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274 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "AK" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-on-rural-health-transformation-fund-alaska-has-an-extraordinary-opportunity Murkowski on Rural Health Transformation Fund: “Alaska has an extraordinary opportunity.” 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Anchorage, AK – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative established through the reconciliation bill. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) highlighted the opportunity presented to Alaska’s rural health care system through the newly expanded fund, which will deliver $272 million per year to Alaska for the next five years. “During the reconciliation negotiations, protecting health care access for rural communities in Alaska and across the country was my top priority,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “As one of the lead advocates to double the Rural Health Transformation Fund from $25 billion to $50 billion, I was intent on ensuring our rural providers had the resources to adapt, innovate, and continue to deliver care in challenging environments like ours. In addition to the funding, I fought for key provisions, including exemptions for Tribal members from SNAP and Medicaid work requirements and greater flexibility for states like Alaska to exempt regions with limited job availability. These safeguards will matter just as much as the funding. Taken together, they position Alaska well for the future and recognize the realities facing our rural and remote communities. We have an extraordinary opportunity in front of us, and I’m committed to working with our partners in the state to seize it.” Background: The Rural Health Transformation Fund was conceived during negotiations on H.R. 1. The fund provides $50 billion nationwide over five years (FY 2026–2031), including a $100 million per-state base allocation each year. Alaska will receive $272 million annually—totaling $1.36 billion over five years—to support rural health care priorities such as maternal and child health, access to essential services, preventive care, workforce recruitment and retention, and health care technology. Senator Murkowski’s negotiations directly led to the doubling of the fund from $25 billion to $50 billion. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-272-million-investment-in-alaskas-health-care-system Sullivan Welcomes $272 Million Investment in Alaska’s Health Care System 2025-12-29 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today welcomed a $272 million award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen Alaska’s health care system, the first of five annual awards for Alaska under the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Sen. Sullivan was one of the lead authors of the $50 billion fund in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the budget reconciliation bill signed into law in July, that established the RHTP. The program is intended to help states expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize rural facilities and technology, and support innovative models that bring high-quality, dependable care closer to home. Sen. Sullivan announced the award at a press conference today in Anchorage alongside Governor Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska), Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska), and Alaska Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg. “This is the biggest investment in rural health care in American history, and certainly the largest investment in Alaska’s health care system from the federal government in our state’s history,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The $272 million per year that Alaska will receive for five years—nearly $1.4 billion from the federal government—is a generational opportunity to transform our health care system. It gives our communities, state officials, and the Legislature the opportunity and freedom to design a health care system that reflects Alaska’s unique needs. This is the opposite of the one-size-fits-all approach we too often see from Washington, DC. This funding will help keep care closer to home, reduce the need for costly and disruptive travel, strengthen rural clinics, and stabilize our health care workforce. With the application the Dunleavy administration put forth, this award is an example of the power of local, tribal and state leaders, and our federal delegation—all the stakeholders—working together to get results for Alaskans.” According to CMS, the funding will be used by states to impleme… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-highlights-alaska-wins-in-ndaa Murkowski Highlights Alaska Wins in NDAA 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 77-20. The bill now goes to the President’s desk for his signature. The FY26 NDAA provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel, expands investment in military construction, supports state-of-the-art defense technologies, and strengthens America’s alliances abroad, all while delivering meaningful wins for Alaska’s defense infrastructure. “As Russia and China continue to strengthen their positions in the Indo-Pacific, the geostrategic significance of Alaska continues to grow for the United States—and that reality is clearly reflected in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act,” said Senator Murkowski. “By investing in our servicemembers and modernizing our military capabilities, we are ensuring that Alaska is prepared to serve as the frontline of our western defense. Whether through Arctic operations, missile defense, or space launch capacity, I will continue advocating for the resources our troops need to keep Alaska and America safe.” NDAA FY26 Highlights for Alaska Investing in Alaska’s Military Infrastructure The NDAA authorizes critical new military construction (MILCON) projects across Alaska that will strengthen readiness, enhance quality of life, and support ongoing missions in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific. Eielson Air Force Base: Base Civil Engineer Pavements and Grounds Facility; Coal Thaw Shed Addition; and Consolidated Munitions Complex. Fort Wainwright: New barracks and dining facility to improve quality of life for soldiers. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER): Base Supply Complex; Joint Integrated Test and Training Center (JITTC); runway extension; and a maintenance facility. Eareckson Air Station: Prohibits the Department of Defense from shutting down the AN/FPS-108 COBRA DANE radar located on Shemya Island, a critical piece of military infrastructure. This language was spearheaded… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-joins-colleagues-reintroduces-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-no-cost-contraception-coverage-for-all-women Senator Murkowski joins Colleagues Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Ensure No-Cost Contraception Coverage for All Women 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced a bipartisan bill to help ensure that all women have full access to no-cost contraception coverage. Currently, private insurance plans and Medicaid are required to cover all types of contraception, such as oral contraception and IUD insertion, at no cost to the patient. However, gaps in coverage remain and affect many women in the Granite State and across the country. The?Closing the Contraception Coverage Gap Act?seeks to close these remaining gaps and ensure that all women can access the best form of contraception for them without a copay or other out-of-pocket costs. This bipartisan bill would require Medicare to also cover contraception at no cost to the patient, closing a known gap in contraception coverage for young and middle-aged women who experience long-term disabilities. Approximately one million women aged 20 - 49 rely on Medicare for their health coverage, which they are most often eligible for because of a long-term disability. The bill would additionally direct the Government Accountability Office to identify any remaining gaps in contraception coverage as well. “Women with disabilities shouldn’t face greater barriers to contraception than anyone else,” said Senator Murkowski. “While Medicaid and private insurance already guarantee no-cost access to birth control, Medicare still leaves too many women without the same coverage. This bill would fix that by ensuring Medicare covers contraception at no cost to patients, removing a long overdue barrier to access contraception.” “Every woman deserves access to the health care that she needs, and this bipartisan bill seeks to help ensure that all women can access no-cost contraception under all insurance plans,”?said Senator Hassan. “This bill will close a gap that has prevented women from accessing coverage for contraception and help ensure that there are no other gaps in this basic form of health care.” “There’s n… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-celebrates-codification-of-arctic-ambassador-position Murkowski Celebrates Codification of Arctic Ambassador Position 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the codification of the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs position within the U.S. State Department through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Murkowski has long pushed to elevate U.S. Arctic diplomacy, leading to the State Department’s establishment of the position in 2022. “Today marks a truly significant step forward for the United States in Arctic diplomacy and national security,” said Senator Murkowski. “For too long, the United States has lacked a dedicated, senior-level diplomatic presence focused exclusively on the Arctic, even as competition in the region has intensified. The future is due north, and codifying this position ensures the United States is better positioned to protect our interests, strengthen cooperation with Arctic allies, and respond to growing security and economic challenges in the Arctic.” The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs will serve as the President’s senior diplomat for Arctic affairs, advancing and coordinating U.S. foreign policy programs across the region. Reporting through the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, the Ambassador will engage Arctic nations and multilateral institutions, coordinate across the Department of State and interagency, and support U.S. efforts to counter Russian and Chinese influence through the Arctic Watcher Program, consistent with the Arctic Region Security Policy. The position will play a central role in strengthening cooperation with our allies and partners, consulting with Arctic Indigenous communities, and promoting responsible environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and sustainable economic development. Timeline Prior to 2022: the United States relied on an Arctic Coordinator within the State Department. The individual was not confirmed by the Senate and had limited authority. 2022: Senator Murkowski formally elevated the matter to the U.S. Department of State to initiate the creation of the Ambassador-at-Large for the Arc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-fy-2026-defense-bill-includes-19-sullivan-provisions-prioritizes-alaska Final FY 2026 Defense Bill Includes 19 Sullivan Provisions, Prioritizes Alaska 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper Bill Incorporates Sullivan’s GOLDEN DOME Act, Authorizes $292 Million in New Alaska Military Construction WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today celebrated the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The $890 billion legislation (a nearly $12 billion increase over the baseline) includes 19 provisions and amendments offered by Sen. Sullivan, strongly supports U.S. service members and their families, incorporates a vast majority of Sen. Sullivan’s GOLDEN DOME missile defense legislation, and authorizes more than $292 million in military construction for Alaska. The bill now heads to the President’s desk. “My work on the Armed Services Committee in each successive national defense authorization is always guided by three overriding priorities: taking care of our troops, advancing a policy of ‘Peace Through Strength,’ and continuing to build up our Alaska-based military,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The FY 2026 NDAA delivers on all three of these fronts and is chock full of wins for Alaska, for our military, and for our warfighters and their families. I pressed to authorize close to $300 million in military construction projects specifically for Alaska, recognizing our state’s unrivaled strategic location and the escalating aggression from the Russians and Chinese in the North Pacific and Arctic. This figure is in addition to the $441 million, which Senator Murkowski helped secure, for Alaska military construction projects in the military construction appropriations bill that was passed as part of the legislation to reopen the government in November—the largest amount appropriated for our state in the last eight years. “This year’s NDAA also makes major investments in the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system, building on the $25 billion down payment in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and incorporating a significant piece of my GOLDEN DOME Act. These provisions will undoubtedly benefit Alaska, the cornersto… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-coast-guard-authorization-as-part-of-fy-2026-ndaa-with-sullivans-alaska-priorities Senate Passes Coast Guard Authorization as Part of FY 2026 NDAA with Sullivan’s Alaska Priorities 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce Coast Guard, Maritime and Fisheries Subcommittee, today celebrated the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2026. The legislation includes numerous provisions authored by Sen. Sullivan, many focused specifically on Alaska, and authorizes $15.5 billion in funding for the Coast Guard for FY 2026 and $17.2 billion for FY 2027. “Between this $15.5 billion Coast Guard authorization for Fiscal Year 2026 and the historic $25 billion investment in the Coast Guard that I championed in the budget reconciliation bill earlier this summer, we are undertaking the largest investment in the Coast Guard in U.S. history,” said Sen. Sullivan. “No state will benefit more from these historic investments, with icebreakers and hundreds of millions of dollars in shoreside infrastructure all coming to our state. These investments will make great strides in fulfilling our commitment to this branch of the U.S. military with the support, funding and attention the Coast Guard deserves. “As America’s only state with Arctic territory and with more coastline than the entire Lower 48 combined, Alaska is critical to the Coast Guard’s missions in defense of our nation. The Coast Guard serves an indispensable role in our state, defending our waters and ensuring the safety of Alaskans, a fact we were all reminded of witnessing the numerous search-and-rescue missions conducted and lives saved in Western Alaska in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong. From bolstering oil spill and emergency response, to providing greater support and quality of life improvements for our Coast Guardsmen, this Coast Guard authorization builds upon the strong relationship between Alaska’s communities and our Alaska-based Coast Guard and will help our service members support their families and fulfill their many critical missions in the Last Frontier.” This Coast Guard authorization will support: … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-introduces-legislation-to-boost-resilience-and-build-stronger-communities Murkowski Introduces Legislation to Boost Resilience & Build Stronger Communities 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, D.C. – In an effort to make it easier for communities across the nation to better protect critical, at-risk infrastructure and community assets from worsening natural disasters, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jack Reed (D-RI) have introduced a bill that would reinstate the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and protect it against elimination in the future. The Building Resilience and Stronger Communities Act reestablishes BRIC and makes key changes to amplify the local impact of federal investments made through the program and ensure Tribal eligibility. Established by Congress in the Disaster Recovery Reform Act and signed into law by President Trump in 2018, BRIC serves as FEMA’s primary pre-disaster mitigation program. Congress further bolstered the program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In April, the Trump Administration announced the abrupt cancellation of the BRIC program. “In 2018, President Trump signed legislation creating the BRIC program because he recognized that strengthening our communities before disaster strikes is far more cost-effective than recovering after one,” said Senator Murkowski. “In Alaska, we’ve seen increasingly volatile and severe weather events threaten communities across the state, from landslides in the Southeast to typhoons in the western part of the state. Restoring the BRIC program will allow us to make strategic investments in critical infrastructure that enhance the resilience of our communities, effectively use taxpayer dollars, and ultimately save American lives.” “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to disaster preparedness, every dollar we proactively invest in boosting the resilience of our communities helps us save big in the long-term,” said Senator Reed. “This bipartisan legislation will reinstate the BRIC program and make it easier for Rhode Island’s towns and cities of all sizes to leverage federal funds for projects that better p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-5-year-extension-for-alaska-native-vietnam-era-veterans-land-allotment-program Senate Passes 5-Year Extension for Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Land Allotment Program 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), thanked their Senate colleagues today for passing legislation to extend the Alaska Native Vietnam Veteran Land Allotment Program for an additional five years just days before the application period for the program was set to expire. The legislation, shepherded through the House by Congressman Begich in July, now heads to the President’s desk for his signature. “Tonight, the Senate was able to deliver a Christmas gift for some great American heroes—our Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Just days before the application period for this program was set to expire, my colleagues and I came together this evening to pass a five-year extension that grants these incredible veterans a renewed opportunity to apply for their congressionally mandated land allotments that many missed due to their service to our country overseas. We’ve faced many hurdles since we got my provision into law in 2019, especially the Biden administration’s four years of delays and red tape that led to just roughly 40 veterans receiving their allotments out of several thousand eligible. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working with me and my delegation colleagues to get this done right at the buzzer. Now, our work continues to get these heroes, or their heirs, the land allotments that they deserve.” “For decades, Alaska Native veterans who served our nation during the Vietnam era have sought their rightful land allotments. When we re-established this program in 2019 through the Dingell Act, we hoped that thousands of eligible individuals and heirs would finally receive the lands they are owed in short order. Unfortunately, BLM has certificated just six percent of the applications it has received, and hundreds more veterans have not yet applied, compelling us to extend this program for another five years,” Sen. Murkowski said. “Thankfully, as a result of the bill we passed today, there should be no … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-applauds-extension-of-secure-rural-schools-program Sullivan Applauds Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) praised the House of Representatives’ vote to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through 2026. This vote comes days after Sullivan and his Senate colleagues sent a letter to House leadership, calling for its passage. The SRS program lapsed at the end of 2023, substantially reducing payments to communities in Alaska that are surrounded by National Forests. The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, cosponsored by Sullivan, would reauthorize the SRS program and provide retroactive payments for 2024 and 2025. It was passed unanimously by the Senate earlier this year. The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law. “The Secure Rural Schools program is a vital source of support for many Alaskan communities surrounded by National Forests, like those in the Chugach and Tongass,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I’ve long supported efforts to sustain and strengthen this program. Earlier this year, we passed the budget reconciliation bill which mandated an increase in timber harvests and long-term contracts in National Forests—including the Tongass National Forest—strengthening the long-term sustainability of this program and ensuring our communities have the certainty and support they rely on. I want to thank my Senate and House colleagues for coming together in a bipartisan manner to reauthorize SRS and ensure we continue to deliver for Alaska.” Background SRS was enacted in 2000 in response to declining timber sales to financially assist communities surrounded by public, tax-exempt forest lands. The Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management administer the funds. The funding allocations are based on a formula that considers economic activity, timber harvest levels and other considerations that vary from community to community. SRS payments are critical to maintaining education programs and essential services for many rural areas, especially in Alaska. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-we-still-have-time-to-reach-bipartisan-consensus Murkowski: “We Still Have Time to Reach Bipartisan Consensus.” 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement today following her votes to proceed on debate for the two proposals on healthcare: “The cost of health care is already a significant burden, and in just a few short weeks, it is set to explode into a full-blown crisis for thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans. We have known this cliff was coming for quite some time, but Congress has ignored opportunities to address it at every turn. This brought us to today, when I voted to begin debate on competing proposals that ostensibly aim to address this challenge. “They were better than nothing, which is why I supported the motions to proceed to both of them. Yet both had substantial flaws, and neither was designed to actually pass the Senate. The Democrats’ proposal extended current subsidies for longer than necessary, while setting up a worse future cliff and making no meaningful reforms to restrain costs in the meantime. The Republicans’ proposal could help address costs over time but did little to resolve the immediate pain facing Americans, with increasing premiums, and included known poison pills for our Democratic colleagues. “For over a year, I have been sounding the alarm about this looming cliff. During the reconciliation process, I proposed addressing an extension in the bill. In September, I introduced legislation that offered a clean two-year extension of the enhanced premium tax credits to give Congress a runway to address healthcare affordability. Later that month, I included a one-year extension of those tax credits as part of a framework for an appropriations plan. “There are no excuses. Today, the Senate failed its responsibilities. But we still have time to reach bipartisan consensus before we leave for the holidays, and there is plenty of overlap among the proposals in both the Senate and the House that would work to extend the tax credits with needed reforms. We now know with certainty what we cannot do, but we must set aside what divides us. It … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-votes-to-relieve-alaskans-from-obamacares-outrageous-costs Sullivan Votes to Relieve Alaskans from Obamacare’s Outrageous Costs 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) issued the following statement after voting to advance both the Republican health care proposal and the Democrat proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits. “Obamacare, the so-called Affordable Care Act, has not made health care more affordable. The law crashed Alaska’s health insurance market, dropping us from four insurers before Obamacare was enacted down to only one, eventually leaving us now with just two insurers. Premiums for Alaskans skyrocketed. Insurance companies got rich and Alaskans paid the price. It’s also important to note that congressional Democrats created these Covid-era Obamacare subsidies and their expiration cliff in a party-line vote on the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. Then, in another party-line vote on the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats chose to extend the life of these credits only until 2025—not even as long as they did for electric vehicle tax credits. “Nevertheless, there is little doubt that a lot of hard-working Alaskans, families, entrepreneurs and small business owners will be negatively impacted if these enhanced premium tax credits expire. For that reason, I voted to move forward and consider both the Republicans’ and the Democrats’ proposed legislation. I offered amendments to both bills that would extend the enhanced premium tax credits for two years, include income caps, bar illegal immigrants from receiving these benefits, and include at least a nominal payment for all plans to clamp down on fraud and abuse which was recently documented by the Government Accountability Office. Now that both the Republican and Democrat proposals failed to advance, I will redouble my efforts to develop a compromise solution. In the longer-term, we need to focus on getting federal government health care dollars out of the hands of insurance companies and into the hands of the people.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-3-million-investment-in-native-public-media-programming-by-corporation-for-public-broadcasting Murkowski Applauds $3 Million Investment in Native Public Media Programming by Corporation for Public Broadcasting 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement applauding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for awarding $3 million in new grants to Koahnic Broadcast Corporation (KBC). This investment will strengthen rural media capabilities, help bridge the gap for Alaska Native and Indigenous journalists, producers, and hosts, as well as support Native storytelling. The investment will also support two long-standing KBC programs: Native America Calling (NAC) and National Native News (NNN). “I commend the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for this investment in Native Public Media Programming. This funding underscores the imperative of public broadcasting. After months of advocating to my Senate colleagues and the administration about the importance of supporting public broadcasting, I’m encouraged to know these grants will strengthen Native programming and deepen partnerships with public radio stations serving villages and rural regions. This funding came at a time when it was needed most,” said Senator Murkowski. “For Native communities that rely on public radio for news, cultural connection, and emergency information, this support is a lifeline that will help ensure Native-led media remains strong, sustainable, and culturally relevant.” More information on CPB’s announcement can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-lauds-passage-of-secure-rural-schools-act Murkowski Lauds Passage of Secure Rural Schools Act 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the House of Representatives’ passage of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. The House vote follows a letter Senator Murkowski and her colleagues sent to House leadership last week urging prompt action on the legislation. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program offsets lost revenue resulting from declining timber receipts and provides funding for schools, roads, and other critical municipal services in eligible communities. Senator Murkowski has been a longtime champion of the program, which passed the Senate earlier this year by unanimous consent. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for his signature. “Secure Rural Schools provides vital stability for communities across rural Alaska. These funds ensure that schools can remain open, roads are maintained, and emergencies can be responded to in a timely manner,” said Senator Murkowski. “I urge the President to sign it into law to prevent a lapse in funding for the communities that rely on this essential program.” Background The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was enacted in 2000 to assist communities negatively impacted by declining timber sale revenues. Payments to eligible communities may be used to support schools and roads, fire prevention, emergency services, and eligible land projects. The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act renews the program through fiscal year 2026 and directs the Treasury Department to issue all program payments for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 within 45 days of enactment. Those payments will be reduced by any federal funding boroughs have already received for those years. Boroughs’ 2023 elections regarding how to allocate leftover funds will apply to fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The Forest Service manages 22 million acres of land in Alaska, including 17 million acres in Southeast and several million more in Southcentral. The amount each eligible borough receives is based in part on how much federal forest l… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-long-overdue-fix-to-sba-rule-for-small-business-contracting Sullivan Secures Long Overdue Fix to SBA Rule for Small Business Contracting 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) announced today that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has formally implemented his long-sought fix to the “bona fide place of business” requirement, an unnecessary barrier that for years prevented small businesses from fairly competing for federal construction contracts. Under the updated policy, 8(a) firms will no longer need to establish a staffed physical office in a state prior to bidding on a federal contract. Instead, businesses will have 60 days after a contract is awarded to meet any location requirement, allowing more small businesses across Alaska and the nation to compete for federal contracts. “Throughout my time in the Senate, I have been a strong supporter of the SBA 8(a) Program, which has provided countless opportunities for Alaskans and Alaska businesses,” Senator Sullivan said. “Many 8(a) firms are proven federal contractors that perform mission-critical work for the federal government, particularly for the Department of Defense, with efficiency and speed. However, for years, the ‘bona fide office’ requirement worked directly against these objectives. By forcing small businesses to open a fully staffed physical office in every state before even bidding on a federal contract, SBA imposed an unworkable and unnecessary barrier to entry. Today, I’m pleased to share that, after years of my team and I relentlessly pushing the SBA, that barrier has finally been eliminated. Under this change, 8(a) firms will no longer be required to establish a physical office in a state before they have a contract in hand. This long-overdue fix opens the door for more of Alaska’s businesses—including disabled-veteran-owned firms, women-owned firms, and Alaska Native Corporations—to compete and deliver results for our federal government and for taxpayers. I very much appreciate Administrator Loeffler for working with me to get this commonsense solution across the finish line.” “Senator Sullivan has been a tireless champion for Alaska Native Corporations participat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-votes-to-overturn-biden-era-restrictions-for-resource-development-on-alaskas-coastal-plain Senate Votes to Overturn Biden-Era Restrictions for Resource Development on Alaska’s Coastal Plain 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC – Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted to overturn an unlawful and restrictive Record of Decision (ROD) for the Coastal Plain oil and gas program that the Biden administration imposed in December 2024. The Senate moved yesterday to begin debate on S.J. Res. 91, sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), before voting to pass H.J. Res. 131, from Congressman Nick Begich (also R-Alaska). The Senate moved the House resolution because it can go directly to the President’s desk for signature. These disapproval resolutions overturn the Biden administration’s unilateral rewrite of the Coastal Plain program. Through its ROD, the Biden administration restricted leasing on more than 74 percent of the Coastal Plain, while layering on additional restrictions and stipulations to prevent any development of the lands theoretically left open for leasing. “For four years, the Biden administration ignored federal law and the people who live on the North Slope, especially Kaktovik, to undercut any potential for responsible development on our Coastal Plain. They paused everything, illegally canceled every lease, and then rewrote the program to ensure that neither leasing nor development would occur. Their worldview was exactly backwards: easing up on the likes of Iran and Venezuela, while clamping down on Alaska and refusing to accept that we can safely produce from a very, very small fraction of our Coastal Plain,” Senator Murkowski said. “This resolution will help restore a balanced program that ensures both responsible energy development and environmental protection. It upholds the rule of law, bolsters our domestic energy security, and will limit the consequences of sending our dollars abroad for energy we have right here at home. I look forward to the President signing it.” “The Biden administration’s 2024 ROD to restrict responsible development in the Coastal Plain of ANWR blatantly defied the clear language that the Alaska congressional delegation wrote in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-sullivan-whitehouse-legislation-to-reauthorize-marine-debris-grant-programs Senate Unanimously Passes Sullivan-Whitehouse Legislation to Reauthorize Marine Debris Grant Programs 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Representatives Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), celebrated the Senate’s recent unanimous passage of S. 3022, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize key Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marine debris programs to combat the worldwide crisis of trash entering the oceans and the threat of microplastics in the water. These programs were last authorized by the 2020 Save Our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act, the most comprehensive legislation ever passed by Congress to address the threat of marine debris. Reps. Carter and Bonamici have introduced companion legislation in the House. “Alaska has more coastline than the Lower 48 states combined, which means our state feels a disproportionate impact of the global marine debris crisis,” said Senator Sullivan. “These programs, last authorized by our Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, have helped our coastal communities clean up the debris that washes up onto our vast shoreline, provided access to clean drinking water, and supported the health and livelihoods of Alaskans, including our fishermen. I want to thank all my Senate colleagues for working to protect our coastal communities, ecosystems and economies, and I urge my House colleagues to join us in renewing these critically important programs before the end of the year.” “In the first round of grants from one of our Save Our Seas 2.0 programs, every eligible state and territory requested funding,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse. “It is a clear demonstration of the enormous demand from both red states and blue states to address dangerous plastic pollution, and I’m pleased that the Senate has come together to reauthorize these programs. Together, we can protect our clean water and tackle the scourge of plastic waste washing up on shores from coast to coast.” “From East to West, all Americans deserve acces… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-votes-to-overturn-biden-era-restrictions-for-resource-development-on-alaskas-coastal-plain Senate Votes to Overturn Biden-Era Restrictions for Resource Development on Alaska’s Coastal Plain 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted to overturn an unlawful and restrictive Record of Decision (ROD) for the Coastal Plain oil and gas program that the Biden administration imposed in December 2024. The Senate moved yesterday to begin debate on S.J. Res. 91, sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), before voting to pass H.J. Res. 131, from Congressman Nick Begich (also R-Alaska). The Senate moved the House resolution because it can go directly to the President’s desk for signature. These disapproval resolutions overturn the Biden administration’s unilateral rewrite of the Coastal Plain program. Through its ROD, the Biden administration restricted leasing on more than 74 percent of the Coastal Plain, while layering on additional restrictions and stipulations to prevent any development of the lands theoretically left open for leasing. “For four years, the Biden administration ignored federal law and the people who live on the North Slope, especially Kaktovik, to undercut any potential for responsible development on our Coastal Plain. They paused everything, illegally canceled every lease, and then rewrote the program to ensure that neither leasing nor development would occur. Their worldview was exactly backwards: easing up on the likes of Iran and Venezuela, while clamping down on Alaska and refusing to accept that we can safely produce from a very, very small fraction of our Coastal Plain,” Senator Murkowski said. “This resolution will help restore a balanced program that ensures both responsible energy development and environmental protection. It upholds the rule of law, bolsters our domestic energy security, and will limit the consequences of sending our dollars abroad for energy we have right here at home. I look forward to the President signing it.” “The Biden administration’s 2024 ROD to restrict responsible development in the Coastal Plain of ANWR blatantly defied the clear language that the Alaska congressional delegation wrote in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-klobuchar-celebrate-passage-of-bill-to-support-individuals-living-with-fasd Murkowski, Klobuchar Celebrate Passage of Bill to Support Individuals Living with FASD 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) celebrated the signing of their legislation, the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Respect Act of 2025. With the President signing the legislation into law, the bill improves and reauthorizes programs and funding to support individuals and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. “Those affected by FASD need access to services across the board, including early intervention, medical resources, and tailored educational and behavioral support,” Senator Murkowski said. “It’s why Senator Klobuchar and I have been so persistent regarding the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Respect Act of 2025 over the last two Congresses, and why we’re so pleased that it has finally crossed the finish line. This legislation will build a more informed and responsive system of care for those with FASD by strengthening prevention efforts, expanding diagnostic capacity, and improving coordination across states, Tribes, and local communities. Today belongs to the many advocates, families, and healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for those with FASD.” “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders affect at least 1 in 20 people in the U.S., and too many lack access to diagnosis, treatment, and support services. Those impacted by FASD need access to care so they can be put on the best path forward towards a successful future,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill increases federal support for local, evidence-based services for people with FASD and their families. This progress is possible thanks to the tireless advocacy of former Minnesota First Lady Susan Shepard Carlson, who has led this fight for more than two and a half decades.” “With today’s signing of the FASD Respect Act into law, our Federal Government has taken an enormous step toward fulfilling its promise to the FASD community. This milestone is a testament to the tireless determination of a movement powered by the FASD living experi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-liheap-aid-to-help-alaskans-lower-home-energy-bills Murkowski Welcomes LIHEAP Aid to Help Alaskans Lower Home Energy Bills 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — As families brace for cold weather and higher utility bills, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the news that approximately $3.7 billion of the $4.025 billion in delayed federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was delivered to states and Tribes across the country, including Alaska. LIHEAP is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. Murkowski, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, welcomed the release of funds and says it includes over $19 million for the State of Alaska and thirteen Tribal entities. Murkowski helped to lead a November 14 letter calling for the swift release of the funding. “Affordable energy is a lifeline in Alaska as harsh winters can be unforgiving across the state,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am grateful the administration heard the request of my colleagues and I and took the requested swift action to release this critical funding as winter sets in around the country. I will continue to be a relentless advocate for this program, and work to alleviate the financial burden that many Alaskans face to keep their homes warm.” Background: The federal LIHEAP aid was held up during the beginning of the cold-weather season because of the federal government shutdown, which ended on November 12. Murkowski has also worked on a bipartisan basis with Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) to include a $20 million increase for LIHEAP in the yet-to-be passed Senate version of the Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year, including over 4,700 Alaska households. Alaskans wishing to apply for LIHEAP may click here to reach the State of Alaska’s … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-leads-effort-to-correct-ccps-revisionist-wwii-history Sullivan Leads Effort to Correct CCP’s Revisionist WWII History 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper Commission chairs introduce resolution honoring U.S.-Republic of China victory in the war in the Pacific WASHINGTON—To mark the shared sacrifices of the United States and Nationalist China (formally known as the Republic of China, whose government is now based in Taiwan) during World War II, the chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China(CECC)—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Representative Chris Smith’s (R-N.J.)—announced a joint, bicameral effort to challenge the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) attempts to rewrite World War II history and claim undue credit for Allied victory in Asia. The chairs have introduced House and Senate resolutions to document the historical record of U.S.–Republic of China cooperation during World War II; condemn the CCP’s “stolen valor” historical revisionism, and recognize Japan’s postwar contributions to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The bicameral effort highlights that freedom in Taiwan, democracy in Japan, and stability across the Indo-Pacific are the result of courage, sacrifice, and an accurate accounting of history—not the CCP’s revisionist narrative. “The Chinese Communist Party routinely employs propaganda and censorship to construct a distorted narrative about its past and present actions that are at odds with actual history,” said Sullivan. “Congressman Smith and I urge our colleagues to join us in passing our resolution to call out the CCP’s deception about the Allied Victory in World War II and urge the Trump administration, via public diplomacy and media outreach, to highlight the sacrifices and heroism of America’s veterans and those of our allies and partners, including the Republic of China, which helped halt the march of tyranny in the Indo-Pacific during one of the darkest chapters in human history.” The resolution: Condemns the CCP’s “stolen valor” historical revisionism regarding Allied victory in Asia; Commemorates the immense human and material sacrifices made by the Republic of China and the United States during World War… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-celebrates-signing-of-landmark-legislation-to-address-substance-use-and-mental-health Murkowski Celebrates Signing of Landmark Legislation to Address Substance Use and Mental Health 2025-12-01 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) celebrated the signing of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 into law. This legislation expands programs to address substance use disorders and overdoses, and includes major priorities the delegation has long championed, including provisions of Bruce’s Law and the reauthorization of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program. “Four years ago, Sandy Snodgrass faced every parent’s worst nightmare when she lost her son to fentanyl poisoning, but she turned her heartache into advocacy for families and those who struggle with substance use across the country,” said Senator Murkowski. “Now that Bruce’s Law has passed, there will be greater resources to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl, develop new strategies to engage with young Americans at risk, and ultimately save lives.” “Alaska has faced a five-alarm crisis in recent years as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids ravaged our communities, poisoned our kids and tore families apart,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Stemming the influx of this poison coming across our borders has been a top priority of mine here in Washington. I want to commend President Trump for signing Bruce’s Law as part of the SUPPORT Act to help combat this deadly scourge and raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, which has stolen the futures of far too many, like Bruce Snodgrass. This legislation is the result of one mother’s selfless mission to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak that she has had to endure. Thank you, Sandy, for your tireless efforts to keep Alaskans safe, and congratulations on achieving this major milestone in your noble fight against fentanyl.” “On October 26, 2021, my 22-year-old son, Bruce, died of fentanyl poisoning in Anchorage, Alaska. Since that day, I have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and advocate for legislation to address its widespread impacts a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-murkowski-celebrate-signing-of-landmark-legislation-to-address-substance-use-and-mental-health Sullivan & Murkowski Celebrate Signing of Landmark Legislation to Address Substance Use and Mental Health 2025-12-01 2025 2025-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) celebrated the signing of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 into law. This legislation expands programs to address substance use disorders and overdoses, and includes major priorities the delegation has long championed, including provisions of Bruce’s Law and the reauthorization of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Program. “Four years ago, Sandy Snodgrass faced every parent’s worst nightmare when she lost her son to fentanyl poisoning, but she turned her heartache into advocacy for families and those who struggle with substance use across the country,” said Senator Murkowski. “Now that Bruce’s Law has passed, there will be greater resources to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl, develop new strategies to engage with young Americans at risk, and ultimately save lives.” “Alaska has faced a five-alarm crisis in recent years as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids ravaged our communities, poisoned our kids and tore families apart,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Stemming the influx of this poison coming across our borders has been a top priority of mine here in Washington. I want to commend President Trump for signing Bruce’s Law as part of the SUPPORT Act to help combat this deadly scourge and raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, which has stolen the futures of far too many, like Bruce Snodgrass. This legislation is the result of one mother’s selfless mission to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak that she has had to endure. Thank you, Sandy, for your tireless efforts to keep Alaskans safe, and congratulations on achieving this major milestone in your noble fight against fentanyl.” “On October 26, 2021, my 22-year-old son, Bruce, died of fentanyl poisoning in Anchorage, Alaska. Since that day, I have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and advocate for legislation to address its widespread impacts a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-sullivan-react-to-proposed-offshore-oil-and-gas-program Murkowski, Sullivan React to Proposed Offshore Oil and Gas Program 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) today issued the following statement after the Department of the Interior (Interior) released its Draft Proposed Program (DPP) for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which would guide offshore oil and gas lease sales in federal waters from 2026 to 2031. “Offshore energy is an important part of our nation’s energy supply and security, and we must have a well-reasoned plan in place to support its responsible development. Much like the Trump administration’s approach in 2018, it’s important to remember that this is the start of a process to strike the right balance, not its end point,” Senator Murkowski said. “In Alaska, we need to focus on Cook Inlet—where we mandated sales through this summer’s budget reconciliation bill—to provide energy for Southcentral and complement our onshore opportunities in the NPR-A and the Coastal Plain. In the months ahead, Interior will need to consult with and fully consider the perspectives of Alaskans to understand why development in some of our waters—especially the offshore Arctic and the Bering Strait—should not be in the final version of this five-year plan.” “I spoke with Secretary of the Interior Burgum earlier today about the Department of the Interior’s Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program announcement,” said Senator Sullivan. “He committed to me that DOI will continue to carefully listen to Alaskans throughout this process, particularly Alaska Native communities who live near the proposed leasing areas, including our whaling captains who bring generations of experience and deep knowledge of the Arctic Ocean. “It’s important for Alaskans to know that this draft proposal is not a final decision or a directive that any particular offshore lease sale will occur. Before any potential proposal is finalized, there will be multiple opportunities for public comment, environmental review, and additional analysis. As my office reviews the proposal, I wil… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murkowski-sullivan-react-to-proposed-offshore-oil-and-gas-program Murkowski, Sullivan React to Proposed Offshore Oil and Gas Program 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) today issued the following statement after the Department of the Interior (Interior) released its Draft Proposed Program (DPP) for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which would guide offshore oil and gas lease sales in federal waters from 2026 to 2031. “Offshore energy is an important part of our nation’s energy supply and security, and we must have a well-reasoned plan in place to support its responsible development. Much like the Trump administration’s approach in 2018, it’s important to remember that this is the start of a process to strike the right balance, not its end point,” Senator Murkowski said. “In Alaska, we need to focus on Cook Inlet—where we mandated sales through this summer’s budget reconciliation bill—to provide energy for Southcentral and complement our onshore opportunities in the NPR-A and the Coastal Plain. In the months ahead, Interior will need to consult with and fully consider the perspectives of Alaskans to understand why development in some of our waters—especially the offshore Arctic and the Bering Strait—should not be in the final version of this five-year plan.” “I spoke with Secretary of the Interior Burgum earlier today about the Department of the Interior’s Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program announcement,” said Senator Sullivan. “He committed to me that DOI will continue to carefully listen to Alaskans throughout this process, particularly Alaska Native communities who live near the proposed leasing areas, including our whaling captains who bring generations of experience and deep knowledge of the Arctic Ocean. “It’s important for Alaskans to know that this draft proposal is not a final decision or a directive that any particular offshore lease sale will occur. Before any potential proposal is finalized, there will be multiple opportunities for public comment, environmental review, and additional analysis. As my office reviews the proposal, I will wo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-colleagues-introduce-visit-usa-act-to-restore-brand-usa-funding-promote-us-tourism Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce VISIT USA Act to Restore Brand USA Funding, Promote U.S. Tourism 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)—all members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee—have introduced the Vital Investment in Sustaining International Tourism to the USA (VISIT USA) Act to fully restore Brand USA’s funding in Fiscal Years (FY) 2026 and 2027. Brand USA is a public-private partnership charged with promoting America as a premier international travel destination and clearly communicating U.S. visa and entry policies abroad. This legislation will fully fund Brand USA to promote the United States as an international travel destination ahead of several significant events hosted in the U.S., including the 250thanniversary of America’s independence, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic games. President Trump’s FY 2026 budget request also calls for fully funding Brand USA. “The United States is the third most visited country in the world. As we prepare to host several once-in-a-generation global events—from America250, to the FIFA World Cup, to the 2028 Olympic Games—there has never been a better moment to showcase all that our country has to offer,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Restoring Brand USA’s full funding will help us welcome more international visitors, strengthen our tourism economy, and support the thousands of small businesses that make America and Alaska such remarkable places to experience.” “Travel and tourism powers economic growth in communities in Minnesota and across our country,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will restore funding for Brand USA, providing the resources it needs to continue to support an additional 1.6 million visitors, $6 billion in spending, and nearly 80,000 jobs every year—all at no cost to taxpayers.” “As the United States prepares to host major global events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, it is more important than ever that we put our best foot forward to attract international visitors. Tourism is a p… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-speaks-at-hearing-for-alaska-federal-judge-nominee-peterson Sullivan Speaks at Hearing for Alaska Federal Judge Nominee Peterson 2025-11-19 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today introduced Aaron Christian Peterson, of Eagle River, Alaska, at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. On November 12, President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Peterson to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska, which currently has two vacancies. Aaron Christian Peterson is a born-and-raised Alaskan and U.S. Air Force veteran who currently serves as senior assistant attorney general in the Alaska Department of Law’s (DOL) Natural Resources Section, where he serves as primary litigation counsel on fisheries matters in which the State of Alaska has an interest. Previously, Peterson served as assistant attorney general in the DOL’s Office of Special Prosecutions from 2015 to 2019, prosecuting statewide fish and wildlife crimes. He also served as assistant district attorney in Anchorage from 2012 to 2015, where he handled a wide range of criminal cases. Peterson began his legal career clerking for Alaska Superior Court Judge Michael Spaan from 2010 to 2011. Peterson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and his Juris Doctor from the Gonzaga University School of Law. Sen. Sullivan solicited potential applications to fill vacancies on the court through the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council (AFJC), originally convened by Sullivan in 2023 to recommend candidates for federal judgeship vacancies. The council conducted thorough reviews and recommended applicants, including Peterson, to Sen. Sullivan, who then submitted his name, among others, to the President, who made the final decision. Below is a full transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s remarks in the hearing. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Senator Durbin, and my Senate colleagues on the Judiciary Committee. It is an honor to be here today to introduce a distinguished Alaskan before this committee, Aaron Peterson, who has been nominated by President Trump to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-restore-va-employees-collective-bargaining-rights Murkowski and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Restore VA Employees’ Collective Bargaining Rights 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to restore and protect Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees’ collective bargaining rights in response to the Trump Administration’s cancellation of union contracts for 80% of VA employees. “Our country made a promise to care for those who have served — and that promise is upheld by ensuring that our Veterans Affairs workforce is able to provide the best possible care to our former servicemembers. That includes upholding their right to collectively bargain so they have access to working conditions that allow them to focus on supporting our veterans,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation will defend those who speak up about waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department. When we protect this workforce, we protect veterans’ access to the high-quality care and benefits they’ve earned.” “We must erase Trump’s unlawful executive orders restricting VA workers’ rights to collective bargaining,” said Senator Blumenthal. “VA worker rights are essential to imposing proper oversight and scrutiny and providing veterans the care and compensation they deserve. As this Administration broadly cuts federal employees and their pay, collective bargaining rights are more important than ever.” The lawmakers’ VA Care and Benefits Accountability (VA CBA) Act will restore cancelled union contracts and nullify Executive Order 14251 (90 Fed. Reg. 14553) and Executive Order 14343 (90 Fed. Reg. 42683). This will restore union bargaining rights and protections for nearly 400,000 VA employees, among which almost 25% are veterans. In August, Trump VA Secretary Doug Collins terminated union contracts for most of VA’s bargaining-unit employees—enforcing the executive orders despite ongoing litigation and the Office of Personnel Management’s recommendation to wait until court proceedings had been fully resolved. This decision impacts nearly 80% of VA… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-its-past-time-that-everyone-involved-in-epsteins-illegal-operation-be-brought-to-justice Murkowski: “It’s past time that everyone involved in Epstein’s illegal operation be brought to justice” 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4405, The Epstein Files Transparency Act,: “This afternoon, the House voted almost unanimously to pass H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill requires the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified records, documents, communications, and materials in the Department’s possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffery Epstein—including any individuals named or referenced in connection with the investigation. “The bill now comes to the Senate, and I support its immediate consideration and will vote for it as written. “As the co-lead of a nearly identical counterpart bill, S. 2557, I urge my Senate colleagues to join me. We need to enforce transparency and integrity at the highest levels of government. It’s past time that all involved in Epstein’s illegal operation be brought to justice, so the survivors of these awful crimes can have closure.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-welcomes-repeal-of-unlawful-2024-npr-a-rule Alaska Delegation Welcomes Repeal of Unlawful 2024 NPR-A Rule 2025-11-17 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Anchorage, AK—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the Department of the Interior (Interior) repealed a rule the Biden administration imposed in 2024 as it sought to halt future development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted “a thorough legal and policy review” of the 2024 NPR-A Rule earlier this year. In a new final rule that was printed in the Federal Register today, BLM explains that “the 2024 NPR-A Rule conflicts with and exceeds its statutory authority under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976…undermines the purpose of that act, and is inconsistent with national energy policy.” “I thank Secretary Burgum and his team for moving quickly to repeal the NPR-A management rule. The Biden administration imposed it over the objections of our congressional delegation, the Alaska State Legislature, the Governor, leaders from across the North Slope, and most Alaskans. Worse still, they deliberately ignored federal law and failed to meaningfully consult with the Alaska Natives who actually live in this region,” Senator Murkowski said. “After years of telling industry to focus on the NPR-A, this was a blatant attempt to shut down future development in our petroleum reserve. Officials from the Biden administration openly admitted they rushed the rule to evade the Congressional Review Act, but they failed to recognize that their successors could work with us to strike it. I’m glad they did and glad to see it go.” “The Biden administration’s NPR-A rule was one of the most blatant examples of federal overreach we’ve seen in Alaska in decades,” said Senator Sullivan. “This rule locked up of about half of the National Petroleum Reserve—an area Congress explicitly set aside for energy production, ignored Alaska Native voices, violated clear congressional direction and undermined our state’s ability to responsibly develop the resources that support our… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-welcomes-repeal-of-unlawful-2024-npr-a-rule Alaska Delegation Welcomes Repeal of Unlawful 2024 NPR-A Rule 2025-11-17 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today issued the following statements after the Department of the Interior (Interior) repealed a rule the Biden administration imposed in 2024 as it sought to halt future development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted “a thorough legal and policy review” of the 2024 NPR-A Rule earlier this year. In a new final rule that printed in the Federal Register today, BLM explains that “the 2024 NPR-A Rule conflicts with and exceeds its statutory authority under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976…undermines the purpose of that act, and is inconsistent with national energy policy.” “I thank Secretary Burgum and his team for moving quickly to repeal the NPR-A management rule. The Biden administration imposed it over the objections of our congressional delegation, the Alaska State Legislature, the State of Alaska, leaders from across the North Slope, and most Alaskans. Worse still, they deliberately ignored federal law and failed to meaningfully consult with the Alaska Natives who actually live in this region,” Senator Murkowski said. “After years of telling industry to focus on the NPR-A, this was a blatant attempt to shut down future development in our petroleum reserve. Officials from the Biden administration openly admitted they rushed the rule to evade the Congressional Review Act, but they failed to recognize that their successors could work with us to strike it. I’m glad they did and glad to see it go.” “The Biden administration’s NPR-A rule was one of the most blatant examples of federal overreach we’ve seen in Alaska in decades,” said Senator Sullivan. “This rule locked up of about half of the National Petroleum Reserve—an area Congress explicitly set aside for energy production, ignored Alaska Native voices, violated clear congressional direction and undermined our state’s ability to responsibly develop the resources that supp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-swiftly-release-liheap-home-heating-aid Murkowski & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid 2025-11-14 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, D.C. – The federal government shutdown is over but as heating costs continue to rise, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), and Susan Collins (R-ME) are leading 28 additional Senators in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars are available to be distributed this year. “As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution,” the 31 U.S. Senators wrote. The bipartisan group of Senators say the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. In Fiscal Year 2024, Alaska received more than $21 million in LIHEAP to assist more than 17,000 households. LIHEAP applications are now open for all income-eligible households. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2026 — or until the funding is exhausted. For more information about LIHEAP through the State of Alaska, visit https://health.alaska.gov/en/services/division-of-public-assistance-dpa-services/heating-assistance/ or see a list of tribes that distribute LIHEAP assistance in certain areas of the state at https://health.alaska.gov/media/hawloap1/fy2026-hap-tribal-providers-listing.pdf. . In addition to Mu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-releases-statement-on-nomination-of-aaron-peterson-to-federal-bench Murkowski Releases Statement on Nomination of Aaron Peterson to Federal Bench 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the announcement that Aaron Peterson will be nominated to one of the vacancies on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska: “I have been informed by the White House that President Trump has nominated Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. Born and raised in Anchorage, Peterson has a strong record of practicing law here in our state. After speaking extensively with him last week about his many qualifications, I informed the White House that I would support his nomination. Alaska’s District Court has had two vacancies for far too long, and I hope the White House will soon announce a second qualified nominee whom I can support to fill out the bench.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-relieved-as-government-reopens-following-longest-shutdown-in-nations-history Murkowski Relieved As Government Reopens Following Longest Shutdown in Nation's History 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — Following the signing of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act into law, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement: "After 43 days, Congress has passed and the President has signed the Continuing Resolution, putting an end to the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history and one that was unnecessary. "I want to thank my colleagues who put politics aside and worked across the aisle to reopen our government. I especially want to recognize the leadership of Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins for her determination to advance three essential appropriations bills that will support our veterans and troops, and provide full-year funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). "The last eight weeks have brought significant hardship to many families across Alaska and our nation. Moving forward, we must remember that nobody wins a government shutdown—least of all the people we represent. Both parties must commit to never using the government, and the vital services it provides, as a bargaining chip in political negotiations." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-secures-investments-for-alaska-in-appropriations-bills Murkowski Secures Investments for Alaska in Appropriations Bills 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured significant investments for Alaska through the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 2026. The legislation—three of the twelve annual appropriations bills needed to fund the government—passed as part of the agreement that ended the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. Highlights from the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Investments in housing and rural community development Affordable housing and rural infrastructure needs are some of Alaska’s most pressing issues. Senator Murkowski secured $1.715 billion for the Rental Assistance Program, which will help low-income families access affordable rental housing in rural areas. She also secured $27 million for very low-income housing repair grants so Alaskans can stay in their homes safely through the winter. Updating Alaska’s clean water and utility infrastructure Senator Murkowski advocated for investments in essential community infrastructure to ensure Alaskans have access to clean water and affordable energy, regardless of where they live. She included $60 million for Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants and inserted report language prioritizing Alaska Native communities. She also secured $8 million for the High Energy Cost Grant Program, which helps energy providers reduce energy costs for families facing very high household energy expenses. Bolstering food security and agriculture Senator Murkowski has long prioritized efforts to strengthen Alaska’s food security. She secured a number of Alaska-specific provisions, including: $5 million for Micro-Grants for Food Security, with report language urging USDA to ensure that low-income, disadvantaged, and minority individuals are able to submit applications for projects that will increase the amount and quality of locally produced foods. $5 million for Alaska Native… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-speaks-on-aaron-petersons-nomination-for-us-district-court-for-the-district-of-alaska Senator Murkowski Speaks on Aaron Peterson's Nomination for U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — United States Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement following the President's announcement of his intent to nominate Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska: “I have been informed by the White House that President Trump intends to nominate Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. Born and raised in Anchorage, Peterson has a strong record of practicing law here in our state. After speaking extensively with him last week about his many qualifications, I informed the White House that I would support his nomination. Alaska’s District Court has had two vacancies for far too long, and I hope the White House will soon announce a second qualified nominee whom I can support to fill out the bench.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-lummis-introduce-legislation-to-fix-onerous-cold-weather-roadblocks-for-diesel-engines Sullivan, Lummis Introduce Legislation to Fix Onerous Cold Weather Roadblocks for Diesel Engines 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) recently introduced the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act to address Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions system malfunctions that can force diesel engines to shut down in extreme cold. Under current one-size-fits-all EPA regulations, trucks and heavy equipment are required to use emissions systems that can trigger engine shutdowns when diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)—which freezes at just 12 degrees Fahrenheit—fails to reach proper operating temperatures, even though the engine itself is working normally. This legislation directs the EPA to update its regulations to account for how diesel engines actually operate in cold-weather states, like Alaska and Wyoming, to prevent the automatic shutdowns caused by cold-related emissions faults, and to provide year-round exemptions from DEF system requirements for vehicles and equipment that operate primarily in cold weather climates. “In extreme cold, diesel engines can shut down because EPA-mandated emissions systems weren’t designed for the harsh conditions we face in Alaska and across the northern United States,” said Sen. Sullivan, “That’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a compliance trap for the men and women who keep Alaska moving. The Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act makes sure trucks and heavy equipment can keep operating safely in freezing weather by preventing automatic shutdowns caused by cold-related emissions faults. Our legislation brings common sense to EPA rules, aligning federal policy with real-world conditions in the nation’s coldest regions.” “Climate-alarmist bureaucrats in Washington do not understand that the consequences of their radical agenda are hurting real people in western communities,” said Sen. Lummis. “I am proud to join Senator Sullivan in correcting the Obama and Biden administrations’ disastrous policies and ensuring folks don’t get stranded in their ‘EPA-compliant’ vehicles, even during the harshest winter weather. The people of Wyoming should no… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-celebrates-end-of-the-schumer-shutdown Sullivan Celebrates End of the Schumer Shutdown 2025-11-12 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper Appropriations Legislation Funds Numerous Alaska Projects & Priorities, Including $441 Million in Military Construction WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) thanked his House colleagues who voted tonight on legislation the Senate passed earlier this week to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. On Monday, November 10, Sen. Sullivan voted with 59 of his Senate colleagues for a bipartisan continuing resolution to reopen and fund the federal government through January 30, 2026. Sen. Sullivan previously voted 14 times to keep the government open and to end the shutdown, which was spearheaded by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). The bill also contains military construction and Veterans Affairs funding, legislative branch funding, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding, including for the SNAP program, through the entirety of Fiscal Year 2026. “For 43 days, thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans have faced uncertainty about getting paid, putting food on the table, and supporting their families as the longest and most senseless government shutdown in history dragged on,” Senator Sullivan said. “This shutdown was completely avoidable. It was spearheaded by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and congressional Democrats to hold the American people hostage as a means to—in their own words—gain ‘leverage.’ The American people should have never been used as political pawns. “Thankfully, a bipartisan group of senators who I had been working with for weeks came together to reopen the government and get our essential federal workers paid—from TSA personnel and air traffic controllers to federal law enforcement and our military. The pause on SNAP benefits is over, meaning thousands of Alaskans can once again count on that support to feed their families. The appropriations bills we passed also included significant provisions that will greatly benefit Alaska, bringing hundreds of millions of dollars to our state for military construction, funding our veterans’ care an… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-lauds-nomination-of-peterson-to-alaskas-federal-bench Sullivan Lauds Nomination of Peterson to Alaska’s Federal Bench 2025-11-12 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed President Donald Trump’s announcement of his intent to nominate Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. “I congratulate Aaron Peterson on being nominated to serve on the federal bench for the District of Alaska. I also want to thank President Trump and his team for working closely with my office and putting forward this outstanding nominee today,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Aaron has extensive legal experience spanning criminal prosecution, natural resources law, and national security. Throughout his career, which includes military service, Aaron has demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law and federalism. He also understands the principle that the job of a federal judge is to interpret the law, not to make policy. I’d like to thank each of the members of the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council, who worked with me to fully vet a number of well-qualified Alaska nominees, including Aaron. The council’s diligent work and input were invaluable in ensuring Alaskans are represented by jurists and citizens of the highest caliber.” Sen. Sullivan solicited potential applications to fill vacancies on the court through the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council (AFJC), originally convened by Sullivan in 2023 to recommend candidates for federal judgeship vacancies. The council conducted thorough reviews and recommended applicants, including Peterson, to Sen. Sullivan, who then submitted his name, among others, to the White House, which ultimately made the final decision. Aaron Christian Peterson, of Eagle River, is a born-and-raised Alaskan and U.S. Air Force veteran who currently serves as senior assistant attorney general in the Alaska Department of Law’s (DOL) Natural Resources Section, where he serves as primary litigation counsel on fisheries matters in which the State of Alaska has an interest. Previously, Peterson served as assistant attorney general in the DOL’s Office of Special Prosecutions f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-sen-sullivan-recognizes-service-and-sacrifice-of-americas-veterans VIDEO: Sen. Sullivan Recognizes Service & Sacrifice of America’s Veterans 2025-11-11 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=2 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, released the following video message in recognition of Veterans Day. Below is a full transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s Veterans Day message. Greetings, Alaska, from Washington, D.C. on this Veterans Day. Thank you to all Alaskans for supporting our veterans and our military so much. This is a very important, meaningful day for our whole country, but especially for our state. Patriotism and military service are a huge legacy and heritage of our great state. It literally runs in our DNA. We have more veterans per capita than any state in the country. And, with our big Active Duty and Reserve and Guard forces and their families in Alaska, it is a giant component of who we are. Today, I want to begin by thanking all the veterans, all who have served our country—of course, our people who are still on Active Duty and Reserve duty, and their families. The families sacrifice so much and don't always get the attention that they deserve. So, to our veterans, our military, and our families: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope you have a very meaningful Veterans Day today. Last year, I retired out of the Marine Corps after 30 years on Active Duty and in the Reserves. I’m wearing my Marine Corps tie here. We are in the shadow of one of the great memorials for our military in Washington, DC, which, of course, is the Marine Corps Memorial, depicting the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Yesterday, November 10th, was the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. For all the Marines back home in Alaska, Semper Fi. Oorah! Happy 250th birthday. We are proud of the Marines. We view it as the finest fighting force in the world. We're also a little bit proud of the fact that the Marine Corps was actually founded in a bar: Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. I'm digressing, but that is an element of the legacy of the Marine Corps. But back to our veterans, all veterans. Again, I want to thank you for your legacy, not just in Alaska, but … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/se Murkowski Speaks on Vote to Reopen Government 2025-11-10 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — Following the Senate’s vote on H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement: "Tonight, I joined my Senate colleagues in voting to begin to reopen the federal government. We have agreed to a broad framework to fund government operations through January 30, pass three appropriations bills, provide back pay for federal workers, reinstate federal employees who were fired during the shutdown, and prevent mass firings for a roughly three-month period. Leader Thune has also agreed to hold a vote on a Democratic proposal to help tax credits that lower the cost of health insurance for Americans no later than the 2nd week in December. As we mark Day 41 of a shutdown that is severely impacting tens of millions of Americans, from missed paychecks to snarled air travel to the loss of SNAP benefits, I hope we are finally seeing light at the end of this truly miserable tunnel." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-vote-to-reopen-the-government Sullivan Statement on Vote to Reopen the Government 2025-11-09 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today released the following statement after voting to advance legislation to reopen and fund the government, as he has done 14 previous times since the end of September. Senate Democrats have, until tonight, prevented the Senate from reaching the 60 votes necessary to advance legislation. Tonight’s vote was the first step in opening the government after 40 days of a shutdown led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Click here to watch Sen. Sullivan’s message. “I just got off the floor of the Senate voting for the 15th time to reopen our government. This has been the most senseless, unnecessary shutdown I've ever seen, instigated by Senator Schumer,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Way too many people have been hurt—SNAP beneficiaries, people who are required to work to protect us but aren't getting a paycheck. Think about it. It's everybody from Capitol police to air traffic controllers, TSA. But here's the good news: I think we finally have a breakthrough tonight where it looks like we're having the first steps to reopen our government. I've been in discussions with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats across the aisle, for weeks on getting something moving like this. It's an important night, a good step forward. I hope we can keep the momentum tomorrow morning when we're back in session here in the Senate.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-sullivan-reiterates-call-to-end-government-shutdown-on-ktuu ICYMI: Sen. Sullivan Reiterates Call to End Government Shutdown on KTUU 2025-11-08 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—In an appearance on Alaska’s Political Pipeline on Alaska’s News Source on Thursday, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) again called for his Senate Democratic colleagues to vote for the clean, bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to open the government in order to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), pay essential federal workers, and end the flight disruptions taking place across the country. In his interview with Wil Courtney, Sen. Sullivan highlighted the failures of Obamacare—which has driven up Alaska’s already high health care premiums, and reaffirmed his commitment to work with Republicans and Democrats in Congress on potential reforms and extensions of expiring subsidies once the government is reopened. Click here or the image above to watch the KTUU interview. The Shutdown is Hurting Alaskans “Too many people are hurting. Now, you're starting to see care, traffic, travel being disrupted. All of this could be fixed tonight or tomorrow here in the Senate. If we just had eight Democrat senators join the three who have already joined us and vote to reopen the government. That's what the American people want. That's what the vast majority of Alaskans want.” FAA Flight Reductions “Look, that announcement is a really problematic announcement now, but it's all about safety. You know, we got a briefing on this. I'm on the Commerce Committee that they're doing these reductions in major airports, including Anchorage, including Seattle, because our FAA workers are tired. They're not getting paid. Again, we've now gone into the longest shutdown in American history. So this is the most unnecessary, useless shutdown I've ever seen in my career here. We have voted now, Wil, 14 times to reopen the government, by the way, a bipartisan vote. The Democrats are voting with us. That would cure all these issues, not just air traffic control and FAA—the delays we're going to start seeing in airports, but SNAP, federal workers not getting paid, it would solve everything. Then, Wil, you … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-again-to-bring-war-powers-resolution-to-senate-floor Murkowski Votes Again to Bring War Powers Resolution to Senate Floor 2025-11-06 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after her vote on Senate Joint Resolution 90: “Tonight, I voted to proceed to debate on a resolution that would terminate the escalation of operations—covert, military, economic, or otherwise—against Venezuela without explicit approval from Congress. “I have been briefed multiple times and reviewed classified documents that provide insight into the administration’s factual justification for these actions. Even with this additional context, I do not believe their case has met the standard of clarity and rigor that Congress needs to fully evaluate the legality and scope of these operations. “This resolution follows recent reports of U.S. intelligence and military operations in and around Venezuela, which have the potential to disrupt international norms and escalate tensions in the region. After months of lethal strikes in international waters, bringing this resolution to the Senate floor would have allowed Congress to determine whether these actions warrant specific congressional authorization under Article I of the Constitution.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-speaks-on-workforce-development-in-alaska-with-industry-leaders Murkowski Speaks on Workforce Development in Alaska with Industry Leaders 2025-11-05 2025 2025-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — During a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions hearing today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) highlighted the importance of “wraparound services” in apprenticeship programs to train Alaska’s workforce. She also asked during the hearing about the versatility of workforce training across the state, and the need for a workforce that can help Alaska build out its all-of-the-above energy strategy. Click thumbnail above or here to watch Senator Murkowski’s exchange Rough Transcript Murkowski: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your contributions here before the committee. I wasn't here when Senator Baldwin was asking her questions, but we visited outside, and I felt both of us made some pretty good progress with the National Apprenticeship Act that we had worked on in the previous Congress. One of the things that I had really taken away from the lead up to the introduction of that bill, I reached out to our unions around the state of Alaska, I reached out to those that have apprenticeship programs, and I said, “what's really the big challenge here when it comes to apprenticeships in a state like Alaska that is not only rural, it's really rural.” And so, one of the things that we heard, and we heard it repeated, was a shortage of what we will call “wraparound services.” It’s everything from childcare. It's everything I need to take care of an aging parent. It's education, it’s housing. It's all the things that go into those barriers that keep someone from completing their apprenticeship training. And so, I throw this out. You know, you've got shipbuilding here. You've got different interests represented. You've got some of our unions here. Is this an issue beyond just the state of Alaska? Can the federal government be helpful in ensuring that those who have the interest, those that have the talent, are going to be able to participate in some of these programs? Or do you just have to kind of figure it out on your own. And if you're lucky enough to be… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-sullivan-touts-alaska-lng-progress-on-bloomberg-tv ICYMI: Sen. Sullivan Touts Alaska LNG Progress on Bloomberg TV 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—In an appearance on Bloomberg TV’s Balance of Power on Thursday, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) touted the significant progress being made on the Alaska liquified natural gas (LNG) project. Earlier this week, Tokyo Gas announced letters of intent with Glenfarne, the lead developer of the proposed Alaska LNG project, for purchases of Alaska gas representing 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). This followed a September letter of intent for 1 MTPA from JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company. Additionally, South Korea’s POSCO signed a heads of agreement with Glenfarne in September, signaling a strong demand from America’s Asian allies for a long-term, reliable supply of energy from the U.S. President Trump and senior Trump administration officials continued to promote the project and Alaska energy during their recent trip to Asia. In the interview, Sullivan noted the Alaska LNG project has already garnered letters of intent from several countries representing more than half of the capacity of the 20 MTPA project. Sullivan also celebrated the passage of his Congressional Review Act (CRA) legislation overturing the Biden administration’s restrictive 2022 Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) Record of Decision (ROD) for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The bill passed the Senate on Thursday by a bipartisan vote of 52-45. Click here or the image above to watch the Bloomberg interview. Alaska LNG “I want to just first do a thanks to President Trump. He has been relentless, Joe, on promoting Alaska energy—LNG, oil, critical minerals. We had a huge deal that he announced last week. He and his cabinet have been tremendous supporters of Alaska natural resources. By the way, that's great for my constituents, but it's really good for America. And it's a huge contrast to the previous administration. Joe Biden issued 70 executive orders and actions singularly focused to shut down Alaska's resource development and economy. John Kerry went overseas to our Asian allies saying, don't buy Amer… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-brings-senior-federal-officials-to-storm-ravaged-western-alaska-villages ICYMI: Sullivan Brings Senior Federal Officials to Storm-Ravaged Western Alaska Villages 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), along with Alaska state, local and tribal leaders, led a group of senior federal officials to Western Alaska last weekend to survey the villages hardest hit by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Officials participating in the visit included Eric Ueland, deputy director of the White House Office of Management and Budget; Karen Evans, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) chief of staff; Kara Voorhies, senior advisor to the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Dillon McGregor, assistant secretary for the DHS Office of Legislative Affairs; Vince Maykovich, FEMA Region 10 administrator; Willie Nunn, FEMA Type 1 federal coordinating officer; Rear Admiral Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic District; Captain Christopher Culpepper, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and the U.S. Arctic; and Denise Everhart, American Red Cross Pacific Division disaster executive. Click here for photos from the delegation’s visit. “It’s one thing to receive a PowerPoint briefing in D.C. about a disaster taking place thousands of miles away. It’s quite another experience to be on the ground, walking through a devastated community, speaking with the people who’ve lost so much,” said Sen. Sullivan. “That was my objective in bringing senior White House, Homeland Security, FEMA, military and Coast Guard officials to some of the hardest hit villages in Western Alaska last weekend. What we saw was severe, widespread damage to vital infrastructure, airports, boardwalks, homes, and other buildings. But we also saw incredible resilience among the people—Alaskans helping one another in their time of need, clearing debris and making repairs where possible in time for the fast-approaching winter weather. I want to once again commend the Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard, and local crews who conducted the immediate search-and-rescue missions and who continue to move goods and people—including our own delegation—to and from these communities. And… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-seeks-to-reassert-congressional-power-over-foreign-trade-and-tariffs Murkowski Seeks to Reassert Congressional Power over Foreign Trade and Tariffs 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — This week, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined a majority of her colleagues in voting to reassert congressional authority over foreign trade and to terminate the President’s emergency declarations to place tariffs on Canada, Brazil, and other countries. This vote series follows Senator Murkowski joining her colleagues in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the Court to affirm lower court rulings that the President’s use of an emergency declaration in this context violates federal law. As outlined in Article I of the Constitution, the authority to “regulate commerce with foreign nations” rests with Congress. “For too long, Congress has taken a backseat as presidents of both parties have slowly seized more and more power,” Murkowski said. “This series of votes isn’t just about registering the Senate’s disapproval of the President’s emergency declaration on tariffs—it’s about Congress reasserting our authority as a co-equal branch of government with defined powers and responsibilities.” The measures passed by the Senate this week – S.J.Res. 81, S.J.Res. 77, and S.J.Res 88 – will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Background: In April 2025, Senator Murkowski delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging her colleagues to reassert Congress’ constitutional power over foreign trade, including tariffs. Her remarks came after the Senate declined to terminate an emergency declaration from President Trump that was used to justify imposing tariffs on Canada. Senator Murkowski, alongside a bipartisan group of senators, has also introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025—modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973—which would reestablish limits on the President’s ability to impose tariffs without congressional approval. Last week, Senator Murkowski joined her colleagues in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the President’s authority to issue tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Senators argue t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-nullifies-biden-era-lock-up-of-alaskas-national-petroleum-reserve Senate Nullifies Biden-era Lock-Up of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC—The U.S. Senate, by a vote of 52 to 45, today passed Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden administration’s restrictive 2022 Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) Record of Decision (ROD) for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The Biden-era NPR-A IAP replaced a 2020 Trump administration plan, closed nearly half of the NPR-A to oil and gas leasing, contradicted Congress’ clear direction in long-standing federal law, and disregarded the strong support of Alaska Native leaders of the region, which relies on responsible development to fund schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. On September 18, Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska) introduced a companion CRA resolution in the House. Once approved by the House, the legislation will go to the President’s desk for approval. Watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks here. “In 2022, the Biden administration cut off access to millions of acres in our petroleum reserve and left only 52 percent of it available for potential energy leasing. Even as they relaxed sanctions on the likes of Iran and Venezuela, they ignored the requirements of federal law, the views of North Slope leaders, our history of responsible production, and the need for energy security as they tried to block some of our state’s best opportunities,” Senator Murkowski said. “The passage of this disapproval resolution will help us restore balanced management in the NPR-A, allowing responsible development to occur as we protect sensitive areas and provide for subsistence rights. I credit Senator Sullivan for leading this effort and hope the House will return to session very soon to take up this measure.” “The Biden administration’s 2022 NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan was one of the most blatant examples of federal overreach we’ve seen in Alaska in decades,” said Senator Sullivan. “This plan effectively locked up about half of the National Petroleum Reserve—an area Con… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-rescinds-biden-era-lock-up-of-alaskas-national-petroleum-reserve Senate Rescinds Biden-era Lock-Up of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate, by a vote of 52 to 45, today passed Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski’s (both R-Alaska) joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden administration’s restrictive 2022 Integrated Activity Plan (IAP) Record of Decision (ROD) for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The Biden-era NPR-A IAP replaced a 2020 Trump administration plan, closed nearly half of the NPR-A to oil and gas leasing, contradicted Congress’ clear direction in long-standing federal law, and disregarded the strong support of Alaska Native leaders of the region, which relies on responsible development to fund schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. On September 18, Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska) introduced a companion CRA resolution in the House. Once approved by the House, the legislation will go to the President’s desk for approval. “The Biden administration’s 2022 NPR-A Integrated Activity Plan was one of the most blatant examples of federal overreach we’ve seen in Alaska in decades,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This plan effectively locked up about half of the National Petroleum Reserve—an area Congress explicitly set aside for energy production, ignored Alaska Native voices, violated clear congressional intent, and undermined our state’s ability to responsibly develop the resources that support our communities and strengthen our nation. As I said in my remarks on the Senate floor, responsible resource development builds infrastructure, supports communities, creates good-paying jobs, and literally leads to my constituents living longer. I wish more of my Senate Democratic colleagues recognized that truth and found the courage to stand up to the far-left Lower 48 eco-colonialists who are determined to lock up Alaska, kill good-paying jobs, and silence the people who live there. But I do want to thank the majority of my colleagues in the Senate who stood with me, Senator Murkowski, and Congressman Begich in passing this resolution—restoring bal… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-restore-pay-for-capitol-police-during-shutdown Murkowski, Colleagues, Introduce Legislation to Restore Pay for Capitol Police During Shutdown 2025-10-29 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) co-sponsored legislation introduced by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) that would ensure members of the United States Capitol Police, their civilian staff, and essential contractors continue to receive pay during a government shutdown. “U.S. Capitol Police have continued to serve Congress faithfully throughout this shutdown—and it is we who are letting them down,” said Senator Murkowski. “Our officers and their families should not have to go without pay while we in Congress blame each other for the shutdown impasse. I am immensely grateful for their service and the sacrifices they make daily. The best way we can show them our appreciation is to take care of them as they take care of us.” The Pay Our Capitol Police Act provides: Continuing appropriations to pay members of the Capitol Police performing active service. Pay for civilian employees and contractors who directly support Capitol Police operations. Automatic coverage during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect, retroactive to Oct. 1, 2025. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and remains in place until the passage of the next appropriations legislation or Sept. 30, 2026. Full bill text can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-whitehouse-tillis-and-warner-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-telehealth-access Murkowski, Whitehouse, Tillis, and Warner Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Telehealth Access 2025-10-28 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Mark Warner (D-VA) reintroduced the Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act. This bipartisan legislation addresses regulatory hurdles to accessing telehealth services for opioid use disorder by making permanent the resources that were made available during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Over 80 percent of our communities are off the road system in Alaska, which often leaves people to fly hundreds of miles to receive care,” said Senator Murkowski. “Expanded access to telehealth services has proven to be critical in meeting people in recovery where they are. This legislation makes permanent patients’ access to these services regardless of where they call home.” “The opioid epidemic has taken a heartbreaking toll on families in Rhode Island and across the country,” Senator Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former Rhode Island Attorney General and U.S. Attorney said. “There is a bipartisan commitment in Congress to supporting people who are on the long, noble road of recovery by preserving lifesaving recovery support from the comfort and privacy of home.” “The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing public health emergencies of our time,” said Senator Tillis. “During the pandemic, temporary flexibilities allowed life-saving opioid use disorder (OUD) treatments, such as buprenorphine, to be prescribed via telehealth. This bipartisan legislation will permanently allow health care providers to prescribe OUD treatments via telehealth as appropriate, and result in expanded access to treatments that are proven to be effective in treating substance use disorders. As the United States continues to experience an unacceptable number of opioid overdose deaths, we must pursue policies that reduce barriers and increase access to care, and I'm proud to work with my colleagues on the TREATS Act, which does exactly that.” “Telehealth has become an e… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-sullivan-whitehouse-fish-act-to-combat-illegal-foreign-seafood-harvest Senate Passes Sullivan-Whitehouse FISH Act to Combat Illegal Foreign Seafood Harvest 2025-10-28 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) celebrated the Senate recently passing their Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The FISH Act would combat foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities and partnerships, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties. The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and John Kennedy (R-La.). House companion legislation has been introduced by Representatives Nick Begich (R-Alaska), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), and Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas). “The geopolitics of the North Pacific and the Arctic are changing dramatically, with Russia and China increasing their aggression and ruinous activities near Alaska’s waters,” said Sen. Sullivan. “One particularly insidious threat is Chinese and Russian fishing fleets that ignore basic seafood harvest rules and best practices, and ravage fish stocks without regard for any other users or future generations. These gray fleets, which literally utilize slave labor in many cases, are a cancer on fisheries throughout the world and undercut our fishermen, who fish sustainably. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for advancing our FISH Act in the FY 2026 NDAA and helping us fight back against IUU fishing on behalf of our fishermen and coastal communities.” “I was glad to work with Senator Sullivan, my longtime partner on oceans issues, to secure the inclusion of our bipartisan FISH Act in this year’s Senate-passed NDAA. Our bill cracks down on illegal pirate fishing operations to level the playing field for Rhode Island fishermen and processors who play by the rules, and it will help nurture the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-chairs-commerce-hearing-on-reviving-commercial-us-navy-shipbuilding Sullivan Chairs Commerce Hearing on Reviving Commercial, U.S. Navy Shipbuilding 2025-10-28 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today chaired a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries which examined how to modernize and accelerate U.S. commercial and Navy shipbuilding while strengthening America’s broader maritime industrial base. In his opening remarks and questions of witnesses, Sen. Sullivan focused on the current crisis in U.S. shipbuilding and the national security risks of having China, America’s chief adversary, accounting for nearly half of all global vessel production. Sen. Sullivan highlighted the Trump administration’s commitment to working with Congress to revive American shipbuilding, specifically President Trump’s “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance” executive order, signed on April 9, 2025, and the historic tens of billions of dollars of investments being made in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard in the recent budget reconciliation bill. Click here to watch the full hearing. “The state of America's commercial shipbuilding industry is not just an economic concern. It is a national security imperative that we have let slide for way too long. The scale of the challenge we face today is real. It's urgent. I would say it's daunting,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The United States builds less than one percent of the world's commercial ships. Meanwhile, our adversary, China, alone accounts for nearly half of global production, backed by state planning, subsidies and, as always, coercive trade practices. This is not just an economic statistic. It is a dire warning. Maritime power is directly tied to our ability to project influence, support our Navy, mobilize sealift, sustain commerce, and ensure resilient supply chains in times of crisis.” The subcommittee heard from several expert witnesses, including Matt Paxton, president of the Shipbuilders Council of America; Jeff Vogel, vice president of legal for TOTE Services; Dr. Salvatore Mercogliano, professor at Campbell University; and Tuuli Snow, talent acquisition & en… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-calls-on-colleagues-to-stay-in-dc-work-to-end-shutdown Murkowski Calls on Colleagues to Stay in DC, Work to End Shutdown 2025-10-27 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — Today, on day 27 of the federal shutdown, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) called for the Senate to remain in Washington, DC for as long as it takes to reach agreement to reopen the government. During her remarks on the Senate floor, Murkowski read messages she has received from Alaskans impacted by the shutdown and expressed her frustration with the lack of progress being made on both sides of the aisle to end the stalemate. Watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks here. Rough Transcript Murkowski: Madam President, we are in day 27 of a government shutdown. 27 days where the government is shutdown. Yet, we are here, you are presiding, there are pages on the floor, there are people in the gallery, there are people coming and going, we’ve got Capitol Hill Police in the area, and it just feels like business as usual. We’re going to have committee hearings this week, we’re going to be voting on judges and some CRAs, and it just kind of feels like business as usual. And yet it is so not business as usual. We’re pretending that everything is okay. We’re pretending that people are not being impacted by this shutdown. I’m looking at the people that are here recording this, that will be working to process this vote. None of them are getting paid. The Capitol Hill Police, that I visit with on a daily basis outside and inside, are not getting paid. And they share with me, “Well, I still had to drive in, I’ve got a forty-minute drive to get here, so I’ve got to fill up my car. I have kids at home, young kids, and so they go to childcare… so I’ve still got to pay the childcare provider… my expenses are not going away.” And yet every single one of them says, “I’m not complaining. I’m not complaining. I’ve signed up for this, this is my mission, and I will be here.” And they’re proud to be here. But what is wrong is that their families are stressed. I was talking with one Capitol Hill police officer on Thursday of last week, and he said, “Every day I go home, and my wife says, ‘So? Did they open i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-cosponsors-bill-to-avoid-snap-interruption-during-government-shutdown Murkowski Cosponsors Bill to Avoid SNAP Interruption During Government Shutdown 2025-10-27 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has cosponsored legislation to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments continue uninterrupted should the government shutdown persist past October. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posting notice on its website stating that SNAP benefits will not be distributed on November 1 in the absence of a Continuing Resolution (CR) or appropriations bills, Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) Keep SNAP Funded Act would specifically appropriate funds to direct USDA to continue benefits without interruption. “It is unacceptable that Alaskans are anxiously watching as the shutdown impasse continues, unsure if they’ll be able to receive their SNAP benefits by the end of the week,” said Senator Murkowski. “Over 66,000 Alaskans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, and this legislation will ensure that these benefits aren’t interrupted.” “Needy families in Missouri should not be going hungry because a bunch of politicians in DC can't figure out how to open the government,” said Senator Hawley. “650,000 people in Missouri depend on help when it comes to the price of food and groceries. I don't want to see these folks go without food. I hope everybody will support this legislation.” In addition to Senators Murkowski and Hawley, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-schiff-introduce-doenasa-research-bill-strengthening-us-energy-and-space-innovation Sullivan, Schiff Introduce DOE–NASA Research Bill Strengthening U.S. Energy and Space Innovation 2025-10-24 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) yesterday introduced the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act to strengthen collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill encourages both agencies to share research, technology, and data—an effort designed to accelerate American innovation in science, energy, and space exploration. “Alaska is where space and energy meet,” Senator Sullivan said. “We’re home to world-class launch facilities in Kodiak and leading micro-grid research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks—some of the most advanced in the country. This bill helps ensure our state’s scientists, engineers, and students are part of the national mission to explore, innovate, and power the future. The Department of Energy brings unmatched research labs and supercomputing capabilities. NASA brings world-leading space expertise. When they work together, it’s good for America—and it’s great for Alaska. I want to thank Rep. Begich for leading this effort in the House and look forward to working with Senator Schiff and our colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation.” “The partnership between the DOE and NASA is essential for the future development of scientific and energy innovations,” Senator Schiff said. “I am proud to join Senator Sullivan and Representatives Begich and Whitesides in ensuring both agencies can collaborate to promote and contribute to a variety of programs, including wildfire mitigation — something that is critical to communities in California.” The legislation authorizes DOE and NASA to formalize their partnership and focus on joint research in areas such as advanced computing, energy storage, materials science, and space-based observation. Representatives Nick Begich (R-Alaska) and George Whitesides (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-celebrates-series-of-interior-announcements-for-alaska-day Delegation Celebrates Series of Interior Announcements for Alaska Day 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, U.S. Congressman Nick Begich, and Governor Mike Dunleavy, all R-Alaska, today participated in an “Alaska Day” ceremony at the U.S. Department of the Interior with Secretary Doug Burgum. Secretary Burgum announced a series of administrative actions, including the signing of three land allotments for Alaska Native veterans, the restoration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas program, the reinstatement of key permits for the Ambler Access Project, and a land exchange agreement to facilitate a life-saving road for the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska. Watch the full event here. “Thank you to Secretary Burgum and his team for their significant efforts on these Alaska priorities. I appreciate the finalization of several Native allotments, while recognizing we need to extend that program. It is great to see the reinstatement of permits for Ambler that should have never been revoked in the first place, and the restoration of a Coastal Plain program that reflects federal law,” Murkowski said. “I’m also truly grateful that Secretary Burgum has added his name to the bipartisan list of Secretaries who have listened to the good people of King Cove and chose to help them. I’m hopeful this land exchange agreement will finally deliver a life-saving road for this predominantly Alaska Native community—delivering them from a seemingly never-ending federal cycle and providing them with reliable access to the all-weather airport in nearby Cold Bay. After decades of dangerous medevacs and terrible crashes that have cost human lives, it is past time to ensure that their health, safety, and quality of life is fully protected.” Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum has been in office for nine months and I can easily say he's been the best Secretary of Interior for Alaska in American history,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The contrast with the previous administration could not be clearer. Working closely with the Trump administration, we are rapidly checking off each of the Biden a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-celebrates-series-of-interior-announcements-for-alaska-day Delegation Celebrates Series of Interior Announcements for Alaska Day 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, U.S. Congressman Nick Begich, and Governor Mike Dunleavy, all R-Alaska, today participated in an “Alaska Day” ceremony at the U.S. Department of the Interior with Secretary Doug Burgum. Secretary Burgum announced a series of administrative actions, including the signing of three land allotments for Alaska Native veterans, the restoration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas program, the reinstatement of key permits for the Ambler Access Project, and a land exchange agreement to facilitate a life-saving road for the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska "Thank you to Secretary Burgum and his team for their significant efforts on these Alaska priorities. I appreciate the finalization of several Native allotments, while recognizing we need to extend that program. It is great to see the reinstatement of permits for Ambler that should have never been revoked in the first place, and the restoration of a Coastal Plain program that reflects federal law,” Murkowski said. “I’m also truly grateful that Secretary Burgum has added his name to the bipartisan list of Secretaries who have listened to the good people of King Cove and chose to help them. I’m hopeful this land exchange agreement will finally deliver a life-saving road for this predominantly Alaska Native community—delivering them from a seemingly never-ending federal cycle and providing them with reliable access to the all-weather airport in nearby Cold Bay. After decades of dangerous medevacs and terrible crashes that have cost human lives, it is past time to ensure that their health, safety, and quality of life is fully protected.” “Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum has been in office for nine months and I can easily say he's been the best Secretary of Interior for Alaska in American history,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The contrast with the previous administration could not be clearer. Working closely with the Trump administration, we are rapidly checking off each of the Biden administration’s egregious 70 exec… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-democrats-block-bill-to-pay-federal-workers-during-schumer-shutdown Senate Democrats Block Bill to Pay Federal Workers During Schumer Shutdown 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), an original cosponsor of the Shutdown Fairness Act, urged his Democratic colleagues in the Senate to support the legislation today before they voted to block it. The Shutdown Fairness Act, introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) and cosponsored by Senator Sullivan, would guarantee pay for essential federal employees who are required to work during a government shutdown. These include Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel, air traffic controllers, members of the military, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and other federal law enforcement officers. The bill failed to reach the necessary 60-vote threshold to advance. In a procedural move, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) voted no in order to be able to bring the bill up again for consideration. Click here or video above to watch Sullivan’s remarks. “I have a bill with Senator Johnson of Wisconsin that we're getting ready to vote on here in the Senate,” said Sen. Sullivan in a video released today ahead of the vote on the Shutdown Fairness Act. “I'm hoping it's going to break this logjam of this very unnecessary shutdown. It's day 23 of the Schumer shutdown. We're starting to hear some really interesting language from Democrat leaders here in the Congress. Senator Schumer recently said “every day” of this shutdown “gets better for us.” Who's us? I don't know who “us” is. The deputy whip over there in the House, somebody named Clark—not sure who the heck she is, but she recently said, of course “families are going to suffer, but it's the only way we get leverage.” Who's we? I don't know, but it's certainly not Alaskans. I'll tell you who it's really not. It's not federal workers who are required to go to work without getting paid. So that's what my bill is going to do. Today, my bill is going to say, if you're a federal worker—think about it, Capitol Police; look at these great heroes—they're required to work. They're not getting paid. ICE, air traffic control, TSA, all… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-applauds-president-trumps-approval-of-federal-disaster-declaration-for-western-alaska Alaska Delegation Applauds President Trump’s Approval of Federal Disaster Declaration for Western Alaska 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today thanked President Donald Trump for swiftly approving Governor Mike Dunleavy’s (R-Alaska) request for a federal disaster declaration in response to the widespread devastation caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong across Western Alaska, particularly throughout the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta region. President Trump also announced an initial $25 million in disaster relief funding to expeditiously cover initial recovery expenses as the state conducts damage and cost assessments, which will result in further federal relief funds. The declaration will enable federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to deploy additional resources to support recovery and rebuilding efforts. This announcement follows a letter sent to President Trump last Friday by the Alaska congressional delegation pressing for a federal disaster declaration and highlighting the swift and coordinated efforts of Alaska’s first responders, tribal governments, and state emergency personnel. “I raised Alaska’s disaster declaration directly with President Trump yesterday at the White House and thank him for quickly approving it to ensure impacted western communities have federal support in the wake of Typhoon Halong,” said Senator Murkowski. “I also appreciate FEMA’s expedited review of this request, which is one of the quickest federal responses in recent years. To all Alaskans impacted, please know that your congressional delegation, state, and nation stand united and will continue to coordinate recovery efforts as you move forward.” “I want to sincerely thank President Trump for promptly approving the Governor’s request for a federal disaster declaration,” Senator Sullivan said. “Yesterday, I spoke directly with the President about the devastating situation across Western Alaska and this Emergency Declaration. This swift approval means critical federal resources can now … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-commerce-advances-bill-to-reauthorize-the-young-fishermens-development-program Senate Commerce Advances Bill to Reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee yesterday advanced bipartisan legislation—introduced by Senators Dan Sullivan and Lissa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in July—to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program. The program, first authorized in law in 2021 for five years, seeks to mitigate the challenges and hurdles facing the next generation of entrants into the fishing industry. The senators’ legislation would authorize $2 million annually through FY 2031 to support regional training opportunities and apprenticeship programs to support individuals building their early careers in the fishing industry. “The Young Fisherman’s Development Act has helped the next generation of fishermen access the resources they need to keep Alaska seafood on America’s table,” said Sen. Murkowski. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we’re providing more young Alaskans with hands-on training and financial resources to reduce the high barriers of entry that prevent the next generation from grabbing the helm. I thank Senator Sullivan for guiding this bill through committee and will continue working alongside my colleagues to bring this to the Senate floor.” “The Young Fishermen’s Development Program is the only federal program providing competitive funding to educate and train young fishermen and to prepare them for success in the fishing sector, which is critically important to Alaska’s economy and our coastal communities,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Over the past four years, this vital program has delivered on its mandate—helping to lower costs and barriers to entering the industry, expanding training opportunities, and empowering our fishermen to continue sustainably harvesting our world-class seafood. I thank my committee colleagues for standing with our fishermen and advancing this bill to strengthen our fleets and America’s seafood industry.” “The Young Fisherman’s Development Program ensures that we adequately support future g… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-applauds-president-trumps-approval-of-federal-disaster-declaration-for-western-alaska Alaska Delegation Applauds President Trump’s Approval of Federal Disaster Declaration for Western Alaska 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today thanked President Donald Trump for swiftly approving Governor Mike Dunleavy’s (R-Alaska) request for a federal disaster declaration in response to the widespread devastation caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong across Western Alaska, particularly throughout the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta region. President Trump also announced an initial $25 million in disaster relief funding to expeditiously cover initial recovery expenses as the state conducts damage and cost assessments, which will result in further federal relief funds. The declaration will enable federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to deploy additional resources to support recovery and rebuilding efforts. This announcement follows a letter sent to President Trump last Friday by the Alaska congressional delegation pressing for a federal disaster declaration and highlighting the swift and coordinated efforts of Alaska’s first responders, tribal governments, and state emergency personnel. “I want to sincerely thank President Trump for promptly approving the Governor’s request for a federal disaster declaration,” Senator Sullivan said. “Yesterday, I spoke directly with the President about the devastating situation across Western Alaska and this Emergency Declaration. This swift approval means critical federal resources can now begin flowing to communities across the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta that were hit hard by Typhoon Halong’s remnants. Thousands of Alaskans have lost homes, businesses, personal property, and essential infrastructure—fuel storage sites, runways, and utilities—as winter approaches. I plan on being in Western Alaska this weekend with top FEMA and DHS officials, and my team and I will continue working closely with the Trump administration and our state, local, and tribal partners to make sure these incredible Alaskans get the help they need to recover and ret… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/coast-guard-authorization-advances-in-fy-2026-ndaa-with-sullivans-alaska-priorities Coast Guard Authorization Advances in FY 2026 NDAA with Sullivan’s Alaska Priorities 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce Coast Guard, Maritime and Fisheries Subcommittee, celebrated the Senate’s recent passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which incorporates the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2026. The legislation includes 14 provisions authored by Sen. Sullivan, many focused specifically on Alaska, and authorizes $14.8 billion in funding for the Coast Guard for FY 2025 and $15.5 billion for FY 2026. “My colleagues on the Commerce Committee and I have crafted a strong Coast Guard bill that builds on the historic $25 billion investment in the Coast Guard that I championed in the budget reconciliation bill we passed this summer—the largest investment in the Coast Guard in U.S. history. With these investments, our country is making great strides in fulfilling our commitment to this branch of the U.S. military with the support, funding and attention the Coast Guard deserves,” Sen. Sullivan said. “As America’s only state with Arctic territory and with more coastline than the entire Lower 48 combined, Alaska is critical to the Coast Guard’s missions in defense of our nation. The Coast Guard serves an indispensable role in our state, defending our waters and ensuring the safety of Alaskans, a fact we were all reminded of witnessing the numerous search-and-rescue missions conducted and lives saved in Western Alaska in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong. From expanded travel privileges for our Alaska-based Coast Guardsmen to visit home, to additional funds for local infrastructure projects, this Coast Guard authorization builds upon the strong relationship between Alaska’s communities and our Alaska-based Coast Guard and will help our service members support their families and fulfill their many critical missions in the Last Frontier.” This Coast Guard authorization will support: Coast Guard Missions and Infrastructure Accountability on Homeporting Projects: Requires the Coast Guard commandant to submit an annual report o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-commerce-advances-bill-to-reauthorize-the-young-fishermens-development-program Senate Commerce Advances Bill to Reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee yesterday advanced bipartisan legislation—introduced by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in July—to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program. The program, first authorized in law in 2021 for five years, seeks to mitigate the challenges and hurdles facing the next generation of entrants into the fishing industry. The senators’ legislation would authorize $2 million annually through FY 2031 to support regional training opportunities and apprenticeship programs to support individuals building their early careers in the fishing industry. “The Young Fishermen’s Development Program is the only federal program providing competitive funding to educate and train young fishermen and to prepare them for success in the fishing sector, which is critically important to Alaska’s economy and our coastal communities,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Over the past four years, this vital program has delivered on its mandate—helping to lower costs and barriers to entering the industry, expanding training opportunities, and empowering our fishermen to continue sustainably harvesting our world-class seafood. I thank my committee colleagues for standing with our fishermen and advancing this bill to strengthen our fleets and America’s seafood industry.” “The Young Fisherman’s Development Program ensures that we adequately support future generations of young fishermen in Massachusetts and in coastal communities across the nation,” said Sen. Markey. “The fishing industry is a critical part of the Bay State’s economy, but its barriers to entry are higher than ever. We must stand by the young men and women looking to build their careers by providing them with training and resources that allow them to get out on the water and feed the nation. I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the advancement of our reauthorization bill and look forward to bolstering future generations … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-speaks-at-alaska-federation-of-natives-convention Murkowski Speaks at Alaska Federation of Natives Convention 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Anchorage, AK — Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) addressed the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) at their annual convention in Anchorage, Alaska. The AFN Convention “serves as the principal forum and voice for the Alaska Native community in addressing critical issues of public policy and government.” This year’s theme was “Standing Strong, Standing United.” Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s remarks, shared with permission from AFN Senator Murkowski – Remarks As Delivered Gunalchéesh. Thank you, Ana. Thank you for the introduction, but better than the introduction, just thank you for the friendship over the years. Thank you for your 12 years of leadership here at AFN as co-chair. They have been remarkable, and I am so grateful for that. We have had strong leaders. We will continue to have strong leaders. I want to congratulate Gayla Hoseth on her election to that very important role. To Joe, to Ben, to the full AFN board, thank you again for the opportunity to be back with you. I'm just really full right now. Full like a good Thanksgiving, where there has been comfort. And that comfort and that feeling of Thanksgiving comes from the morning that I've just spent downstairs. So many hugs, so many selfies, lots of pictures, but just the warmth that I receive here that is like no other place, maybe the Ted Stevens International Airport when I'm moving in between flights and I see many of you, and we have those same hugs. I share this because I am truly grateful for the support and the encouragement that I received from so many of you. I stood right here, I think, right exactly in this spot just five days ago. It was the beginning of Elders and Youth, and now I am here. At Elders and Youth, I think I was one of the first speakers, and now I'm your wrap up, so I feel like I'm bookending an incredible week here in Anchorage. At Elders and Youth, I was looking out at this extraordinarily beautiful medley of young people and elders, it was this blend of energy and optimism that the youth presents, s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-53-provisions-prioritizes-alaska-in-fy-2026-defense-authorization Sullivan Secures 53 Provisions, Prioritizes Alaska in FY 2026 Defense Authorization 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper Bill Incorporates Sullivan’s GOLDEN DOME Act, Authorizes $284 Million in New Alaska Military Construction WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and his colleagues recently advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the Senate on a vote of 77 to 20. The $924 billion legislation—a nearly $46 billion increase over the baseline—includes 53 provisions and amendments offered by Sen. Sullivan, many of which will increase the U.S. military’s presence in Alaska. The legislation strongly supports U.S. service members and their families, incorporates the vast majority of Sen. Sullivan’sGOLDEN DOME missile defense legislation, and authorizes more than $283 million in new military construction for Alaska. “My work on the Armed Services Committee in each successive national defense authorization is always guided by three overriding priorities: taking care of our troops, advancing a policy of ‘Peace Through Strength,’ and continuing to build up our Alaska-based military,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The FY 2026 NDAA delivers on all three of these fronts and is chock full of wins for Alaska, for our military, and for our warfighters and their families. I pressed to secure close to $300 million in military construction projects specifically for Alaska, recognizing our state’s unrivaled strategic location and the escalating aggression from the Russians and Chinese in the North Pacific and Arctic. This figure is in addition to the NDAA’s major investments in the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system, building on the $25 billion down payment in the One Big Beautiful Bill and incorporating approximately 75 percent of my recently introduced GOLDEN DOME Act. These provisions will undoubtedly benefit Alaska, the cornerstone of America’s homeland missile defense system. I was also able to include provisions focused on a number of key priorities: securing America’s critical minerals supply chains, strengthening America’s defense industrial ba… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-presses-for-federal-disaster-declaration-for-western-alaska-storm-devastation Alaska Delegation Presses for Federal Disaster Declaration for Western Alaska Storm Devastation 2025-10-17 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today sent a letter urging President Donald Trump to approve Governor Mike Dunleavy’s (R-Alaska) request for a federal disaster declaration in response to the devastation of communities in Western Alaska, particularly throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, from the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Once the President approves a major disaster declaration, additional federal resources can be deployed. “While first responders, tribal and local governments, and State emergency management personnel have acted swiftly and effectively, the scale of this disaster surpasses the State’s ability and capacity to respond without federal support,” the delegation members wrote. “With winter fast approaching, and transportation and broadband connectivity limited, there is an urgent need for federal aid to repair housing, restore utilities, and secure heating fuel before severe winter conditions set in.” On October 9 and 12, Governor Dunleavy issued a state disaster declaration, mobilizing additional state resources across Western Alaska. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently supporting efforts to make damage assessments and working with the State of Alaska and tribe to provide technical assistance. Below is the full text of the delegation’s letter. President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: We write to urge your swift approval of Governor Mike Dunleavy’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act following the severe storm and coastal flooding in Western Alaska caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. This significant storm affected thousands of miles of coast, spanning the Aleutian Islands to the North Slope. Immediate federal assistance is needed to support Alaskans recovering from the damage of this storm and to mitigate the impact o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-presses-for-federal-disaster-declaration-for-western-alaska-storm-devastation Alaska Delegation Presses for Federal Disaster Declaration for Western Alaska Storm Devastation 2025-10-17 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today sent a letter urging President Donald Trump to approve Governor Mike Dunleavy’s (R-Alaska) request for a federal disaster declaration in response to the devastation of communities in Western Alaska, particularly throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, from the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Once the President approves a major disaster declaration, additional federal resources can be deployed. “While first responders, tribal and local governments, and State emergency management personnel have acted swiftly and effectively, the scale of this disaster surpasses the State’s ability and capacity to respond without federal support,” the delegation members wrote. “With winter fast approaching, and transportation and broadband connectivity limited, there is an urgent need for federal aid to repair housing, restore utilities, and secure heating fuel before severe winter conditions set in.” On October 9 and 12, Governor Dunleavy issued a state disaster declaration, mobilizing additional state resources across Western Alaska. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently supporting efforts to make damage assessments and working with the State of Alaska and tribes to provide technical assistance. Below is the full text of the delegation’s letter. President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: We write to urge your swift approval of Governor Mike Dunleavy’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act following the severe storm and coastal flooding in Western Alaska caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. This significant storm affected thousands of miles of coast, spanning the Aleutian Islands to the North Slope. Immediate federal assistance is needed to support Alaskans recovering from the damage of this storm and to mitigate the impact … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-outlines-senate-work-promoting-alaska-native-interests-at-annual-afn-convention Sullivan Outlines Senate Work Promoting Alaska Native Interests at Annual AFN Convention 2025-10-17 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—Addressing the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) annual convention today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) opened his remarks by talking about the devastation wrought by Typhoon Halong across the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, and reaffirmed his commitment to securing federal support for recovery efforts. He also spoke about the progress made over the past year to advance the interests of Alaska Native people at the federal level and highlighted ongoing work with Alaska Native communities to address challenges facing rural Alaska, including coastal erosion protection. He also highlighted his work to address the variability in salmon runs across the state, protect Alaska Native artists, stem the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault, and advance economic opportunities for Alaska Native people in government contracting. Sen. Sullivan also spoke about the implementation of key provisions in the recent budget reconciliation bill, what he calls the Alaska Opportunity Act, like the roughly $300 million a year expected to come to Alaska from the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund. He also countered false claims about cuts to Medicaid and Medicare in the legislation, and spoke about resource development provisions in the bill that will bring economic opportunity to Alaska Native communities. Finally, Sen. Sullivan spoke about the many strong Alaska Native people he has highlighted in his “Alaskan of the Week” speeches on the U.S. Senate floor. Below is a full transcript of Senator Sullivan’s remarks. Introduction Well, thank you, Ana, and good morning, AFN! It's wonderful to be home. It is an honor to be with all of you. It's incredible to look out and see all of our leaders, our elders, our delegates, our youth representatives, and community members gathered here today. Thank you for the great work of this organization and for all of you that work to lift up our communities, preserve your cultures, and strengthen our state. All of us together. By the way, I heard the Elders and Y… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-speaks-on-storms-resilience-of-western-alaskans-on-senate-floor Murkowski Speaks on Storms, Resilience of Western Alaskans on Senate Floor 2025-10-16 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the recent storms that have displaced more than 1,000 Alaskans and devastated communities along the coast of Western Alaska. Watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks here. The rough transcript of Senator Murkowski’s remarks can be found below. Rough Transcript Murkowski: Mr. President, I came in at the tail end of the comments from my colleague and my friend from Delaware, and he underscored some points that I think are important to remind us here in the Senate, but also people who are watching as we are now on day 16 of a government shutdown. There’s no great secret as to how we get the government fully functioning again. It’s going to come about through cooperation. It’s going to come about through good faith efforts by good folks who are intentioned to address the matters in front of us. We deal with politics. This is a political world. But I can tell you, so many of the people I’m talking to don’t really care about the politics of our situation. They don’t care if the Democrats are winning or the Republicans are winning. They feel like, as Americans, they’re the ones caught in this backwash. They don’t understand why their flight was delayed or cancelled this morning. They don’t understand why the individual they’re trying to reach at an agency is not picking up the phone or why they get a message saying this office is closed until the government reopens. What they care about is that we figure it out. That we figure it out. And that requires communication. It requires talking with one another. That’s why I appreciate much of what my colleague has shared, because as we position ourselves as two sides seemingly dug in on this 16th day of a shutdown, real people are wondering: Is their government going to be there for them? Mr. President, I didn’t come to the floor this afternoon necessarily to focus on the shutdown. I came to speak about a situation in my state that has literally closed off, shut down, and collap… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-urge-administration-to-follow-law-on-back-pay-for-furloughed-federal-workers Murkowski and Colleagues Urge Administration to Follow Law on Back Pay for Furloughed Federal Workers 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08) and Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05) led their colleagues in sending a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought urging OMB to follow the law—which President Donald Trump signed in 2019—that requires furloughed federal employees to receive back pay after a government shutdown ends. The members underscore that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 is clear that all federal employees, whether they are excepted or furloughed, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends. “The law is clear: all impacted government employees, regardless of excepted or furloughed status, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends, which is consistent with the guidance currently provided by federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM),” the members wrote. “OPM’s shutdown guidance from September 2025 still states that furloughed federal workers will be provided back pay once the government reopens.” The members continued, “The decision by OMB to remove critical guidance on federal employee back pay is causing unnecessary stress for the federal workforce comprised of nearly 2.2 million employees.” “We request you immediately clarify and update the Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations Document and other relevant materials to affirm that furloughed employees will receive back pay, as is required by law,” the members concluded. Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Director Vought: The Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) recent update to the Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations document implies that furloughed federal workers are not entitled to back pay. Additionally, a draft OMB memo stated the administration would deny back pay to furloughed federal workers for the current government… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-ndaa-strengthens-national-defense-by-investing-in-alaska Murkowski: NDAA Strengthens National Defense By Investing in Alaska 2025-10-11 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC – Yesterday evening, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 77-20. This year’s NDAA authorizes $925.8 billion for U.S. defense and national security programs. The FY26 NDAA provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel, expands investment in military construction, supports state-of-the-art defense technologies, and strengthens America’s alliances abroad, all while delivering meaningful wins for Alaska’s defense infrastructure. NDAA FY26 Highlights for Alaska Investing in Alaska’s Military Infrastructure The NDAA authorizes critical new military construction (MILCON) projects across Alaska that will strengthen readiness, enhance quality of life, and support ongoing missions in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific. Eielson Air Force Base: Base Civil Engineer Pavements & Ground Facility; Coal Thaw Shed Addition; Consolidated Munitions Complex; and the JPARC Operations Facility. Fort Wainwright: New barracks and dining facility to improve quality of life for soldiers. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER): Base Supply Complex, Joint Integrated Test and Training Center (JITTC), and Maintenance Facility. Also included was a Senator Murkowski amendment that will expand the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to allow demolition projects as eligible for assistance, ensuring that communities supporting nearby military installations can modernize obsolete structures. Supporting Alaska’s Servicemembers and Their Families Our servicemembers and their families sacrifice so much to defend our nation, and Senator Murkowski has always prioritized that Congress provide the support they need to execute their mission and provide for their loved ones. To that end, this legislation provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for our military personnel. The legislation also provides for: Flyback Program for Unaccompanied Members: Directs the Department of Defense to establish a govern… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-duckworth-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-leave-benefits-for-public-health-commissioned-officers-passes-senate Murkowski, Duckworth Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Leave Benefits for Public Health Commissioned Officers Passes Senate 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to help expand leave benefits for the devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Despite being responsible for leading our nation’s emergency response to dangerous public health crises and natural disasters, PHS officers are still the only federal entity—civilian or uniformed—without access to essential leave benefits, including extended parental leave, emergency leave, court appearance leave and rest and recuperation leave. The Senators’ Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act would rectify this issue by ensuring PHS officers have access to the same authorized leave that is available to members of the Armed Services. “I was proud to help lead the effort to advance the Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act, first in the HELP Committee and then on the Senate floor, bringing us one step closer to fixing this longstanding inequity,” said Murkowski. “Our Public Health Service officers stand on the front lines during national crises—from public health emergencies to natural disasters—and deserve the same benefits afforded to their fellow uniformed service members.” “When disease or disaster threatens our public safety, PHS officers are on the front lines helping keep the American people healthy and out of harm’s way—there’s no reason they shouldn’t have the same leave benefits that officers of the Army, Navy or any of our other uniformed services do,” said Duckworth. “This bipartisan legislation would help ensure these devoted health professionals have equal access to the benefits they deserve, and I’m proud it passed the Senate by unanimous consent.” When it comes to leave benefits, the inequity that persists between PHS and the other uniformed services undermines PHS’s ability to recruit and retain qualified professionals that help our nation tackle public health crises like natural disasters, COVID-19 or Ebola. Not o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-votes-to-overturn-biden-central-yukon-plan-restore-balanced-management Senate Votes to Overturn Biden Central Yukon Plan, Restore Balanced Management 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper Washington, DC— The U.S. Senate, by a vote of 50 to 46, last night passed Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski’s (both R-Alaska) joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden administration’s Central Yukon Resource Management Plan (CYRMP) Record of Decision (ROD), issued in November of 2024. The Biden-era CYRMP ignored the need for balanced management, purposely restricting access to resource development and economic opportunities in the region. It also blatantly contradicted multiple federal laws, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), the Alaska Statehood Act, and the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act, while abdicating the principles of multiple-use management required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). On September 3, the House passed Congressman Nick Begich’s (R-Alaska) companion CRA resolution. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk for approval. Watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks here. “Senator Sullivan and I advanced this disapproval resolution for the Central Yukon RMP because the 1,800-page plan finalized last year – over our objections – unnecessarily restricted access to millions of acres of Alaska and kept obsolete Public Land Orders in place,” Sen. Murkowski said. “Re-opening the Central Yukon RMP will allow BLM to develop a more balanced plan that complies with numerous federal laws – including ANCSA, ANILCA, and ALTAA – as well as the fundamental principle of multiple use on public land. I expect a new final plan to address long-standing access issues, provide greater opportunity for economic development, including key energy and mineral resources, and ensure Alaska Native landowners in the region can maximize the use of their own lands while still protecting subsistence and conserving where truly necessary.” “The Biden administration’s Central Yukon Resource Management Plan was an egregious case of federal overreach and just… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-usfinland-partnership-to-close-americas-icebreaker-gap Sullivan Welcomes U.S.–Finland Partnership to Close America’s Icebreaker Gap 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today applauded the announcement of a new agreement between the United States and Finland to build up to four advanced polar icebreakers. The $6.1 billion agreement will mark a significant expansion of U.S. icebreaking capacity as Russia and China continue to expand their military and commercial presence in the Arctic. This partnership reinforces the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact between Finland, the United States, and Canada, allowing all three nations to significantly accelerate icebreaker development and production through shared expertise and resources in support of America’s Arctic security. This builds on years of work by Senator Sullivan to revitalize America’s polar security capabilities. As chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee overseeing the Coast Guard, Sen. Sullivan was instrumental in securing nearly $25 billion in historic Coast Guard investments through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That package included$300 million for shoreside infrastructure to homeport the USCGC Storis—the first new icebreaker in a generation—in Juneau, Alaska. “If any state in the country knows one of our national security challenges, it's this and it's us: We have an icebreaker gap,” said Sen. Sullivan in a video released today. “Right now, we have two icebreakers—one is broken—and the Russians have 54, many of which are nuclear-powered, and weaponized. But here's the really good news: We are closing the icebreaker gap in a whole bunch of ways. Just in August, we were in Juneau to commission the Coast Guard icebreaker Storis. It was a great ceremony. I'd been working on that for ten years. The budget reconciliation bill has $300 million in shoreside infrastructure just for Juneau to homeport that icebreaker. Then, that bill also has the biggest build-up in the Coast Guard's history for icebreakers, cutters, helicopters. I chair the Senate Commerce subcommittee in charge of the Coast Guard. We're going to have at least 16 new icebreakers because… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-to-bring-war-powers-resolution-to-the-senate-floor Murkowski Votes to Bring War Powers Resolution to the Senate Floor 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after her vote on Senate Joint Resolution 83. “Last night, I voted to support a motion to discharge from committee a resolution that would terminate military hostilities against transnational criminal organizations newly designated as foreign terrorist organizations without the express approval of Congress. To be clear, this resolution does nothing to hold back the United States from defending itself against an armed attack or imminent threat. “I was briefed by the administration just this afternoon, but aspects of the briefing were lacking—including a failure to provide the opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel being used as justification for these actions. While I commend the administration’s concerted efforts to address the devastation of drug trafficking on communities across the country, I do not believe the information I have received justifies this interpretation of the President’s Article II powers. “I take very seriously my Article I responsibility when it comes to Congress’s power to declare war. I don’t think that full information on the legal and factual justification for armed attacks on suspected drug traffickers is too much to ask. “Allowing this resolution to come to the Senate floor would have provided the administration with ample time to furnish Congress with additional information. I would have used that information to make a final decision on how to vote on the underlying resolution.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-sullivan-legislation-protecting-alaska-native-artists-cultural-heritage-and-economic-opportunities Senate Passes Sullivan Legislation Protecting Alaska Native Artists’ Cultural Heritage and Economic Opportunities 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage yesterday of his bill, the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, which protects the legal rights of Alaska Native artists using walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing. In recent years, several states have enacted overly broad ivory bans intended to curb illegal elephant ivory trafficking, but those laws have unintentionally included Alaska’s lawful, sustainable handicrafts from walrus ivory. This bill clarifies that states may not ban the import, sale, or possession of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, ensuring that this lawful and culturally vital tradition can continue to be practiced and shared with people across the country. “For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have responsibly harvested whales, walruses, and other marine mammals. These animals are eaten, shared, honored, and no part of the animal goes to waste,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The bones, the ivory, the baleen are used to create some of the most beautiful art in the world. Unfortunately, some of the lawfully harvested and crafted walrus ivory works of Alaska Native artisans have been targeted by well-intentioned but overly broad state laws aimed at stopping the illegal African elephant ivory trade. I thank my Senate colleagues for unanimously passing my ARTIST Act—which we’ve been working on for over eight years, affirming the right of the Alaska Native people to continue these centuries-old traditional practices, and supporting a critically important economic driver for Alaska’s rural communities.” Below are statements from key leaders and stakeholders in support of Sen. Sullivan’s legislation. Ben Mallott, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives: “The passing of this legislation marks a significant step forward in recognizing and respecting the cultural heritage and livelihoods of Alaska Native artisans. We celebrate this victory for our communities, as it acknowledges the importance of tr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-murkowski-begich-celebrate-senate-overturning-biden-central-yukon-lock-up Sullivan, Murkowski, Begich Celebrate Senate Overturning Biden Central Yukon Lock-Up 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate, by a vote of 50 to 46, today passed Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski’s (both R-Alaska) joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Biden administration’s Central Yukon Resource Management Plan (CYRMP) Record of Decision (ROD), issued in November of 2024. The Biden-era CYRMP ignored the need for balanced management, purposely restricting access to resource development and economic opportunities in the region. It also blatantly contradicted multiple federal laws, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), theAlaska Statehood Act, and the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act, while abdicating the principles of multiple-use management required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). On September 3, the House passedCongressman Nick Begich’s (R-Alaska) companion CRA resolution. The legislation now goes to the President’s desk for approval. “The Biden administration’s Central Yukon Resource Management Plan was an egregious case of federal overreach and just one of the administration’s 70 executive orders and actions singularly focused on harming Alaska, our economy, and our working families,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This particular scheme effectively locked up millions of acres of Alaska’s land, ignored Alaska Native voices, undermined long-standing federal law, and blocked access to critical mineral, energy, gravel, and material resources that our local communities, state and nation need. As I said in my remarks on the floor today, these issues of access to lands and responsible resource development are not just theoretical. Over time, they actually impact the very health and livelihoods of my constituents. I wish more of my Senate Democratic colleagues would’ve respected this fact, shown some courage, crossed the far-left Lower 48 eco-colonialist groups endlessly trying to lock up our state, and stood with Alaskans. I do want to thank a majority of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-commends-president-trumps-re-approval-of-the-ambler-access-project Alaska Delegation Commends President Trump’s Re-Approval of the Ambler Access Project 2025-10-06 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich, all R-Alaska, today released the following statements after President Donald J. Trump issued a determination re-approving the Ambler Access Project in Alaska. President Trump made his decision in accordance with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which allows the project’s applicant, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), to appeal its federal disapproval directly to the President. In addition to the President’s ANILCA determination, the Department of Defense (War) announced a strategic partnership with Ambler Metals today that will provide a $35.6 million investment to advance mining exploration in the world-class Ambler Mining District in exchange for an equity stake in Trilogy Metals, which is part of the Ambler Metals joint venture. “I thank President Trump for issuing this determination and getting the Ambler project back on track after it was derailed by politics at the end of the Biden administration. Congress enshrined this project’s approval into federal law in 1980 as part of a ‘grand bargain’ to conserve more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska, and it has more national significance now than ever,” Senator Murkowski said. “The President’s re-approval will unlock a world-class mining district, deliver quality-of-life benefits for communities in the region, and help grow Alaska’s economy. It will also improve our national security by strengthening our mineral security and enabling us to produce more of our most important resources here at home. I look forward to federal agencies promptly re-issuing permits and authorizations so that the Ambler access project can finally proceed, and to working with the local people and Alaska Native Corporations to ensure a successful project.” “I want to thank President Trump and his team, especially Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, for granting this appeal under Section 1106 of ANILCA, rolling back the Biden administrat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-commends-president-trumps-re-approval-of-the-ambler-access-project Alaska Delegation Commends President Trump’s Re-Approval of the Ambler Access Project 2025-10-06 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=3 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich, all R-Alaska, today released the following statements after President Donald J. Trump issued a determination re-approving the Ambler Access Project in Alaska. President Trump made his decision in accordance with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which allows the project’s applicant, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), to appeal its federal disapproval directly to the President. In addition to the President’s ANILCA determination, the Department of Defense (War) announced a strategic partnership with Ambler Metals today that will provide a $35.6 million investment to advance mining exploration in the world-class Ambler Mining District in exchange for an equity stake in Trilogy Metals, which is part of the Ambler Metals joint venture. “I thank President Trump for issuing this determination and getting the Ambler project back on track after it was derailed by politics at the end of the Biden administration. Congress enshrined this project’s approval into federal law in 1980 as part of a ‘grand bargain’ to conserve more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska, and it has more national significance now than ever,” SenatorMurkowski said. “The President’s re-approval will unlock a world-class mining district, deliver quality-of-life benefits for communities in the region, and help grow Alaska’s economy. It will also improve our national security by strengthening our mineral security and enabling us to produce more of our most important resources here at home. I look forward to federal agencies promptly re-issuing permits and authorizations so that the Ambler access project can finally proceed, and to working with the local people and Alaska Native Corporations to ensure a successful project.” “I want to thank President Trump and his team, especially Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, for granting this appeal under Section 1106 of ANILCA, rolling back the Biden administration’s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sen-sullivan-calls-for-end-to-the-schumer-shutdown ICYMI: Sen. Sullivan Calls for End to the ‘Schumer Shutdown’ 2025-10-04 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—In several media interviews this week, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) urged his Senate Democratic colleagues to support a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to open the federal government. In conversations with Hugh Hewitt on his nationally syndicated radio show, Joe Mathieu on Bloomberg TV, and Amy Demboski on 650 KENI, Sen. Sullivan called the recent lapse in federal government appropriations the “Schumer Shutdown,” arguing it is motivated by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s own political interests and Sen. Schumer’s effort to appease the far-left flank of the Democratic Party. The government shutdown went into effect at midnight on Wednesday, October 1 after a Senate vote on the CR Tuesday evening fell short of the necessary 60 to avert a shutdown. Click here to watch the Bloomberg interview. Click here to watch The Hugh Hewitt Show interview and here to watch The Amy Demboski Show interview. The Schumer Shutdown was 100% avoidable, motivated by politics “Our goal, the Republican goal, is to keep the government open. Let me just say directly, the Schumer shutdown is 100% avoidable. It's really hard to pin down the Democrats on what they want. I've been in discussions, like you just mentioned, with a number of Democratic senators for the past several weeks and everything that we've kind of said—all right, we can do that, we can do that—they move the goalposts, and then Schumer shut the government down.” […] “My view is, Schumer wants the shutdown to atone for what happened to him. If you remember, in March, he voted to keep the government running with a continuing resolution and his far-left wing went berserk on him…He is trying to atone for that.” Senate Republicans want to keep the government open “We want the government funded and it's simple. When you do a clean CR, that's normally the best way to continue because it doesn't choose sides. This is just a continuation, by the way, of Biden era spending that we did when President Biden was in office. 13 different times, R… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-resolution-highlights-choose-respect-day-as-national-call-to-end-domestic-violence-support-survivors Sullivan Resolution Highlights Choose Respect Day as National Call to End Domestic Violence, Support Survivors 2025-10-03 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed Senator Dan Sullivan’s (R-Alaska) resolution affirming October 1st as national Choose Respect Day, coinciding with the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The resolution, building on Sen. Sullivan’s Choose Respect Act, signed into law in 2022, highlights the urgent need to promote safety, respect, and healthy relationships—particularly among adolescents and young adults—and calls for nationwide action to end domestic violence. Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s remarks. “When I first launched the Choose Respect initiative as Alaska’s Attorney General, I saw the power of communities coming together to confront domestic violence and sexual assault head on,” Senator Sullivan said. “When I came to the Senate, I knew our work wasn’t over. That’s why I authored the Choose Respect Act, worked to get it signed into law, and have continued to work across the aisle to make sure survivors have access to legal services through initiatives like the POWER Act. This resolution, recognizing Choose Respect Day on the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reaffirms that respect must be the foundation of our homes, our schools, and our communities nationwide." As Alaska’s Attorney General, Sullivan launched the state’s Choose Respect initiative, holding rallies in villages and cities across the state to confront the scourge of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the Senate, he authored the Choose Respect Act, which was enacted in 2022, and has led bipartisan initiatives such as the POWER Act to expand legal services for survivors. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-welcomes-temporary-funding-for-some-alaska-public-media-stations-but-warns-the-job-isnt-done Senator Murkowski Welcomes Temporary Funding for Some Alaska Public Media Stations, But Warns the Job Isn’t Done 2025-10-01 2025 2025-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today welcomed the news that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will provide temporary funding for fourteen Tribal and Native serving public broadcasting stations in Alaska. This announcement follows Congress’ rescission of $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which effectively defunded public broadcasting in Alaska—an action Senator Murkowski strongly opposed and which necessitated this contingency for impacted Tribal stations. “Over the past several months, I have left no stone unturned in exploring options to help keep the lights on and the signals strong for Alaska’s public broadcasting stations,” said Senator Murkowski. “This funding will help some of Alaska’s most rural radio stations make ends meet for now. But it is one-time funding, and the job isn’t done until every station in Alaska has stable, long-term support. I thank the Department of the Interior for working with my office on this effort, as well as the Alaskans who have generously stepped up with donations, large and small. Alaska is stronger when our communities are connected, and public broadcasting is at the heart of the effort.” Background: During debate on the rescissions package, a number of members secured an agreement from the Trump administration to reallocate approximately $10 million in existing BIA funding to support threatened Tribal and Native serving stations. Senator Murkowski supported that effort while opposing the overall rescissions package and has since worked with Interior to ensure that funding for these stations would not come at the expense of other important programs and priorities that meet the trust and treaty obligations to Native people. Eligible stations were then presented with two potential funding options: they could partner with a Tribe, either through a 638 compact or 638 contract, or they could go through a grant process. Under the first option, stations could receive awards within the next two to four weeks. The grant process may tak… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-colleagues-in-unsuccessful-vote-to-avert-government-shutdown Murkowski Joins Colleagues in Unsuccessful Vote to Avert Government Shutdown 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement following the Senate’s failure to pass H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act: “This evening, the Senate voted on a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open through late November. I supported that legislation because it would have provided more time to work on appropriations bills, but its failure means that a harmful shutdown will begin at midnight tonight. “There is no such thing as a good government shutdown, and it is imperative that we come together to put a quick end to this one. To do that, I recently proposed a framework which includes three Senate-passed appropriations bills, a short-term fix to help millions of Americans avoid massive increases in their health insurance costs, temporary funding for rural public broadcasting stations, and a reversal of recent unconstitutional pocket rescissions. “I realize that the framework I put forward ten days ago reflects my priorities, and others might have different ideas on how to re-open the government. I am willing to talk with any of my colleagues, and welcome good faith negotiations to make this shutdown as short and painless as possible for the American people. “To Alaskans who may be affected by this shutdown, my office is ready to help. As information becomes available, my team and I will post updates about the shutdown to my website in real time, which can be accessed at https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/government-shutdown.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-the-schumer-shutdown Sullivan Statement on the Schumer Shutdown 2025-09-30 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement regarding Senate Democrats voting to shut down the federal government this evening. “Tonight, I voted with my Republican and Democrat colleagues for a short-term, nonpartisan continuing resolution (CR) to keep our government open, fund our essential services, support our military, and ensure federal workers are paid. Bipartisan members of the House and Senate are united. We want to pass a clean CR and then spend the next seven weeks negotiating on in good faith other items, like extending and reforming the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which I support. “Senator Schumer, on the other hand, decided to shut the government down to appease the far-left wing of his party, putting his personal politics over the interests of veterans, our military, and other important federal workers. This Schumer shutdown was 100 percent avoidable.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-16-million-award-to-build-first-ever-va-veterans-cemetery-in-alaska Sullivan Welcomes $16 Million Award to Build First-Ever VA Alaska Veterans Cemetery 2025-09-24 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), today welcomed a grant of up to $16,712,172 awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to the State of Alaska for the establishment of the Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery in Fairbanks, Alaska. Sen. Sullivan and his team have worked for years with the Alaska veteran community and the VA to secure the funding needed to establish Alaska’s first state-granted cemetery for veterans. In 2024, Sen. Sullivan included language in the annual military construction appropriations bill report requiring the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) to prioritize states that have not yet received a state-granted VA cemetery, like Alaska. “Alaska is the proud home of the highest number of veterans per capita of any state in the country, a distinction I never tire of bragging about to my colleagues in the Senate,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Every American veteran—no matter where they live—deserves a peaceful final resting place of distinction and honor. With this significant grant from the VA, our courageous veterans will finally have a state-granted cemetery that appropriately commemorates their service and sacrifice, and enables them to be buried in the place they call home. It has been a privilege to work alongside the persistent, patriotic Alaska veterans in the Interior to realize this important milestone for our state.” According to the VA, the grant will fund 351 pre-placed crypts, 600 columbarium niches, 279 cremains gravesites, administration and maintenance buildings, a committal service shelter, an entry monument and gates, a memorial wall and walk, a flag assembly area, equipment to operate the cemetery, roadways, landscaping, site furnishings, stormwater management, and associated infrastructure. The department has also committed to reimbursing the state $813,692 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project. Background: On … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-1834-million-in-federal-highway-funds-to-alaska-dot Sullivan Welcomes $183.4 Million in Federal Highway Funds to Alaska DOT 2025-09-22 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), through the Federal Highway Administration, has redistributed a record-setting $183.4 million in federal funds to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. These funds will be used to deliver infrastructure projects that strengthen highway safety, preserve pavement, and improve access across the state. The funds will also go toward advancing the West Susitna Access Road and the Cooper Landing Bypass. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Sullivan has championed and worked to secure funding for many federal highway projects across the state, including working during the first Trump administration to secure necessary permits for the Cooper Landing Bypass project. “We have natural resources that exceed most major countries, yet we have fewer road miles than Connecticut, despite our state being 118 times the size. In my seats on both the Environment and Public Works and Commerce Committees, getting more infrastructure—including roads—built in our state so we can unlock our full potential is one of my top priorities,” said Senator Sullivan. “We’ve had great success securing major awards for transportation infrastructure projects, with hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term investments coming to our state, but more needs to be done. My team and I have had numerous conversations with Transportation Secretary Duffy and his team about our infrastructure challenges and the necessity of working cooperatively with Alaska DOT to ensure that, unlike the previous administration, federal highway funds aren’t bogged down by unnecessary requirements and red tape. I want to thank Secretary Duffy for following through on his commitments and look forward to working with Alaska DOT to ensure that these funds are used to advance infrastructure projects that benefit our communities.” These August redistribution funds allow states with shovel-ready projects to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-proposes-framework-to-avert-government-shutdown Senator Murkowski Proposes Framework to Avert Government Shutdown 2025-09-20 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, DC – Following the failed votes on two proposed continuing resolutions, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement and proposed a framework to avoid a government shutdown: “Today, I voted against two partisan proposals to temporarily fund the government, neither of which had a chance of clearing the 60-vote threshold in the Senate. With these votes, we demonstrated what we can’t do - now it’s time to focus on what we can do to avert a shutdown. “As we move forward with negotiations over the next ten days, I am offering a framework that builds upon the three appropriations bills the Senate has already passed on a bipartisan basis while also addressing some timely challenges that Americans are facing today. “As health insurance companies set their rates ahead of November’s open enrollment period, I am proposing a one-year extension of the enhanced premium tax credits to help stabilize costs for those on the exchanges. Federal relief has made healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans. Abruptly ending these subsidies would result in much higher costs and millions losing their insurance, placing increased strain on our healthcare system. “As a steadfast supporter of public broadcasting, I am also proposing that we include the funding the President requested in his budget to help the Corporation for Public Broadcasting wind down its operations. This would be prioritized for rural public broadcast stations, giving communities time to create contingency plans for routine connectivity and emergency warning systems. “Finally, Congress must be clear that we will not support pocket rescissions. The legislative branch alone is mandated to fund the government. I invite the administration to work with us to find savings and address inefficiencies, but making these decisions unilaterally is a violation of the Constitution. “I believe this framework can be a starting point for more serious negotiations, and I will be working with my colleagues to build consensus for it. The… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-colleagues-to-protect-federal-workers-collective-bargaining-rights Murkowski Joins Colleagues to Protect Federal Workers’ Collective Bargaining Rights 2025-09-19 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is proud to join as a co-sponsor in the Protect America’s Workforce Act – legislation to repeal two union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers that have benefitted our nation for decades. This legislation comes in response to two executive orders issued earlier this year by President Trump. These executive orders revoked collective bargaining rights for a majority of federal employees. While federal employee unions do not negotiate pay or benefits, collective bargaining agreements do protect federal employees from retaliation, discrimination, and illegal firings, while promoting resources for whistleblowers and veterans. “Collective bargaining rights and workplace protections have lifted up federal employees across the United States for decades, protecting them from unsafe working conditions and political retribution,” said Senator Murkowski. “Whether our neighbors are working to ensure food safety, respond to forest fires, track hurricanes, or review patents, our nation’s federal employees deserve these protections. I’m proud to stand up for our federal employees, as they work tirelessly for our nation’s benefit.” “Thank you, Senator Murkowski, for standing up for Alaska’s federal servants,” said AK AFL-CIO President Joelle Hall. “Federal workers serve Alaska and our country every day. They, like every other worker, have a right to belong to a union that advocates for fairness in the workplace and gives them a voice on the job.” Background: The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CRSA) grants the president authority to limit collective bargaining agreements when there is a national security concern. President Trump’s executive orders, however, sought to take advantage of the CRSA by classifying two-thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions in order to claim the authority needed to cancel valid union contracts. This legislation also has the support of the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/corps-officials-update-sullivan-on-solutions-to-recurring-threat-of-glacial-flooding-in-juneau Corps Officials Update Sullivan on Solutions to Recurring Threat of Glacial Flooding in Juneau 2025-09-17 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today received an update from senior Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) officials about the status of the Corps’ work on short-, medium-, and long-term solutions to the recurring threat of glacial lake outburst flooding in Juneau, Alaska. Lt. Gen. William Graham Jr., chief of engineers and commanding general of the Corps, testified before the EPW committee that a technical report is due by next spring that “lays the foundation for a long-term fix.” This year, the Corps implemented a short-term solution, providing Hesco barriers that were deployed along the banks of the Mendenhall River, which have been effective at preventing the widespread damage to property and infrastructure seen in 2024. The committee also heard testimony from Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle. Working closely with members of the community and state officials, Sen. Sullivan has relentlessly led the effort to secure solutions to the Juneau glacial flooding, and also pressed senior officials in the Biden administration for federal disaster relief in the aftermath of the devastating 2024 floods. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but can I get your commitment and, general, your commitment, that we're not just going to study this. The people of Juneau are having flooding every summer,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We need to get on this soon. Can I get your commitment and any other updates you want to give me on that? I appreciate you surging a high-level team for a week in Alaska to be in Juneau when this happened again. We need a Corps of Engineers solution to this.” “I've committed to you and General Graham has committed to me that we are going to be focused on a long-, medium- and short-term solution to address this challenge,” said Mr. Telle. “The short-term solution is what you saw in August, and you're going to see it again as long as we need it while we're developing the medium- and long-term solutions.” Ala… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-approves-sullivan-bill-to-improve-harmful-algal-bloom-response Senate Unanimously Approves Sullivan Bill to Improve Harmful Algal Bloom Response 2025-09-12 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today thanked his Senate colleagues for unanimously passing his Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments (HABHRCA) Act of 2025, strong, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the original HABHRCA Act of 1998 for coordinated, effective federal-state responses to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and strengthen the program to ensure that communities have access to HAB observation data, training in HAB monitoring, prevention, and mitigation, and access to testing for HAB toxins. Companion legislation, introduced by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), is still under consideration in the House. HABs occur in all 50 states, in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. The HABHRCA Act of 2025 responds to the increasing severity of harmful algal blooms, with the 2022 algal bloom in Alaska’s Bering Strait region being one of the largest and most toxic blooms ever observed nationwide. HABs directly threaten food security and subsistence and can reduce oxygen levels in the water in events called hypoxia, killing fish and other marine life and harming coastal ecosystems and economies. “Unchecked harmful algal blooms can threaten our marine life and coastal ecosystems, the livelihoods of our commercial fisheries and coastal communities, and the health and well-being of Alaskans,” Senator Sullivan said. “Alaska is our country’s leading seafood producer and home to more coastline than the contiguous Lower 48 states combined, making our response to HABs critically important. I want to thank all of my Senate colleagues for unanimously approving this important legislation, which will develop and coordinate effective responses to harmful algal blooms and improve the monitoring of the health of our oceans for the sake of coastal communities, especially those that rely on subsistence. I also want to commend our many Alaska stakeholders for working with me to support the health of our marine ecosystems in Alaska and across the country.” Below ar… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-fishermen-meet-with-commerce-and-agriculture-secretaries-senior-trump-administration-officials-on-alaska-seafood-priorities Alaska Congressional Delegation, Fishermen Meet with Commerce & Agriculture Secretaries, Senior Trump Administration Officials on Alaska Seafood Priorities 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today convened a roundtable meeting with Alaska community and fisheries leaders, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and other senior federal officials to discuss policy priorities for the Alaska seafood sector and ways the Trump administration can address threats to wild Alaska seafood production and marketing, and the U.S. seafood supply chain as a whole. The discussion also centered on where secretarial leadership and multi-agency support are needed to implement President Trump’s “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness” executive order, issued on April 17. Click here to watch a post-roundtable video recap. “Today, at the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Commerce, our Congressional Delegation and Alaska leaders had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Director of the White House National Economic Council Dr. Kevin Hassett, and other senior Trump administration officials on strategies to bolster the industry at the Alaska Seafood Roundtable,” said Senator Murkowski. “The administration is clearly seeking to elevate the seafood industry as a vital part of our nation’s economy following the directive of the President’s Executive Order, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. The Alaska panel outlined the challenges the seafood sector has both at home and abroad and discussed priorities such as recapitalizing our aging fleet of fishing vessels, accurate labeling of seafood products, keeping more of our seafood in America and enforcing fair trade practices for Alaska’s wild seafood. I appreciate that the administration recognizes that a whole government approach is required to ensure that our seafood industry remains the gold standard worldwide.” “The men and women of Alaska’s seafood sector are tough, patriotic and resilient entrepreneurs who do not often seek help fro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-congressional-delegation-fishermen-convene-summit-with-senior-administration-officials Alaska Congressional Delegation, Fishermen Convene Fisheries Roundtable with Senior Administration Officials 2025-09-09 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today convened a roundtable meeting with Alaska community and fisheries leaders, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and other senior federal officials to discuss policy priorities for the Alaska seafood sector and ways the Trump administration can address threats to wild Alaska seafood production and marketing, and the U.S. seafood supply chain as a whole. The discussion also centered on where secretarial leadership and multi-agency support are needed to implement President Trump’s “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness” executive order, issued on April 17. “The men and women of Alaska’s seafood sector are tough, patriotic and resilient entrepreneurs who do not often seek help from their government. But these great Americans, and the communities they support, are facing a perfect storm of challenges: the accelerating costs of aging fleets and infrastructure, unfair competition from America’s adversaries—particularly Russia and China, and burdensome federal regulations.” said Senator Sullivan. “On each of these fronts, our federal government has an opportunity to help tackle these challenges and protect the tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity generated by our domestic seafood producers. I commend President Trump and Secretary Lutnick and their teams for issuing the critically important Executive Order 14276, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness,” which provided a framework for our discussions today and outlines the path forward for ensuring the long-term health of our American seafood sector. I am hopeful that this roundtable meeting will be the start of a strong, closely coordinated inter-agency effort to bolster the competitiveness of Alaska seafood and ensure our incredible fishermen and Alaska’s coastal communities can continue to do what they do best: harvest the freshest and most sustainable seafood in the w… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-joins-colleagues-in-introducing-the-american-grown-act Murkowski Joins Colleagues in Introducing the American Grown Act 2025-09-08 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=5 scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the American Grown Act, legislation requiring the Executive Office of the President, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State to only procure cut flowers and cut greens grown in the United States. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House. “Alaska’s floriculture industry has rightfully garnered global recognition, as we grow the largest, most vibrant peonies in the world. It is well past time that our domestic federal agencies—particularly the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense—support American cut-flower growers and strengthen local economies that benefit from this industry,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation once again, and sincerely hope my colleagues join us in standing up for American grown and domestic jobs.” “If there’s one cause that can bring members of Congress together, it’s the commitment to Buy American,” Senator Sullivan said. “Every year, our federal agencies purchase millions of dollars’ worth of flowers and greenery for official events and ceremonies using taxpayer dollars. This money should benefit our American farmers and growers. By making this straightforward, patriotic principle the law of the land, we can support the men and women who power this industry—including the hundreds of hardworking growers right here in Alaska.” “When the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on American-made products, those funds help small businesses, including many Maine people, succeed right here at home,” said Senator King. “Under the current system, the vast majority of flowers and cut greens purchased by the U.S. government are foreign grown, meaning the economic benefits are flowing to foreign markets. The American Grown Act is an opportunity to prioritize American-grown flowers, a simple fix that will boost both our flower industry and economy at la… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-schiff-murkowski-and-king-introduce-american-grown-act Sullivan, Schiff, Murkowski, and King Introduce American Grown Act 2025-09-08 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Angus King (I-Maine) introduced the American Grown Act, legislation requiring the Executive Office of the President, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State to only procure cut flowers and cut greens grown in the United States. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House. “If there’s one cause that can bring members of Congress together, it’s the commitment to Buy American,”Senator Sullivan said. “Every year, our federal agencies purchase millions of dollars’ worth of flowers and greenery for official events and ceremonies using taxpayer dollars. This money should benefit our American farmers and growers. By making this straightforward, patriotic principle the law of the land, we can support the men and women who power this industry—including the hundreds of hardworking growers right here in Alaska.” “The American flower industry, and California in particular, grows vibrant flowers and greenery, and it’s important that the hard work of our country’s growers is supported,” said Senator Schiff. “Our bipartisan bill ensures that the federal government continues to boost this robust industry while creating jobs and promoting American grown products.” “Alaska’s floriculture industry has rightfully garnered global recognition, as we grow the largest, most vibrant peonies in the world. It is well past time that our domestic federal agencies—particularly the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense—support American cut-flower growers and strengthen local economies that benefit from this industry,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation once again, and sincerely hope my colleagues join us in standing up for American grown and domestic jobs.” “When the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on American-made products, those funds help small businesses, including many Maine people, succeed right here at home,” s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-signs-sullivan-bill-establishing-greater-va-accountability Trump Signs Sullivan Bill Establishing Greater VA Accountability 2025-09-02 2025 2025-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), thanked President Donald Trump for signing his legislation, the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act, into law. Sen. Sullivan introduced the legislation to establish greater accountability and oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) after the Biden administration VA mismanaged a stunning multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall in 2024 followed by a multi-billion-dollar surplus two months later. The PRO Vets Act institutes a three-year requirement for the VA to provide quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress to encourage greater oversight and financial accountability. “America’s veterans, who’ve served and sacrificed greatly for our country, deserve a Department of Veterans Affairs that is held to the highest possible standard of accountability,” said Senator Sullivan. “The shocking budget debacle last year made clear that this agency was falling short of the standards our veterans deserve. With today’s signing of the PRO Vets Act into law, we’re putting in place commonsense guardrails, like quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress, and the withholding of bonuses for senior VA and OMB leaders responsible for any future fiscal mismanagement. I want to thank President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate and House for working with me to achieve this major win and helping to restore the trust of our veterans in an institution that exists to serve them.” “Under the Biden administration, the VA doled out massive bonuses to senior executives while hiding a multi-billion dollar shortfall. This betrayal was a slap in the face not only to our veterans but also to the American taxpayer,” said Senator Marshall. “This common-sense legislation mandates that the VA provide a quarterly, in-person update to Congress on their finances, and halts bonuses when the books don’t balance. I gladly supported this legislation, and I am proud to see it signed into law. I thank Senator Sullivan … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-on-face-the-nation-alaska-is-the-center-of-americas-security-energy-and-arctic-future Sullivan on Face the Nation: Alaska is the Center of America’s Security, Energy, and Arctic Future 2025-08-18 2025 2025-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) joined CBS’s Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan discussing last week’s summit in Alaska between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senator Sullivan underscored Alaska’s central role in America’s national security, the Trump administration’s reversal of Biden-era policies that locked up Alaska’s economy and responsible resource development opportunities, and provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill that will strengthen U.S. military and Arctic capabilities in the face of unprecedented, escalating Russian and Chinese joint strategic military activity in the North Pacific and the Arctic. Senator Sullivan rejected reports of potential Russian investment in Alaska’s natural resources, emphasizing the strength of America’s own energy sector: “We have plenty of American investors and our allies who want to invest in Alaska’s natural resources,” Senator Sullivan said. “We're having a boom here. We don't need Russian investments. We don't need Russian money. They're a competitor of ours when it comes to energy and natural resources and critical minerals... I would not support that.” Sen. Sullivan emphasized President Trump’s commitment to Alaska’s resource development outlined in his Day One, Alaska-specific executive order to unleash Alaska’s vast natural resource potential: “The Biden administration put out 70 executive orders exclusively focused on shutting down Alaska, shutting down our resource development economy,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Our own federal government, the Biden administration, sanctioned my state more than they sanctioned Iran. What we're seeing with President Trump and his administration is a complete 180 on that. Unleashing Alaska's resource potential has been a huge focus of the President since day one.” Sen. Sullivan also emphasized the high environmental standards of Alaska’s resource development sector and positive effects on the health, well-being, and life expectancy on Alaskans in the state’s rural areas: “… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:47Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-sullivan-coast-guard-commandant-commission-icebreaker-storis-in-juneau Sen. Sullivan, Coast Guard Commandant Commission Icebreaker Storis in Juneau 2025-08-10 2025 2025-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper JUNEAU, ALASKA—Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Admiral Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), participated in the commissioning ceremony of the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Storis in Juneau, America’s first new icebreaker in a generation. Senator Sullivan has long championed the effort to build new American icebreakers and to procure commercially-available icebreakers, and to homeport them in Alaska in order to close the icebreaker gap in the Arctic amid rising tensions and increased activity from America’s adversaries, particularly Russia and China. As chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee overseeing the Coast Guard, Senator Sullivan played a key role in securing the largest investment in the U.S. Coast Guard’s history—nearly $25 billion—in the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4. This historic funding allocates $300 million to support shoreside infrastructure for the homeporting of the Storis. “With the arrival of the Storis to its new homeport in Juneau, we mark not just the commissioning of a vessel, but a strategic milestone in America’s Arctic future,” Senator Sullivan said. “This ship is an investment in real capability, real people, and a real presence in the region that defines the next chapter of global security, commerce, and energy. The homeporting of the Storis right here in Juneau sends a clear and deliberate message: The United States is an Arctic nation, Alaska is an Arctic state, and the United States Coast Guard is a capable and growing Arctic force.” Click hereor the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s remarks. At the ceremony, Senator Sullivan also welcomed the officers, crew, and families of the USCGC Storis to Juneau, recognizing their critical role in advancing America’s Arctic presence and executing a wide array of important missions in the state. The United States’ only operational heavy icebreaker, the Polar Star, which is on its second life extension, is currently undergoing repairs in California. America’s … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:47Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-sullivan-trump-putin-meeting-is-historic-opportunity-in-worlds-most-strategic-locationalaska Sen. Sullivan: Trump-Putin Meeting is Historic Opportunity in World’s Most Strategic Location—Alaska 2025-08-08 2025 2025-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=4 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s announcement that he will host a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday. “On the same day President Trump oversaw the signing of a historic peace framework between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the President has now announced a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin fittingly located in the most strategic place in the world—Alaska. It will be an honor for our state to host yet another important meeting between world leaders, as we did between President Reagan and Pope John Paul II in 1984, and between President Nixon and the Emperor of Japan in 1971. Alaskans stand ready to support this important effort for peace and welcome President Trump and his team.” Since being reelected last November, President Trump has brokered peace deals, the normalization of relations, or ceasefires between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand and Cambodia, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia. In his first term, President Trump delivered the historic Abraham Accords, establishing peaceful relations between Israel and the nations of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:47Z

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