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258 rows where state = "AK" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-senate-passes-five-alaska-bills ICYMI: Senate Passes Five Alaska Bills 2024-12-31 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper Anchorage, AK— In case you missed it, five Alaska-related bills passed the Senate by unanimous consent during the final week of the current 118th Congress. The Senate passed these measures on a standalone basis after a package of public lands measures prepared by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee was not included in a year-end vehicle such as the Continuing Resolution. The Senate passed the following measures by unanimous consent: S. 623, a bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to exclude certain payments to aged, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives or their descendants from being used to determine eligibility for certain programs, and for other purposes. Sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). S. 2615, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act. Sponsored by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan. This legislation would sunset the requirement for village corporations to reconvey lands for municipal uses under Section 14(c)(3) of ANCSA. S. 3617, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act. Sponsored by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan. This bill would waive an existing statutory requirement that compels Cape Fox Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation for the Village of Saxman, to use a portion of its entitlement under ANCSA for remote parcels that have no economic value to the corporation. Instead, the bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Cape Fox the surface estate to a 180-acre tract in the Tongass National Forest that was unavailable to the corporation under the original terms of ANCSA. S. 3790, the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act. Sponsored by Senators Sullivan and Murkowski. Thislegislation would make lands identified in 2020 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) eligible for conveyance, as was promised to our Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans. The legislation would also require USFS to identify additional lands for selection and conveyance to eligible veterans. S. 4974, a bil… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-opposes-denali-name-change Senator Murkowski Opposes Denali Name Change 2024-12-23 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper Washington, DC – In response to recent comments from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) reaffirmed her support for Denali to remain the officially recognized name of North America’s tallest mountain. “You can’t improve upon the name that Alaska’s Koyukon Athabascans bestowed on North America’s tallest peak, Denali – the Great One,” Senator Murkowski said. “For years, I advocated in Congress to restore the rightful name for this majestic mountain to respect Alaska’s first people who have lived on these lands for thousands of years. This is an issue that should not be relitigated.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/12/21/2024/murkowski-never-ever-a-time-when-a-government-shutdown-is-a-good-thing-for-americans-or-alaskans Murkowski: “Never, Ever a Time When a Government Shutdown is a Good Thing for Americans or Alaskans” 2024-12-21 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) supported a stopgap package that extends the federal government funding deadline to March 14, 2025, thus avoiding a costly and unnecessary government shutdown while also providing critical disaster recovery funds for communities across the country. This package garnered bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress and included $300 million to refill the U.S. Department of Commerce’s fishery disaster assistance accounts, which Senator Murkowski was instrumental in securing. “There is never, ever a time when a government shutdown is a good thing for Americans or Alaskans. I’m relieved that cooler heads prevailed and a needless shutdown was avoided,” said Senator Murkowski. “Additionally, I was able to secure several critical provisions that will help Alaskans, including a desperately needed $300 million that will refill our fisheries disaster account, ensuring that our hardworking fishermen will have the support they need to get back on the water.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-celebrates-long-overdue-passage-of-social-security-fairness-act Murkowski Celebrates Long-Overdue Passage of Social Security Fairness Act 2024-12-21 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that the Senate passed H.R. 82 The Social Security Fairness Act tonight in a bipartisan vote of 76-20. This legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have reduced the amount of Social Security benefits accessible to select federal, state, local employees, and to their spouses and survivors. Senator Murkowski has been a longstanding supporter of the Social Security Fairness Act since her arrival to the Senate, co-sponsoring the legislation every year since 2003. H.R. 82 is the companion bill to S. 597, introduced in the Senate. The bill will now go to the President for his signature. “I have been working on the Social Security Fairness Act for as long as I’ve been representing Alaska in the United States Senate,” Senator Murkowski said. “There is no doubt that Congress has taken too long to address this inequity, but I am grateful to the diligent bipartisan work of my colleagues to help us finally get this over the finish line. This legislation takes care of Alaskans who have dedicated years of service to our communities, serving in integral roles such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Hardworking public servants should not be denied the benefits that they paid for because of their career choices, and I’m relieved that this longstanding injustice has been remedied.” "The Alaska AFL-CIO and all of its affiliated unions are elated with the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The GPO/ WEP provisions have existed for far too long impacting the lives of thousands of Alaska workers and their heirs,” said Joelle Hall, President of Alaska AFL-CIO. Punishing public employees and their heirs for dedicating their lives to their community is wrong and we want to thank Senator Murkowski for her long-standing support for fixing this policy that has hurt so many families." “Today’s vote is incredibly welcome news to thousands of Alaska’s current and former public employees who have… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-never-ever-a-time-when-a-government-shutdown-is-a-good-thing-for-americans-or-alaskans Murkowski: “Never, Ever a Time When a Government Shutdown is a Good Thing for Americans or Alaskans” 2024-12-21 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) supported a stopgap package that extends the federal government funding deadline to March 14, 2025, thus avoiding a costly and unnecessary government shutdown while also providing critical disaster recovery funds for communities across the country. This package garnered bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress and included $300 million to refill the U.S. Department of Commerce’s fishery disaster assistance accounts, which Senator Murkowski was instrumental in securing. “There is never, ever a time when a government shutdown is a good thing for Americans or Alaskans. I’m relieved that cooler heads prevailed and a needless shutdown was avoided,” said Senator Murkowski. “Additionally, I was able to secure several critical provisions that will help Alaskans, including a desperately needed $300 million that will refill our fisheries disaster account, ensuring that our hardworking fishermen will have the support they need to get back on the water.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-praises-alaska-provisions-in-water-resource-development-act Murkowski Praises Alaska Provisions in Water Resource Development Act 2024-12-20 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – This week, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) supported S.4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resource Development of 2024, which overwhelmingly passed the U.S. Senate in a bipartisan vote of 97-1. The legislation authorizes projects to construct and improve new ports, harbors, and waterways across the country, while also installing a series of policy changes at the Army Corps of Engineers aimed at accelerating the agency’s work and expanding tribal partnerships. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the conference bill last week, and the legislation will now go the President’s desk for his signature. “Communities across Alaska are facing increasingly intense flooding and erosion that must be addressed with urgency,” said Senator Murkowski. “The delegation’s tireless advocacy made it possible for us to secure a number of critical victories that will make our communities increasingly resilient, and ensure that federal money is put into the right hands to orchestrate strategic projects across the state.” The Alaska Delegation worked to incorporate several Alaska-specific provisions that were included in the final version of the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA), which include: Increases the Denali Commission’s authorization of federal funds from $15 to $35 million and authorizes the establishment of a new Denali Commission Housing Fund to address housing shortages in rural Alaska. Extends the Lowell Creek operations and maintenance cost for another five years at 100% federal cost share, while the Corps continues to work on a new project to augment the existing flood diversion system in Seward. The project would also protect the tunnel inlet from landslides. Authorizes Akutan’s Akun Harbor project under the Corps’ Tribal Partnership Program. The project would construct an access harbor on Akun, protected by a 400-foot-long rubble mound breakwater to facilitate access to the airport. Clarifies the North Slope Borough’s National Flood Insurance Program enrollment to ensure that the Barrow C… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-wins-for-alaska-in-major-water-infrastructure-bill Sullivan Secures Wins for Alaska in Major Water Infrastructure Bill 2024-12-19 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, celebrated the Senate’s passage last night of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which includes the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 and the Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act of 2024. The legislation features key victories for Alaska, including reauthorization of and funding for the Denali Commission through 2029, a novel Denali Commission Housing Fund, a new river-erosion program to mitigate damage from storm and flood events throughout the state, and provisions to cut red tape and significantly reduce costs for the Barrow Seawall project. “My team and I worked hard over these past few months to craft provisions in this year’s WRDA reauthorization that maintain progress on major transportation projects throughout our great state, remove red tape and regulatory hurdles, improve safety and access for Alaskans, and close Alaska’s historic infrastructure gap as a young state,”said Sen. Sullivan. “We are a resource rich, but infrastructure poor state. This important legislation supports the vital work the Army Corps of Engineers is doing in so many of our communities—from Barrow to Seward—and improves the Corps’ ability to work cooperatively with Alaska Native tribal entities for the benefit of Alaskans. Lastly, I want to thank my fellow committee members for their continued recognition of the important role the Denali Commission plays in our state—providing funding for vital infrastructure in our rural communities. I’m particularly excited about the new opportunity the Denali Commission will have to address the shortage of affordable housing in rural Alaska.” Regarding Alaska’s priorities, Sen. Sullivan’s provisions in WRDA 2024: Extend the long-term management authorities of the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion System upgrade project for five years, or until 2032. Narrow the scope of the floodplain management prerequisite for the Barrow Coastal Erosion Mitigat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-supports-alaska-guardsmen-and-alaska-service-members-in-national-defense-authorization-act Murkowski Supports Alaska Guardsmen and Alaska Service Members in National Defense Authorization Act 2024-12-18 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted in favor of S.4638 – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA FY25), which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 85-14. This year’s NDAA authorizes $923.3 billion for national defense, with $878.4 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) and $33.4 billion for national security programs within the Department of Energy (DOE). Significantly, it provides a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members. The legislation incorporates a number of Alaska-specific wins that Murkowski and the Alaska delegation fought to include. Chief among them was the increase of 649 new Active Guard Reserve Authorizations (AGR) for the National Guard Bureau (NGB). This has been a top priority for the Alaska delegation since the NGB implemented an initiative that would have impacted or eliminated nearly 80 AGR positions from the Alaska Air National Guard (ANG) earlier this year. The legislation also included an amendment, led by Senator Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) that places guardrails against any future leveling initiatives. “The passage of this year’s NDAA will bring a greater sense of security to our Alaska Guardsmen whose jobs were put at risk by the Air National Guard,” said Senator Murkowski. “No longer will they have to worry that their careers or their mission is under threat from backroom political maneuvering now that the delegation has secured in statute protection from bureaucratic leveling. Back in February, I told Alaska’s Guardsman that I would not rest until their jobs were safe, and I am proud to have kept that promise.” “The NDAA this year secured a number of notable provisions for Alaska’s service members and our national defense mission,” Murkowski continued. “On top of a well-deserved 4.5% pay raise, our men and women in uniform will secure a number of vital resources to help them as they serve o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/fy-2025-defense-authorization-includes-28-sullivan-provisions-historic-troop-pay-raise-and-723-million-in-military-projects-for-alaska FY 2025 Defense Authorization Includes 28 Sullivan Provisions, Historic Troop Pay Raise & $723 Million in Military Projects for Alaska 2024-12-18 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), voted with 84 of his Senate colleagues today to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The $895 billion legislation includes 28 provisions authored by Sen. Sullivan and authorizes more than $723 million in military construction for Alaska. “The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important bills of the entire year—setting the defense policies and spending levels needed to secure our nation during a very dangerous time, and taking care of our military men and women, and their families,” said Sen. Sullivan. “One critical element of this bill is a historic, well-deserved 14.5 percent pay raise for service members, which should help our military families weather high inflation and also help address the serious recruiting challenges our military has faced in recent years. The NDAA also includes a suite of provisions I authored aimed at addressing our Navy’s shipbuilding crisis, fixing bureaucratic hurdles in the ship design and procurement process, and deterring further Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Importantly, we were also able to increase the number of positions available to the National Guard nationwide, avoiding potential cuts and enabling Alaska’s Air National Guardsmen to continue to focus on fulfilling their wide array of critical missions. Finally, I worked hard to ensure this legislation also continues the significant military build-up taking place in Alaska, the most strategic place in the world. I was able to secure more than $723 million in military construction projects for our state, which is more great news for Alaska, our economy and our workers—but also for our national security. “While there are many positive aspects to highlight in this year’s NDAA, Senator Schumer and House Democratic leaders have demonstrated they do not have the same appreciation for this legislation and its importance to our military. As he does every year, Senator … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/older-americans-act-and-murkowskis-native-elder-act-pass-senate Older Americans Act and Murkowski’s Native ELDER Act Pass Senate 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) applauded the Senate passage of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024, which included provisions of her bill, the Enhancing Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (Native ELDER) Act. Co-sponsored by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), the Native ELDER Act will improve federal programs and services for Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian Elders. The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. “The Older Americans Act was created to provide support for Americans as they age,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation works to ensure that aging Americans, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers have access to resources that encourage healthy living, independence, and community engagement, bolstering long-term quality of life by providing increased resources and funding.” “I’ve heard directly from stakeholders who made clear what modifications were needed to help bridge significant lapses when it comes to meeting the physical, social, and emotional healthcare needs of Native Elders, in Alaska and across the nation. We must ensure that Elders have the support they need to age in the communities they call home, surrounded by the people they know and love,” Senator Murkowski continued. “I’m proud that the provisions from our Native ELDER Act have been included in Senate passage of the OAA reauthorization of 2024. This takes us one step closer to increasing culturally relevant services, improving at home care options, and ensuring Elders – no matter their geographical location – have the care and support they deserve.” “This legislation is important for Alaska Native and American Indian Elders. It aligns with Southcentral Foundation’s work to support Elders aging well by allowing them to maintain independence in their homes with family and as honored members of communities,” said April Kyle, President and CEO of Southcentral Foundation. “The Native ELDER Act provides … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-57-congressional-colleagues-ask-college-football-playoffs-to-preserve-army-navy-games-time-honored-tradition Sullivan & 57 Congressional Colleagues Ask College Football Playoffs to Preserve Army-Navy Game’s ‘Time-Honored Tradition’ 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors (BOV), along with 55 members of Congress and two senators-elect, sent a letter to the executive directors of the College Football Playoff and Bowl Season asking that they preserve the annual Army-Navy football game’s “time-honored tradition” of setting “aside the second Saturday in December in future seasons solely” for the patriotic sporting event. This year’s Army-Navy game will be the first time since 2009 that other games have been scheduled on the same day (excluding the 2020 season which was modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic). “The Army vs. Navy Football Game – affectionately known as “America’s Game” – has long been recognized as one of the greatest events in all of college sports,” Sen. Sullivan and his fellow Congressional Members write in the letter. “The game is so important that it continued to be played even during World War II. Citizens throughout the world look forward to the game’s telecast, which engages the interest of millions of Americans, including the hundreds of thousands of current and former military personnel who watch it. The game is always played in a sold out NFL venue and brings patriotism and pageantry to the fans in the stadium and to the people of the host city. To reflect the immeasurable esteem that this event garnered for decades, it has been played for many years on a Saturday reserved specifically for the Army vs. Navy Game without any competing college football events. . . “We write out of concern that the additional games detract from the focus on our Armed Forces that the nationally televised Army vs. Navy Game provided with a unique day set aside for it. Young Americans often cite the pregame events as igniting their interest in serving in uniform. The airtime of those pregame events are now in jeopardy with a preceding televised college football game. We feel there is no other block of time in television … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-applauds-senate-passage-of-firefighter-cancer-registry-reauthorization-act-of-2023 Murkowski Applauds Senate Passage of Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC –U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that the United States Senate passed the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023. This legislation, which Senator Murkowski has spearheaded since 2016, maintains a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with cancer in order to bolster research and data collection efforts to better understand the relationship between exposure to toxins and fumes, and higher cancer rates among firefighters. “Firefighters protecting Alaskans on the frontlines are routinely exposed to harmful toxins on the job, which lead to higher cancer rates. Stories like those of Andy Mullen, who lost his battle with cancer caused by exposure to carcinogens while responding to a brush fire, are why I have been a steadfast advocate and co-sponsor of the National Firefighter Cancer Registry Act,” said Senator Murkowski. “Firefighters around the country put themselves in harm’s way for us each day. This registry provides a valuable, data-driven resource to enhance our understanding of these risks and work toward reducing the risk of cancer among these everyday heroes.” “This registry has made a difference for firefighters everywhere,” said Chief Josh Waldo, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “I want to thank Senator Murkowski for her successful efforts to reauthorize the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer and make its continued success possible. It has already helped save lives of firefighters with cancer and will no doubt save many more in the coming years.” “The Alaska Professional Fire Fighters want to thank Senator Murkowski for all her work on the passage of the National Fire Fighter Cancer Registry Act,” said Dominic Lozano, President of Alaska Professional Fire Fighters. “This ensures continued funding in our effort to eradicate cancer in the fire service. For too long cancer has been the number one killer of firefighters. This legislation supports our efforts to remove carcinogens from our gear and make o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-murkowski-sullivan-celebrate-victory-for-accessibility-and-affordability-of-groceries-in-alaska Senators Murkowski, Sullivan Celebrate Victory for Accessibility and Affordability of Groceries in Alaska 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – Following the news that Albertsons has backed out of the $24.6 billion merger with Kroger after a federal judge in Oregon and state judge in Washington blocked the deal yesterday, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) released the following statements: "I have been working with the delegation for over a year to amplify the justified concerns Alaskans have about this merger, and I’m pleased that the courts have now recognized what we knew, that it would have imposed significant harms on Alaskans. That Albertsons has now backed out is evidence that this was a bad idea from the start,” Senator Murkowski said. “Today marks a victory for Alaskans seeking affordable and accessible groceries for their families.” “I appreciate the court’s decision to block this merger,” said Senator Sullivan. “Many Alaskans were concerned about this merger resulting in grocery store closures and higher prices in Alaska, especially as our state already faces some of the highest prices for food and basic goods in the country. Senator Murkowski and I demanded the FTC conduct a rigorous analysis to ensure that Alaskans would not be negatively impacted by this merger. The FTC found that the merger would likely reduce competition and raise prices—putting further strain on working families in our state. The courts agreed, which is good news for our state.” Background: On September 22, 2023, Senators Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) sent a letter to the Lina Khan, Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), expressing their concerns about the Albertsons-Kroger merger. They identified Alaskans’ concerns about how it would affect consumer prices, the state’s food security, and Alaskan employees and their union contracts. As part of the merger, Kroger announced a $1.9 billion divesture agreement, which proposed selling 14 of 35 existing Carrs-Safeway stores in Alaska owned by Albertsons to C&S Wholesale, LLC. The stores up for sale are located in Anchorage, Girdwood, Fairbanks, Eagle River, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/additional-kc-135-tankers-finally-coming-to-eielson-after-bureaucratic-delays Additional KC-135 Tankers Finally Coming to Eielson After Bureaucratic Delays 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today welcomed an announcement from the Air Force that it will finally fulfill its commitment to redistribute four KC-135 refueling aircraft to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The Air Force had previously committed to the basing in March of 2021, but subsequently delayed final approval and missed an expected arrival time of 2023. On October 8, 2024, Sen. Sullivan wrote a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall expressing frustration about the Air Force’s long delay in delivering the much-needed aerial refueling assets to Alaska. “The Air Force has dramatically increased the fighter assets in Alaska in recent years, yet the necessary supporting refueling force has remained stagnant,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This strain on our refueling mission is unacceptable given the critical importance of Alaska as the hub of air combat power for the Arctic and entire Indo-Pacific, and the increasing aggression from our adversaries off Alaska’s coastline. Over the course of just two months this year, Alaska-based Airmen intercepted six separate incursions into the Alaska ADIZ—including the first-ever joint Russian and Chinese bomber task force—each requiring a nearly 2,000 mile roundtrip sortie. I have relentlessly pressed the Air Force to fulfill its commitment made to me in 2021 to redistribute four KC-135 tankers to Eielson, and I am glad to report it is finally happening. We look forward to finally welcoming these important aircraft and the 220 active duty personnel and their families to our great state, and better securing America’s security interests in our vital region of the world.” Sen. Sullivan spent the last ten years pressing every relevant senior military and administration official—including every Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force—in committee hearings and in visits to Alaska, on the imperative of bringing additional aerial refueling capacity to Alaska. Sullivan has cited Alaska’s … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cantwell-cruz-baldwin-sullivan-introduce-bipartisan-coast-guard-reauthorization-act-of-2024 Sullivan, Cantwell, Cruz, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2024 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced bipartisan legislation that would authorize $30.45 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. “My colleagues on the Commerce Committee and I have crafted a bill that makes great strides in fulfilling our commitment to this branch of the U.S. military with the support, funding and attention the U.S. Coast Guard deserves,” Senator 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. From expanded travel privileges for Alaska-based service members to visit home, to additional funds for local infrastructure projects, this legislation builds upon the strong relationship between Alaska communities and our Alaska-based Coast Guard members by authorizing projects that will make it easier for our service members and their families to live in the Last Frontier. Going forward, we should work to ensure that the Coast Guard reauthorizations are attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, so that we aren’t introducing this important bill at the last minute.” “This legislation prioritizes the Coast Guard’s most important asset—its people,” said Senator Cantwell. “For the first time, our bill creates a Vice Admiral for Personnel, solely focused on the needs of Coast Guard members and their families, including expanding access to affordable housing, quality health care, child care and mental health services. The bill drives much needed reforms that will help prevent sexual assault and harassment throughout the Coast Guard, including establishing confidential reporting, strengthening protective orders, expanding access to care for victims, and stronger accountability for leadership. It increases funding for core Coast Guard missions such as Icebreakers, cracking down on illegal fishing and drug smuggling, and improving collabo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-murkowski-sullivan-celebrate-victory-for-accessibility-and-affordability-of-groceries-in-alaska Senators Murkowski, Sullivan Celebrate Victory for Accessibility and Affordability of Groceries in Alaska 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper WASHINGTON – Following the news that Albertsons has backed out of the $24.6 billion merger with Kroger after a federal judge in Oregon and state judge in Washington blocked the deal yesterday, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) released the following statements: "I have been working with the delegation for over a year to amplify the justified concerns Alaskans have about this merger, and I’m pleased that the courts have now recognized what we knew, that it would have imposed significant harms on Alaskans. That Albertsons has now backed out is evidence that this was a bad idea from the start,” Senator Murkowski said. “Today marks a victory for Alaskans seeking affordable and accessible groceries for their families.” “I appreciate the court’s decision to block this merger,” said Senator Sullivan. “Many Alaskans were concerned about this merger resulting in grocery store closures and higher prices in Alaska, especially as our state already faces some of the highest prices for food and basic goods in the country. Senator Murkowski and I demanded the FTC conduct a rigorous analysis to ensure that Alaskans would not be negatively impacted by this merger. The FTC found that the merger would likely reduce competition and raise prices—putting further strain on working families in our state. The courts agreed, which is good news for our state.” Background: On September 22, 2023, Senators Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) sent a letter to the Lina Khan, Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), expressing their concerns about the Albertsons-Kroger merger. They identified Alaskans’ concerns about how it would affect consumer prices, the state’s food security, and Alaskan employees and their union contracts. As part of the merger, Kroger announced a $1.9 billion divesture agreement, which proposed selling 14 of 35 existing Carrs-Safeway stores in Alaska owned by Albertsons to C&S Wholesale, LLC. The stores up for sale are located in Anchorage, Girdwood, Fairbanks, Eagle River, Palm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/coastal-plain-rod-is-a-complete-failure Coastal Plain ROD is a Complete Failure 2024-12-10 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) slammed the Department of the Interior (DOI) after it released an unlawful Record of Decision (ROD) for the federally-mandated oil and gas program on the Coastal Plain of the non-wilderness Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeast Alaska. Interior’s ROD dramatically restricts leasing and future development on the 1.57-million-acre Coastal Plain by deliberately departing from the clear and unambiguous language that Murkowski and Sullivan enacted within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Interior also announced a lease sale for January 9, 2025, while transparently attempting to ensure it fails to attract bidders and raises revenue for the federal government. “For the past four years, Interior has done everything it can think of to undermine responsible development on the Coastal Plain, ignoring federal law and those who actually live on the North Slope to upend the reasonable program the Trump administration put in place in 2020,” Murkowski said. “The ROD does not reflect statutory requirements, the preferences of most local residents, or the needs of our nation, but it’s a fitting finale for an administration that has routinely allowed Iran, Venezuela, and other adversaries to produce their resources, regardless of the consequences, while attempting to shut everything down in Alaska.” “The Biden-Harris administration’s eleventh-hour lease sale in ANWR is yet another charade aimed at subverting the will of Congress in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” Sen. Sullivan said. “The Biden Interior Department is proposing a lease sale that closes three-quarters of the 1002 Area—including lands that are projected to have substantial resources beneath them—after having previously cancelled all of the leases lawfully-issued under the first statutorily mandated lease sale. But the most insulting aspect of BLM’s announcement is the agency’s claim to have ‘consulted with Alaska Native Tribes and Corporations’ on this Record of Decision. Having s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-murkowski-bidens-anwr-decision-ignores-law Sullivan, Murkowski: Biden’s ANWR Decision Ignores Law 2024-12-10 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) slammed the Department of the Interior (DOI) after it released an unlawful Record of Decision (ROD) for the federally-mandated oil and gas program on the Coastal Plain of the non-wilderness Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeast Alaska. Interior’s ROD dramatically restricts leasing and future development on the 1.57-million-acre Coastal Plain by deliberately departing from the clear and unambiguous language that Murkowski and Sullivan enacted within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Interior also announced a lease sale for January 9, 2025, while transparently attempting to ensure it fails to attract bidders and raises revenue for the federal government. “For the past four years, Interior has done everything it can think of to undermine responsible development on the Coastal Plain, ignoring federal law and those who actually live on the North Slope to upend the reasonable program the Trump administration put in place in 2020,” Murkowski said. “The ROD does not reflect statutory requirements, the preferences of most local residents, or the needs of our nation, but it’s a fitting finale for an administration that has routinely allowed Iran, Venezuela, and other adversaries to produce their resources, regardless of the consequences, while attempting to shut everything down in Alaska.” “The Biden-Harris administration’s eleventh-hour lease sale in ANWR is yet another charade aimed at subverting the will of Congress in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” Sen. Sullivan said. “The Biden Interior Department is proposing a lease sale that closes three-quarters of the 1002 Area—including lands that are projected to have substantial resources beneath them—after having previously cancelled all of the leases lawfully-issued under the first statutorily mandated lease sale. But the most insulting aspect of BLM’s announcement is the agency’s claim to have ‘consulted with Alaska Native Tribes and Corporations’ on this Record of Decision. Having s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senate-passes-murkowski-padilla-bill-to-reauthorize-national-earthquake-hazards-reduction-program Senate Passes Murkowski, Padilla Bill to Reauthorize National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program 2024-12-06 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, D.C. —U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Senate last night passed their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) through Fiscal Year 2028 (FY28). The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would authorize a total of $175.4 million per year from FY24-FY28 across the four federal agencies responsible for long-term earthquake risk reduction under NEHRP: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). “Alaska faces significant earthquake risks as the most seismically active state— our communities must be prepared,” said Senator Murkowski. “The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act provides crucial funding to federal agencies for the research, development, and implementation of earthquake safety procedures. The earthquake yesterday in Northern California is a sober reminder of how critical these readiness measures are.” “As yesterday’s devastating Northern California earthquakes remind us, it is never a matter of if, but when the next major earthquake will strike,” said Senator Padilla. “The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program supports crucial tools like the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System, advances scientific understanding of earthquakes, and strengthens earthquake resilience in communities nationwide. With the safety of our communities at stake, we must stay vigilant. After today’s unanimous Senate passage, I will push my House colleagues to pass this bill to reauthorize this critical program as soon as possible.” “For nearly five decades, NEHRP has been the key to helping Alaskans live in earthquake country. It powers the nation's earthquake and tsunami monitoring. Knowledge from this program is why we are able to construct buildings that don't collapse during tremors. And … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-the-king-cove-road-is-a-matter-of-human-rights ICYMI: The King Cove Road is a Matter of Human Rights 2024-12-02 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) wrote a longform essay on King Cove, Alaska, for the latest issue of the American Bar Association’s Human Rights magazine. The full piece – which is copied below and available online here – makes the case for a life-saving road to connect King Cove with the all-weather airport in nearby Cold Bay. This simple, one-lane, gravel, non-commercial use road is needed to ensure reliable transportation access to and from the predominantly Aleut community during frequently severe weather conditions. The life-saving road has drawn bipartisan support, most recently from the Biden administration, and is, as Murkowski writes, “a matter of human rights.” American Bar Association (Human Rights Magazine): Climate Justice Comes in Many Forms By Senator Lisa Murkowski My home state is grappling with receding sea ice, thawing permafrost, and accelerating erosion. We are witnessing changes in wildlife migration patterns, devastating declines in salmon and crab populations, and the arrival of invasive species. Cool, rainy summers have kept catastrophic wildfires down over the past few years, but the return of warmer, drier weather would result in millions more acres burned. While most Alaskans are experiencing climate change in some form, the Alaska Native people who live in remote villages are often on the front lines of its impacts. For outlying communities such as Kivalina, Shishmaref, and Newtok, the threat is existential. Each Alaska Native community will respond to climate change based on its unique circumstances. Some will have no choice but to move; others may seek protective measures to help avoid relocation. What is important is for these communities to determine their own futures, to the greatest extent possible, and for the rest of us to support them—especially when confronted with the high costs of adaptation and the complexities of federal land ownership. In the midst of those efforts, we can’t forget that many communities in Alaska already face serious threats from th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-celebrates-fccs-alaska-plan-20-to-strengthen-state-broadband-connectivity Delegation Celebrates FCC’s “Alaska Plan 2.0” to Strengthen State Broadband Connectivity 2024-11-08 2024 2024-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), celebrated the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcement of the Alaska Connect Fund (ACF), an extension of the successful Alaska Plan program aimed at expanding and improving broadband connectivity throughout Alaska. The Alaska Plan, which went into effect in 2016, reserved $1.5 billion in funding over ten years for maintenance, extensions, and upgrades for broadband service in communities across the state. Since enactment, the Alaska Plan has delivered new and upgraded broadband service to more than 96,000 Alaskans and enhanced wireless service for 65,000 Alaskans. The ACF extends this project for an additional ten years. “Whether you’re a commercial fisherman outside of Dutch Harbor, or a subsistence hunter leaving Utqiagvik on your snowmachine, finding cell service in rural Alaska is incredibly important – and also incredibly challenging. No other state has as many remote communities, and with extreme weather and terrain combined with short building seasons, the infrastructure demands for wireless service in Alaska are wholly unique from the rest of the Lower 48,” said Senator Murkowski. “That’s why the FCC’s announcement that the Alaska Connect Fund will be extended for 10 years means so much to our state. Alaska’s telecommunications providers can now be confident as they plan out infrastructure investments that will ensure Alaskans are more and more connected over the coming years. I’m grateful that the FCC has been so receptive to my office’s advocacy about Alaska’s distinctive needs – particularly FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, who took the time to visit and see firsthand the complexities involved with building out Alaska’s broadband infrastructure. My thanks goes to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for making this extension a priority in a timely manner, Senator Sullivan for his work in this space on the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, as we… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-celebrates-fccs-alaska-plan-20-to-strengthen-state-broadband-connectivity Alaska Delegation Celebrates FCC’s “Alaska Plan 2.0” to Strengthen State Broadband Connectivity 2024-11-08 2024 2024-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=9 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), celebrated the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcement of the Alaska Connect Fund (ACF), an extension of the successful Alaska Plan program aimed at expanding and improving broadband connectivity throughout Alaska. The Alaska Plan, which went into effect in 2016, reserved $1.5 billion in funding over ten years for maintenance, extensions, and upgrades for broadband service in communities across the state. Since enactment, the Alaska Plan has delivered new and upgraded broadband service to more than 96,000 Alaskans and enhanced wireless service for 65,000 Alaskans. The ACF extends this project for an additional ten years. “The FCC’s 2016 Alaska Plan has been an important success. Rural Alaska communities are more connected today than ever before, and more investments are being made to bring reliable, high-speed internet access to even more communities across our state,” said Senator Sullivan.“Because of the Alaska Plan’s success, we were able to work with our Alaska carriers and stakeholders to make the case to the FCC to keep the momentum going and renew the plan through the new Alaska Connect Fund. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, the lack of internet access in so many Alaska communities was a driving force behind my work to improve Alaska’s broadband access. We brought senior federal officials up to see firsthand Alaska’s unique challenges, negotiated Alaska-specific provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and educated my Senate colleagues on the specific connectivity needs of our state. I want to thank our Alaska carriers who relentlessly made the case to the FCC about the unique challenges they face in meeting the communications needs of all Alaskans, especially in rural Alaska. Our goal has been to connect every Alaska community. We will continue to press forward and relentlessly focus on this goal until all Alaska communities have critical … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-senators-slam-interiors-unlawful-attempt-to-throttle-responsible-development-on-alaskas-coastal-plain Alaska Senators Slam Interior’s Unlawful Attempt to Throttle Responsible Development on Alaska’s Coastal Plain 2024-11-07 2024 2024-11 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Anchorage, AK—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today released the following statements after the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the congressionally-mandated oil and gas program on the Coastal Plain of the non-wilderness Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. The final SEIS seeks to restrict leasing and development on the Coastal Plain by dramatically departing from the clear and unambiguous language enacted within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. “What DOI has released ignores and makes a mockery of federal law and congressional intent for the Coastal Plain. We were crystal clear: DOI is responsible for an oil and gas program on the Coastal Plain, to benefit those who live on the North Slope and throughout Alaska and beyond,” Murkowski said. “Instead, DOI has chosen to blatantly disregard the law, even after Loper Bright, to attempt to kneecap an entirely reasonable program that can strengthen our economy and national security. It is also deeply offensive and inappropriate for DOI to continue to erase the people of the North Slope — particularly Kaktovik — from the record of this program, as if they don’t exist and shouldn’t have their views on development prevail for the future of the Coastal Plain.” “One more time, the Biden-Harris administration is violating the law, ignoring Alaskans, particularly our indigenous communities, and undermining one of the core strengths of the United States—American energy,” Sen. Sullivan said. “At every turn, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, in alliance with Lower 48 eco-colonialists, have subverted the ANWR oil and gas leasing program mandated by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. First, the Biden-Harris administration ‘suspended’ leases issued under the Trump administration’s 2021 sale and then unlawfully cancelled them outright. Now, they are once again defying federal law by proposing to close three-quarters of the 1002 Area, including lands that are pro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-senators-slam-interiors-unlawful-attempt-to-throttle-responsible-development-on-alaskas-coastal-plain Alaska Senators Slam Interior’s Unlawful Attempt to Throttle Responsible Development on Alaska’s Coastal Plain 2024-11-07 2024 2024-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today released the following statements after the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the congressionally-mandated oil and gas program on the Coastal Plain of the non-wilderness Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. The final SEIS seeks to restrict leasing and development on the Coastal Plain by dramatically departing from the clear and unambiguous language enacted within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. “What DOI has released ignores and makes a mockery of federal law and congressional intent for the Coastal Plain. We were crystal clear: DOI is responsible for an oil and gas program on the Coastal Plain, to benefit those who live on the North Slope and throughout Alaska and beyond,” Murkowski said. “Instead, DOI has chosen to blatantly disregard the law, even after Loper Bright, to attempt to kneecap an entirely reasonable program that can strengthen our economy and national security. It is also deeply offensive and inappropriate for DOI to continue to erase the people of the North Slope — particularly Kaktovik — from the record of this program, as if they don’t exist and shouldn’t have their views on development prevail for the future of the Coastal Plain.” “One more time, the Biden-Harris administration is violating the law, ignoring Alaskans, particularly our indigenous communities, and undermining one of the core strengths of the United States—American energy,” Sullivan said. “At every turn, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, in alliance with Lower 48 eco-colonialists, have subverted the ANWR oil and gas leasing program mandated by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. First, the Biden-Harris administration ‘suspended’ leases issued under the Trump administration’s 2021 sale and then unlawfully cancelled them outright. Now, they are once again defying federal law by proposing to close three-quarters of the 1002 Area, including lands that are proj… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-2024-presidential-and-senate-election-results Sullivan Statement on 2024 Presidential and Senate Election Results 2024-11-06 2024 2024-11 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance’s decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election and a switch to a Republican majority in the United States Senate. Results determining majority control in the U.S. House of Representatives continue to be counted. “I want to congratulate President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance on their historic victory last night and I want to thank the hundreds of thousands of Alaskans who took the time to make their voices heard at the ballot box. I also want to congratulate my new and returning Senate colleagues on their hard-fought victories—returning Republicans to the majority in the U.S. Senate,” Senator Sullivan said. “This election came down to the simple fact that millions of Americans were better off under a Trump presidency than under the last four years of the Biden-Harris administration. For Alaskans, the choice in this election was particularly stark, and in my view, it wasn’t even a close call. President Trump and his administration were an incredible partner to Alaska, listening to our concerns, taking actions to promote economic opportunity and good paying jobs, and putting Alaskans in the driver’s seat of our state’s destiny. “Under the Biden-Harris administration, with strong help from Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Alaska sustained an unprecedented onslaught of negative, unwarranted federal actions—treatment no other state has ever experienced. With 67 executive orders and actions targeting our state, the Biden-Harris administration has sought to unravel the progress we achieved under the Trump administration by locking up our lands, killing our jobs, and harming our economy, all the while ignoring the voices of Alaskans and even defying federal law. “As I did eight years ago, I will be working closely with President Trump, his administration, and my Senate colleagues to seize the opportunities before us, advan… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/editorial-alaska-hurting-from-fentanyl EDITORIAL: Alaska hurting from fentanyl 2024-10-23 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper A recent story spoke to the alarming statics regarding Alaska drug overdoses, especially related to fentanyl. Such opioids killed a record number of Alaskans in 2023 as Alaska’s percentage of drug overdoses increased by 40% — the largest increase of any state for ’23. Alaska had 123 drug overdose deaths in 2014, 105 in 1018 and 342 in 2023. To say that Alaska is under attack is an understatement. But that is how U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan sees it. He has started a statewide fentanyl awareness campaign called “One Pill Can Kill.” And one will. Sullivan’s website offers a toolkit designed to help Alaskans fight fentanyl’s abuse. “This campaign will examine where fentanyl is coming from, where and how it is being sold, the dangers of the drug, how it impacts our Alaska communities, and the resources that are available for treatment, prevention, and reporting criminal activity,” states Sullivan’s site. Access to the campaign, which is for all Alaskans who wish to join, is available through that site. The information on the site includes, but is not limited to: • Fentanyl is the deadliest drug ever for Alaska. • It is being marketed on social media. • Drug cartels make fentanyl to appear as if it is candy, Xanax and other pharmaceuticals. • Six out of every 10 fake pills with fentanyl contain a lethal dose. We share this information because it is valuable. Every Alaskan in one way or another is affected by fentanyl and other drug-related deaths; every community suffers the effects. We also chose this topic because it is Red Ribbon Week, a week specifically designated for awareness of illegal drugs and their deadly potential, and Ketchikan has observed it for decades. Annually, the week pays tribute to a U.S. drug enforcement officer who lost his life in Mexico while fighting illegal drug traffickers. After the death of Special Agent Enrique Camarena, a California congressman launched Camarena clubs in Camarena’s hometown of Calexico, Calif. Hundreds of club members wore red ribbons and pledged to be drug-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-house-republicans-urge-biden-harris-admin-to-improve-plastic-management-treaty-at-un Sullivan, House Republicans Urge Biden-Harris Admin to Improve Plastic Management Treaty at U.N. 2024-10-23 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Biden-Harris administration to press for improvements to a global plastics treaty being negotiated by United Nations participating countries. Sen. Sullivan expressed concerns that the treaty could be plagued with vague requirements and expensive efforts that do not provide adequate solutions to the pressing issue of plastic waste. The letter was first reported on in an article by Politico’s Jordan Wolman on October 16. “Since this treaty has no enforcement provisions and relies on the good faith and self-reporting of signatory countries, the treaty needs to be common-sense and future-looking, building on reducing demand for single use plastic, on technical innovation, and on implementing measures that enhance the circularity of plastic,” Sen. Sullivan wrote. “I urge the Biden-Harris administration to focus on securing an agreement that the U.S. can join and one that will result in a lasting solution to end plastic pollution.” Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) led a similar letter in the House joined by 26 of his Republican colleagues. Click here to read the full letter. Senator Sullivan has led on the issue of plastic pollution, specifically in regard to oceans and marine ecosystems, with his Save our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act, introduced with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and signed into law in December 2020. This legislation has fostered multiple efforts to eliminate plastic pollution and mitigate the impacts on the environment, including: The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program (SWIFR), authorized by SOS 2.0 and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has provided $375 million in infrastructure and recycling programs for local communities. The Save Our Seas Initiative, launched by USAID in 2022, has implemented programs in 25 cities across 10 countries to reduce the flow of ocean plastic pollution. The initiative’s recently-launched CIRCLE Initiative (Catal… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-welcomes-federal-disaster-declaration-for-juneau-floods Alaska Congressional Delegation Welcomes Federal Disaster Declaration for Juneau Floods 2024-10-18 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) welcomed the federal disaster declaration following Juneau’s floods in early August. President Biden’s declaration comes after dogged advocacy from the Alaska delegation along with community leaders to ensure Juneau residents would have federal support to recover from the flooding of Suicide Basin. This declaration paves the way for both individual and public assistance to be distributed to the residents of Juneau. “I am pleased by the federal disaster declaration to help the Juneau community recover from the flooding of Suicide Basin late this summer,” said Senator Murkowski. “Having seen the wreckage from these floods firsthand, I stand firmly with the people of Juneau. As the community wrestles with the potential of additional flooding, this declaration comes at a critical time for recovery efforts in our state’s capital.” “The damage to homes and property in the wake of the record-breaking flooding in Juneau this August is extensive,” said Senator Sullivan. “While there was thankfully no loss of life, the Mendenhall Valley community faces an overwhelming recovery process. I appreciate FEMA’s approval of Governor Dunleavy’s request for a federal disaster declaration, which I pushed for several times with FEMA Administrator Criswell. These FEMA funds will allow critical federal funding to supplement the incredible state and local efforts that are already underway. My team and I are also continuing to work with the Army Corps of Engineers for a long-term engineering solution to prevent this kind of destruction of homes and livelihoods in the future. The outburst flooding caused by the Mendenhall Glacier every summer is not sustainable.” “Relieved to see Juneau’s disaster declaration approved, but there’s so much work left to be done,” Representative Peltola said. “Local efforts led by the city, Tlingit & Haida, and all those who have stepped up will finally get the federal support they nee… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-congressional-delegation-welcomes-federal-disaster-declaration-for-juneau-floods Alaska Congressional Delegation Welcomes Federal Disaster Declaration for Juneau Floods 2024-10-18 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) welcomed the federal disaster declaration following Juneau’s floods in early August. President Biden’s declaration comes after dogged advocacy from the Alaska delegation along with community leaders to ensure Juneau residents would have federal support to recover from the flooding of Suicide Basin. This declaration paves the way for both individual and public assistance to be distributed to the residents of Juneau. “I am pleased by the federal disaster declaration to help the Juneau community recover from the flooding of Suicide Basin late this summer,” said Senator Murkowski. “Having seen the wreckage from these floods firsthand, I stand firmly with the people of Juneau. As the community wrestles with the potential of additional flooding, this declaration comes at a critical time for recovery efforts in our state’s capital.” “The damage to homes and property in the wake of the record-breaking flooding in Juneau this August is extensive,” said Senator Sullivan. “While there was thankfully no loss of life, the Mendenhall Valley community faces an overwhelming recovery process. I appreciate FEMA’s approval of Governor Dunleavy’s request for a federal disaster declaration, which I pushed for several times with FEMA Administrator Criswell. These FEMA funds will allow critical federal funding to supplement the incredible state and local efforts that are already underway. My team and I are also continuing to work with the Army Corps of Engineers for a long-term engineering solution to prevent this kind of destruction of homes and livelihoods in the future. The outburst flooding caused by the Mendenhall Glacier every summer is not sustainable.” “Relieved to see Juneau’s disaster declaration approved, but there’s so much work left to be done,” Representative Peltola said. “Local efforts led by the city, Tlingit & Haida, and all those who have stepped up will finally get the federal support they nee… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-highlights-work-to-advance-priorities-of-alaska-native-people-at-annual-afn-convention Sullivan Highlights Work to Advance Priorities of Alaska Native People at Annual AFN Convention 2024-10-18 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), addressing the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) annual convention today, spoke about the progress that has been made to advance the interests of Alaska Native people at the federal level in the past year, and highlighted work he is doing with Alaska Native communities to address challenges facing rural Alaska, like the devastating crash of salmon runs in parts of the state, limited access to affordable housing, the youth mental health crisis, and the disturbingly high rates of drug overdose deaths driven by fentanyl. Senator Sullivan discussed his work with the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) to secure the renewal of Alaska whaling captains’ quota at the recent International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Peru; a new Alaska Salmon Research Task Force report created by his 2022 legislation; his team’s relentless efforts that led to a comprehensive ban on Russian seafood imports; and his efforts to address the Department of the Interior’s dismal implementation of his 2019 legislation to deliver Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans the land allotments they are due. Finally, Sen. Sullivan also emphasized the legacy of patriotism of Alaska Native people and the critical ongoing military build-up taking place across Alaska. Below is a full transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s remarks. It’s an honor for me to be here today. AFN is certainly one of the highlights of the year for me, and for my wife, Julie, who is here in the audience today. I always look to her for my strength. She’s having a great time with her cousins and buying Christmas gifts for our family and friends. By the way, we are always amazed by the incredible crafts and artwork on display throughout the convention hall. To all of our skilled artisans, I want you to know I’ve just introduced two new pieces of legislation that I worked with many of you on to protect your rights as Alaska Native artists—and the next generation—to continue the centuries-old practice of using natural materials, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-legislation-protects-alaska-native-artists-cultural-heritage-and-economic-opportunities Sullivan Legislation Protects Alaska Native Artists’ Cultural Heritage and Economic Opportunities 2024-10-16 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Actand the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists using natural materials, such as walrus ivory or migratory bird feathers, in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing. These bills would clarify that existing laws do not prohibit the use or sale of these materials in Alaska Native handicrafts by Alaska Native artists who are partaking in centuries-old cultural practices. “Alaska Native artists, who have sustainably used natural materials in traditional art and cultural practices for thousands of years, are negatively impacted by overly broad bans on materials like walrus ivory and bird feathers,” Senator Sullivan said. “The products made with these materials provide not just valuable artistic and cultural expressions, but also vital income for many rural Alaskans. Many of these restrictions have been enacted without consultation from indigenous communities and local lawmakers—and can have devastating consequences. Archie Cavanaugh, a renowned Alaska Native artist, faced jail time and legal challenges for using these materials in his traditional art. This is completely unacceptable. Not only do we need to cut through the confusion and affirm the legal rights of Alaska Native people to use these materials, we need justice for those who have been unfairly targeted for taking part in centuries-old, sustainable cultural practices. My legislation listens to stakeholders and carries out the true intent of our existing laws to allow Alaskan Native artisans to use these resources without the threat of misguided legal repercussions.” Below are statements from Alaska leaders and stakeholders in support of Sen. Sullivan’s legislation. Vera Metcalf, Director of the Eskimo Walrus Commission: “The Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC) strongly supports this bill and thanks Senator Sullivan and his staff for working with us on it. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-joins-senate-resolution-standing-with-israel-on-one-year-anniversary-of-horrific-terrorist-attacks Senator Murkowski Joins Senate Resolution Standing with Israel on One-Year Anniversary of Horrific Terrorist Attacks 2024-10-07 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, D.C. — On the one-year anniversary of the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined forty-eight of her Senate colleagues condemning the attacks, while supporting a path towards the survival and security of Israel, as well as the safe release of United States hostages from the Gaza Strip. “Our prayers continue to be with the families and victims of the barbaric terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas one year ago,” said Senator Murkowski. “As on day one, we stand with our ally Israel as they defend their people and their sovereignty. We also continue to pray for those in the region and hope for a resolution that will bring a stop to hostilities, safe return of those taken hostage by Hamas, and an end to the rise in antisemitism here at home that has made Jewish Americans feel threatened. The United States is committed to providing Israel the resources they need to defend themselves and providing humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians caught up in Hamas’ deadly war of terror.” You can read S.Res.890 below. “Condemning the brutal Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and supporting an outcome that ensures the forever survival of Israel, the complete denial of the ability of Hamas to reconstitute in the region, and the safe release of United States hostages from the Gaza Strip. Whereas Hamas is a foreign terrorist organization designated by the Secretary of State under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189), whose founding charter states a commitment to destroying Israel and any nation that would support it, including the United States; Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists led an attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 individuals, including 40 United States citizens, taking 251 individuals hostage, and launching thousands of rockets toward Israel; Whereas Israel, like other sovereign states, has a right to defend itself; Whereas, after a year of continued and growing hostilities by … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-anniversary-of-october-7th-terrorist-attacks Sullivan Statement on Anniversary of October 7th Terrorist Attacks 2024-10-07 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper “One year ago today, on October 7th, the people of Israel suffered the worst terrorist attack in their history, a horrendous massacre that took the lives of 1,200 people—many of them innocent civilians in their homes or attending a music festival. Nearly 100 innocent hostages are still being held by Hamas terrorists, including several American citizens, and I reiterate our call for their immediate, unconditional release. “America mourns with the Israeli people on this difficult anniversary and remains steadfast in support of Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, free from the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Tehran and its proxies.” Sen. Sullivan, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and all 47 of their Senate Republican colleagues introduced a resolution demonstrating America’s solidarity with the people of Israel on the anniversary of October 7. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-release-liheap-home-heating-aid Murkowski & Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid 2024-10-04 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – With colder weather around the corner and Congress continuing its work on appropriations bills, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Jack Reed (D-RI) and are leading a bipartisan call 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. “As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2025 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 (PL 118-83),” Murkowski, Collins and Reed wrote. The 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. Murkowski helped provide a total of $4.1 billion for LIHEAP in fiscal year 2024, with $4 billion through appropriations and $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. Nationwide, an estimated 5.1 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP in FY 2023. In Fiscal Year 2024, Alaskans got $21.3 million from LIHEAP. LIHEAP is administered by states, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, and territories. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. 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 2025 — or until the funding is exhausted. Full text of the letter follows: “Dear Secretary Becerra: As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2025 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 u… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/dr-michael-sfraga-officially-sworn-in-as-first-united-states-ambassador-at-large-for-arctic-affairs Dr. Michael Sfraga Officially Sworn In as First United States Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs 2024-10-02 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, D.C. — In a ceremony yesterday at the Harry S. Truman Federal Building, Dr. Michael Sfraga was sworn in by the U.S. Department of State and officially became the United States’ first Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs. Senator Murkowski, a driving force for the creation of the position and a key advocate of Ambassador Sfraga’s nomination, offered her congratulations following the ceremony. “Congratulations to Dr. Michael Sfraga, the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs,” said Senator Murkowski. “Mike will bring to the post a clear-eyed view about the strategic realities of the Arctic, and help position the United States to lead in the region while protecting our national security interests. Between his decades of experience in the region, deep policy expertise, and strong relationships with Arctic leaders, there is no one better suited to be the first person in this role. I am proud to have a fellow Alaskan representing the nation at the highest diplomatic level as ambassador and I look forward to him hitting the ground running.” “I am humbled and grateful for the trust this administration and Senator Murkowski have placed in me to represent the region that I have dedicated my professional career to,” said Ambassador Sfraga. “As Ambassador, I pledge to strengthen our relationships with our Arctic allies and partners, leverage expansion of Arctic infrastructure to increase commerce and economic growth, and promote U.S. leadership while countering our adversaries’ ambitions in the region.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/icymi-senator-murkowski-reiterates-support-for-alaskas-children-and-youth-experiencing-homelessness ICYMI: Senator Murkowski Reiterates Support for Alaska’s Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness 2024-09-30 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – Last week, amidst floor activity to pass a continued resolution to fund the federal government, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) submitted a Statement into the Congressional Record underscoring the importance of funds that were secured in 2021 to support Alaska’s children and youth experiencing homelessness. The Senator shared impactful examples of how the funds were used to connect young people to services and resources to ensure success in their education and beyond. She also implored her colleagues to come together to find solutions, and additional resources, to support children and youth experiencing homelessness. Read Senator Murkowski’s full statement below: Mr. President, on March 6, 2021, almost a year to the day after communities across America - and Alaska - shut down in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, this body was voting on the third COVID relief bill - the American Rescue Plan. Unfortunately, this was a wholly partisan exercise. Rather than advancing a bipartisan consensus effort, one side unilaterally pushed forward the largest spending package Congress had ever advanced, which I was not able to support. However, In the midst of that bogged down, partisan exercise, there was a bright spot of cross-aisle collaboration that brought together Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. In fact, it was one of only three amendments that passed with unanimous support during a contentious process where over 40 votes were taken. I’m speaking of my amendment with Senators Manchin, Portman, Sinema, Collins, and Sullivan to designate $800 million of the K12 education funds in the bill to be used for identifying, supporting, and educating children and youth experiencing homelessness. I offered this amendment because the first two COVID relief packages did not include any dedicated funding to support this vulnerable population - who were arguably the most negatively impacted by school closures. At that time, 2,578 Alaskan children and youth were identified as experiencing homeles… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-condemns-reckless-and-unprofessional-russian-fighter-tactics-near-alaska-airspace Sullivan Condemns “Reckless and Unprofessional” Russian Fighter Tactics Near Alaska Airspace 2024-09-30 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) released video of a Russian Su-35 aircraft conducting a dangerous maneuver next to an Alaska-based U.S. Air Force fighter during an intercept on September 23 in Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). “The reckless and unprofessional maneuvers of Russian fighter pilots—within just a few feet of our Alaska-based fighters—in Alaska’s ADIZ on September 23 put the lives of our brave Airmen at risk and underscore the escalating aggression we’re witnessing from dictators like Vladimir Putin,” said Sen. Sullivan. “These tactics stand in stark contrast to the skill and discipline of our Alaska-based service members who are on the front lines at all hours in defense of our entire country. I want to commend our Airmen for consistently and professionally executing these complex intercept missions. “We need to answer force with force and continue building up America’s military presence in Alaska and the Arctic with more infrastructure, like the strategic Arctic port at Nome and reopening the Adak Naval Air Facility, and more military assets.” On September 17, 2024, Sen. Sullivan praised the deployment of 11th Airborne Division soldiers to the Aleutian Islands in response to increased Russian and Chinese military activity near Alaska. Between September 11 and September 15, Alaska-based forces detected and tracked four separate incursions of Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska ADIZ and one incursion of Russian naval vessels in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-in-attendance-as-us-navy-formally-apologizes-to-village-of-kake-for-military-bombardment Murkowski in Attendance as U.S. Navy Formally Apologizes to Village of Kake for Military Bombardment 2024-09-27 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, attended and spoke at a ceremony in Kake, Alaska, where the U.S. Navy formally apologized for bombarding the Alaska Native village of Kake, Alaska in 1869. Senator Murkowski has advocated for this formal apology for many years. She has heard directly from the leadership of the respective villages and clans about the pain and suffering that was inflicted on the Tlingit people by this bombardment and how, generations later, it continues to affect the community. This formal apology is long overdue but marks the start of healing for the community. “It was incredible to be present at this ceremony to witness the United States military’s historic apology for the devastating 1869 bombardment of Kake. I have heard for many years how the people of Kake have not been able to heal from the trauma of the Navy’s attack. Families have shared the stories of the destruction, which led to deaths among children and elders. These families have had to live with that sadness and unresolved trauma for too long,” said Senator Murkowski. “One of the cultural values the people of Kake carry is spiritual and cultural balance. When trying to find that balance, apologies need to be made, to say ‘I am sorry, we failed you.’ While far overdue, it is appropriate now that our military offered this apology to the people of Kake for their loss. I commend the clan leaders in Kake for their humble acceptance of the Navy’s apology, and hope that this acknowledgment will promote healing from the intergenerational trauma caused by the United States government’s mistakes. It was my great honor to have worked alongside the community of Kake to advocate for this historic event.” Senator Murkowski was previously adopted into the Deisheetaan clan by the late Selena Everson. During the ceremony, Senator Murkowski delivered remarks with fellow Deisheetaan clan members at her side, after inviting them to join her at the podium. Senator Murko… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-cortez-masto-introduce-legislation-to-identify-factors-influencing-health-outcomes Sullivan, Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Identify Factors Influencing Health Outcomes 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Utilizing National Data, Effectively Reforming Standards and Tools, to Address Negative Determinants of Health (UNDERSTAND Health) Act to establish a clear definition of social determinants of health. This legislation would support the work that many Alaskans and Nevadans are already doing to address socioeconomic conditions that impact a person’s health to keep Congress informed on future health policy. “Studies have made it increasingly clear that Americans living in areas with limited access to health care, nutritious food, and quality housing can face lasting detrimental consequences for their physical health. Alaska is disproportionately impacted by this challenge, with dozens of communities off the road system that lack these basic amenities of life,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The more information we have on how these conditions impact long-term health, the better we can treat and address health conditions before they become serious. The UNDERSTAND Act will make it easier for health care providers to collect and utilize this data to ultimately improve the health of Alaskans.” “The critical role stable access to food, housing, education, employment, and transportation plays in Americans’ health has been overlooked for too long,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan bill will help us better understand how these factors impact our physical and mental health so we can address challenges head on and improve the health of patients and communities across Nevada.” Below are statements from stakeholders supporting the UNDERSTAND Act. “The All Alaska Pediatric Partnership (A2P2) believes all Alaska’s children deserve to thrive and have equitable access to health care and related services,” said Carmen Wenger, Acting Executive Director of A2P2. “This requires using data-driven approaches to address the social drivers of health that are foundational to wellbeing. The UNDERSTAND Act provides a standardized way to di… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-hirono-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-hold-judiciary-accountable-for-workplace-misconduct Murkowski, Hirono Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Hold Judiciary Accountable for Workplace Misconduct 2024-09-25 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Judiciary Accountability Act of 2024 (JAA). The legislation would ensure the more than 30,000 employees of the federal judiciary have strong statutory rights and protections against discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other forms of workplace misconduct and will guide further conversations with stakeholders and experts about a legislative solution to protect the rights of judiciary employees. U.S. Representatives Hank Johnson (D-GA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Norma Torres (D-CA) introduced a House companion bill. “The Judiciary Accountability Act expands federal laws that prohibit workplace harassment and discrimination to employees of the judiciary, putting them on par with executive branch, congressional, and private sector employees who have long-had these protections,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation not only helps safeguard employees from mistreatment at work, but also establishes a review system to foster accountability when those rights are violated. I appreciate the opportunity to lead this bipartisan legislation with Senator Hirono to cultivate transparency and a positive working environment within the judicial branch.” “No one is above the law, but most federal judiciary employees lack essential workplace protections, preventing them from obtaining justice when they face discrimination and harassment,” said Senator Hirono. “Employees of the federal judiciary dedicate their careers to providing justice, and they deserve justice when they face misconduct in the workplace. Yet these employees are among the only ones in the United States who lack the right to sue when they face discrimination or harassment. The Judiciary Accountability Act will help to protect the 30,000 federal judiciary employees by extending basic anti-discrimination protections to cover them, giving them access to federal court to vindicate t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-welcomes-historic-confirmation-for-united-states-ambassador-at-large-for-arctic-affairs Senator Murkowski Welcomes Historic Confirmation for United States Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs 2024-09-24 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, welcomed the historic confirmation of the United States’ first Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs, Dr. Michael Sfraga. Senator Murkowski was the chief advocate for the creation of the position, which the State Department initiated in 2022. The Senate confirmed Dr. Sfraga’s nomination today. “Finally, we have officially joined the rest of the Arctic nations at the table after the Senate confirmed the United States’ first Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs. The need for this leadership in the Arctic has become even more urgent as we saw last night the fifth publicly reported incursion by Russian military aircraft in Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone in the last two weeks,” said Senator Murkowski. “Our new Ambassador will not only help America push back against our adversaries heightened aggression in the Arctic, but will be a critical resource in advocating for economic expansion in this increasingly vital region, committing to do everything in his power to protect American economic and security interests in the Arctic. I congratulate Dr. Michael Sfraga on his confirmation and look forward to the progress he will usher in.” Prior to today’s vote, Senator Murkowski spoke on the Senate floor regarding the importance of confirming Dr. Sfraga. A video of her remarks can also be found here. Read the full speech below: “Mr. President, I have come to the Floor to speak to the nomination of Dr. Mike Sfraga, an Alaskan, to be our nation’s very first Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs. As the person who recommended Dr. Sfraga, I’ve come to the Floor to reiterate my strong support for his nomination, and to urge the Senate to ensure we are no longer the only Arctic nation that does not have an Arctic ambassador. I want to speak to two specific considerations: why we need to focus on the Arctic, and why Dr. Sfraga is the right person for this important role. First, the Arctic. I won’t detail the entire histo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-biden-downplays-failed-iran-policies-and-global-chaos-in-final-un-speech Sullivan: Biden Downplays Failed Iran Policies & Global Chaos in Final UN Speech 2024-09-24 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper President mentions climate change three times more than Iran in remarks WASHINGTON—In an interview this morning with Harris Faulkner on Fox News Channel, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), the Republican Senate representative to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, condemned the misguided foreign policy priorities highlighted in President Biden’s final speech to the UN on Tuesday. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed last weekend, Sen. Sullivan urged President Biden to use the speech as an opportunity to course correct on the administration’s failed appeasement policies toward Iran, which have emboldened the terrorist regime and its proxies and spread chaos throughout the world. “President Biden mentioned climate change six times and Iran just twice in his speech to the UN. If that's not indicative of the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities, I don't know what is,” said Sen. Sullivan. “What we've seen is chaos throughout the world. This is his last foreign policy speech. Americans and people around the world need to ask this question: Are Americans and our allies safer today than we were four years ago? The answer is absolutely not. One of the biggest areas in which this has been true, and is a failure of this administration, is the appeasement of Iran. Iran is the agent of chaos everywhere—and this administration has appeased Iran in every sphere.” Senator Sullivan has frequently criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s weakness exhibited toward Iran and pushed for a return to Trump-era sanctions aimed at re-establishing deterrence against Iran and its terrorist proxies. Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s interview. SULLIVAN: The Biden-Harris Administration has Appeased Iran in Every Sphere HARRIS FAULKNER: We don't know what Kamala Harris' foreign policy is going to be. We just saw the last speech by the sitting president, and it was not strong considering the breaking news right now. There is a war now across that line between Lebanon and Israel. If this i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-congratulates-alaska-whalers-on-quota-renewal-at-international-meeting-in-peru Sullivan Congratulates Alaska Whalers on Quota Renewal at International Meeting in Peru 2024-09-24 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today applauded the efforts of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) and many others for their efforts at the 69th International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Lima, Peru to renew Alaska’s subsistence whaling quota for six more years. The measure passed yesterday by consensus. “Today, we celebrate the preservation of subsistence whaling, a cultural practice our Alaska whalers have sustainably conducted for thousands of years,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This quota renewal is the result of hard work from the AEWC, represented in Peru by Chairman John Hopson Jr., Vice Chair Crawford Patkotak, and North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Patkotak, and many others. Prior to the IWC meeting, John, Crawford, Josiah, other members of the AEWC and I met with senior executive branch officials and more than 20 different embassy representatives in the Capitol. This event was a pivotal opportunity to educate our global partners and our own federal government about our whalers’ priorities. Alaska and America couldn’t ask for better ambassadors than our whaling captains. I want to thank everyone involved who made this success happen, including a dedicated member of my staff, Mary Eileen Manning, who attended the Commission meeting in Peru, the U.S. Commissioner, and the entire U.S. delegation to the IWC. Congratulations to all of our whaling communities throughout the North Slope and the Bering Straits region!” The 2024 renewal built upon the successful 2018 renewal, when the U.S. delegation secured a streamlined quota renewal commitment. Background: As the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change and Manufacturing Subcommittee—which has jurisdiction over our nation’s oceans, fisheries, and marine mammals, including whales—Senator Sullivan has relentlessly championed the efforts of Alaska Native whalers to continue the subsistence harvest of whales. In September 2024, the Alaska delegation sent a letter to embassies of IWC member countries, again … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-welcomes-277-million-in-fishery-disaster-funding-for-alaska Alaska Congressional Delegation Welcomes $277 Million in Fishery Disaster Funding for Alaska 2024-09-23 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) welcomed the announcement of $277 million in funding for Alaska fishery disasters from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Funding for a number of salmon and crab fisheries from 2020-2023 will be transmitted to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission for distribution to fishermen, their crews, seafood processors, and communities impacted by these fishery disasters. “There is no question that fisheries and coastal communities in Alaska need help as they navigate catastrophic fishery collapses,” Senator Murkowski said. “Although I am grateful our fishermen and communities will finally see some relief, for many it might be too little too late. After years of waiting, some have already moved onto other professions, and in some cases have even left the state. I will continue working with my colleagues to pass legislation to streamline the process so these regulatory delays are a thing of the past. I am hopeful this assistance will help Alaska’s hardworking fishermen recover from a devastating few years so they can get back on the water and return to their active role in this critical industry.” “I’m glad to see this significant batch of federal relief dollars finally being distributed to our hard-working fishermen and coastal communities,” said Senator Sullivan. “These Alaskans should never have had to wait this long to see this relief processed—a frustration I raised with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and NOAA Fisheries Director Janet Coit on numerous occasions in recent months. The Commerce Department must address the serious disruptions caused by their new financial management system and other bureaucratic hurdles. I have put forward legislation with Senator Rick Scott to enact timelines on the executive branch’s approval process for these disasters to ensure our fishermen are receiving the relief dollars they are due in a timely fashion. We need this funding to expeditiously reach Alas… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-introduces-arctic-research-and-policy-amendments-act-of-2024 Senator Murkowski Introduces Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024 2024-09-23 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024, updating the landmark Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984. Senator Murkowski celebrated the 40th anniversary of the original ARPA with a significant event at the White House last week. “The Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024 builds upon the strong foundation of the original APRA of 1984. As the geographic and political landscape of the Arctic evolves, the way we approach, research, and analyze the region should as well,” said Senator Murkowski. “My father arrived to the Senate in 1980 and realized that our country was paying very little attention to the Arctic and its potential. He set out to change that with the introduction of ARPA, establishing a framework for Arctic research and collaboration. He succeeded in that endeavor 40 years ago, and it is a legacy I am proud to continue. The United States should be a leader in the ‘Age of the Arctic,’ and the Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024 will further us in that direction.” The Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024 proposes the following updates to the original ARPA of 1984: Broaden ARPA’s scope to include the Arctic’s increasing role in national and homeland defense. Strengthen climate and environmental research to provide sustained funding for research on the Arctic’s impact on global systems. Establish an annual award for excellence in Arctic research. Expand U.S. Arctic Research Commission to include an Alaskan who is appointed the Governor of Alaska. Last week, Senator Murkowski gave remarks on the Senate floor commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original ARPA. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sullivan-urges-biden-to-stand-up-to-iran-at-unga ICYMI: Sullivan Urges Biden to Stand Up to Iran at UNGA 2024-09-23 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—In an opinion published in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), condemned the Biden-Harris administration for abandoning the Trump administration’s policies towards Iran, resulting in a more powerful Iran and a more dangerous world. Senator Sullivan urged President Biden to course correct this week during what will likely be the President’s last major foreign policy speech. Tomorrow, President Biden is set to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “It’s hard to deny that the world is more dangerous today than when he [Biden] became president,” Sen. Sullivan writes in the Wall Street Journal. “There are many reasons for this, but the single most important course correction Mr. Biden could make is on his Middle East policy. In his speech he should call on the U.N. to condemn and impose sanctions on the Iranian terrorist regime for acting as the architect of chaos throughout the Middle East and Ukraine. Mr. Biden should also denounce the antisemitism that has pervaded the U.N. for decades and call out the organization for insufficiently condemning Hamas’s massacre of 1,200 Israelis. He should demand that the U.N. declare Iran-backed Hamas a terrorist organization. He also needs to denounce the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, some of whose employees participated in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks. Unfortunately, none of this is likely to happen. Appeasing Iran has been a hallmark of the Biden-Harris administration, and as a result the terrorist leadership has become richer, more powerful and more menacing.” Senator Sullivan has frequently warned of the Biden-Harris administration’s weakness on Middle East policy and pushed for a return to Trump-era sanctions aimed at re-establishing deterrence against Iran and its terrorist proxies. His latest op-ed in the Wall Street Journal details many of those efforts. Click here or below to read the full opinion. Opinion: Biden’s Last Opportunity to Stand Up to Iran… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-grassley-and-colleagues-hold-biden-harris-admin-accountable-for-abuses-in-unaccompanied-migrant-children-program Sullivan, Grassley, & Colleagues Hold Biden-Harris Admin Accountable for Abuses in Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program 2024-09-23 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) joined his Republican colleagues, led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), in sending a letter urging President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to work with Congress to root out abuses in their administration’s unaccompanied migrant children program and stop the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s cover-up of the crisis. HHS has failed to comply with two out of three Department of Homeland Security (DHS) subpoenas and other information requests issued amid its investigation into more than 100 suspicious sponsors. More than 500,000 unaccompanied migrant children have crossed the southwest border under the Biden-Harris administration, while cartel trafficking activity surged an estimated 2,500 percent. Amid this crisis, the lawmakers note that the Biden-Harris administration limited background checks for sponsors of unaccompanied children, cut back on familial DNA testing at the border and decreased information sharing with law enforcement. The lawmakers are urging Biden and Harris to “make changes to [their] policies and procedures” in order to “end this public safety crisis.” They are specifically calling on the Biden-Harris administration to share information with law enforcement and Congress, fully cooperate with DHS’s child exploitation investigation and thoroughly respond to all congressional oversight requests, which they have so far refused to do. “[The Biden-Harris HHS] must stop its cover-up and cooperate with law enforcement and Congress to end this crisis and protect unaccompanied children and the American people,” the lawmakers concluded. Read the full letter HERE. Joining Sens. Sullivan and Grassley on the letter are Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), along with Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-presents-chief-reverend-dr-trimble-gilbert-with-nations-highest-honor-in-folk-and-traditional-arts Senator Murkowski presents Chief Reverend Dr. Trimble Gilbert with nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – This week, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was honored to present Chief Reverend Dr. Trimble Gilbert the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellowship in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Chief Gilbert is a traditional chief from Arctic Village in Alaska, and is a master Gwich’in Athabascan fiddler and renowned culture bearer. The fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Ten recipients from around the country were presented with this prestigious honor by the Chair of the NEA, Maria Jackson at the Library of Congress. In January of this year, Senator Murkowski traveled to Arctic Village to personally deliver the news to Chief Gilbert that he was being honored and present him with the certificate of recognition. “To see this luminary, this master who hails from tiny Arctic Village in northern Alaska receive this recognition on a national stage, was truly special,” said Senator Murkowski. “Chief Reverend Dr. Gilbert taught himself the fiddle by watching, listening, and then adding his own heritage and culture to create a style that is truly unique and Alaskan. He has made it his life’s mission to share his craft, his culture and his wisdom with his people and you can see the effect it has in Arctic Village through their vibrant community events. Alaskans know the treasure they have in this extraordinary elder - and now the whole country knows of Chief Gilbert’s gift as well.” Upon acceptance of the award in Washington D.C., Chief Gilbert shared his motivation for fiddling and hosting fiddle dances as a pathway to sobriety and individual and community wellness. “One of the reasons we do that [fiddle dancing], is because we love each other and life is very important to us, and we don’t want to suffer with alcohol… We’ve been using our traditional way of life for thousands of years, and sharing is the number one in our country…Alcohol is a tough situation, but we stand together and try to help each other for the future generations.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/op-ed-bidens-last-opportunity-to-stand-up-to-iran OP-ED: Biden’s Last Opportunity to Stand Up to Iran 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper   0 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-congressional-delegation-welcomes-277-million-in-fishery-disaster-funding-for-alaska Alaska Congressional Delegation Welcomes $277 Million in Fishery Disaster Funding for Alaska 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) welcomed the announcement of $277 million in funding for Alaska fishery disasters from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Funding for a number of salmon and crab fisheries from 2020-2023 will be transmitted to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission for distribution to fishermen, their crews, seafood processors, and communities impacted by these fishery disasters. “There is no question that fisheries and coastal communities in Alaska need help as they navigate catastrophic fishery collapses,” Senator Murkowski said. “Although I am grateful our fishermen and communities will finally see some relief, for many it might be too little too late. After years of waiting, some have already moved onto other professions, and in some cases have even left the state. I will continue working with my colleagues to pass legislation to streamline the process so these regulatory delays are a thing of the past. I am hopeful this assistance will help Alaska’s hardworking fishermen recover from a devastating few years so they can get back on the water and return to their active role in this critical industry.” “I’m glad to see this significant batch of federal relief dollars finally being distributed to our hard-working fishermen and coastal communities,” said Senator Sullivan. “These Alaskans should never have had to wait this long to see this relief processed—a frustration I raised with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and NOAA Fisheries Director Janet Coit on numerous occasions in recent months. The Commerce Department must address the serious disruptions caused by their new financial management system and other bureaucratic hurdles. I have put forward legislation with Senator Rick Scott to enact timelines on the executive branch’s approval process for these disasters to ensure our fishermen are receiving the relief dollars they are due in a timely fashion. We need this funding to expeditiously reach … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-kaine-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-blue-star-welcome-week Sullivan & Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize “Blue Star Welcome Week” 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to designate September 21-29, 2024, as “Blue Star Welcome Week.” Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide campaign to build a better sense of belonging and community for military families, many of whom face frequent moves and transfers. “Alaska’s military members and their families sacrifice so much on behalf of our state and our country,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Frequent moves can put strain on families trying to establish ties in the communities in which they serve. Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to reach out and connect with our brave men and women in uniform and their loved ones who serve our country to make them feel welcomed and supported by their fellow Americans.” “Many servicemembers and their families are stationed in Virginia, and I’m proud that the Commonwealth has welcomed them into our communities,” said Sen. Kaine. “Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to thank military families for their sacrifices, connect with our neighbors, and help military families feel at home in their new communities.” Full text of the resolution is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-democrats-block-greater-accountability-at-va-after-historic-15-billion-shortfall Senate Democrats Block Greater Accountability at VA After Historic $15 Billion Shortfall 2024-09-19 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC), today attempted to restore accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by passing his Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act as an amendment to a VA supplemental funding package, but it was blocked by Senate Democrats. Following the recent announcement from the VA that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is experiencing a historic budget shortfall of $15 billion, $3 billion of which the VBA needed immediately, Sen. Sullivan’s legislation would have instituted a three-year requirement for the VA to submit quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress to encourage greater oversight and financial accountability. The bill also included a provision to withhold bonuses for senior VA and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) personnel if there are future financial shortfalls. Click here or the image above to watch Sen. Sullivan’s floor speech. “Just six weeks ago, the VA informed Congress that it needs $3 billion ASAP or veterans may not get their benefits,” Sen. Sullivan said. “This shocking screw-up is unfortunately something we see all the time from the VA—last-minute requests for money, and up to $11 million in illegal bonuses paid out to VA officials who don’t deserve it. Congress is becoming numb to these kinds of shortfalls and scandals. I will say, this is not the case for rank-and-file VA employees, like those in Alaska, the vast majority of whom do a great job. The problem seems to be here in D.C. Several of my SVAC colleagues and I demanded an immediate hearing on this unprecedented shortfall when we first learned about it. The chairman failed to do that. He waited until yesterday to hold the hearing. The Secretary didn’t even show up to come testify. Maybe the Secretary was teleworking. “While I support covering this shortfall to safeguard the hard-earned benefits of our courageous veterans, we also need accountability from the VA. I put forward legislation that re… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-effort-leads-to-long-overdue-recognition-and-navy-ceremonies-for-historic-wrongs-against-alaska-native-peoples-in-angoon-kake Sullivan Effort Leads to Long Overdue Recognition and Navy Ceremonies for Historic Wrongs Against Alaska Native Peoples in Angoon, Kake 2024-09-19 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), welcomed the U.S. Navy’s announcement regarding its intent to apologize to the Alaska Native people of Kake and Angoon, Alaska for the unwarranted bombardment of their historic villages in February 1869 and October 1882, respectively. Sen. Sullivan and his team worked extensively in coordination with Southeast leaders to secure the apologies. Ceremonies are scheduled to take place on September 21st in Kake and on October 26th in Angoon. “In general, I do not support apology tours. The United States is certainly not a perfect nation, however, in my view, we are the most exceptional nation in the world. The United States has done more to liberate men, women and children across the globe from tyranny and oppression than any other nation in history,” said Sen. Sullivan. “However, in instances where our country has fallen short of our ideals and, in the worst cases, targeted our own citizens, I believe an apology is appropriate. The egregious and unwarranted assault against the Alaska Native people of Kake and Angoon in the late 1800s is such a case. “It also must be pointed out that—in spite of the mistreatment our Native communities faced over the decades, like the horrific bombardment of Kake and Angoon—Alaska Native people historically have responded with extraordinary humility, dignity and patriotism, serving at higher rates in the U.S. military than any other ethnic group in our country. “When Dr. Rosita Worl brought these historic wrongs to my attention, and the Tlingit people’s decades-long pursuit of recognition and an apology for the incidents with no appropriate progress, my team and I told her we were strongly committed to getting a resolution done. We’ve worked relentlessly for the past two years with Alaska Native leaders to press this issue at the highest levels of the Navy and the Pentagon—including the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy. “Yesterday, I had a call with U.S. Navy S… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-introduces-bill-to-hold-va-accountable-for-financial-shortfall Sullivan Introduces Bill to Hold VA Accountable for Financial Shortfall 2024-09-18 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=10 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accountable for a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) budget shortfall of $3 billion. This bill institutes a three-year requirement for the VA to submit quarterly in-person budget reports to Congress to encourage greater oversight and financial accountability. Additional financial shortfalls would result in the withholding of bonuses for senior VA and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) personnel. “Telling Congress we have to provide $3 billion to the VA in a matter of days or our constituents won't get their benefits—without any accountability or reforms—is a shocking failure in leadership and management,” Sen. Sullivan said. “It is incumbent upon the Secretary to appear before the committee and answer questions, but remarkably, he declined to do so. This is not a great victory as some are spinning it. The VA has a duty to provide congressional oversight committees with high-quality, in-person briefings explaining these shortfalls in the future—earlier than just a month in advance. In light of this budgetary fiasco and the millions of dollars’ worth of bonuses improperly distributed to VA executives, I’ve put forward commonsense legislation to require the VA to abide by a basic level of accountability and oversight. “Let me be clear: We will fund this shortfall. Our veterans deserve and rely upon their hard-earned benefits. But, going forward, our veterans also expect a much higher standard of accountability from VA leaders. I expect the Secretary and other VA leaders to come to the table with clear answers as to how these deficiencies keep happening and how they are going to prevent them in the future.” Sen. Sullivan’s legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) Pete Ricketts … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-reiterates-strong-opposition-to-npr-a-special-areas-process Alaska Delegation Reiterates Strong Opposition to NPR-A ‘Special Areas’ Process 2024-09-17 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) reiterated their opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) latest efforts to further restrict resource development across the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). In a letter sent Monday, the delegation voiced strong opposition to BLM’s request for information (RFI), the precursor to an arbitrary, deliberately opaque process to expand and create new Special Areas in the NPR-A. BLM issued the RFI earlier this year, just after unilaterally restricting leasing and development on more than half the surface acreage of the 23-million-acre petroleum reserve. The agency continues to refuse to properly consult with and reflect opposition from Alaska Native communities on the North Slope in decisions that affect their lands and interests. “We write to reiterate our strong opposition to (RFI), “Special Areas Within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska” published in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on July 17, 2024. As discussed in prior letters to BLM, the administration’s decision to impose restrictions on a variety of activities across the (NPR-A) is unprecedented and unlawful. As such, we urge BLM to abandon any effort to unilaterally expand Special Areas in the NPR-A,” the delegation wrote. “BLM must recognize that the management regime it now envisions for the NPR-A blatantly conflicts with federal law, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright. Congress has directed BLM to carry out an ‘expeditious program of competitive leasing of oil and gas’ in Alaska’s petroleum reserve, yet BLM has arbitrarily reinterpreted the statute to focus on an expeditious program of new administrative barriers that will restrict or prohibit responsible resource development. In this case, BLM unilaterally wrote a rule that restricts access to more than half of the surface acreage of the NPR-A and is now using the authorities granted to itself u… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-reiterates-strong-opposition-to-npr-a-special-areas-process Alaska Delegation Reiterates Strong Opposition to NPR-A ‘Special Areas’ Process 2024-09-17 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) reiterated their opposition to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) latest efforts to further restrict resource development across the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). In a letter sent Monday, the delegation voiced strong opposition to BLM’s request for information (RFI), the precursor to an arbitrary, deliberately opaque process to expand and create new Special Areas in the NPR-A. BLM issued the RFI earlier this year, just after unilaterally restricting leasing and development on more than half the surface acreage of the 23-million-acre petroleum reserve. The agency continues to refuse to properly consult with and reflect opposition from Alaska Native communities on the North Slope in decisions that affect their lands and interests. “We write to reiterate our strong opposition to (RFI), “Special Areas Within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska” published in theFederal Register by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on July 17, 2024. As discussed in prior letters to BLM, the administration’s decision to impose restrictions on a variety of activities across the (NPR-A) is unprecedented and unlawful. As such, we urge BLM to abandon any effort to unilaterally expand Special Areas in the NPR-A,” the delegation wrote. “BLM must recognize that the management regime it now envisions for the NPR-A blatantly conflicts with federal law, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright. Congress has directed BLM to carry out an ‘expeditious program of competitive leasing of oil and gas’ in Alaska’s petroleum reserve, yet BLM has arbitrarily reinterpreted the statute to focus on an expeditious program of new administrative barriers that will restrict or prohibit responsible resource development. In this case, BLM unilaterally wrote a rule that restricts access to more than half of the surface acreage of the NPR-A and is now using the authorities granted to itsel… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-after-us-military-responds-to-russian-chinese-activity-near-alaska Sullivan Statement After U.S. Military Responds to Russian-Chinese Activity Near Alaska 2024-09-17 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), released the following statement after the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division announced the deployment of more than 100 soldiers to the Aleutian Islands in response to increased Russian and Chinese activity near Alaska. The U.S. military has also deployed a guided missile destroyer and a Coast Guard cutter to the western region of Alaska. On September 10, Russia and China began the Ocean-24 military exercises in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans—Russia’s largest joint naval and air drill since the Cold War. In the past week, Alaska-based forces detected and tracked four separate incursions of Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and one incursion of Russian naval vessels in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which are believed to be part of the joint exercises. Similar Russia-China exercises occurrednear Alaska in July as well which led to the first-ever air incursion into the Alaska ADIZ by a joint Russian-Chinese bomber task force. “As the world becomes more dangerous, Alaska continues to be on the frontlines of authoritarian aggression,” Senator Sullivan said. “Coordinated activity off Alaska’s shores by the Russians and Chinese is increasing: On five separate occasions in the past seven days, Russian military incursions into our ADIZ or EEZ have occurred – both naval and air. In the past two years, we’ve seen joint Russian-Chinese air and naval exercises off our shores and a Chinese spy balloon floating over our communities. These escalating incidents demonstrate the critical role the Arctic plays in great power competition between the U.S., Russia, and China. “Authoritarian regimes are testing the United States. Dictators like Vladimir Putin see through a lens of either strength or weakness, which is why I’ve long encouraged our senior military leaders to be ready and to respond with strength. While I was pleased with our military’s response which inc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-announces-2024-us-capitol-christmas-tree-essay-contest-for-alaska-fourth-graders Senator Murkowski Announces 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Essay Contest for Alaska Fourth Graders 2024-09-16 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), announced an essay contest for fourth graders in Alaska to celebrate the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, known as the “The People’s Tree,” coming from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. “The time-honored tradition of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is something I look forward to every holiday season, particularly when it comes from Alaska,” said Senator Murkowski. “I look forward to selecting one young Alaskan to flip the switch and turn on the lights for the National Christmas tree when it arrives from the Tongass National Forest and graces the West Lawn of the Capitol.” Fourth grade students are invited to write no more than 250 words on what they would like the country to know about Alaska’s Christmas tree this year, and why it is so special. Senator Murkowski will select one student’s submission, and invite them and their family on an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, DC in early December to play an integral role in the tree-lighting ceremony alongside members of Congress and the public, as well as enjoy Christmas festivities throughout the District. Read Anna DeVolld’s winning submission from 2015 here. Additional information for the essay contest: Handwritten No more than 250 words Submission must include parent or guardian contact information, and can be scanned and emailed to: CCT_EssayContest@murkowski.senate.gov, or mailed to Anchorage office at: 510 L St. Suite 600, Anchorage, AK, 99501 Submissions must be received, or postmarked by, October 4th, 2024 A video of Senator Murkowski’s announcement can be watched here. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-lauds-continued-investment-in-alaska-ferries Alaska Congressional Delegation Lauds Continued Investment in Alaska Ferries 2024-09-13 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Alaska Congressional Delegation Lauds Continued Investment in Alaska Ferries Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) today announced the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) substantial award of $177 million in federal grants for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). This award was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and aims to bolster operations and capital projects to improve essential ferry service for Alaska. “Today’s announcement is yet more good news for Alaskans as we continue to receive significant federal investment for our marine highway system,” Senator Murkowski said. “My top priority when negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was federal support to revitalize and restore our beloved Blue Canoes. Growing up using the ferry system in Southeast, I know how integral AMHS is for Alaskans in our coastal communities as well as throughout the state. Our coastal communities deserve to be connected year-round with consistent and reliable service. I thank the FTA for recognizing this critical need and urge the State to maximize these investments, so this vital transportation system can reach its full potential.” “The vast majority of our communities have no connection to the road system, which makes the Alaska Marine Highway System as essential in parts of our state as roads and bridges are in most of the country,” said. Sen. Sullivan. “The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law that the Alaska congressional delegation helped write is delivering another $177 million to bolster the reliability and safety of this vital system that thousands of Alaskans rely upon. I want to again commend Senator Murkowski for her success in prioritizing Alaska’s ferry system in that important legislation. This announcement is in addition to a January 2023 award of more than $285 million allocated by the same program. Through my seats on the Commerce and EPW Committees, I will continue to fight for … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-congressional-delegation-lauds-continued-investment-in-alaska-ferries Alaska Congressional Delegation Lauds Continued Investment in Alaska Ferries 2024-09-13 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) today announced the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) substantial award of $177 million in federal grants for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). This award was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and aims to bolster operations and capital projects to improve essential ferry service for Alaska. “Today’s announcement is yet more good news for Alaskans as we continue to receive significant federal investment for our marine highway system,” Senator Murkowski said. “My top priority when negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was federal support to revitalize and restore our beloved Blue Canoes. Growing up using the ferry system in Southeast, I know how integral AMHS is for Alaskans in our coastal communities as well as throughout the state. Our coastal communities deserve to be connected year-round with consistent and reliable service. I thank the FTA for recognizing this critical need and urge the State to maximize these investments, so this vital transportation system can reach its full potential.” “The vast majority of our communities have no connection to the road system, which makes the Alaska Marine Highway System as essential in parts of our state as roads and bridges are in most of the country,” said Senator Sullivan. “The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law that the Alaska congressional delegation helped write is delivering another $177 million to bolster the reliability and safety of this vital system that thousands of Alaskans rely upon. I want to again commend Senator Murkowski for her success in prioritizing Alaska’s ferry system in that important legislation. This announcement is in addition to a January 2023 award of more than $285 million allocated by the same program. Through my seats on the Commerce and EPW Committees, I will continue to fight for significant investments in Alaska’s maritime infrastructure and vessels… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-cruz-and-colleagues-demand-admin-accountability-over-botched-software-project-disrupting-fishery-disaster-aid-weather-forecasting Sullivan, Cruz & Colleagues Demand Admin Accountability Over Botched Software Project Disrupting Fishery Disaster Aid, Weather Forecasting 2024-09-11 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and several of his colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) demanding answers regarding the implementation of the DOC’s new financial management system. This financial management system has disrupted National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) weather forecast operations, delayed financial relief for fishery disasters, particularly in Alaska’s small coastal communities, threatened the availability of safety information for aviators and mariners, and left agency employees without reimbursement for official travel expenses. NOAA was the first agency to implement the DOC’s new $341 million “Business Application Solution (BAS)” program built by Accenture Federal Services. Designed to modernize financial and business management applications, the software’s implementation has resulted in significant system failures, delays, and cost overruns. “The first rollout, at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in October 2023, has caused a backlog of thousands of unpaid invoices reportedly resulting in a loss of both alerts in tornado prone areas and vital weather information for pilots,” the senators wrote. “Even a short-term interruption in vital weather information and alert systems is an unacceptable tradeoff for transitioning to a new financial management system. In addition to these disruptions, there have been unnecessary delays in Fishery Disaster allocations. There are currently seven separate unfunded fishery disaster requests for salmon fisheries alone. This delay has been particularly catastrophic for small communities, like St. Paul Island, Alaska, where the collapse of crab fisheries has had enormous economic impacts. We are concerned what other adverse effects may result if the Department continues to roll out the new system without changes.” “It is our understanding the Department has been aware of the need for improved … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-to-press-for-ak-lng-project-in-tokyo-seoul Sullivan to Press for AK LNG Project in Tokyo, Seoul 2024-08-28 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Senator sees AK LNG as a solution to Alaska’s looming energy needs ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today embarks on a trip to Seoul and Tokyo to meet with senior government and business leaders as part of a bipartisan Senate delegation. Sen. Sullivan has been a strong advocate for deepening the trilateral cooperation among the three nations, highlighting the central role liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Alaska can play in advancing each nation’s energy security. The Alaska LNG Project will be capable of providing more than three billion cubic feet of low-cost, low-emission natural gas to Alaskans and to allied nations around the world each day. “The Alaska LNG Project provides an important opportunity to meet the long-term energy needs of America’s Indo-Pacific allies, and even more importantly, to meet the in-state energy needs of Alaskans for decades to come,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I am embarking on my fourth trip to Japan and Korea in the past two years to try to spur momentum on this critical energy project, particularly as our allies in Japan and Korea must get off of Russian oil and gas. I have been relentlessly focused on aligning the interests of key stakeholders, investors, producers, engineering firms, and government leaders in the U.S., Japan, and Korea. On the federal side, we have made significant progress—securing all 35 necessary federal permits, including a FERC export license, and a roughly $30 billion federal loan guarantee backing the project, and establishing Alaska LNG Task Forces in our embassies in Tokyo and Seoul. I am hopeful that, given the looming energy needs facing Alaska, that all leaders in our state—private sector, labor, resource development, energy sector, and elected officials—can work together in making sure that the long-term solutions to Alaska’s energy challenges—particularly in Southcentral—come from Alaska’s own rich energy resources and workers, not from importing much more expensive gas from… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/08/26/2024/alaska-congressional-delegation-secures-exemption-sparing-alaska-air-national-guard-from-planned-leveling-cuts Alaska Congressional Delegation Secures Exemption Sparing Alaska Air National Guard from Planned Leveling Cuts 2024-08-23 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), today welcomed news that the Alaska Air National Guard (ANG) has been granted an indefinite exemption from the Air National Guard’s “Fulltime Leveling” (FTL) initiative that would have impacted or eliminated nearly 80 Active Guard Reserve positions in Alaska. Major General Duke A. Pirak, acting director of the Air National Guard, delivered the news in a letter to Senator Sullivan on Tuesday. In numerous meetings, calls and letters, the Alaska congressional delegation strongly pressed Guard leaders to exempt Alaska from the planned cuts, highlighting the many unique missions of the Alaska ANG that are critically important to U.S. homeland defense, including missile warning, aerial refueling, and combat rescue. “In February, I sat down and had good, open conversation with 20 of the 80 Alaska Guardsmen who were set to lose their jobs as a result of bureaucratic and political maneuvering by the Air National Guard. In a spontaneous moment of vulnerability, several of the Guardsmen in attendance presented me their unit patches and asked that I not forget them while back in DC, patches that remain on my desk to this day. I made a commitment right then to fight for them, for the Alaska Guard, and for the homeland defense mission that we Alaskans are so proud to execute,” said Sen. Murkowski. “Over the last six months, I have worked tirelessly to reverse these dangerous and ill-informed cuts, advocating directly with top military leadership in the National Guard and across all services. I was able to secure last minute language in the FY24 Defense Appropriations bill to ensure accountability, as well as funding in the FY25 Defense Appropriations to pay for 649 additional positions for the ANG. This announcement of a permanent exemption of the Alaska Guard from the full-time leveling actions is significant for our Air Guard Members and their families, and fulfills the commitment I made to th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-congressional-delegation-secures-exemption-sparing-alaska-air-national-guard-from-planned-leveling-cuts Alaska Congressional Delegation Secures Exemption Sparing Alaska Air National Guard from Planned Leveling Cuts 2024-08-23 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), today welcomed news that the Alaska Air National Guard (ANG) has been granted an indefinite exemption from the Air National Guard’s “Fulltime Leveling” (FTL) initiative that would have impacted or eliminated nearly 80 Active Guard Reserve positions in Alaska. Major General Duke A. Pirak, acting director of the Air National Guard, delivered the news in a letter to Senator Sullivan on Tuesday. In numerous meetings, calls and letters, the Alaska congressional delegation strongly pressed Guard leaders to exempt Alaska from the planned cuts, highlighting the many unique missions of the Alaska ANG that are critically important to U.S. homeland defense, including missile warning, aerial refueling, and combat rescue. “In February, I sat down and had good, open conversation with 20 of the 80 Alaska Guardsmen who were set to lose their jobs as a result of bureaucratic and political maneuvering by the Air National Guard. In a spontaneous moment of vulnerability, several of the Guardsmen in attendance presented me their unit patches and asked that I not forget them while back in DC, patches that remain on my desk to this day. I made a commitment right then to fight for them, for the Alaska Guard, and for the homeland defense mission that we Alaskans are so proud to execute,” said Sen. Murkowski. “Over the last six months, I have worked tirelessly to reverse these dangerous and ill-informed cuts, advocating directly with top military leadership in the National Guard and across all services. I was able to secure last minute language in the FY24 Defense Appropriations bill to ensure accountability, as well as funding in the FY25 Defense Appropriations to pay for 649 additional positions for the ANG. This announcement of a permanent exemption of the Alaska Guard from the full-time leveling actions is significant for our Air Guard Members and their families, and fulfills the commitment I made to th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-congressional-delegation-secures-exemption-sparing-alaska-air-national-guard-from-planned-leveling-cuts Alaska Congressional Delegation Secures Exemption Sparing Alaska Air National Guard from Planned Leveling Cuts 2024-08-23 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), today welcomed news that the Alaska Air National Guard (ANG) has been granted an indefinite exemption from the Air National Guard’s “Fulltime Leveling” (FTL) initiative that would have impacted or eliminated nearly 80 Active Guard Reserve positions in Alaska. Major General Duke A. Pirak, acting director of the Air National Guard, delivered the news in a letter to Senator Sullivan on Tuesday. In numerous meetings, calls and letters, the Alaska congressional delegation strongly pressed Guard leaders to exempt Alaska from the planned cuts, highlighting the many unique missions of the Alaska ANG that are critically important to U.S. homeland defense, including missile warning, aerial refueling, and combat rescue. “The exceptional men and women of the Alaska Air National Guard—and the families who support them—can rest a bit easier today now that we’ve successfully removed the threat of cuts from D.C. that would’ve negatively impacted their unique mission and their ability to defend our nation,” said Sen. Sullivan. “In my most recent conversations with National Guard Bureau senior leaders, including in Maj. Gen. Pirak’s nomination interview three weeks ago, I demanded that they conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed manning adjustments in Alaska. I commend Maj. Gen. Pirak and his team for doing just that, and for recognizing the detrimental toll these cuts would have on our Alaska-based forces and our national security readiness. More than any other state in the country, Alaska’s National Guard is fully integrated into some of the nation’s most important 24-7 missions with the Joint Force protecting our country. Alaska’s Air National Guardsmen can now continue to focus on fulfilling their wide array of critical missions: responding to state emergencies, conducting combat search-and-rescue missions, executing air and missile defense missions, supporting space domain awareness, and s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/laska-delegation-celebrates-ninth-circuit-ruling-defending-southeast-troll-salmon-fishery Alaska Delegation Celebrates Ninth Circuit Ruling Defending Southeast Troll Salmon Fishery 2024-08-19 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), today celebrated a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of Southeast Alaska troll fishermen whose ability to fish has been challenged in a lawsuit brought forward by the Washington-based Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC), which attempted to shut down the fishery due to unfounded allegations regarding fishery impacts. This ruling is a welcome legal victory for the Southeast fishermen at the Ninth Circuit. The Alaska congressional delegation has filed two amicus briefs with the Ninth Circuit in support of the fishermen, one in June 2023 urging the court to grant a stay so that the fishermen could proceed with their summer season, and a second in October 2023 on the merits of the case. “Although we’re not home yet, the most important thing right now is that Southeast Alaska’s troll fishery can continue,” said Sen. Murkowski. “This is a critical industry for Southeast Alaska that has minimal impact on the ecosystem, and the congressional delegation, state, tribal groups, and local environmental groups are all united in their advocacy to allow the fishery to resume. I look forward to the National Marine Fisheries Service’s new biological opinion, which I’m hopeful will help put this issue to rest for good.” “Today, we secured a major victory at the Ninth Circuit for the hundreds of hard-working Alaskans who rely on the Southeast Alaska troll salmon fishery to feed their families and support their communities,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The court ruled against the radical Washington environmental group on the merits of their outrageous lawsuit, which claimed that our small boat, hook-and-line troll Southeast salmon fishery hundreds of miles away is having more of an impact on the viability of Puget Sound orca whales than the toxins, pollution, noise, and vessel traffic in their own back yard. It was a ridiculous claim, and the court thankfully recognized it as such. My team and I … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-renews-call-for-protective-actionson-transboundary-mining Alaska Delegation Renews Call for Protective Actions on Transboundary Mining 2024-08-16 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Juneau, AK – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) this week sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing their continued concern over transboundary mining in British Columbia (B.C.) just upstream of several Southeast Alaska rivers. The delegation has repeatedly urged the Biden administration to help protect Alaska’s communities and marine resources from potential impacts and renewed their call for action after the recent heap leach pad failure at the Eagle Gold Mine in the Yukon. Excerpts from the Delegation’s Letter: “Under three different presidents, our delegation has pushed for the Department of State to secure binding protections and financial assurances for the transboundary Taku, Stikine, and Unuk rivers that flow from B.C. into Southeast Alaska and the Tongass National Forest. Without unified action from the executive branch, Canadian mining activity in this region will increasingly endanger U.S. communities and resources, such as salmon, without any mechanism for recourse or compensation.” “We realize that the copper and critical minerals that come from Canadian mines are a key part of U.S. and allied national security and an important part of resource development. However, there is no need to sacrifice environmental protections in order to safeguard our security and power our communities.” “Eagle Mine has only been operating for five years, and, by all indications the heap pad leach failure was caused by poor design and negligence. We are now only beginning to understand the true scale of the environmental impacts, and each update is more discouraging than the last.” “We request the administration publicly and immediately support two calls for action: 1) Canada cleans up its abandoned Tulsequah Chief mine, which has been polluting international waters for more than 66 years; and (2) Canada, the U.S. government, the transboundary U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories, Indigenous groups, and communities establish an inter… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-convenes-stakeholders-in-yakutat-to-address-systemic-weather-system-failures-in-rural-alaska Murkowski Convenes Stakeholders in Yakutat to Address Systemic Weather System Failures in Rural Alaska 2024-08-16 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Yakutat, AK – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) convened a summit featuring representatives from government agencies and companies responsible for maintaining the Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) in Yakutat to collaborate on better practices to reduce travel delays and bolster safety in Alaska aviation. Participants included Director of the National Weather Service (NWS) Ken Graham, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Director of Congressional Affairs John Sokich, NWS’s Alaska Region Director Michael Couch, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Regional Administrator Mike O’Hare, and a host of local and state officials, and aviation industry heads. NWS has faced persistent struggles at the Yakutat Airport ASOS station due to power and connectivity outages, as well as a lack of redundancy. When the ASOS goes dark, the Yakutat airport can be closed down for long stretches of time. While acute in Yakutat, these problems are indicative of travel statewide, particularly in rural Alaska. With multiple federal agencies overseeing the system’s management, Senator Murkowski brought the stakeholders together to collaborate on short and long-term solutions that will bring greater reliability and safety to Alaskans traveling by air. “Earlier this year, I experienced what many rural Alaskans are all-too-familiar with – a long delay that forced me to redo my travel plans after Yakutat’s ASOS suddenly went down,” Senator Murkowski said. “As I learned more about the tangled management responsibilities of multiple federal agencies overseeing Alaska's aviation weather reporting systems, it became obvious there have to be system improvements and greater communication between all stakeholders. This summit allowed us to drill down to the core of the issue and work on solutions. This conversation is just the beginning in ensuring that all agencies and stakeholders are working together to ensure safer and more reliable air travel not only in Yakutat, but across the state.” During the roundtable d… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-celebrates-ninth-circuit-ruling-defending-southeast-troll-salmon-fishery Alaska Delegation Celebrates Ninth Circuit Ruling Defending Southeast Troll Salmon Fishery 2024-08-16 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska), and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska), today celebrated a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of Southeast Alaska troll fishermen whose ability to fish has been challenged in a lawsuit brought forward by the Washington-based Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC), which attempted to shut down the fishery due to unfounded allegations regarding fishery impacts. This ruling is a welcome legal victory for the Southeast fishermen at the Ninth Circuit. The Alaska congressional delegation has filed two amicus briefs with the Ninth Circuit in support of the fishermen, one in June 2023 urging the court to grant a stay so that the fishermen could proceed with their summer season, and a second in October 2023 on the merits of the case. “Today, we secured a major victory at the Ninth Circuit for the hundreds of hard-working Alaskans who rely on the Southeast Alaska troll salmon fishery to feed their families and support their communities,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The court ruled against the radical Washington environmental group on the merits of their outrageous lawsuit, which claimed that our small boat, hook-and-line troll Southeast salmon fishery hundreds of miles away is having more of an impact on the viability of Puget Sound orca whales than the toxins, pollution, noise, and vessel traffic in their own back yard. It was a ridiculous claim, and the court thankfully recognized it as such. My team and I have been working shoulder-to-shoulder with our fishermen, Southeast communities and tribes, and the State of Alaska on this important battle since this lawsuit was filed in 2020. This ruling gives our Southeast fishermen greater peace of mind, and also demonstrates that, when Alaskans unite and speak with one voice, there is so much we can accomplish in defense of our economy, our unique cultures, and our people.” “Although we’re not home yet, the most important thing right now is that Southeast Alaska’s troll fishery can c… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-renews-call-for-protective-actionson-transboundary-mining Alaska Delegation Renews Call for Protective Actions on Transboundary Mining 2024-08-16 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper JUNEAU, ALASKA – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-Alaska) this week sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing their continued concern over transboundary mining in British Columbia (B.C.) just upstream of several Southeast Alaska rivers. The delegation has repeatedly urged the Biden administration to help protect Alaska’s communities and marine resources from potential impacts and renewed their call for action after the recent heap leach pad failure at the Eagle Gold Mine in the Yukon. Excerpts from the Delegation’s Letter: “Under three different presidents, our delegation has pushed for the Department of State to secure binding protections and financial assurances for the transboundary Taku, Stikine, and Unuk rivers that flow from B.C. into Southeast Alaska and the Tongass National Forest. Without unified action from the executive branch, Canadian mining activity in this region will increasingly endanger U.S. communities and resources, such as salmon, without any mechanism for recourse or compensation.” “We realize that the copper and critical minerals that come from Canadian mines are a key part of U.S. and allied national security and an important part of resource development. However, there is no need to sacrifice environmental protections in order to safeguard our security and power our communities.” “Eagle Mine has only been operating for five years, and, by all indications the heap pad leach failure was caused by poor design and negligence. We are now only beginning to understand the true scale of the environmental impacts, and each update is more discouraging than the last.” “We request the administration publicly and immediately support two calls for action: 1) Canada cleans up its abandoned Tulsequah Chief mine, which has been polluting international waters for more than 66 years; and (2) Canada, the U.S. government, the transboundary U.S. states and Canadian provinces/territories, Indigenous groups, and communities establ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-sullivan-welcome-official-coast-guard-announcement-icebreaker-will-be-homeported-in-juneau Murkowski, Sullivan Welcome Official Coast Guard Announcement: Icebreaker Will Be Homeported in Juneau 2024-08-14 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) today applauded the official announcement by the Coast Guard (USCG) that a commercial icebreaker will be homeported in Juneau. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda L. Fagan, who is currently traveling with the senators in Alaska, had previously committed to the senators that the icebreaker would be homeported in Juneau. However, until now, the decision had not been made final. In March, Sullivan and Murkowski successfully secured $125 million to purchase the icebreaker in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Act after years of advocacy. The United States currently has only one operational heavy icebreaker, the Polar Star, which is on its second life extension. Our one medium icebreaker, the Healy, recently underwent an operational fire and was forced to cancel an Arctic mission. Russia has 55 icebreakers and they are building more. “This announcement is a long-awaited landmark for Alaska and our nation’s icebreaker fleet, reflecting the simple fact that icebreakers belong in Alaska,” Senator Murkowski said. “Since 2016, I have overseen nearly $2 billion in investment to build out our icebreaking capacity, including the appropriation of $125 million to purchase this vessel and over $1.8 billion for the Polar Security Cutter program, in an effort to bring the United States’ fleet up to par with Arctic and even non-Arctic nations. Homeporting this commercial icebreaker in Juneau is also an acknowledgment of the importance of Alaska’s strategic role in America’s defense, especially as China and Russia increase their presence in the Arctic and encroach upon our borders. My thanks go to Admiral Fagan and the U.S. Coast Guard for working with our congressional delegation to get us to today’s announcement. Federal appropriations to purchase the ship is just the first step, however. In addition to outfitting the Aivuq to meet Coast Guard specification, more must be done on shoreside infrastructure, housing, and preparing for more Co… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-murkowski-welcome-official-coast-guard-announcement-icebreaker-will-be-homeported-in-juneau Sullivan, Murkowski Welcome Official Coast Guard Announcement: Icebreaker Will Be Homeported in Juneau 2024-08-14 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (both R-Alaska) today applauded the official announcement by the Coast Guard (USCG) that a commercial icebreaker will be homeported in Juneau. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda L. Fagan, who is currently traveling with the senators in Alaska, had previously committed to the senators that the icebreaker would be homeported in Juneau. However, until now, the decision had not been made final. In March, Sullivan and Murkowski successfully secured $125 million to purchase the icebreaker in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Act after years of advocacy. “This is an exciting day for Juneau, for Alaska, and for America. I want to commend Admiral Fagan for making this important announcement in our state, among Alaskans, and for keeping her commitment to homeport an icebreaker in Juneau,” said Senator Sullivan. “The need to build up our icebreaking capacity could not be more urgent: Just days ago, the Healy had to abort its summer Arctic patrol due to a fire, and the 50-year-old Polar Star remains out of commission undergoing its own repairs. Our national security interests in the Arctic have also never been more critical, demonstrated by the joint Russian and Chinese naval and air task forces that have operated off Alaska’s coastline these past two years. Since coming to the Senate, I’ve been working relentlessly to wake up our federal government to the strategic importance of this region. The sea change we’ve achieved since 2015 is unprecedented: serious Arctic security strategies from the Department of Defense (DOD) and each of the military services, a new DOD Arctic Security Studies Center at JBER, a new Department of Homeland Security Arctic Domain Awareness Center at UAA, America’s first deep-water Arctic port in Nome, a massive increase in Coast Guard vessels and infrastructure throughout Alaska that I secured working with the previous commandant, and now, an icebreaker will officially be coming to Juneau. We have a lot more work to do, b… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-recognizes-julie-kitka-longtime-president-of-the-alaska-federation-of-natives-as-alaskan-of-the-week Sullivan Recognizes Julie Kitka, Longtime President of the Alaska Federation of Natives, as “Alaskan of the Week” 2024-08-05 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) spoke recently on the Senate floor in recognition of Julie Kitka, who served as President of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) for more than three decades until recently stepping down from that position. Sen. Sullivan recognized Kitka’s leadership at the helm of the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska, representing 140,000 people and nearly 200 tribes and village corporations. Kitka was first hired by AFN in 1984 as a bookkeeper, a short 6 years before she was elected President in 1990. She would go on to lead AFN through critical economic, legislative, and educational partnerships that continue to guide the organization into the future. Kitka was recognized as part of Sen. Sullivan’s series, “Alaskan of the Week.” Tribute to Julie Kitka Mr. President, you know what time of the week it is, and I think our pages are learning. But it is a special time of the week here in the Senate because it is Thursday, and Thursday is when I usually come out and talk about the Alaskan of the Week. Now, look, the press—where are they? I am not sure they are around right now, but they love this speech. They call it probably the most important speech of the week in the Senate, regardless of what is going on. The Presiding Officer is a big fan and the pages are because I like to tell stories about what my constituents are doing back home to earn them this very prestigious title—very prestigious, by the way—the Alaskan of the Week. I like to begin this speech, as you know, talking a little bit about what is going on back home in Alaska. Here in the Senate, we are all getting ready to go on a recess work period, we call it. We are all going to be going home, seeing our constituents. Speaking of things in Alaska, I just happened to host our Senate lunch. On the Republican side of the Senate on Thursdays, one of the Senators hosts lunch every Thursday. Today was my day to host, which is kind of exciting. I am not going to brag, but I think a lot of the Senators like … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-helps-advance-bipartisan-permitting-reform Murkowski Helps Advance Bipartisan Permitting Reform 2024-08-02 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted in favor of S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act, during a markup held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The panel reported the legislation, which reflects a bipartisan agreement between Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), by a vote of 15-4. “Anyone who has been within a thousand miles of the federal permitting process knows it is broken and one of the biggest impediments to responsible resource development,” Murkowski said. “The package we approved today contains common sense reforms that will make a difference for our ability to produce all types of energy and minerals and thereby improve our cost of living, security, and competitiveness. I credit Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso for their bipartisan work. I’m proud to support it, urge all committees to bring ideas within their jurisdiction to the table, and will help push for the best possible bill to become law before the end of this Congress.” The Energy Permitting Reform Act is the result of more than a year of negotiation. The measure will benefit all forms of energy – from oil, natural gas, and coal to renewables – as well as minerals. Among other policy improvements, it cancels the Biden administration’s unwarranted “pause” on the approval of LNG export terminals, provides for expedited leasing for geothermal energy, and establishes more effective transmission policies for the Lower 48. Murkowski ensured the bill’s statute of limitations for judicial review and judicial remand would apply to litigation on projects in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). She also secured language to clarify that the installation and removal of stream gages will be classified as low disturbance activities for permitting purposes. During the markup, Murkowski pressed for additional hydropower reforms to increase the use of this clean, abundant, baseload resource and secured commitments from Manchin and Barrasso to strengthen the bill’s … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-sullivan-resolution-recognizing-sacrifice-of-vietnam-veterans Senate Unanimously Passes Sullivan Resolution Recognizing Sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans 2024-08-02 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC), welcomed the passage of his Senate resolution acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War. The resolution also offered a long-overdue apology for the mistreatment many Vietnam veterans endured upon their return to the United States. “58,000 members of the Armed Forces lost their lives in the Vietnam War. More than 300,000 Americans were wounded,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Yet many who served the United States bravely and faithfully were repeatedly targeted with shameful attacks when they came home. That never happened in our history before, and it should never happen again. This resolution lays out the heroic service of our Vietnam veterans and acknowledges their sacrifice and courage—it’s time they received their hero’s welcome.” See below for the full transcript of Senator Sullivan’s remarks. Mr. President, I am here on the floor today to ask unanimous consent for a long, long overdue resolution. It is a resolution that I guarantee most Americans are going to be like: What? Wait. What? We haven’t done that yet? The Senate, the Congress, hasn’t done that yet? It is a resolution on this: recognizing the heroic service of our Vietnam veterans and finally issuing an apology— yes—for the way in which tens of thousands of them were treated when they came home after serving their Nation. So that is what I am going to do right here. I was told a couple of minutes ago that someone was going to object, and I was like: Whoa. Really? Let’s have that debate. Let’s have that debate. But good news: no objection. So what I wanted to do briefly is just explain the reasoning behind this resolution. I think, as a country, when you look at the broad sweep of American history, we have always rightfully respected, lionized, and celebrated America’s veterans—think about it—in the last several decades. The World War II generation—we even have a name for them: the ‘‘greatest generation’’—sacrificed … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-presses-biden-harris-admin-america-should-be-signaling-full-support-as-israel-tries-to-re-establish-deterrence Sullivan Presses Biden-Harris Admin: America “Should be Signaling Full Support as Israel Tries to Re-establish Deterrence” 2024-08-02 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today pressed the Biden-Harris administration for delaying the delivery of vital weapons and equipment to Israel for months, in spite of the onslaught of attacks Israel has sustained from Iranian-backed terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah, which killed 12 Israeli children and injured dozens more in an attack last Saturday. Sen. Sullivan, along with 47 of his GOP colleagues, sent a letter today to the Biden-Harris administration urging them to stop jeopardizing the lives of American servicemembers, to cease accommodating Iran,and to end their partial arms embargo on Israel. “During these dangerous times, the Biden-Harris administration must do a better job demonstrating to our allies and adversaries that the United States stands strongly with Israel,” Senator Sullivan said.“Enough with the appeasing of far-left radicals voters. They should be signaling their full support as Israel tries to reestablish deterrence. The administration’s deliberate delay of weapons and other equipment to our greatest ally in the Middle East is unacceptable and dangerous. Their appeasement of Iran—the puppet master of chaos throughout the Middle East—has enabled widespread violence across the Middle East and terrorism throughout the world. Enough.” The letter sent by Sen. Sullivan and his colleagues can be read hereand below. Dear President Biden: This weekend, Hezbollah fired Iranian-made missiles into northern Israel, murdering 12 children and injuring dozens in the single deadliest attack on that part of the country since October 7. The ultimate responsibility for this attack rests with Hezbollah and the ayatollahs in Iran. However, while Tehran financed the attack and Hezbollah conducted it, your fear of escalation has left Israel exposed and our enemies emboldened. We write once again to protest your administration’s partial arms embargo against Israel. The actions of the Biden-Harris administration run counter to our long … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/commerce-committee-advances-murkowskis-landslides-earthquakes-legislation Commerce Committee Advances Murkowski’s Landslides, Earthquakes Legislation 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, DC – Earlier today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation favorably reported U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski’s (R-AK) National Landslide Preparedness Reauthorization Act on a strong bipartisan basis. Murkowski’s bill, cosponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would reauthorize current law for ten years, through Fiscal Year (FY) 2034, and provide the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with additional authority and resources to help monitor and prepare high-risk areas for landslides. The committee also advanced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) through FY 2028. Led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and cosponsored by Murkowski, the bill authorizes a total of $175.4 million per year from FY 2024-2028 across the four federal agencies responsible for long-term earthquake risk reduction under NEHRP: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and USGS. “Late last year, six Alaskans were killed in the Wrangell landslide. Prior to that, landslides killed Alaskans in Sitka and in Haines. These once-in-a-generation disasters are occurring more and more often, and lesser landslides, like the one that affected Juneau last week, are becoming routine,” Murkowski said. “We need to do everything we can to ensure that communities in Alaska and across the nation are prepared to predict, monitor, and respond to landslides. Senator Cantwell and I are leading this reauthorization to update our federal programs and equip local communities with the resources they need to save lives.” “Alaska faces significant earthquake risks as the most seismically active state – our communities must be prepared,” Murkowski continued. “The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act provides crucial funding to federal agencies for research, development, and implementation of earthquake safety measures.” “Following the tragic la… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-kelly-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-better-understand-chart-path-forward-on-housing-for-older-adults Murkowski, Kelly, Kaine, Introduce Legislation to Better Understand, Chart Path Forward on Housing for Older Adults 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, DC – This week, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Housing Options for Older Adults Act, bipartisan legislation to address critical housing needs of older adults across the nation. The bill mandates a comprehensive study by the Comptroller General of the United States to evaluate housing programs and services for older individuals under the Older Americans Act of 1965. This bill was developed following extensive conversations with Arizona's aging stakeholders, including Kelly’s Seniors Advisory Group, which identified access to affordable housing for older adults as a priority issue within the state. Along with policy recommendations, the study will provide an evaluation of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities, analysis of current federal programs focused on accessible senior housing to identify areas of improvement, and review of actual housing availability for the older adult population. As the population ages, older adults face increasing challenges in accessing affordable and suitable housing. In 2023, Arizona recorded its highest rates of homelessness since tracking began in 2007, with 14,237 people identified as unhoused, 68 percent of whom were in Maricopa County. Of these, 2,090 were over the age of 55. This trend is reflected nationally, emphasizing the urgent need for this legislation. The GAO report will identify gaps in existing housing programs and provide actionable recommendations to ensure seniors on fixed incomes have access to safe, affordable housing. “This is a crucial step in addressing the desperate housing needs of our aging population," said Senator Murkowski. "In Alaska and across the nation, seniors face increasing challenges finding affordable and accessible housing. This bipartisan legislation will help us better understand these challenges and chart a path forward. By improving existing programs, we can ensure that older adults have access to safe, affordable housing.” “O… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-secures-another-round-of-wins-for-alaska-appropriations-spending-bills Murkowski Secures Another Round of Wins for Alaska Appropriations Spending Bills 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced another substantive list of investments in projects across Alaska through the Senate Appropriations Committee. These Alaska-specific wins were included in four Fiscal Year 25 (FY 2025) spending bills: Defense; Energy and Water Development; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government. The bills were passed overwhelmingly by the full committee, and now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. “Not only do these bills provide more major investments to Alaska, including our military, infrastructure, mail service, and public safety, but the Senate is on schedule to be done with our work in time to avoid any stoppage in government services,” said Senator Murkowski. “The return to the regular committee process that vets these bills carefully have resulted in smart, surgical financing of deeply important projects to Alaskans.” FY25 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Highlights Supporting Alaska Ports and Waterways Development The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in Alaska development, overseeing public engineering, design, and construction management for projects ranging from port development to coastal shoreline protection. Senator Murkowski ensured that Alaska Army Corps projects were funded, including an increase to $18.3 million for the National Coastal Mapping Program, with $6.2 million recommended for Alaska-specific coastal mapping, $25 million for the Port of Nome construction, and $600 thousand for the Homer navigation improvements. Developing domestic critical mineral supply chain If America is going to strengthen our economy and national security, having a sustainable, domestic plan for developing critical mineral mining projects has to be a priority. Senator Murkowski fought to include $249 million for critical mineral activities across the Department of Energy. Investing in renewable energy projects Renewable energy is becoming a critical … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-hosts-alaska-whalers-representatives-from-more-than-20-countries-at-capitol-ahead-of-international-whaling-commission-meeting Sullivan Hosts Alaska Whalers, Representatives from more than 20 Countries at Capitol Ahead of International Whaling Commission Meeting 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) hosted representatives from the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC), the North Slope Borough, the Biden administration, and more than 20 embassies at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday evening for a reception on the significance of subsistence whaling to the cultures and livelihoods of thousands of Alaska Native people. The reception was held ahead of the 69th International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Peru, where the AEWC and the entire U.S. delegation will seek to renew Alaska’s subsistence whaling quota for six more years. Prior to the reception, Senator Sullivan also convened a strategy meeting with the AEWC, the North Slope Borough, and senior leaders at the State Department and NOAA to ensure continued coordination ahead of the upcoming IWC meeting. In 2018, Sen. Sullivan hosted a similar reception and meeting when the IWC was last about to consider the subsistence whaling quota. At the 2018 IWC meeting, the Alaska delegation secured the automatic renewal of its whaling quota for the first time ever, as long as harvests remain sustainable. Speakers at the reception Tuesday included Sen. Sullivan, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Patkotak, AEWC Vice Chairman Crawford Patkotak, AEWC Chairman John Hopson, Jr., AEWC Secretary Herbert Kinneeveauk III, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Director Janet Coit, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mahlet Mesfin. All remarks can be watched in the video below. Click here for images from the event. Transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s Remarks: “I want to welcome so many people who've traveled thousands and thousands of miles for this very important reception. We do this every six years. It's probably one of the coolest parties on Capitol Hill. Thank you very much for being here. I want to begin by thanking the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission representatives, all the folks from Alaska who came. You're going to hear from a number of them. “We have so many great representatives from a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-cramer-and-colleagues-request-oversight-hearing-on-15-billion-va-budget-shortfall Sullivan, Cramer & Colleagues Request Oversight Hearing on $15 Billion VA Budget Shortfall 2024-07-31 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC), and several of his SVAC colleagues signed onto a letter, led by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), to SVAC Chairman Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) demanding an immediate hearing concerning the startling $15 billion shortfall that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced. The budget shortfall, the largest experienced by the VA, includes $2.88 billion relating to compensation, pension, and readjustment benefit payments at the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), and another $11.97 billion in medical care accounts at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The budget shortfall is a clear departure from the FY 2025 budget request the Biden-Harris administration presented to Congress just four months ago. The projected VHA deficit alone is greater than the entire annual budget of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The VA needs to answer questions about how it can continue to provide quality service to our veterans when facing such a budget shortfall. “The sudden nature of the issue, and the sheer financial volume of the request, are both cause for concern and call into question the information previously reported by VA,” the senators wrote. “As members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, we have an obligation to conduct oversight of the Department. If the problem is not identified and addressed, it is perpetuated. VA must be held to the highest standard in delivering quality, transparent, and efficient care, benefits, and services to our veterans, while acting as exemplary stewards of taxpayer dollars.” Further, the letter calls on the chairman to immediately schedule a hearing with the VA to evaluate the budget lapse and the extent to which mismanagement contributed to it. Additionally, it cites the committee’s responsibility to understand how hiring needs and shifting strategies have contributed to this predicament. “Our Committee is directly responsible for conducting … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-demands-transparency-from-canadians-on-mine-spill-in-yukon-watershed Sullivan Demands Transparency from Canadians on Mine Spill in Yukon Watershed 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) sent a letter yesterday to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman urging them to provide greater transparency and a full accounting of the major cyanide spill at a Canadian gold mine last month in the Yukon Territory. “I sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau raising an issue I’ve been working on for years—making sure Canadian transboundary mines do not negatively impact Alaska communities that are often downstream,” said Sen. Sullivan. “While we are demanding Canadian cooperation and clean-up of the recent spill at a gold mine in the Yukon Territory, we are not waiting on them. Last week, we secured a commitment from the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct water testing in Alaska’s portion of the Yukon as a precautionary measure. “Since coming to the Senate in 2015, I’ve been intently focused on addressing the risks posed by Canadian transboundary mines on Alaskans and Alaska’s marine ecosystems. In 2018, Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and I traveled to Ottawa to press the Trudeau Cabinet about the need to clean up the Tulsequah Chief Mine and other mines near Southeast. I have raised these and related issues directly with Prime Minister Trudeau before. Just two weeks ago when he was in D.C., we discussed some of the shared challenges we have regarding Yukon River king salmon runs. “While there does not appear to be any threat to the health and safety of Alaskans at this time, we need to know what happened, what clean-up measure are being taken, and what the ongoing risks are. Mining is critically important to our economy and our national security, and it can be done without endangering our environment or the well-being of our communities. I will continue to demand greater transparency and strict oversight from the Canadians of these mining operations.” Below is the full text of Sen. Sullivan’s letter. The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-lankford-and-colleagues-call-out-olympic-committee-for-mocking-christian-faith Sullivan, Lankford, and Colleagues Call Out Olympic Committee for Mocking Christian Faith 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today sent a letter with his Senate colleagues to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in response to the vulgar depiction of the Last Supper that took place during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Senators James Lankford (R-Okl.), Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wy.), Katie Britt (R-Al.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okl.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) also signed the letter. “We write in response to the vulgar mockery of the Christian faith on display at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The Games should unite people of every country, race, and creed. There is no place for anti-Christian bigotry at an event designed to bring the world together. The Games should celebrate the athletes, not denigrate anyone’s faith. We urge you to take immediate action by amending Rule 55 of the Olympic Charter to ensure that no faiths are the subject of mockery as part of the opening or closing ceremonies ever again,” the Senators said. “The International Olympic Committee (IOC) should formally condemn the mockery that occurred in Paris of one of the most sacred moments of the Christian faith. Then, the IOC should make formal changes to ensure this kind of divisive display is not repeated to ensure that Coubertin’s vision for the Games may continue to thrive. Every person, from every nation and every faith, should be encouraged to enjoy the Olympics without being belittled or mocked. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” the Senators continued. The full text of the letter can be seen here or below. Dear President Bach: We write in response to the vulgar mockery of the Christian faith on display at the Opening Ceremony of the Olymp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-senate-advance-legislation-to-protect-youth-health-and-safety-online Sullivan, Senate Advance Legislation to Protect Youth Health and Safety Online 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, today voted to pass the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, legislation to protect the health, wellbeing, and privacy of children online. This bill combines provisions from the Kids Online Safety Act, of which Sen. Sullivan was an original cosponsor, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act to combat harmful online content targeted towards minors and to encourage parent and guardian involvement in their children’s online activities. Sen. Sullivan has long advocated for accountability from social media platforms in regard to youth mental health, especially as suicide rates among adolescents have skyrocketed over the last decade. “In my 2023 speech to the Alaska legislature, I told Alaska’s elected leaders that this would be a big battle, but that I’d fight to shake the vise grip social media has on our children,” Senator Sullivan said. “The Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act is a necessary first step in holding Big Tech accountable for the content they push towards our kids, and giving parents the tools to be more involved in their kids’ online activity, but we have more work to do. As a parent, it is impossible not to hear stories about young people seemingly addicted to their phones and social media accounts. Even those who aren’t parents know something is horribly amiss with a whole generation who have been so addicted by Big Tech that they can’t seem to look up from their phones. More troubling, suicide rates among adolescents have increased dramatically in the last decade with the rise of social media. We must do more to protect our children. We can have the strongest economy, the best quality of life, but none of that means anything if our kids are depressed and are considering ending their lives because of what they’re consuming online.” Below is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan’s work on Big Tech accountability and mental health: In May 2024, Sen. Sullivan launched the “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” campaign to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/07/29/2024/senate-appropriators-advance-three-more-bills-with-alaska-priorities Senate Appropriators Advance Three More Bills with Alaska Priorities 2024-07-29 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, voted to advance three bills for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) last week that contain significant investments for Alaska priorities. The measures are for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; Commerce, Science, Justice; and State and Foreign Operations. All three were approved in committee on a strong bipartisan basis and will now advance to the Senate floor for consideration. “Whether affordable housing, safer air travel, modern infrastructure, fisheries health, or public safety, I worked hard to address Alaska’s most pressing needs and priorities through these bills,” Murkowski said. “While the investments they contain aren’t final, yet, I will continue to push for their enactment so that communities across Alaska can realize the significant benefits they will provide.” Highlights from the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Bill Infrastructure Investments Senator Murkowski annually prioritizes infrastructure investments, and the THUD bill funds an array of projects and programs to address Alaska’s needs across all modes of transportation, affordable housing, and critical community infrastructure. The bill reported today out of the THUD subcommittee continues the Senator’s track record of seeking and securing federal funding for programs and projects that are important to Alaska. This year’s measure will again provide the vast majority of the State of Alaska’s FY 2025 transportation-related spending for roads, bridges, airports, ports, and more. Notably, the bill builds on the important work of Alaska’s Congressional Delegation in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to reestablish an Alaska specific program for aviation safety. The bill includes $25 million to fully fund the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative to advance Alaska aviation safety efforts—providing new funding for the FAA’s infrastructure investments to improve the safety of Alaska’s airspace and aircraft operat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-scores-major-wins-for-alaska-in-interior-appropriations-bill Murkowski Scores Major Wins for Alaska in Interior Appropriations Bill 2024-07-29 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) moved forward substantial investments towards Alaska clean water and wastewater infrastructure projects through the Senate Appropriations Committee. Murkowski, who serves as Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Subcommittee, was able to direct these investments in the Interior-Environment Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Appropriations Act. The bill passed overwhelmingly from the full committee, and next heads to the Senate floor for consideration. “Clean drinking water is a basic necessity – no exceptions. I am proud to use my leadership position on the Interior Appropriations Committee to champion investment towards running water and wastewater infrastructure across Alaska,” said Senator Murkowski. “From Wasilla to Unalaska, these upgrades will ensure communities have clean, reliable drinking water for years to come.” “There are a number of other critical Alaska priorities this spending bill funds, including a proactive mitigation strategy to fight wild fires, upgrades to landfills around the state, shelters in rural communities for domestic violence survivors, as well as cleaning for contaminated lands that were transferred to Alaska native villages by the federal government.” FY25 Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill Highlights The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies oversees a vast array of departments and agencies that have footprints in Alaska. They include, but are not limited to, the Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indian Health Service (HHS), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Forrest Service (USDA), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Supporting local government Senator Murkowski believes the most effective form of government is local government. She has sought to support boroughs and cities across Alaska by ensuring that Payme… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-sanction-palestinian-leadership-and-institutions-that-reward-terrorism Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Sanction Palestinian Leadership and Institutions That Reward Terrorism 2024-07-29 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined his Senate colleagues in introducing the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act, legislation to impose sanctions on foreign persons and entities that provide payments to Palestinian terrorists and the families of terrorists as part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority’s (PA) system of terror compensation. “The Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization have incentivized the anti-Semitic killings of Israelis and Americans through their barbaric ‘pay for slay’ policies for years,” Senator Sullivan said. “It is outrageous that Palestinian terrorists, including those who massacred more than a thousand Israelis on October 7th, are eligible for payments as a result of their despicable killings. Our legislation will levy severe sanctions on institutions and groups that facilitate or financially support these horrific programs.” In addition to Senator Sullivan, this legislation, led by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), was cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). The full text of the bill can be found here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-welcomes-graphite-one-lucid-supply-agreement Alaska Delegation Welcomes Graphite One-Lucid Supply Agreement 2024-07-26 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) today participated in an event to formally announce a non-binding supply agreement between Graphite One and Lucid Motors, through which Lucid will purchase graphite from Graphite One. The delegation members applauded the companies’ efforts to create an all-American supply chain for the natural and synthetic graphite used in the batteries for electric vehicles, and are optimistic that the domestic supply chain will soon include graphite produced from Graphite One’s prospect near Nome, Alaska. “I’m pleased that Graphite One and Lucid Motors are partnering to create a domestic supply chain for electric vehicles made in America from materials mined in Alaska,” Senator Murkowski said. “These companies represent the start and the end of the supply chain, and they have the right vision to help strengthen our economy, our competitiveness, our security, and our commitment to true sustainability. Graphite One is an excellent example of responsible resource development in Alaska, and this new partnership with Lucid only further solidifies their leadership.” “Graphite One’s partnership with Lucid Motors is a positive step towards opening up opportunities in Alaska to develop our abundant reserves of critical minerals and metals like graphite,” Senator Dan Sullivan said. “It’s also significant for our country’s national security: We must end America’s dangerous dependence on China for critical minerals, which are increasingly necessary for alternative energy sources, advanced batteries, and defense technologies. Alaska can and will lead the way in unleashing America’s resource potential.” “I have always said that it is best to develop minerals and resources at home instead of relying on international and often adversarial supply lines. I am thrilled that Lucid has partnered with Graphite One to supply graphite for their cars,” Rep. Peltola said. “I hope they will continue to look to Alaska for minerals … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-duckworth-introduce-bipartisan-stand-with-taiwan-act-of-2024 Sullivan & Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan S.T.A.N.D with Taiwan Act of 2024 2024-07-26 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today introduced the Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies (STAND) with Taiwan Act of 2024, which would impose devastating, comprehensive economic, energy, financial, and other sanctions on China in the event that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) initiates military aggression against Taiwan. The suite of sanctions includes the targeting of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members and Chinese financial institutions and industrial sectors, as well as prohibiting U.S. financial institutions—including investment companies, private equity firms, venture capital firms, or hedge funds—from making any investments in a Chinese entity that benefits or is affiliated with the CCP. The bill would also restrict importation of China-produced goods. “In these increasingly dangerous times, it is critical that America show steady, unwavering bipartisan commitment and resolve in support of Taiwan’s democracy,” Senator Sullivan said. “Every day, the CCP grows bolder and more aggressive in its threats against Taiwan, the United States, and our allies in the Indo-Pacific. We need to enhance cross-strait deterrence now. STAND with Taiwan mandates comprehensive and devastating economic, energy and financial sanctions against the leaders in the Chinese Communist Party if the Chinese People's Liberation Army were to initiate military aggression against Taiwan. I am excited to introduce this bill with Senator Duckworth following our visit to Taiwan earlier this year to reaffirm America’s commitment to this critical democratic partner.” “I’ve always believed that if America wants to remain a global leader, we have to show up and support our friends like Taiwan—a partner that our nation has strong economic and military ties with—who are facing escalating threats from the People’s Republic of China as they work to strengthen their own democracy,” said Senator Duckworth. “After proudly … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-urges-the-cdc-to-modify-dog-importation-rule Delegation Urges the CDC to Modify Dog Importation Rule 2024-07-24 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-AK), sent a letter to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding a delay in the implementation of the agency’s new rule on the importation of dogs into the United States. The letter outlines how the rules fail to account for Alaska’s unique geography and sled dog culture, and details the negative impacts the rule will have on the state. The letter also asks for adjustments to the rule to balance public health needs without impeding on the safe transportation of dogs to and from Alaska. “This rule does not work for Alaskans who travel with their pets,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Many Alaskans go through Canada to get to the Lower 48 with their pups in tow, and this rule will add unnecessary expense and complication for travelers. We are working directly with the CDC to fix this.” “This CDC rule on dog importation is a prime example of how one-size-fits-all requirements hurt Alaskans,” Senator Sullivan said. “The rule does not take into consideration Alaska’s unique relationship with Canada, a country that poses no significant threat of rabies transmission. Without adjustments to this rule, working dogs, sled dogs, and family pets will have to undergo arduous certifications and waiting periods, creating undue burdens and costs. The CDC needs to delay and alter this rule until the reasonable concerns of Alaskan residents, pet owners, and veterinarians are taken into account.” “Dogs aren’t just pets in Alaska – they’re working dogs too. And many families with these dogs live only miles from the Canadian border and cross often. Rabies isn’t a high risk for either country and this policy won’t work for Alaska” said Representative Peltola. Full text of the letter can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-urges-the-cdc-to-modify-dog-importation-rule Delegation Urges the CDC to Modify Dog Importation Rule 2024-07-24 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=11 scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), sent a letter to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding a delay in the implementation of the agency’s new rule on the importation of dogs into the United States. The letter outlines how the rules fail to account for Alaska’s unique geography and sled dog culture, and details the negative impacts the rule will have on the state. The letter also asks for adjustments to the rule to balance public health needs without impeding on the safe transportation of dogs to and from Alaska. “This rule does not work for Alaskans who travel with their pets,” said Senator Murkowski. “Many Alaskans go through Canada to get to the Lower 48 with their pups in tow, and this rule will add unnecessary expense and complication for travelers. We are working directly with the CDC to fix this.” “This CDC rule on dog importation is a prime example of how one-size-fits-all requirements hurt Alaskans,” Senator Sullivan said. “The rule does not take into consideration Alaska’s unique relationship with Canada, a country that poses no significant threat of rabies transmission. Without adjustments to this rule, working dogs, sled dogs, and family pets will have to undergo arduous certifications and waiting periods, creating undue burdens and costs. The CDC needs to delay and alter this rule until the reasonable concerns of Alaskan residents, pet owners, and veterinarians are taken into account.” “Dogs aren’t just pets in Alaska – they’re working dogs too. And many families with these dogs live only miles from the Canadian border and cross often. Rabies isn’t a high risk for either country and this policy won’t work for Alaska,” said Representative Peltola. Full text of the letter can be found here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-joint-russian-chinese-bomber-task-force-near-alaska Sullivan Statement on Joint Russian-Chinese Bomber Task Force Near Alaska 2024-07-24 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement today after the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 and two People’s Republic of China H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ): “Alaska continues to be on the frontlines of the authoritarian aggression by the dictators in Russia and China who are increasingly working together. Make no mistake, this is an escalation—the first time Russia and China have sent a joint bomber task-force into the Alaska ADIZ. Fortunately, our brave military members working closely with our Canadian allies were ready, conducting joint operations to intercept these bombers. “The Arctic is a critical area of strategic competition between the U.S., Russia and China. As I have been warning our Pentagon leaders for years, these kinds of joint Russia and China incursions on the sea and in the air near Alaska will continue. For that reason, the United States needs to continue to build up our military forces and the infrastructure that goes with it in Alaska to protect our nation’s vital interests in the Arctic and the INDOPACOM theater.” The Russian and Chinese aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-criticize-blms-draft-mine-permitting-metrics Senators Criticize BLM’s Draft Mine Permitting Metrics 2024-07-22 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Jim Risch (R-ID) recently sent a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) expressing their disappointment with the agency’s woefully inadequate draft Mining Performance Metrics. The draft metrics, which were delivered a year later than statutorily required, show minimal effort to make any improvements to the broken federal permitting process. Excerpts from the letter: “We find BLM’s proposed suggestions to be woefully insufficient to support any meaningful progress toward more efficient permitting. In fact, BLM’s first and second proposed metrics fall outside of the established permitting process and continue the agency’s efforts to increase the burdens of project applicants before they can enter it. BLM cannot frontload the pre-permitting process, extending the time and cost burdens for affected stakeholders, and then claim that it has expedited the permitting process. This is the definition of shifting, not shortening, the permitting process and deliberately disregards BLM’s statutory mandate.” “We must have access to critical minerals on federal lands. The Biden administration’s own policies are driving up demand for minerals while simultaneously raising the odds of shortages. A secure domestic supply is essential for our economic competitiveness, national security, and global leadership on a range of technologies. BLM’s failure to address permitting delays adds to the price disparity between U.S. and foreign minerals, enabling and incentivizing mineral sourcing based solely on price and availability—without any regard for the human rights and environmental atrocities that occur in many foreign countries upon which we now rely.” The full text of the letter can be read here. Background: Section 40206 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which features the permitting provisions from Murkowski’s American Mineral Security Act, requires BLM and the U.S. Forest Ser… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/congressional-delegation-congratulates-alaskan-olympians Congressional Delegation Congratulates Alaskan Olympians 2024-07-18 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper WASHINGTON – This month, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced that two Alaskans qualified to compete in the 2024 Summer U.S. Olympic Team representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Kristen Faulkner from Homer will represent the U.S. on the Cycling Pursuit Team and Alev Kelter from Eagle River will return to the Olympics for her third time on Team USA’s Rugby sevens. “Excited to see two remarkable women representing our great state on the world stage!” said Rep. Peltola. “Alaska may be large, but our population is small, and two Olympians from our At-Large district is no small feat. Congratulations to Alev and Kristen!” “Alaska has a long history of fielding outstanding athletes for Team USA, and this year is no different,” said Senator Sullivan. “Congratulations to all our home-grown Olympians representing our nation in Paris this summer, including Kristen Faulkner, of Homer, for cycling, and Alev Kelter, of Eagle River, competing in rugby. Alaskans will be rooting for you!” “It has been a joy to follow Kristen and Alev’s journeys to Team USA. Their years of training and dedication serve as an inspiration to all Alaskans,” said Senator Murkowski. “All of us back home are proud of you and look forward to watching your hard work pay off in Paris. Congratulations to you both!” "It's an honor to represent my country and my home of Alaska,” said Alev Kelter. “Rugby 7s is a fast paced and rugged sport that requires many skill sets. I attribute my determination, grit, and willingness to be a true team player to my Alaskan roots. My hometown has modeled a community that is inclusive, tough, and resilient which parallels the values of Rugby; it felt like home when I started playing this sport over 10 years ago. As I head to my third Olympic Games, I look forward to representing every Alaskan, especially my Ruggers back home." “I dreamed of competing in the Olympics ever since I was 8 years old, and I saw it on TV,” said Kristen Faulkner. “This is the biggest dream I’ve eve… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressional-delegation-congratulates-alaskan-olympians Congressional Delegation Congratulates Alaskan Olympians 2024-07-17 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper WASHINGTON – This month, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced that two Alaskans qualified to compete in the 2024 Summer U.S. Olympic Team representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Kristen Faulkner from Homer will represent the U.S. on the Cycling Pursuit Team and Alev Kelter from Eagle River will return to the Olympics for her third time on Team USA’s Rugby sevens. “Excited to see two remarkable women representing our great state on the world stage!” said Rep. Peltola. “Alaska may be large, but our population is small, and two Olympians from our At-Large district is no small feat. Congratulations to Alev and Kristen!” “Alaska has a long history of fielding outstanding athletes for Team USA, and this year is no different,” said Senator Sullivan.“Congratulations to all our home-grown Olympians representing our nation in Paris this summer, including Kristen Faulkner, of Homer, for cycling, and Alev Kelter, of Eagle River, competing in rugby. Alaskans will be rooting for you!” “It has been a joy to follow Kristen and Alev’s journeys to Team USA. Their years of training and dedication serve as an inspiration to all Alaskans,” said Senator Murkowski. “All of us back home are proud of you and look forward to watching your hard work pay off in Paris. Congratulations to you both!” "It's an honor to represent my country and my home of Alaska,” said Alev Kelter. “Rugby 7s is a fast paced and rugged sport that requires many skill sets. I attribute my determination, grit, and willingness to be a true team player to my Alaskan roots. My hometown has modeled a community that is inclusive, tough, and resilient which parallels the values of Rugby; it felt like home when I started playing this sport over 10 years ago. As I head to my third Olympic Games, I look forward to representing every Alaskan, especially my Ruggers back home." “I dreamed of competing in the Olympics ever since I was 8 years old, and I saw it on TV,” said Kristen Faulkner. “This is the biggest dream I’ve ever… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-assassination-attempt-on-president-trump Sullivan Statement on Assassination Attempt on President Trump 2024-07-13 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump today at a rally in Pennsylvania. “I am incredibly relieved that President Trump is safe after a cowardly attempted assassination earlier today in Pennsylvania. Julie and I are praying for President Trump and his family and are hoping for a speedy recovery. He exhibited incredible courage today. Our hearts and prayers also go out to the family of the rally attendee who was tragically killed in this attack, and any others who were injured at the rally. Political violence is abhorrent and has absolutely no place in our country. We are all Americans. We are all grateful for the courageous Secret Service and law enforcement members who quickly responded to engage the shooter and get President Trump out of harm’s way.” # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/op-ed-the-us-needs-to-rebuild-its-military-might OP-ED: The U.S. Needs to Rebuild Its Military Might 2024-07-12 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Trump and the Republican Party promise to do just that. Nearly every leader I spoke with during this week’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit agrees: The world has become consumed by chaos. Dictators in Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are working together to undermine the free world. There’s little doubt why they feel emboldened: Under the Biden administration, U.S. military readiness has significantly diminished and authoritarians sense weakness. They’re perceptive. America urgently needs to embrace the philosophy of peace through strength that has guided Republican presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump and kept our nation safe. Thankfully at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week, Mr. Trump will present the Republican Party’s plan to do exactly that should he be re-elected in November. The party’s recently released platform calls for making America’s military the “most modern, lethal and powerful” force in the world. That isn’t a new playbook. The GOP has a long tradition of championing robust investments in America’s vital defense needs. The Democrats, meantime, have targeted the nation’s defense budget since at least Jimmy Carter’s presidency at the expense of our military readiness and national security. Joe Biden’s defenders may take issue with this contrast, pointing to his speech at this week’s summit where he declared “history calls for our collective strength.” The president even took credit for the increase in the number of NATO members meeting their commitment to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense—doubtless a result that is owing more to Mr. Trump’s blunt, bare-knuckle warnings to our allies. Does Mr. Biden’s rhetoric match his record? In each year of his presidency, Mr. Biden has proposed budgets with inflation-adjusted cuts to the Defense Department, while posting double-digit increases for such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Education Department. The president has America’s defense spending on track to drop below 3% of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-secures-investments-for-alaska-in-three-fy25-appropriations-bills Murkowski Secures Investments for Alaska in Three FY25 Appropriations Bills 2024-07-11 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, scored wins for Alaska in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Appropriations Act; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies FY25 Appropriations Act, and; Legislative Branch FY25 Appropriations Act. The bills were approved today in the Senate Appropriations Committee and will now advance to the Senate floor for consideration. “We are on schedule to move the twelve appropriations bills through the full committee. Today, we passed by unanimous consent three spending bills which represent a significant investment towards supporting our military and veterans, as well as support for Alaska’s public safety and food security,” said Senator Murkowski. “I will continue to use my senior status as a Senate appropriator to shepherd Alaskans’ priorities through Congress.” Military Construction, Veterans Affairs FY25 Highlights for Alaska Senator Murkowski secured $470.9 million in funding for Alaska in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies FY25 Appropriations Act. This is significant investments by the Pentagon in Alaska in recognition of Alaska’s critical role in defense of our country. Her advocacy resulted in wins for infrastructure, training and improving quality of lie for those who serve. The Senator fought for $126 million in programmatic spending that will go towards Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s (JBER) Joint Integrated Test and Training Center. Other programmatic wins for Alaska’s military include $67 million for JBER’s National Guard Readiness Center, as well as $120 million for family housing construction on JBER. Senator Murkowski is proud of Alaska’s reputation as having more veterans per capita than any other state in the nation and always seeks opportunities to repay the debt we owe our veterans that we can never fully meet. In the face of a difficult fiscal year, she sec… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-manchin-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-advance-department-of-energy-ai-research-for-science-security-and-technology Murkowski, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Advance Department of Energy AI Research for Science, Security, and Technology 2024-07-10 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Lisa Murkowski M001153 www.murkowski.senate.gov murkowski https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the bipartisan Department of Energy AI Act to advance American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) by harnessing the existing National Laboratory infrastructure and workforce at the Department of Energy (DOE). “Artificial Intelligence has the potential to help the Department of Energy and our National Labs accomplish enormous challenges in the fields of science and technology, as well as offer capabilities to streamline permitting for large-scale energy and critical mineral projects in Alaska," said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "This legislation will enable the department to harness these emerging technologies so that DOE can be on the front foot to respond to Alaska and America’s science and technological needs.” “As AI technology takes the world by storm, the United States needs to meet the moment quickly and effectively before our adversaries do. The DOE and its network of National Laboratories is ready and able to bring our nation to the next level of scientific discovery and global competitiveness through the innovation of safe and responsible AI,” said Chairman Manchin. “This bipartisan legislation will leverage the agency’s existing world-class laboratory test facilities, scientific workforce, and advanced computing resources to strengthen our country’s AI capabilities to remain the superpower of the world in energy, national security, and economic competitiveness. Deploying our existing lab infrastructure and scientific expertise for AI instead of starting from scratch will also safeguard taxpayer dollars and allow us to move quickly. As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I am proud to work with my friend, Senator Murkowski, on this crucial legislation and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this initiative to further unlock the groundbreaking potential of AI.” The DOE oversees … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-natos-minimum-defense-spending-commitment-must-increase-to-confront-dangerous-times Sullivan: NATO’s Minimum Defense Spending Commitment Must Increase to Confront Dangerous Times 2024-07-09 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate AK Dan Sullivan S001198 www.sullivan.senate.gov sullivan https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=12 scraper Senator Sullivan says Canada Must Stop ‘Freeloading’ off U.S. WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and chairman of the International Republican Institute (IRI), released the following statement as the annual North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit began today in Washington. Senator Sullivan met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today and is scheduled to meet with other high-ranking foreign officials throughout the week. “Since NATO last convened a year ago, the world has only become more dangerous with dictators in Russia, China, and Iran increasingly working together to undermine America’s national security interests and those of our allies,” Senator Sullivan said. “Our NATO allies must do more to confront this moment, particularly our friends in Canada who continue to freeload off this alliance and have yet to even present a real plan to meet the two percent of GDP minimum defense spending commitment all NATO countries agreed to meet. This must change. There is no excuse. Whether our allies meet these commitments is critical, not just to meet the expectations of the American taxpayer, but also to ensure the long-term health of the NATO alliance. “While I’m encouraged that new NATO estimates project more NATO members meeting their defense spending commitments, Congress is watching to ensure they follow through. “Given these dangerous times, the alliance must do more. We must start working toward a greater defense spending commitment than the current two percent of GDP defense spending benchmark that better reflects this new era of authoritarian aggression we find ourselves in.” BACKGROUND: In 2023, Senator Sullivan succeeded in including a provision in the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that became law requiring the Secretary of Defense to prioritize those NATO member countries that have achieved defense spending of not less than 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2024 when making decisi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z

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