Department) formally announced it has re-established its Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks, Alaska. The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, and the re-establishment of the Arctic Energy Office in Fairbanks will ensure greater collaboration between our state's innovators and the Department of Energy's cutting-edge researchers, Murkowski said.I have prioritized this office in the Appropriations process because I know it will help facilitate the development of advanced energy technologies that benefit resource-rich Alaska and the country. I thank Secretary Brouillette, Deputy Secretary Menezes, and their teams for working with us to re-establish this important office. Congress provided the Department with authority to establish an Arctic Energy Office through the National Defense Authorization Act of 2001. The revitalized office will support a renewed focus on the Arctic region, driving coordination and collaboration on Arctic issues with a primary focus on energy, science, and national security. The new office's cross-cutting mission will support the research and development of a wide range of technologies such as microgrids, advanced nuclear, and river and marine energy, among others. It will also help guide and strengthen the Department's international engagements on the Arctic. Murkowski is Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. She worked with Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., to include report language directing the Department to revive the Arctic Energy Office in each of the last two fiscal years. She also encouraged the re-establishment of the Arctic Energy Office during the nomination hearing for Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and the nomination hearing for D… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401731 Reps. Young, Lowenthal Lead Colleagues on Letter Calling for COVID Relief Funds for Zoos And Aquariums Such as the Alaska Sealife Center 2020-09-16 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Yesterday, Congressman Don Young (AK-At Large) and Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) led 77 of their House colleagues in calling on House leadership and appropriators to include COVID-19 relief funding for zoos and aquariums to maintain essential care for hundreds of thousands of animals during the pandemic. "The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses and organizations across the country, Congressman Young said. Sadly, this virus has not spared our nation's zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers. In Alaska, we know that marine life is central to our culture, and the Alaska Sealife Center does important work protecting our vulnerable marine life and ecosystems, in addition to educating the public about ocean wildlife. This uniquely Alaskan institution typically welcomes over 160,000 visitors each year, but COVID-19 has deeply affected tourism and reduced the Sealife Center's revenue. We must ensure that the next COVID-19 relief package includes funding for the institutions working on behalf of wildlife. I am proud to join my friend, Congressman Alan Lowenthal, on this important effort to ensure that zoos and aquariums across our country can continue protecting animals and enriching our communities. These institutions are invaluable to both conservation and education; in Congress, I will always be their outspoken advocate." The Members point out in their letter that the nation's accredited zoos and aquariums are facing an unprecedented economic crisis and many of these important institutions are at risk of closing permanently. Despite being shuttered during the pandemic, zoos and aquariums continue to incur significant costs, in some cases millions of dollars per institution per month, to maintain appropriate round-the-clock care and feeding of animals. Many of these facilities are also shouldering the costs of caring for, rescuing, and relocating endangered, threatened and protected species, many of which are the responsibility of, or owned by, the federal government. These staggering costs … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401732 PASSED BY THE HOUSE: Congressman Don Youngs Legislation to Expand Access to Child Care Services, Get Parents Back to Work 2020-09-16 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Don Young (R-AK) and Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA). This legislation will help expand access to child care services through the remainder of the COVID-19 emergency, aiding parents' return to the workforce and ensuring that children can continue their learning in an academically supportive environment. "Now more than ever, 21st Century Community Learning Centers play a critical role in supporting our children through academic enrichment and access to engaging and safe learning environments, said Congressman Don Young. Normally, the program focuses on initiatives that occur after school, but these are anything but normal times. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way our children learn, and we must ensure that this critical grant program can adapt. Educators, administrators, and the students they teach need and deserve funding flexibility so that learning can continue during this public health crisis. This crucial legislation takes the steps necessary to ensure that the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program works for students in Alaska and across the country. I am proud to have worked with Congresswoman Susan Wild on this bill, and I am very grateful to my friends on both sides of the aisle for supporting its passage today. As Co-Chair of the House Afterschool Caucus, I want children, parents, and teachers in Alaska to know that they have a partner in Washington, D.C., and I will keep fighting so that they have the support needed to come out of this stronger than ever before." ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401734 Congressman Don Young Announces Over $4 Million in Department of Justice Grants to Combat Domestic Violence, Support Survivors in Alaska 2020-09-16 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today,Alaska Congressman Don Young announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Violence Against Women has awarded over $4 million to various state, Alaska Native, and community organizations under the Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Grant Program. These funds will be used to help Alaskan entities combat domestic abuse, stop violence against women, and prevent sexual assault and rape. Every year, women and girls around the country survive rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of tragic violence, and sadly, many of these heinous crimes are more prevalent in Alaska Native communities, said Congressman Don Young. Alaska often ranks first as the state with the highest rates of women killed by men, and Alaska Native women are ten times more likely to experience domestic violence than other women in the United States. We can and must do more to prevent violence against women, support survivors, and bring perpetrators of these criminal acts to justice. This funding will go a long way toward helping us keep our children and families safe. We must continue promoting a culture of zero-tolerance for domestic violence, and I am grateful to the Department of Justice for recognizing the urgent need for these crucial resources. I will continue working in Congress to ensure that all of our communities are safe places for Alaskans to thrive. Grant recipients and award amounts courtesy of the Department of Justice: Aiding Women from Abuse and Rape Emergencies, Incorporated: $ 636,020 Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE), in partnership with the Alaska Legal Services Corporation, will continue to provide comprehensive, wrap-around legal and supportive services to empower victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in communities in northern Southeast Alaska. With this supplemental award, the project will continue to support: 1) a full-time staff attorney; 2) a full-time legal advocate; and 3) a mental health counselor to provide direct, c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/manchin-murkowski-request-information-on-covid-19-impact-on-homeless-families-and-youth Manchin, Murkowski Request Information On Covid-19 Impact On Homeless Families And Youth 2020-09-16 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.16.20 Manchin, Murkowski Request Information On Covid-19 Impact On Homeless Families And Youth U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) requested information from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted families and children. The Senators also asked if the ACF had the resources needed to help those in need during the pandemic and if the Emergency Family Stabilization Act (EFSA), introduced by Senators Manchin and Murkowski, would provide the necessary resources. The Senators said in part, As our nation continues to grapple with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is important to keep our most vulnerable populations at the forefront of our actions, especially the children, youth, and families who are at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Children and youth have largely been overlooked in previous COVID-19 legislation, but the need for services continue to rise at an alarming rate. The Senators requested answers to the following questions: How has COVID-19 impacted families, children and youth who are at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness? What trends, if any, have emerged during COVID-19? Does ACF have the necessary resources at this time to adequately support and respond to the ever-increasing needs of families, children and youth who are at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness as exasperated by COVID-19, including emerging trends? If not, please detail the additional resources ACF needs at this time and the estimated cost of those resources.. If signed into law, does ACF have the capacity to implement the Emergency Family Stabilization Act as currently proposed? Does ACF see a need for the Emergency Family Stabilization Act or similar legislation specifically designed to assist children and youth experiencing homelessness through ACF programs? A fact sheet on theEmergency Family Stabilization Actcan be foundhere. Read the full letter below or click here. Dear Assistant S… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-chairs-ferc-nominations-hearing Murkowski Chairs FERC Nominations Hearing 2020-09-16 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.16.20 Murkowski Chairs FERC Nominations Hearing U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired ahearingto consider the nominations of Mark Christie and Allison Clements to be Members oftheFederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Decisions that FERC Commissioners make matternot only to the energy sector but to the nation, Murkowski said. Approving the siting of natural gas pipelines, investigating energy markets, and licensing hydroelectric projects are just a few of the Commission's duties. FERC's economic reach has been estimated at roughly three percent of the gross domestic product, but its real impact is likely greater because energy is a fundamental input. FERC currently has three confirmed Members and two vacancies. Christie is the Chairman of the State Corporation Commission of Virginia and one of the nation's longest-serving state regulators. Clements most recently founded an energy policy and strategy consulting firm, and previously worked for the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). During the question-and-answer portion of the hearing, Murkowski asked both nominees to provide examples from their past experience demonstrating that they would be independent if confirmed to serve at FERC. Murkowski asked Clements about her views on the reliability and resilience of the electric grid, and ended by asking both nominees about whether FERC should have been more aggressive in California given the challenges it is currently facing. Christie is nominated for a term expiring June 30, 2025 to replace Commissioner Bernard McNamee, who recently departed from FERC after the end of his statutory term. Clements is nominated for a term expiring June 30, 2024, to replace former Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur. Murkowski is Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. An archived videoand witness testimony from today's hearing are available on the committee'swebsite. Clickhere andhereto view Murkowski's questions for Clements and Christie. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-speaks-about-western-wildfires_bill-to-assist-alaska-native-elders- Murkowski Speaks About Western Wildfires, Bill to Assist Alaska Native Elders 2020-09-16 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.16.20 Murkowski Speaks About Western Wildfires, Bill to Assist Alaska Native Elders U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today attended and brieflyspokeat a subcommittee hearing held by the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining (PLFM). Murkowski spoke about the western wildfire crisis and S. 2533, a bill she introduced to help ensure Alaska Native elders are not disqualified from receiving food assistance and other federal benefits. I want to share my thoughts, prayers, and sincere hopes for rain and recovery for so many who are facing the horrendous wildfires out west, Murkowski said. Right now, there are thousands of men and women working to fight these devastating fires. The brave individuals on the front lines are putting their lives at risk morning, noon, and nightin the midst of a pandemic, no less. Today's PLFM subcommittee hearing focused on receiving testimony on 15 bills, including S. 4431, the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and ENR committee member Steve Daines, R-Mont. Murkowski's bill, S. 2533, would exclude settlement trusts from being considered when determining Alaska Native elders' eligibility for federal aid. These trusts are an important source of support for many elders living in remote, rural Alaska, but they do not at all displace the need for federal support that combats the poverty and healthcare challenges their communities face, Murkowski said. Murkowski is Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. An archived videoand witness testimony from today's hearing are available on the committee'swebsite. Related Issues: Energy Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401730 Young, Gallego Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Bill to Extend Census Deadline, Ensure Fair and Accurate Count 2020-09-15 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today,Congressman Don Young (R-AK)and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation, the 2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act (H.R. 8250), alongside Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI). This bill restores the original Census deadline to October 31, 2020 from the September 30, 2020 end date implemented in July. This would allow the U.S. Census Bureau more time to finish data collection and processing, in turn leading to a more thorough and accurate count. "One of the most important things Alaskans can do to ensure that our state is treated fairly is to fill out the Census,"said Congressman Don Young. "Our constitutionally mandated Census only happens once a decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this decade's Census data collection uniquely challenging. Let me be very clear: if Alaska's field staff are unable to finish a thorough and accurate Census, billions in federal funding will be left on the table over the next decade. We must extend the Census deadline. Alaskans deserve to have their roads, schools, recreation areas, and other public services fully funded; our field staff need more time to complete this critical task. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Senators Murkowski and Schatz, and Congressman Gallego to ensure that the Census deadline is extended so that all Americans are empowered to succeed. The administration's plan to end the Census prematurely guarantees an undercount in America's most vulnerable communities. Unless we act, Hispanic, Indigenous, rural, and other minority and hard-to-count communities will be robbed of political representation and lose out on their fair share of trillions of dollars of federal funding directed by the Census,said Congressman Ruben Gallego. Our nation's Census is enshrined in the Constitution and is a fundamental pillar of our representative democracy. We cannot allow this process to be sabotaged. The Constitution, the courts, and the American people demand that every… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/09/15/2020/young-murkowski-sullivan-introduce-bicameral-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-fair-and-accurate-census-count Young, Murkowski, Sullivan Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Fair and Accurate Census Count 2020-09-15 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.15.20 Young, Murkowski, Sullivan Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Fair and Accurate Census Count Legislation Extends 2020 Census Completion Deadline Congressman Don Young and U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (all R-Alaska) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation, the 2020 Census Deadline Extensions Act, alongside Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to provide for additional time to complete the 2020 Census. The bill extends the Census operations of nonresponse follow-up and self-response to October 31, 2020 as well as extends the Census statutory reporting deadlines for apportionment and redistricting. These extensions would allow the Census Bureau more time to finish the counting operations and data processing, as well as conduct quality assurance activities, leading to a more accurate count. Click here for bill text. One of the most important things Alaskans can do to ensure that our state is treated fairly is to fill out the Census, said Congressman Don Young. Our constitutionally mandated Census only happens once a decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this decade's Census data collection uniquely challenging. Let me be very clear: if Alaska's field staff are unable to finish a thorough and accurate Census, billions in federal funding will be left on the table over the next decade. We must extend the Census deadline. Alaskans deserve to have their roads, schools, recreation areas, and other public services fully funded; our field staff need more time to complete this critical task. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Senators Murkowski and Schatz, and Congressman Gallego to ensure that the Census deadline is extended so that all Americans are empowered to succeed. Obtaining an accurate Census count is always difficult. But now, with the added delays and difficulties caused by COVID-19, it's become incre… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401728 Alaska Delegation Welcomes $21 Million BUILD Grant for Anchorage International Airport 2020-09-14 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Don Young Y000033 donyoung.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today thanked Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao for awarding a $21 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to the Alaska Energy Authority to construct a 190,000 square foot climate-controlled cold storage facility at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (TSAIA). The Alaska congressional delegation wrote a letter to Secretary Chao in May advocating for TSAIA to receive the BUILD grant. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I've worked hard to secure funding to support the BUILD Grants program. The positive impacts it has had on Alaska over the years are significant. I join the rest of the Alaska Delegation in applauding today's announcement and thank Secretary Chao for investing in the future of our state,said Senator Murkowski.This new transfer facility will improve shipping capabilities, strengthen Alaska's supply chain security, and provide much-needed jobs for Alaskans. With Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport having recently been recorded among the busiest in the worldthis news could not be more timely. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for our country to have secure and reliable supply chains, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has served as an indispensable link in these global chains for decades,said Senator Sullivan. To better meet the needs of our nation and the expected demands of global commerce, this critical piece of infrastructure is due for a dramatic expansion in storage capacity, particularly the ability to store cold freight during all seasons. I thank Secretary Chao and the Transportation Department for recognizing the benefits of having TSAIA serve as more than a gas and go' hub, which will help us better secure America's distribution networks and grow jobs and economic opportunities for Alaskans. I am very pleased to report that the Department of Transportation is making critical … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-welcomes-21-million-build-grant-for-anchorage-international-airport Alaska Delegation Welcomes $21 Million BUILD Grant for Anchorage International Airport 2020-09-14 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.14.20 Alaska Delegation Welcomes $21 Million BUILD Grant for Anchorage International Airport U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young (all R-Alaska) today thanked Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao for awarding a $21 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to the Alaska Energy Authority to construct a 190,000 square foot climate-controlled cold storage facility at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (TSAIA). The Alaska congressional delegation wrote a letter to Secretary Chao in May advocating for TSAIA to receive the BUILD grant. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I've worked hard to secure funding to support the BUILD Grants program. The positive impacts it has had on Alaska over the years are significant. I join the rest of the Alaska Delegation in applauding today's announcement and thank Secretary Chao for investing in the future of our state,said Senator Murkowski.This new transfer facility will improve shipping capabilities, strengthen Alaska's supply chain security, and provide much-needed jobs for Alaskans. With Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport having recently been recorded among the busiest in the worldthis news could not be more timely. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for our country to have secure and reliable supply chains, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has served as an indispensable link in these global chains for decades,said Senator Sullivan. To better meet the needs of our nation and the expected demands of global commerce, this critical piece of infrastructure is due for a dramatic expansion in storage capacity, particularly the ability to store cold freight during all seasons. I thank Secretary Chao and the Transportation Department for recognizing the benefits of having TSAIA serve as more than a gas and go' hub, which will help us better secure America's distribution networks and grow jobs and economic opportunities for Alask… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-speaks-in-remembrance-of-september-11- Senator Murkowski Speaks in Remembrance of September 11 2020-09-11 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.11.20 Senator Murkowski Speaks in Remembrance of September 11 Encourages America to Come Together As A Nation U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement in remembrance of September 11, 2001: Click here for video of Senator Murkowski. On September 11, 2001, America fell victim to unprovoked terrorist attacks which took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and injured another 6,000. Today, we pay tribute to the lives that were lost and honor their families and loved ones. But as we reflect on what was lost on September 11, we must also remember what we foundthe unity that we felt when we saw men and women run to the fire in the service of others. Today, we are at another pivotal moment in our history, facing unprecedented challengesa pandemic that challenges us both individually and collectively. That can break us down and divide us, or, if we choose, can bring us together and make us stronger. The outpouring of support we showed for each other in the days and months that followed September 11 reminds us that in our darkest moments, our common bonds are stronger than any fears. So today, I call on each of us to remember our American idealsthat we are a United Statesnot battleground states. That we are friends and neighbors, mothers and fathers, sons and daughtersnot democrats or republicans. That fulfilling the promise America provides not just to its citizens here at home, but to those suffering oppression across the world, requires each and every one of us to be better to each other, for each other. As we remember being attacked from abroad on September 11, it is my hope that we can use that memory to unify here at home today. God Bless. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/us-senators-smith-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan_legislation-to-help-tribes-combat-covid-19-other-public-health-crises U.S. Senators Smith, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Tribes Combat COVID-19, Other Public Health Crises 2020-09-11 2020 2020-09 Republican House AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov     legacy 09.11.20 U.S. Senators Smith, Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Tribes Combat COVID-19, Other Public Health Crises Today U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and LisaMurkowski(R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Tribesaccess public health data andaddresshealthdisparitiesthat hit American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities especially hard. TheTribal Health Data Improvement Actwould strengthendata sharingbetween Tribes,Tribal Epidemiology Centers andtheCenters for Disease Controland Prevention(CDC)so Tribes can moreeffectively address public health challenges. Tribes andTribal Epidemiology Centersare routinely denied access to important health data systems, despite having clearance to do so.Accessing federal and state public health data is critical for engaging in preventative public health work and combatting current health crises. Structural barriers to accessing datahave been especiallyproblematicduring COVID-19,which has disproportionately hurt AI/AN communities.This bill clarifies that Tribes and Tribal Epidemiology Centers, as public health authorities, should be granted access to the data they request. AI/AN communitiesalsoface stark health disparities across multiple health conditions including diabetes, cancer, liver disease and kidney disease. But theseinequitiesareunderestimated due to inaccuratedataat the state and federal level, which toooften misclassifiesor undercountsAI/AN individuals.This bill would address this problem by directing federal and state public health authorities to identify best practices for the collection of health data on race and ethnicity. We need to respond to the deep institutional inequalities that are harming the health of Indigenous people, especially during COVID-19,said Senator Smith.TribesandTribal Epidemiology Centers should be able toaccess to public health data. And we need to fix and prevent futurehealth data errors aboutAmerican Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN)individuals.My bipartisan bill is an opportunity fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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