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/delegation-sends-southcentral-foundation-land-transfer-act-to-presidents-desk,Delegation Sends Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act to President’s Desk,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today welcomed Senate passage of their Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act. During floor session, Murkowski made a motion to pass H.R. 3620, the House version of the bill, securing its passage by unanimous consent.

The legislation transfers ownership of a small parcel of land in downtown Anchorage, where the Quyana Clubhouse is located, from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Southcentral Foundation (SCF). The bill now heads to the President for his signature.

SCF is an Alaska Native tribal health organization designated by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and 11 federally recognized Tribes to provide healthcare services to beneficiaries of the Indian Health Service under a self-governance compact. The transfer will strengthen SCF’s ability to advance its mission by allowing the organization to secure financing, replace its current facility, expand services, and create jobs. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to complete the transfer within two years of enactment.

“For years I’ve partnered with dedicated Alaskans who’ve put their time, energy, and heart into getting this bill across the finish line,” said Senator Murkowski. “Southcentral Foundation has built something special at the Quyana Clubhouse, where Alaska Native people experiencing serious mental health challenges can find support, connection, and a path forward, all while integrating Alaska Native culture into care. This legislation will give Southcentral Foundation the tools to expand the facility and its services, including intensive outpatient programming, so it can continue meeting the needs of Alaska Native people for generations to come. I’m grateful to everyone who never stopped working to make this milestone a reality.”

“Southcentral Foundation serves the behavioral health care needs of thousands of Alaska Native people, including through initiatives like Quyana Clubhouse, which incorporates cultural values and traditions into the treatment of individuals with severe mental health challenges,” said Senator Sullivan. “Transferring ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse will empower Southcentral to build on the success they’ve had in creating an innovative and welcoming place for individuals with persistent mental health concerns. I’m grateful to have worked with Rep. Begich and Sen. Murkowski to get this bill to the president’s desk.”

“Southcentral Foundation has a proven record of delivering high-quality, community-driven care to Alaskans in the Southcentral region. By transferring ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse property, Southcentral Foundation will have the opportunity to make the long-term investments necessary to expand behavioral health services and provide more comprehensive care,” said Congressman Begich. “This is a commonsense, Alaska-driven solution that will enable a trusted local provider to better serve Alaskans. I was proud to lead this legislation through the House, and I’m grateful to Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Southcentral Foundation for their partnership in getting it across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.”

Background: Congressman Begich introduced H.R. 3620 in the House in May 2025. Senators Murkowski and Sullivan introduced companion legislation, S. 2098, in June 2025.

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3620 in June 2025. The House Natural Resources Committee subsequently reported H.R. 3620 favorably by unanimous consent, and the House passed the legislation by voice vote in December 2025.

In February 2026, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, chaired by Senator Murkowski, held a legislative hearing on both H.R. 3620 and S. 2098. The Committee later considered H.R. 3620 and ordered it favorably reported without amendment in August 2026.

On September 29, 2026, Senator Murkowski brought H.R. 3620 before the Senate and secured its passage by unanimous consent, clearing the legislation for the President’s signature.

The Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act has received official letters of support from:

The State of Alaska Department of Health;

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium;

The Anchorage Fire Department;

The Municipality of Anchorage; and

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-secure-final-passage-of-act-for-als-reauthorization,Murkowski and Colleagues Secure Final Passage of ACT for ALS Reauthorization,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE), Co-Chairs of the Senate ALS Caucus, along with Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Ken Calvert (R-CA) today celebrated final congressional passage of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to preserve access to promising investigational treatments and accelerate research into ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. The Senate passed the legislation by unanimous consent late last evening, and it now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“For those living with ALS, every day matters. They cannot afford disruptions in research, treatment access, and support,” said Senator Murkowski. “This reauthorization ensures that the momentum we have built over the past five years will continue, keeping pathways to promising investigational treatments open while supporting the research needed to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. I’m grateful to Senator Coons, Representatives Quigley and Calvert, and especially the ALS community, whose persistence helped us get this legislation across the finish line before the authorization expired.”

Background:

Originally enacted in 2021, the ACT for ALS Act established an Expanded Access grant program to provide people living with ALS who are ineligible for clinical trials access to promising investigational treatments while supporting research on those therapies. The law also created a public-private partnership led by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to accelerate the development and approval of therapies for ALS, as well as an FDA grant program supporting research into interventions to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure these diseases.

The reauthorization extends these programs through 2031 and codifies the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of eligibility guidelines for the Expanded Access Program.

Murkowski and Coons introduced the Senate legislation in April. The Senate unanimously passed its version in August. Quigley and Calvert led the House legislation.

For Fiscal Year 2026, Murkowski helped secure $90 million for ACT for ALS programs, an increase of $15 million over the previous fiscal year.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-seeks-restraint-on-presidential-memorials,Murkowski Seeks Restraint on Presidential Memorials,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, last night sought to limit the Trump administration’s ability to take certain actions that fall under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction.

“President Trump has made recent statements about the Kennedy Center and the ‘Triumphal Arch,’ giving very little context or content about either to Congress or the public. Both projects fall under the purview of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which I chair,” said Senator Murkowski. “Any action to demolish facilities authorized by Congress or to construct facilities on federal land first requires rigorous oversight and explicit congressional approval. I would ask the Trump administration to work with us and present actual plans, including cost estimates, for these projects rather than circumventing their responsibility to American taxpayers.”

Senator Murkowski joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the subcommittee, introducing legislation that would require congressional authorization to demolish presidential memorials constructed under congressional mandate. The list of presidential memorials includes the Kennedy Center. Senator Merkley introduced the bill and sought unanimous consent for its passage on the Senate floor, but another member blocked that motion.

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senators-murkowski-and-kim-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-deliver-essential-maternal-supply-kits-to-new-parents,Senators Murkowski and Kim Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Deliver Essential Maternal Supply Kits to New Parents,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the Newborn Essentials Supply Toolkit (NEST) Act to deliver starter maternity kits to new moms in communities with high rates of infant or maternal mortality. The kits include supplies for both mother and baby such as diapers, wipes, educational materials, and more.

“The time immediately after childbirth is an especially vulnerable time for mothers and their newborns. Evidence supports providing critical supplies during the postpartum period can improve families’ experiences, including reduced anxiety and financial stress,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am pleased to join Senator Kim in introducing legislation to codify this successful program and offer this support to growing families across the country.”

“Those first couple days of my sons’ lives were filled with immense joy but also the very real anxiety and uncertainty every parent faces. The NEST program has been a helping hand to new moms in the precious and daunting first chapter of their kids’ lives. I'm proud to work with Senator Murkowski to codify and continue its success,” said Senator Kim.

The United States has consistently ranked highest for maternal mortality when compared to peer nations; while the infant and maternal mortality rates started leveling off, since 2020 rates have been on the rise again. Mental health conditions and substance use disorder are the leading cause of death among women during the postpartum period, and postpartum deaths account for 63% of maternal deaths in the perinatal period.

The bipartisan NEST Act addresses maternal and infant health disparities by codifying a pilot program at the Department of Health and Human Services that partners with local community organizations and federally qualified health centers to distribute toolkits to expectant mothers in areas of highest need. Every expectant mother in the program will receive a Newborn Essentials Supply Toolkit that includes:

diapers, wipes, hygiene items, blankets, and thermometers for infants;

postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, and breastfeeding supplies for the mother’s postpartum recovery; and

educational materials, such as information on maternal health resources, hotlines she can call, and information on other programs that may provide support.

The NEST Act is endorsed by: Shades of Blue Project and Save the Children.

""The introduction of the NEST Act is a crucial step forward in ensuring new parents' access to essential resources during one of life's most vulnerable moments,” said Kay Matthews, Founder and Executive Director at the Shades of Blue Project. “As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges of the perinatal period, I know how transformative it can be when families receive the right support at the right time. I'm grateful to Senators Andy Kim and Lisa Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership on pro-family and cost of living issues—when we invest in moms and babies, we're investing in American communities, especially those who have been historically underserved.""

""Save the Children is proud to support the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act and is grateful to Senators Murkowski and Kim for their leadership in improving outcomes for mothers and babies by investing in proven programs that save lives,"" said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy at Save the Children U.S. ""The NEST Act is a common-sense investment in families that will help ensure parents in rural America have access to critical care, supplies, and supports needed to give their babies a healthy start.""

###",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-takes-multiple-actions-to-protect-ukrainians-in-the-united-states,Murkowski Takes Multiple Actions to Protect Ukrainians in the United States,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has joined a series of bipartisan efforts this week to protect Ukrainians who sought refuge in the United States following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The measures include legislation to provide a pathway to permanent residency, as well as a push for the administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine.

“I have spent time with many Ukrainians who have found a home in Alaska after fleeing Russia’s brutal invasion. They have become part of our communities, sending their children to our schools, participating in the local workforce, and rebuilding their lives while the war continues to devastate their home country,” said Senator Murkowski. “My office has worked with many of these families as they navigate our immigration system, and the reality is that it is simply not safe for them to return to Ukraine. We should not force Ukrainians—whom we allowed into the U.S. and who are here legally and contributing to our communities—back into an active war zone. These two pieces of legislation will provide them with the stability and protection they need to continue to live and work here until it is safe to return to their home.”

Murkowski’s recent efforts include:

Extending Protections for Ukrainians in the United States:

Murkowski joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing bipartisan legislation to protect the immigration status of Ukrainians who fled to the United States in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion, and thus their ability to live and work here. The legislation would extend through July 1, 2029, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ukraine, which is set to expire on October 19, 2026.

TPS provides temporary legal status to individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries because of armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Ukraine has been designated for TPS since April 2022.

Providing Ukrainians a Pathway to Permanent Residency:

Murkowski, along with Blumenthal and Coons, introduced legislation that would provide Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the United States since Russia’s aggression began in 2015 with an opportunity to become lawful permanent residents. The legislation would allow eligible Ukrainians who were paroled into the United States or entered through other lawful means to apply for a green card, provided they meet existing admissibility requirements and complete required Department of Homeland Security vetting.

The bill would also protect eligible applicants from removal while their applications are being considered and provide fee waivers for those unable to afford processing costs. Under existing law, those who receive lawful permanent resident status could later become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Urging an Extension and Redesignation of TPS for Ukraine:

On Tuesday of this week, Murkowski joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the Departments of Homeland Security and State to extend and redesignate TPS for Ukraine for an additional 18 months. Ukraine’s current TPS designation is set to expire on October 19, 2026. The senators called for continued protections for current beneficiaries and a redesignation that would make additional Ukrainian nationals eligible for TPS while Russia’s war continues.

The letter can be found here.

Background:

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, firing missiles against military and civilian targets across the country as troops pushed to overtake major cities. Although Ukrainian forces successfully blocked the attempted invasion of Kyiv and have since liberated significant territory throughout the country, Russian offensives continue to target Ukrainian communities and claim thousands of casualties.

Russia has also engaged in a campaign of abduction and forcible removal of Ukrainian children, seeking to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity, and exposing them to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, hunger, injury, trauma, and death.

Murkowski has previously pressed the Department of Homeland Security directly on delays affecting Ukrainians in Alaska who rely on TPS, humanitarian parole, and associated work authorizations. Her office has worked directly with many Ukrainians who are living in Alaska and have successfully integrated into their new community.

###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/alaska-delegation-welcomes-315-million-contract-coast-guard-infrastructure,Alaska Delegation Welcomes $315 Million Contract for Coast Guard Infrastructure in Kodiak,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Projects Will Support Arrival of New Icebreakers, Offshore Patrol Cutters

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today welcomed news that the Coast Guard has awarded a $315 million contract for the design and construction of a cutter mooring and new fuel pier at Coast Guard Base Kodiak. The Alaska congressional delegation helped secure the funding necessary for the projects in the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act, FY 2023 Major Acquisition Systems Infrastructure legislation, and the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“The historic build-up of the Coast Guard in Alaska and Kodiak continues today with $315 million coming for shoreside infrastructure projects in this great Coast Guard community,” said Sen. Sullivan, chair of the Senate Commerce Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries Subcommittee. “My delegation colleagues and I worked hard in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to deliver the largest investment in the Coast Guard in history—$25 billion—much of which is coming to our great state. These investments are great news for our Coast Guard, Alaska’s economy, and the hard-working families of Kodiak. I was glad to tour the site for this new berth and fuel pier this summer with the Coast Guard Commandant and the Homeland Security Secretary, both of whom understand the importance of Kodiak to the Coast Guard and our national security. I look forward to seeing these projects break ground as Kodiak prepares to welcome major new Coast Guard assets, including two new icebreakers, two offshore patrol cutters, and hundreds of new Coasties and their families.”

“Alaska is a cornerstone of American defense; investments like this from the Coast Guard are critical as we work to improve infrastructure on bases across the state to maintain our national security,” said Sen. Murkowski. “The construction of a new fuel pier, which will also allow for the berthing of two Arctic Security Cutters, bolsters Base Kodiak’s capability to carry out Coast Guard missions in the Arctic. I’m proud to have helped the Coast Guard leverage these historic investments to strengthen infrastructure and operations in Alaska as we support our Coast Guard men and women, as well as their families.”

“Base Kodiak is critical to America’s long-term Arctic strategy,” said Congressman Begich. “As we bring new cutters and personnel to Alaska, we must have the strategic infrastructure in place to support them. Congress made a historic commitment to rebuilding and modernizing the Coast Guard, and this project represents the next phase of that investment. This new fuel pier and major cutter mooring will strengthen force readiness and ensure our Coast Guard has the infrastructure necessary to carry out its mission across Alaska and the Arctic.”

According to the Coast Guard, the project includes waterfront improvements, including grading work to improve ground stability; construction of a new fueling utility building; installation of utilities, cutter shore ties, and other site amenities, including information technology, water and sewage and safety equipment; and unexploded ordnance removal.

Below is an overview of the delegation’s work to bring more Coast Guard assets, personnel, vessels, infrastructure, and investments to Alaska.

Securing U.S. Coast Guard Construction and Infrastructure Funding for Alaska Installations:

Since 2015, Congress has appropriated about $1.408 billion for infrastructure and construction-related projects in Alaska to support new and existing Coast Guard assets, giving many communities throughout Alaska significant investments in their infrastructure and local housing.

Securing Historic Investments in America’s Icebreaker Fleet:

Through the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the Alaska congressional delegation secured $4.3 billion for the procurement of two new Polar Security Cutters, with substantial progress toward a third, marking the most significant expansion of heavy icebreaking capability in U.S. history. The delegation also worked to deliver $3.5 billion to procure three Arctic Security Cutters, the nation’s next-generation medium polar icebreakers. Additionally, they championed $816 million for more than ten new light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters.

On June 11, 2026, the Coast Guard announced that two of the three new icebreakers committed to Alaska will be homeported in Kodiak, with the third slated for Seward.

Beyond icebreakers, the WFTCA included major investments across the Coast Guard’s fleet: $1 billion for approximately 10 Fast Response Cutters (FRC), $4.3 billion for approximately 9 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC), $2.2 billion for approximately 40 MH-60 helicopters, and $1.1 billion for approximately 6 HC-130 aircraft. Critically, these efforts are backed by over $3 billion for shoreside infrastructure to support the homeporting of these assets, including the $300 million for the homeporting of the Storis in Juneau.

# # #",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-tackle-maternal-and-infant-mortality,Murkowski & Kaine Introduce Legislation to Tackle Maternal and Infant Mortality,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Mothers and Newborns Success Act, bipartisan legislation to address the United States’ disturbingly high maternal and infant mortality rates and reduce the well-documented racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

“The racial and rural disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates in this country are alarming and unacceptable,” said Murkowski. “Our legislation works to address this by investing in innovative approaches to maternal health care, improving data collection, strengthening support for women during the postpartum period, and expanding the use of telehealth in rural communities. Whether you’re in Napakiak or New York City, every mother and child deserves access to quality care, and the programs implemented through this bill will help bring us closer to that goal.”

“The U.S. is the most prosperous, powerful, and innovative nation in the world—yet more mothers and infants die throughout pregnancy and childbirth than in nearly any other peer nation. For Black women, rates of maternal mortality are even higher,” said Kaine. “This is tragic but overwhelmingly preventable—that’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski to direct federal resources toward dramatically decreasing U.S. maternal and infant mortality and addressing inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes. This is a goal everyone should be able to get behind, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.”

Maternal and infant mortality in the U.S. is a tale of two crises: an overall rate that far exceeds other developed nations, and a rate among people of color that is yet worse. The overall U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2024 was 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, far higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)—a collection of developed peer nations—average of 10.3. That same year, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 5.52 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to an OECD average of 4.0. For both maternal and infant mortality rates, there are clear racial disparities, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women suffering worse outcomes than white women. For example, the 2024 maternal mortality rate among Black women was 44.8 per 100,000 live births, which is over three times higher than the maternal mortality rate for white women and more than four times the OECD average.

The Mothers and Newborns Success Act would aim to bring the U.S. maternal and infant mortality below the OECD average and reduce racial and ethnic disparities by directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to take actions to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and deploy such measures in a manner that counters inequities. Specifically, the bill would:

Provide grants administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) State Maternal Health Innovation Program and the Supporting Maternal Health Innovation Program for states to create and implement plans to address disparities in maternal health and improve maternal health outcomes.

Support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify birthing facilities so that patients know the level of risk-appropriate maternal and neonatal care at each facility. This would help improve care delivery and health outcomes for expectant mothers and their infants.

Support the CDC’s efforts to gather pregnancy checkbox data from death certificates to help provide more accurate data on maternal deaths.

Support the CDC’s data collection on maternal attitudes and experiences during the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods as well as efforts to provide technical assistance to states to ensure representation of communities of color in key datasets. This data would help determine and address gaps in care.

Establish a pilot program through HRSA to identify and share best practices and evidence-based information on maternal health with providers and patients.

Establish a National Maternal Health Research Network at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support innovative research on the underlying causes of maternal mortality and their treatment.

Support HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetric Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program to improve access to and continuity of obstetric care in rural communities, including through the use of telehealth.

Establish a public and provider awareness campaign through the CDC to promote awareness of maternal health warning signs and the importance of vaccinations for pregnant women and children.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/enr-considers-four-murkowski-backed-bills,ENR Considers Four Murkowski-Backed Bills,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) today held a hearing to consider 24 bills, including four sponsored or cosponsored by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The measures she is championing would strengthen Alaska’s energy security by reducing costs and regulatory barriers for hydropower and geothermal development; improving electric grid resilience; and expanding efforts to map critical mineral and other resources. The next step will be for ENR to report these bills to the full Senate at a future business meeting.

Reauthorization of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI): S. 4870 would renew Earth MRI, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) program that improves our understanding of geologic hazards, critical mineral, geothermal, and other subsurface resources across the country. Since its launch in 2019, Earth MRI has accelerated project timelines, reduced exploration risk, and lowered costs by making foundational geologic information publicly available. Earth MRI’s current authorization is set to expire at the end of FY 2026.

The legislation would reauthorize Earth MRI for five years at funding levels similar to those provided under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. The bill would also expand the program to include natural hydrogen, an emerging resource that is attracting growing scientific and commercial interest.

Streamlining Thermal Energy through Advanced Mechanisms Act (STEAM): S. 456 would expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas. Right now, there is an expedited review and permitting process for oil and gas development projects on land that has already undergone environmental review.

The legislation would cut red tape by extending a similar process to certain geothermal projects in previously developed or studied areas, avoiding cumbersome and repetitive environmental reviews.

Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act: S. 5048 would reform the Federal Power Act to reduce delays and costs associated with hydropower licensing. Specifically, the bill would limit mandatory conditions imposed under Sections 4(e) and 18 of the Federal Power Act to those that reasonably mitigate the direct adverse effects of a project.

With 12 non-federal hydropower licenses set to expire by 2035 in Alaska, the legislation would cut down on unwarranted delays and costly federal requirements that often bear little connection to a project’s direct impacts. Those burdens make it much harder to maintain and expand one of Alaska’s most reliable sources of renewable, baseload power. By ensuring mandatory licensing conditions are tied to a project’s direct effects, this legislation would provide greater regulatory certainty, reduce unnecessary costs, and help keep electricity affordable and reliable for Alaskans.

Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act (SECURE Grid Act): S. 4166 would empower states to more fully assess risks to their electric grids, from extreme weather to cyber threats and other vulnerabilities.

Every year, states must submit a State Energy Security Plan (SESP) to receive funds from the State Energy Program; those funds are then used to design, develop, and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The SECURE Grid Act would require future SESPs to account for additional grid threats, such as supply chain dynamics, weather-related threats and vulnerabilities, the potential for physical grid attacks, and the impact of growing energy demand.

By assessing these additional risk factors, states would be better able to recognize and respond to weaknesses in their energy infrastructure. The legislation would also require states to coordinate with suppliers of manufactured components and infrastructure to better understand and prepare for risks to the grid.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-introduces-kyle-reardon-at-judiciary-committee-confirmation-hearing,Senator Murkowski Introduces Kyle Reardon at Judiciary Committee Confirmation Hearing,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced United States District Judge nominee Kyle Reardon at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing earlier today. Senator Murkowski highlighted Reardon’s distinguished career in public service across Alaska, including his service as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska, and, since 2021, a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Alaska.

Senator Murkowski welcomed Reardon’s nomination and underscored the importance of his confirmation to restoring Alaska’s District Court to full capacity.

Find Senator Murkowski’s remarks linked here.

Transcript:

Chairman Durbin, members of the Judiciary Committee, thanks for the opportunity to introduce Kyle Reardon to the committee today.

You haven't seen me before the Judiciary Committee in some time. The District of Alaska has not been fully constituted as a court since 2022, so we are pleased to be able to fill this remaining vacancy.

Before I speak to Mr. Reardon's qualifications for this position, I briefly want to recognize some of his family members that are here in the audience to support him. They've come all the way from Alaska and other parts of the country as well. We know being in public service is really a family affair, and this family is certainly supportive of Kyle.

Kyle's wife, Kristin, I've known through her good work for the Denali Commission in Alaska. They have two sons that are with them today, Luke and Owen, both at West High School. We're all alums of Romig Middle School, so we've got that in common. I first met Owen when he and his mom were taking a walk through a shared neighborhood and they were picking up trash, so I thought that that was a pretty good indicator of community responsibility.

Kyle's parents are also with us. Kyle is now the second Reardon to appear before a U.S. Senate committee. His dad was the Auditor General for the U.S. Army before becoming Principal Deputy Inspector General for the Department of Defense under former President George W. Bush. He's hoping that the questions Kyle gets today are going to be a little bit easier than the ones that Senator Stevens put before him, but we will see.

Kyle describes his mom as the anchor of the family. She was the neighborhood greeter and cookie maker, but also a strong civil servant for over 25 years.

Kyle is also joined by his brother and sister-in-law, who came from Missouri to be with him today. Again, the support from family members really says it all.

Kyle brings the experience, the intellect, the integrity, and the judicial temperament that I believe is necessary to be an effective U.S. District Court judge. As has been noted by you, Mr. Chairman, he spent his entire legal career in public service: first as a Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army for six years, then he was a federal prosecutor for 15 years—including seven as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Alaska—and he is now serving as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the district, and he has been in that position since 2021.

In his current role, Mr. Reardon has handled more than 3,000 criminal and almost 500 civil matters. He's also been selected to serve on various Ninth Circuit committees. This is an individual that is not only qualified for this position, he is ready to hit the ground running as a U.S. District Court judge. Again, we certainly need this given the extended vacancies that the court has experienced.

I want to briefly highlight some of Mr. Reardon's work as an Assistant U.S. Attorney that coincides with some of the things that I've been working on as we work to improve public health and safety in Alaska, and I know are priorities of the committee as well.

Mr. Reardon was the lead attorney on more than 120 cases, many of which were related to child sexual abuse material or sex trafficking. This work included being the lead attorney in 10 trials and serving as Project Safe Childhood coordinator, Senior Trial Counsel, and Deputy Criminal Chief.

Mr. Reardon also brings an understanding of the issues that face rural Alaska to the bench. He has done outreach as part of the U.S. Attorney's Office Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Initiative. This was an initiative that was created after Attorney General Barr's visit to the state back in 2018.

He has also been involved in the effort to address our drug issues in this state. He was involved with a multi-defendant drug case involving significant amounts of methamphetamine and heroin being brought into the Kenai Peninsula. After this conspiracy was brought down, there was a local law enforcement officer that shared that not only did the drug trade dry up in this area for a period of time, but robberies and violence decreased.

It is important to note in messaging that has been shared, he speaks not only to the positive impact he has had as he helps those who have been victims, but what it means to ensure that others do not become victims—whether victims of child sexual abuse or victims of drug violence. So, his generosity of spirit, I think, has shown through.

To summarize, I want to thank Kyle Reardon (and) his family for agreeing to serve as U.S. District Court Judge. I appreciate the committee for scheduling his confirmation hearing so quickly after President Trump nominated him, and I appreciate the President and the White House [Counsel's Office] for working with us to advance Mr. Reardon's nomination. Thank you.

###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-begich-applauds-house-passage-wrda-advances-alaska-driven,"Congressman Begich Applauds House Passage of WRDA, Advances Alaska-Driven Infrastructure Priorities",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sep. 16, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) applauded House passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation that advances locally driven infrastructure priorities across Alaska. The legislation advances critical projects addressing flood protection, ports and harbors, coastal erosion, navigation, and marine infrastructure across the state.

“My office has worked hand in hand with communities across Alaska to identify their most pressing infrastructure needs,” said Congressman Begich. “We heard directly from Alaskans about the need to move critical projects forward, and we worked to secure provisions that expedite existing projects, strengthen our ports and harbors, address flooding and coastal erosion, and improve essential water infrastructure. These are tangible results driven by Alaska priorities, and I am pleased to see them advance through the House as we work to build more robust and reliable infrastructure that keeps our supply chains moving safely and efficiently.”

BACKGROUND:

WRDA 2026 advances Alaska infrastructure priorities at multiple stages of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers process, directing expedited work on key projects. These provisions reflect priorities identified by communities across Alaska and brought forward through the congressional WRDA process.

For Juneau residents, the legislation directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite its ongoing Mendenhall Glacier outburst flooding technical work and develop a recommendation for permanent, resilient flood-control mitigation addressing glacial lake outburst floods from Suicide Basin and Lake Mendenhall. The provision is intended to help move the federal response beyond temporary flood protection and toward identifying a long-term project capable of reducing the recurring threat to Mendenhall Valley residents.

Beyond Juneau, WRDA 2026 advances Corps projects and studies across Alaska focused on flood protection, ports and harbors, coastal erosion, navigation, and water infrastructure.

Key Alaska provisions include:

Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier Outburst Flooding: Directs the Army Corps to expedite its ongoing technical work and develop a recommendation for permanent, resilient flood-control mitigation addressing glacial lake outburst flooding from Suicide Basin and Lake Mendenhall.

Nelson Lagoon, Sitka, and Soldotna: Authorizes environmental infrastructure assistance, including $3.3 million for Nelson Lagoon, $7 million for Sitka, and $1.3 million for Soldotna for specified water and wastewater infrastructure.

Port of Nome: Directs expedited completion of preconstruction planning, engineering, and design for port modifications.

Homer: Advances preconstruction planning, engineering, and design for navigation improvements and expedites work on a dredged material management plan for the Homer Small Boat Harbor.

Kodiak Harbor: Directs expedited completion of work under the Corps’ Section 107 navigation program.

Unalaska/Dutch Harbor: Expands the existing navigation feasibility study to include coastal storm risk management and shoreline erosion protection.

Galena: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk management along the Yukon River.

Russian Creek/Bell Flats: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk management and riverbank stabilization in the Kodiak Island Borough.

Scow Bay/Petersburg: Authorizes a new navigation feasibility study supporting maritime access in the Petersburg Borough.

Sitka: Authorizes a new coastal storm risk management feasibility study.

Statewide Coastal Protection: Expedites preconstruction work addressing storm damage, coastal erosion, and ice and glacial damage across Alaska.

Lowell Creek Tunnel/Seward: Authorizes modification of the feasibility study to evaluate environmental mitigation alternatives associated with existing flood-diversion infrastructure.

###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-begich-marks-historic-freshman-milestone-14th-bill-passed-us-house,Congressman Begich Marks Historic Freshman Milestone with 14TH Bill Passed by U.S. House,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sep. 14, 2025 — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Nick Begich’s (R-AK) H.R. 6021, the Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act, marking the 14th Begich-sponsored bill to pass the House during his freshman term and another milestone in a historic pace of delivering results for Alaska.

“Alaskans sent me to Washington to get to work and deliver results for our state,” said Congressman Begich. “Today, with our 14th bill passing the House, we are continuing a historic pace, but the number itself is not what matters. What matters is what these bills mean for Alaska: lands returned, promises kept, traditions protected, opportunities restored, resources unlocked, and a stronger future for the next generation.”

H.R. 6021 protects an important Alaska Native cultural tradition by clarifying federal law regarding authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts. The legislation honors the legacy of Archie Cavanaugh and helps ensure that federal law recognizes and respects traditional Alaska Native craftsmanship and cultural practices.

The bill is the latest in a growing record of Alaska-focused legislation advanced during Begich’s first term. From resolving decades-old Alaska Native land and entitlement issues to restoring access to Alaska’s resources, strengthening Arctic security, advancing aviation and infrastructure priorities, and creating new opportunities for communities across the state, Begich has moved an aggressive Alaska agenda through Congress at a pace rarely seen from a freshman member.

The latest House passage builds on a first-term legislative record independently recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL). Six Begich-sponsored bills have already become law, tying the record for the most bills sponsored by a freshman House member to become law according to CEL.

The pace reflects a deliberate strategy Begich established from the beginning of his term: identify Alaska’s priorities early, build the relationships necessary to move them through Congress, and use every available legislative opportunity to deliver for Alaska.

H.R. 6021 now advances to the United States Senate for consideration.

###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaskas-congressional-delegation-welcome-historic-investment-in-alaska-marine-highway-system,Alaska's Congressional Delegation Welcome Historic Investment in Alaska Marine Highway System,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"ANCHORAGE, AK - Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Nick Begich, and Governor Mike Dunleavy (all R-Alaska), welcomed the announcement that Alaska has awarded more than $410 million to support the Alaska Marine Highway System with key resources targeted for rural Southeast Alaska.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities submitted six winning applications:

$161.2 million federal funding for AMHS operations support for ferry services across more than 20 communities, supporting vessel operations, crew, fuel, and maintenance.

$153.4 million federal funding for design and construction of a replacement of the M/V LeConte, improving reliability, accessibility, fuel efficiency, and long-term fleet flexibility.

$37.6 million federal funding for the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal, shortening the Juneau-Haines-Skagway sailing by roughly one-third and reducing operating costs.

$33.4 million federal funding for the Kake Ferry Terminal modernization, enabling the terminal to accommodate more of the AMHS fleet and larger vessels.

$20.6 million federal funding to expand the Saxman Seaport, improving capacity, freight movements, and connections among Ketchikan/Saxman, Metlakatla, and Prince of Wales Island.

$4 million federal funding for customer service and operations modernization, including implementing modern reservations and improving AMHS operating efficiency.

""This federal investment of more than $410 million is a major victory for Alaska and will help realize the vision I had as a lead author of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Throughout the lengthy negotiations, I made it clear that our ferries are essential infrastructure and deserve inclusion in this generational investment,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Growing up in Southeast Alaska, I know our waterways connect us to our neighbors. When we have a thriving ferry system, our coastal communities can thrive. That is why the Alaska Marine Highway System has remained a priority of mine throughout my career, and why I continue to push our state and federal partners to ensure that our AMHS meets Alaskans’ needs. With this funding, we are able to deliver on the promise to recapitalize our fleet so that AMHS remains a reliable, sustainable service that Alaskans can count on for decades to come.""

“For many of Alaska’s 230 communities that are not connected by the road system, marine transportation isn’t optional, it’s how people travel to meet their everyday needs,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan. “The $410 million in new federal funding that we’re announcing today represents a historic investment in Alaska’s ferry system—for terminal facilities, a replacement vessel, and operations. In the federal infrastructure law, I worked to secure new flexibility that allows federal funds to also support ferry operating costs, which is critically important to bolstering the Alaska Marine Highway system over the long-term. Today’s announcement is an exciting win for Alaska’s coastal communities and Alaskans’ transportation needs.”

“Reliable ferry service is fundamental to the economic vitality and quality of life for residents throughout Southeast and coastal Alaska,” said Congressman Begich. “These investments in Alaska’s Marine Highway will help address longstanding infrastructure and operational needs while improving the reliability of ferry service for Alaskans. From replacing aging vessels to improving terminals and strengthening day-to-day operations, these projects represent meaningful investments in the long-term health of the Marine Highway system.”

“The Alaska Marine Highway System is vital for Southeast Alaska. This investment will provide the resources to build on our successes for the past years to provide for decades of reliable service,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said. “I want to thank our Department of Transportation and Public Facilities staff for their tremendous work on the State’s application for this funding, our Congressional delegation for their efforts appropriating funding for this program, and President Trump and his administration for seeing the value of investing in Alaska.”

“Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy, the tens of thousands of Alaskans who depend on a safe and reliable ferry system will not be overlooked,” said U.S. Transportation Under Secretary for Policy Ryan McCormack. “From Juneau to the Aleutian Islands, we know residents rely on ferries to commute, move goods, and access healthcare. That’s why the Trump Administration is investing nearly half a billion dollars to bolster the Alaska Marine Highway System. We’re proud to work with Governor Dunleavy to deliver this massive win for Alaskan families.”

###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/-,Murkowski on Alaska’s New Federal Judge Nominee,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC— Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Kyle Reardon to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of Alaska.

“I am pleased that Kyle Reardon has been nominated to serve as a United States District Judge for Alaska. Kyle brings extensive knowledge of both our state and ourcourt system to the federal bench, having served the District of Alaska as a federal prosecutor and U.S. Magistrate Judge, a position he has held in Alaska for the past five years. His extensive experience, professionalism, and judicial temperament make him exceptionally well-qualified for this role. I thank the President for nominating Kyle and helping bring Alaska’s District Court back to full capacity.”",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-statement-on-latest-king-cove-road-ruling,Sullivan Statement on Latest King Cove Road Ruling,2026-08-18,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement after a federal judge in Alaska today issued a ruling that blocks a proposed land exchange to facilitate construction of a life-saving road between the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska, and nearby Cold Bay, which is home to an all-weather airport.

“Today’s ruling by an Alaska federal judge who regularly sides with Lower 48 environmental groups is another shameful betrayal of the people of King Cove and a demonstration that elections have real-world consequences for the safety and well-being of Alaskans,” said Sen. Sullivan. “National Democrats, doing the bidding of far-left Lower 48 radical environmental groups, have for decades relentlessly fought this commonsense land exchange through successive Democratic administrations and Democrat members of Congress, and by getting sympathetic far-left judges onto the federal bench who will prioritize the interests of birds over the well-being of Alaska Natives.

“I was recently in King Cove, where we held a community-wide town hall. The excitement of finally being able to start construction of this road brought tears to the eyes of many. Remember, Alaskans: At least 18 people from this heroic community have died over the years because of this decades-long impasse that continues to put human lives at risk in favor of birds. The heroic and resilient residents of King Cove have kept hope alive through numerous setbacks, but this latest ruling is truly shameful. I will continue to fight alongside them for as long as it takes to deliver a simple, single-lane, 11-mile, life-saving gravel road. The fight is once again renewed today.”

# # #",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-over-23-million-for-seward-shipyard-upgrades,Sullivan Welcomes Over $2.3 Million for Seward Shipyard Upgrades,2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"SEWARD, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee overseeing the Coast Guard, and Admiral Kevin Lunday, the 28th Commandant of the Coast Guard, yesterday celebrated the awarding of more than $2.3 million in federal grants to two Seward shipyard operators to expand vessel-handling capacity, modernize equipment, and strengthen Alaska’s maritime infrastructure. The announcement came during an event in the community with Admiral Lunday celebrating the forthcoming homeporting of an icebreaker in Seward.

The Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grant Program awarded $916,223 to Catalyst Marine Engineering, LLC and $1,405,113 to JAG Alaska Inc. Sullivan and his Alaska congressional delegation colleagues supported both grants in letters to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy earlier this year.

The funding will enable Catalyst Marine Engineering to acquire advanced fabrication, welding, and material-handling equipment, and support JAG Alaska’s expansion of its rail system and acquisition of new carts and cradles to move vessels throughout the Seward Shipyard. These investments will also strengthen Seward’s maritime capacity as the community prepares to welcome a new Arctic Security Cutter. In June, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that the third Arctic Security Cutter funded through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act will be homeported in Seward once the necessary infrastructure is ready.

Click here or the image above for photos from the visit to Seward.

Click here to view opening remarks from Sen. Sullivan at the community event.

“These investments are another important part of what I call the ‘virtuous cycle’ in shipbuilding and ship maintenance that we’re delivering across our great state,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We bring more Coast Guard and NOAA vessels to Alaska, and Alaska workers maintain and repair them while generating even more maritime work right here in our state. Through the largest investment in Coast Guard history in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act—which I pushed for as chair of the Commerce Subcommittee that oversees the Coast Guard—we are seeing this cycle accelerate as we bring four icebreakers to Alaska, including one slated to be homeported in Seward, driving good-paying jobs and new investments in workforce development, housing, and infrastructure in our coastal communities. These grants will build on that momentum by expanding capacity and modernizing operations in Seward. I want to thank Secretary Duffy and MARAD Administrator Stephen Carmel for recognizing Seward’s vital role in Alaska’s maritime economy and working with me to support these important investments.”

“The Maritime Administration is deeply committed to supporting the vital maritime infrastructure of Alaska and delivering these grants is a direct reflection of our aggressive dedication to supporting Alaska's working waterfronts. Through these grants totaling over $2.3 million for Catalyst Marine Engineering and JAG Alaska, MARAD is proud to invest in the equipment and infrastructure that will keep Alaska's maritime sector efficient, competitive, and capable of sustaining good-paying jobs for years to come,” said Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel.

# # #",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-releases-statement-on-continuing-resolution,Murkowski Releases Statement on Continuing Resolution,2026-08-08,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement regarding her vote on the continuing resolution (CR), which passed the Senate today by a vote of 90-6.

“While a continuing resolution is no one’s preference, and certainly not mine, without one we are headed for another shutdown that hurts Americans who rely on federal programs and services, as well as federal employees.

“This stopgap measure maintains most federal funding at current levels while making necessary adjustments for programs like WIC that families depend on to make ends meet. It also pauses OMB from finalizing a controversial proposal that would allow political appointees to halt and veto grants based on partisan ideology rather than merit.

“This CR gives Congress a roughly four-month window to get the annual appropriations process back on track. I will support it and suggest we make good use of the time it provides to pass our individual appropriations bills.”",1,2026-08-09T05:47:57Z,2026-08-09T05:49:40Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-coons-als-legislation-passes-senate,Murkowski-Coons ALS Legislation Passes Senate,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chairs of the Congressional ALS Caucus, this week secured Senate passage of their legislation, the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act (ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act) of 2026. The bill will help people living with ALS continue to access promising treatments while advancing the scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

Companion legislation, led by Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Ken Calvert (R-CA), passed the U.S. House of Representatives last month. The next step is for the House and Senate to appoint conferees to negotiate the differences between the two bills.

The legislation would reauthorize ACT for ALS for five years, codify the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) interpretation of Expanded Access Program eligibility guidelines, require a new five-year FDA Action Plan, and direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report by 2030 on the implementation of ACT for ALS programs. This legislation is endorsed by I AM ALS, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the ALS Association, and ALS United.

Senator Murkowski spoke about the impact of this legislation on the Senate floor.

Senator Murkowski’s full remarks can be found here.

Transcript:

Mr. President. We go through periods here in the United States Senate where there's frustrating issues that we deal with. Hours of unknown as to what's going to happen. Are we going to be able to make something happen? Are we making a difference? And some days can be particularly discouraging.

We've got a long way to go before this day is through. But to be here at the midpoint of this day and to be able to—as my colleague and my friend from Delaware has stated—to be able to celebrate an accomplishment is a reminder that we do good here. And we don't do good on our own. It takes teamwork, it takes cooperation, and collaboration; it takes advocacy. This is really what makes me just filled with a level of optimism and hope as we're talking about where we are at this moment for the ALS community.

The House passed the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act—we call it ACT for ALS—they passed it a few weeks ago, and then the Senate was able to pass it in wrap-up. Yes, that means it passed by unanimous consent here yesterday. We're now in this final step: a final step of reauthorizing a program that is making a real difference for people living with ALS.

I think it's so important to just take a step back and say, what does that mean? Because we have not found the cure, unfortunately, for ALS. This legislation is not about this magical treatment that has come to be, but what we were able to do working together now five years ago when we passed the ACT for ALS Act—we created this pathway for individuals. It's kind of a roadmap. We said, if you're not eligible to participate in clinical trials to access investigational treatments, there's another way here for you.

We provided some pretty important funding to NIH and to FDA to accelerate the research, to improve the data sharing, to help speed up the development of new therapies. But what really comes about with the ACT for ALS is it gives people who are living with ALS the opportunity to try. Just ""let me try something. It might not work, but let me try—because right now, the diagnosis that I'm living with offers no hope.”

So this is something that gives those living with ALS some hope. This is a program that works. We passed it five years ago, and what we have now done is a reauthorization that allows us to build on this progress that we've made to ensure that individuals living with ALS can continue to access these clinical trials and the programs that continue to meet the needs of the patients and the researchers.

Senator Coons has mentioned the advocacy—those caregivers, those who stand with and are wrapping their arms and their hearts around their loved ones who are dealing with ALS. This is about hope for them as much as those who are living with this dreaded disease.

My friend has acknowledged the name of those that he calls friends: Dan Tate was able to receive a text message on passage of the reauthorization here, saying, you know, ""Go dudes"" or something like that. I don't know that I'm a ""dude,"" but I loved the enthusiasm that he had. Brian Wallach has been an extraordinary partner over the years; you mentioned Sandra Abrevaya, absolutely. And then my personal advocate, my cousin, Jenny Dwyer. It was through Jenny's husband Pat that our family learned of ALS, as Pat lived with ALS for eight years. As a family, we came to not only understand the disease and the awful progression, but it allowed us to understand some of what families live with—the almost daily heartbreak as you're watching your loved one progress through this diagnosis.

So, to the advocates: know that your work matters. Know that your stories matter. Know that you have made a difference. So, we're pleased to be able to be at this place where we can move to finally get this reauthorization into law, work things through the two bodies here, and get it signed.

There's more that we've got to do. We're working on some good things as the co-chairs of the ALS Caucus: the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, which is a really good one, and the ALS Better Care Act. Again, these address some of the challenges that face individuals with ALS as well as their families when they're trying to access care and benefits after a loved one has passed.

We know that for those that are living with ALS, every day matters. Every day is precious, and we cannot afford to lose momentum when promising therapies are being studied. I'm reminded—if not weekly, maybe daily—that people are waiting. People are waiting, and they're counting on us to show up for them.

So, to all those in the ALS community: thank you for your advocacy, thank you for your heart and your passion, your persistence, but also your willingness to open your hearts and to share your stories so that we can also become motivated and tenacious on your behalf.

I am very grateful for my friend from Delaware. It is hard as I hear stories of your dear friend, and as he goes through these stages of this disease. Know that even though I have not met Jack, he is in my heart as well, as well as the many, many who we are advocating for.

With that, I thank again not only Senator Coons, but all members here in the Senate that have joined us in this effort to end ALS.

###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-releases-statement-on-blanche-nomination,Murkowski Releases Statement on Blanche Nomination,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement regarding Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as United States Attorney General:

“I have had numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche and he comes across as decent and capable. I appreciate the trip he made to learn more about Alaska, including our rural areas, and as Acting Attorney General he has made several noteworthy decisions that will benefit our state and the nation.

“Ultimately, however, I will oppose his nomination.

“The politicization—even weaponization—of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it. I take issue with the handling of the release of the Epstein files; the sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses; the statements that have been made to anti-abortion groups; and the repeated targeting of individuals ranging from former administration staff to sitting U.S. Senators.

“I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund—which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters—is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage. Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds.

“The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration. I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case.”

###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-additional-10-million-in-energy-cost-relief-for-alaskans,Sullivan Secures Additional $10 Million in Energy Cost Relief for Alaskans,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Funding nearly doubles state’s existing LIHEAP allocation

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today announced $10 million in federal funding to address high energy costs for Alaskans—in addition to the state’s existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allocation of $12,158,876. Sen. Sullivan worked closely with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to identify and secure the funding. It is the second initiative of the National Energy Dominance Council’s (NEDC) Alaska Energy Task Force, whichSen. Sullivan and NEDC Chair and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced in May.

“Alaskans deal with the highest cost of living in the nation, and the recent disruptions to energy supplies have only made this challenge more urgent,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Today, I’m glad to announce we’ve secured $10 million in additional federal funding to offset home energy costs for low-income Alaskans. Coupled with the EPA emergency fuel waiver we announced several weeks ago, this targeted funding is focused on giving Alaska’s hard-working families immediate relief. But we’re also continuing to make major progress on more sustainable ways to lower energy costs for Alaskans: My team and I have worked relentlessly to achieve a renaissance of production on the North Slope, increase TAPS throughput, and maintain strong momentum behind the Alaska LNG project, which offers Alaskans a nearly inexhaustible supply of our own affordable energy. We’ve also made great strides in investing in our infrastructure, such as securing more than $100 million for the Denali Commission to upgrade bulk fuel tanks in our many rural communities. Together, these efforts are part of a larger strategy to lower energy costs and make life more affordable for Alaskans. I want to thank Secretary Kennedy, Secretary Burgum, and the National Energy Dominance Council team for recognizing the unique affordability challenges we have in Alaska and for working collaboratively with me and my team to provide real energy cost relief for households across our great state.”

“Senator Sullivan’s leadership helped secure $10 million in funding so vulnerable Alaskans can be safe in their homes,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “At HHS, we will continue working with our partners to lower energy costs, protect health, and ensure American families have the support they need.”

LIHEAP funding is used for home heating assistance, weatherization and building upgrades, and crisis assistance. Payments from the new funding pool will be distributed in September and automatically administered based on existing LIHEAP applications. In FY 2025, LIHEAP provided home heating assistance to more than 4,300 Alaska households, with an average award of $1,554.

NEDC Alaska Energy Task Force Background

In May 2026, NEDC Chairman and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum joined Sen. Sullivan in Alaska, including visits to Fairbanks and the new North Slope developments of Pikka and Willow. During his visit, Sec. Burgum and Sen. Sullivan announced a new NEDC Alaska Energy Task Force focused on the immediate challenge of high energy costs in Alaska.

On July 17, Sen. Sullivan announced the first initiative of the task force: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin issued an emergency fuel waiver under Section 211 of the Clean Air Act, an action the Senator had been advocating for as a way to relieve pressure on fuel prices in the state.

In July 2025, the EPA transferred $100 million to the Denali Commission to support major upgrades to bulk fuel tank farms in Alaska following months of advocacy by Sen. Sullivan and his team with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

# # #",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-work-to-modernize-fisheries-science,Murkowski and Colleagues Work to Modernize Fisheries Science,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced legislation that would help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) better assess and protect our fisheries. The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would incorporate environmental DNA (eDNA) and other biomolecular tools into NOAA's fisheries science programs, allowing for more cost-effective and expanded survey coverage. This would bolster, not replace, traditional stock assessment surveys by providing NOAA with additional scientifically validated tools to improve data collection, expand survey coverage, and strengthen fisheries management.

This bill would establish national standards for this innovative technology while expanding workforce capacity, strengthening interagency coordination, and supporting private-sector innovation without imposing new regulatory burdens. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are co-sponsors.

“Without accurate stock assessments, we cannot make the informed, science-based management decisions needed to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable for generations to come,” said Senator Murkowski. “Environmental DNA is an innovative, cost-effective tool that will give our scientists a clearer picture of our fisheries while expanding survey coverage and reducing costs. This legislation is the product of extensive collaboration with NOAA, Alaska fishermen, Tribal partners, academia, and industry to modernize how we assess fish stocks using the best available science.”

“With climate change wreaking havoc on fisheries, researchers need to stay ahead of the curve,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This bill will allow NOAA to harness new technologies to keep fish stocks healthy and robust.”

“Reliable fisheries surveys and stock assessments are the foundation of sustainable fisheries management,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I've consistently fought to ensure NOAA maintains robust fisheries survey coverage in Alaska, where changing ocean conditions are impacting our subsistence, recreational, and commercially important species and the communities that depend on them. As fish stocks shift and ocean conditions become more variable, we need to invest in both the traditional surveys that have served us for decades and innovative technologies that can make those surveys even stronger. By thoughtfully investing in and integrating new tools, we can improve the quality of stock assessments, better support our fishermen and communities, and ensure America's fisheries remain among the best managed in the world.”

“To implement the best possible fisheries management strategies, we need the best available data,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill modernizes federal fisheries science and invests in innovative data collection and analysis. Bolstering our tools to monitor fisheries is critical to supporting both Oregon fishermen and responsible, sustainable fishing for generations to come.”

""Environmental DNA is a promising new tool for fisheries and ecosystem assessment that could improve fisheries management while also lowering costs,"" said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. ""Senator Murkowski’s Fisheries Science Modernization Act will advance this technology while also improving oversight and collaboration.?ALFA supports this bill and applauds Senator Murkowski for her commitment to science-based management of Alaska’s fisheries.""

""The Fisheries Science Modernization Act comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. fisheries management,” said Austen Thomas, Senior Application Scientist. “As an eDNA service provider, Wilderlab USA sees firsthand how environmental DNA can expand monitoring coverage, reduce survey costs, and deliver data on species that traditional methods often miss. This bill's focus on national standards and predictable procurement pathways is exactly what the private sector needs to invest with confidence in U.S. eDNA capacity. By bringing the private sector into closer partnership with NOAA and other resource agencies, this legislation will help ensure fisheries decisions are grounded in the best available science. We commend Senator Murkowski for this forward-looking legislation and look forward to supporting NOAA's efforts to modernize how we understand and manage our nation's fisheries.""

“United Catcher Boats supports the Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026 and appreciates Senator Murkowski's continued leadership in advancing science-based fisheries management,” said Andrea Keikkala, Executive Director of United Catcher Boats. “Senator Murkowski has long demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of sound fisheries science and the need to ensure NOAA Fisheries has the tools necessary to sustainably manage our nation's fisheries. We appreciate her leadership in championing innovative technologies that have the potential to strengthen stock assessments, expand scientific capacity, and improve fisheries management. We recommend that Congress ensure NOAA Fisheries has adequate resources to successfully implement these important new responsibilities without reducing investment in existing stock assessments, fishery-independent surveys, cooperative research, observer programs, or other core science activities that are fundamental to science-based fisheries management. Investments in eDNA should complement, rather than displace, the core science programs that have made the United States the global leader in sustainable fisheries management.”

""The United States is a global leader in sustainable fisheries because of our commitment to science-based management,” said Joanna Slaney, Environmental Defense Fund’s Vice President for Political and Government Affairs. “As technology and science continue to advance, it is crucial for NOAA to examine innovative methods to collect fisheries data and further the best available science. EDF appreciates Senator Murkowski and Senator Whitehouse’s leadership to further science that supports thriving ecosystems, fishery resources, and the communities that depend on them.""

“Environmental DNA collection is an exciting new scientific frontier for augmenting our understanding of fisheries and their ecosystems,” said Meredith Moore, Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Fish Conservation. “The Fisheries Science Modernization Act lays a solid foundation for unlocking this new source of data to improve fisheries management.”

""America's 11.8 million saltwater anglers depend on healthy fisheries, and sound fisheries management starts with sound science,” said Mike Leonard, the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) Vice President of Government Affairs. “Environmental DNA has shown tremendous potential as a tool to supplement traditional fisheries surveys, improve our understanding of marine fish populations, and help managers make more informed decisions. By testing and validating these technologies before incorporating them into stock assessments, the Fisheries Science Modernization Act takes a thoughtful, science-based approach to strengthening marine fisheries research. Better science leads to better management, which ultimately benefits both fish populations and the millions of anglers who contribute more than $145 billion in economic activity to our nation's coastal communities. ASA appreciates Senator Murkowski's leadership on this important legislation.""

The legislation is further endorsed by the Cape Cod Fishermen’s Alliance, the Alaska Ocean Observing System, the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, the Western Alaska Community Development Quota Program, and the Pacific Seafood Processors Association.

Background

Currently, NOAA's stock assessment methods are constrained by high operational costs and limited vessel availability, resulting in gaps in survey coverage. The integration of eDNA, already widely used in the private sector, would help close these gaps by enabling sampling in remote or hazardous environments while reducing costs.

The Fisheries Science Modernization Act would provide the federal government with key tools to better protect and grow our fisheries by modernizing how fish stocks are assessed while expanding agencies' capacity to use eDNA. Specifically, the legislation:

Modernizing Stock Assessments

Establishes a NOAA eDNA Fishery Stock Assessment Pilot Program to validate methods across diverse regions and species.

Requires NOAA to develop an agency-wide eDNA Implementation Plan detailing how eDNA will be integrated into federally managed fisheries.

Directs NOAA to routinely collect eDNA samples during existing surveys to improve accuracy, expand coverage, and build long-term datasets.

Integrates eDNA into fisheries research and ecosystem monitoring by amending the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Promotes collaboration among NOAA, fishermen, Tribal Nations, academia, and industry.

Requires annual coordination meetings and reports to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Congress to ensure accountability.

Building National eDNA Capacity

Creates the National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network (NABCN) to develop national standards for sampling, laboratory workflows, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), metadata, and bioinformatics.

Establishes a coordinated multi-agency framework enabling consistent biomolecular monitoring across freshwater, estuarine, coastal, and marine environments.

Expands NOAA's workforce and laboratory capacity while supporting complementary private-sector services.

Trains National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) technicians in eDNA collection, handling, and modeling.

Supports research, innovation, and technology transfer across agencies, academia, Tribal partners, and industry.

Provides transparent performance standards and predictable procurement pathways to encourage U.S. innovation and commercialization of emerging eDNA tools, including autonomous and AI-enabled sampling systems.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-merkley-seek-information-on-executive-order-targeting-smithsonian,"Murkowski, Merkley Seek Information on Executive Order Targeting Smithsonian",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Interior Subcommittee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum requesting additional information on the Department of the Interior's (DOI) planned implementation of Executive Order 14416, ""Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution."" The Executive Order directs the National Park Service (NPS) to install temporary signage and exhibits on NPS-managed property surrounding the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

“For the past 180 years, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to sharing objective historical evidence through research and education, not political narratives,” the senators wrote. “The Smithsonian Institution has worked tirelessly to present a comprehensive narrative of our nation’s amazing history, from its many triumphs to its trials. There is nothing more American than telling our story truthfully.”

As Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over both the Department of the Interior and the Smithsonian Institution, Murkowski and Merkley requested additional information regarding the scope, cost, funding source, and timeline for the directive, as well as the process used to develop the signage and accompanying materials.

The full letter is available here or can be read below:

Dear Secretary Burgum:

As Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, we write to express our concern and to request more information regarding the role the Department of the Interior (DOI) will have in implementing Executive Order (EO) 14416, “Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution.”

EO 14416 directs you to work through the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to install temporary signage along NPS-maintained sidewalks and walkways near the National Museum of American History (Museum) to: 1) inform visitors of the findings of the recent report entitled, “Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage” (Report); and 2) notify visitors that “the Museum exhibits should be renovated consistent with the findings in the Report”1 while directing visitors to “locations and resources for accurate information regarding America’s history.”2 The EO also directs you to install temporary exhibits or signage on NPS-maintained sidewalks, walkways, and land that “corrects inaccurate information presented in the Museum.”3

For the past 180 years, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to sharing objective historical evidence through research and education, not political narratives. The Smithsonian Institution has worked tirelessly to present a comprehensive narrative of our nation’s amazing history, from its many triumphs to its trials. There is nothing more American than telling our story truthfully.

The Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has jurisdiction over both the DOI and the Smithsonian Institution and it is our role as Chair and Ranking Member to conduct oversight over the use of taxpayer dollars in areas within our jurisdiction. Accordingly, please answer the following questions:

Is there any precedent by which NPS land has been used to communicate conflicting information or messages related to an outside entity’s ongoing activities or operations?

Is there any precedent by which NPS funding has been used to disseminate conflicting information or messages related to an outside entity’s ongoing activities or operations?

Where will the signage direct visitors to go to for additional “accurate” information? Who is compiling this information?

Will NPS solicit public feedback on this additional information before installing the new signage?

Please describe plans for the signage (including a map of where each sign will be placed):

How many signs will there be and where will the signs be placed?

What will be the size of each sign? What will each sign be made of? Will these be made in-house at DOI?

What will be the content of each sign and who is drafting and finalizing the content?

What is the expected cost per sign?

Will signs be affixed to existing poles or structures?

Will new poles or structures be built to support the signs? If so, what is the expected cost?

How long does the Department anticipate these “temporary” signs will be in place for?

What is the total expected cost of carrying out all activities, including, but not limited to, planning, sign-making, and installation, that you are directed to undertake under EO 14416?

Where will the funding come from within DOI/NPS to pay for this directive? How many DOI/NPS staff will be working on this directive?

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

United States Senator Lisa Murkowski

United States Senator Jeff Merkley",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-and-cruz-lead-letter-urging-sanctions-on-chinas-illegal-unreported-and-unregulated-fishing-fleet,"Sullivan & Cruz Lead Letter Urging Sanctions on China’s Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Fleet",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlining a strategy to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing conducted by China’s distant-water fleet. The letter identifies vulnerabilities in China’s IUU fishing fleet linked to its reliance on a relatively limited number of support vessels, calls for the imposition of sanctions on such vessels, and specifically identifies 29 currently unsanctioned vessels.

The letter is co-signed by Sens. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).

“Chinese trawl fleets ravage fish stocks in every corner of the world’s oceans without regard for any other users or future generations,” Sen. Sullivan said. “These fleets also engage in gross human rights abuses, including utilizing slave labor. I’ve led the fight against this cancer on our fisheries, authoring the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act, which passed the Senate in March. Working with Senator Cruz and my colleagues, we’ve identified another powerful channel to target these evasive IUU fleets—by tightening the screws on the relatively few support vessels that enable Chinese IUU fleets to continue their abusive practices. We are urging Secretary Bessent to deploy the numerous Treasury Department tools and designations available to aggressively sanction these support vessels and dismantle the Chinese Communist Party’s hub-and-spoke IUU fishing scheme. Doing so will enhance the sustainability of our oceans and help support America’s and Alaska’s hard-working fishermen and our many coastal fishing communities.”

“The Chinese Communist Party is using its global distant-water fleet to conduct ecocide across at least three continents in both hemispheres,” Sen. Cruz said. “They kill endangered species by the hundreds and sharks, whales, and dolphins by the thousands, and have destroyed tens of thousands of acres of coral reefs. Their fleet uses coerced laborers, who are subjected to physical abuse, malnutrition, overwork, and withheld pay. They could not conduct these activities without supply ships, including reefers, tankers, and floating bases. The U.S. should bolster our Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities to identify these vessels, and then we should use every available option to sanction and disrupt them.”

“China’s dark fleets and forced labor threaten New Jersey’s fishing industries, our supply chains, and our national security,” Sen. Kim said. “Without action, global ecosystems and economies will suffer irreversible harm. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to use all of our tools to stop it.”

“Vessels that support and protect China’s illegal, unregulated fishing fleet threaten our maritime security and American’s livelihoods,” Sen. Cotton said. “We are encouraging Secretary Bessent to sanction these vessels.”

“China’s illegal fishing fleet is destroying our oceans and making it harder for our allies to fish right off their own coasts, threatening whole communities’ livelihoods and ability to feed themselves,” Sen. Coons said. “It also hurts American fishermen who are undercut by cheap, illegally harvested fish. This bipartisan letter calls on the administration to take action to protect our and our allies national and food security against China.”

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated Chinese fishing vessels threaten the American maritime economy,” Sen. Wicker said. “It is a no-brainer that the United States should sanction these Chinese ships to protect our fishing industry.”

“China’s distant water fishing fleet continues to disrupt global and regional fishing economies,” Sen. Young said. “Through overfishing and illegal incursions into foreign waters, China seeks to undermine the global fishing industry until there is nothing left. The United States must take steps to combat these activities and promote American fishing practices, which remain the gold standard for sustainable fishing.”

“The Chinese Communist Party is evil and barbaric,” Sen. Scott said. “They are using slave labor and violating human rights on the high seas to prop up their regime, undermine America’s economy, and attack our way of life. America needs to do everything we can to end this practice, stop the oppression, and protect American workers at the same time. I will always stand up to Xi and the CCP—whether it’s cutting off these state-sponsored slave fishing fleets or blocking Chinese military companies from American markets—we need to start treating China like the enemy they are.”

“The Chinese Communist Party is committing gross human rights abuses by using forced labor on its fleet of thousands of fishing vessels that engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” Sen. Blackburn said. “We are urging Secretary Bessent to counter this malign activity by sanctioning the support vessels that enable this Chinese water fishing fleet so we can ensure we are not doing business with them.”

Read the full letter here.

# # #",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-commerce-committee-advance-legislation-to-protect-youth-online-demand-accountability-from-big-tech,"Sullivan, Commerce Committee Advance Legislation to Protect Youth Online, Demand Accountability from Big Tech",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST) Committee, yesterday voted with his committee colleagues to advance four pieces of legislation related to the safety of youth online, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), of which Sen. Sullivan was an original cosponsor. KOSA provides new safeguards and controls for parents and youth to protect their online experiences and creates accountability for social media companies by requiring them to mitigate against harmful content.

“We can have the strongest economy and the best quality of life, but none of that matters if our kids are depressed, isolated, or considering ending their lives because of what they’re consuming online,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I want to commend my committee colleagues for coming together once again to advance serious legislation that protects young people online and shakes the vise grip that Big Tech has on our kids. When this bill comes to the floor, I’ll be working to incorporate my ADS for Mental Health Act, which would provide greater transparency around social media advertising targeting kids and promote mental health resources for users on these platforms. I urge my House colleagues to join us in passing these reasonable accountability safeguards and not allow the financial interests of Big Tech to override the well-being of our kids.”

Below is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan’s work on Big Tech accountability and mental health:

In March 2026, the Senate unanimously passed Sen. Sullivan’s Advancing Digital Support (ADS) for Mental Health Services Act, legislation to bring greater transparency to social media advertising and encourage online platforms to promote mental health resources and community engagement.

In October 2024, Sen. Sullivan joined a roundtable discussion hosted by Alaska Children's Trust on the youth mental health crisis with educators, school administrators, law enforcement officials, youth mental health specialists, parents, and other experts.

On July 30, 2024, Sen. Sullivan voted with 90 of his Senate colleagues to pass the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act. This bill combined 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 toward minors and to encourage parent and guardian involvement in their children’s online activities.

In May 2024, Sen. Sullivan launched the “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” campaign to combat the increase in fentanyl-related deaths in Alaska and across the country.

In August 2023, Sen. Sullivan published an op-ed in the Anchorage Daily News encouraging Alaskans to unite to address the youth mental health crisis.

In July 2023, Sen. Sullivan hosted U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in Anchorage for a series of town hall-style roundtables to discuss the mental health crisis among youth, how social media impacts the crisis, and what can be done to combat it.

In July 2023, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Advancing Digital Support (ADS) for Mental Health Services Act, which would require reporting on targeted advertising and encourage online advertisers to dedicate some of their ads to mental health PSAs.

In April 2023, Sen. Sullivan introduced Bruce’s Law with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to bolster federal prevention and education efforts surrounding fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid that is increasingly being incorporated into illicit street drugs. The measure was named after an Alaskan, Robert “Bruce” Snodgrass, who tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 22 from fentanyl poisoning.

In January 2023, Sen. Sullivan sent a letter calling for hearings and potential congressional action on TikTok related to privacy issues, national security concerns, and the platform’s troubling influence on youth.

In March 2021, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Leveraging Integrated Networks in Communities (LINC) to Address Social Needs Act to expand collaborative care in Alaska to make it easier for health care and social service providers to work together for the benefit of patients’ whole health. This legislation was signed into law in December 2022. Sen. Sullivan introduced similar legislation for veterans in July 2023.

In April 2018, Sen. Sullivan questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during a joint Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committee hearing about Facebook’s market dominance and responsibility for published content.

In August 2016, Sen. Sullivan hosted an opioid summit to address Alaska’s unique challenges dealing with opioid and heroin abuse. The summit was attended by Dr. Murthy, as well as representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Veterans Health Administration, and several Alaska health care administrators.

# # #

Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-announces-release-of-413-million-for-alaska-native-education-program-grants,Murkowski Announces Release of $41.3 Million for Alaska Native Education Program Grants,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that the U.S. Department of Education (USED) has obligated $41.3 million in continuation awards through the Alaska Native Education Program (ANEP), providing long-awaited funding for 26 Alaska grantees. The continuation awards were expected to be released on July 1 but were delayed until Senator Murkowski engaged directly with the Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon last week to expedite the awards.

""Last week, I raised this issue with Secretary McMahon, and I’m pleased she agreed to expedite the obligation of the funds for the Alaska Native Education Program grants that Congress appropriated earlier this year,” said Senator Murkowski. “ANEP helps Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal organizations, eligible schools, and other organizations meet the needs of Alaska Native students in wide variety of ways. Grants provide, for example, culturally relevant curriculum, tutoring and other academic supports, indigenous language revitalization, workforce development opportunities, teacher professional development, postsecondary planning and support, and success, early childhood education, and afterschool programming. I will continue to champion this program and work with the Department to ensure this funding is administered more expeditiously going forward.""

The $41.3 million in continuation funding will fully support all 2024 and 2025 ANEP grantees. Grantees awarded funding in 2024 will receive the third and final year of their three-year grant period, while 2025 grantees will receive the second year of funding under their three-year awards.

###",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-duckworth-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-children-from-dangers-of-ai-toys-passes-committee,"Murkowski, Duckworth Bipartisan Bill to Protect Children from Dangers of AI Toys Passes Committee",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to help protect children from the dangers posed by toys that use artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots successfully passed through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) today. The Senators’ bipartisan Children’s Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026 would help equip families, pediatricians and policymakers with the independent evidence they need to better understand the emerging market of AI chatbot toys—which currently are not subject to any child-safety testing and are trained on content that is not appropriate for kids.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, and we must have a careful understanding of how our young people interact with this groundbreaking technology,” said Murkowski. “AI-enabled toys have the potential to significantly impact the physical, mental, and emotional development of our children. It is imperative we equip policymakers and America’s families with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about these devices, and I am grateful the Commerce Committee agrees.”

“These AI chatbots were never meant to be used by young children, yet they’re being embedded inside toys by the thousands,” said Duckworth. “We’ve already seen far too many instances where AI-enabled toys have imparted information to our children that could put them in immediate danger and have long-term impacts on their development. I’m glad our commonsense bill that mandates the federal government address this emerging issue has passed through committee—now the Senate must pass it with haste, for the sake of our kids’ safety.”

In December 2025, independent testing by U.S. PIRG Education Fund found AI toys discussing sexually explicit content and explaining where to find knives, pills and matches in the home—and instructing children how to light them. There is no current federal safety standard to address the AI inside a toy—only hazards such as choking, lead and flammability. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened an inquiry into the effects of AI companion chatbots on children, while the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) informed Congress earlier this year that it lacks explicit authority to evaluate non-physical hazards such as mental or emotional harm.

The Senators’ bipartisan Children’s Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026 would close this gap by:

Requiring the FTC and CPSC to provide Congress with a coordinated, actionable plan to address these emerging AI-enabled toy products; and

Requiring the congressionally chartered National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study into AI-enabled toys examining a wide range of issues, including potential risks to children’s physical, mental, emotional and social safety and well-being.

Full text of the legislation is available on Senator Murkowski’s website.",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-access-to-high-quality-health-care-in-remote-and-rural-areas,"Murkowski, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Increase Access to High Quality Health Care In Remote And Rural Areas",2026-08-03,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Reauthorization Act, which will increase access to high-quality health care in hard-to-reach areas. The bill reauthorizes funding for an innovative medical education program that deploys interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural areas, helping rural and remote communities access the health care services they otherwise would not be able to receive.

""In rural Alaska, you have to improvise. That's why I'm always interested in innovations that help our communities adapt to the realities on the ground. The ECHO training model has a proven track record of improving health outcomes by helping rural providers access specialized expertise, strengthening the quality of care, increasing provider retention, and reducing the need for patients to travel for specialty care,” said Senator Murkowski. “I'm proud to help the University of Alaska, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and other healthcare providers continue expanding this innovative model that lowers costs and improves care for Alaskans, wherever they live.""

The ECHO program grants will continue to be used for:

Equipment to support the use and expansion of the models, including for the secure exchange of electronic health information;

Support for health care providers that provide services under these models;

Instructional programming and training; and

Information collection and evaluation activities to study the impact of such models.",1,2026-08-04T07:35:49Z,2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-scott-tuberville-introduce-bill-to-create-secretary-of-the-coast-guard-position,"Sullivan, Scott, Tuberville Introduce Bill to Create Secretary of the Coast Guard Position",2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) have introduced the Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act, legislation that would create a Secretary of the U.S. Coast Guard, mirroring a position across all other branches of the U.S Armed Forces. Currently, the Coast Guard lacks a dedicated civilian leadership position, and it defaults to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

“I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to provide even greater support and advocacy to our Coast Guard with a dedicated civilian Secretary who can represent the needs and perspective of the Coast Guard at the highest levels of our federal government,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We rely on our brave Coast Guardsmen to monitor and defend vast maritime borders, execute life-saving search-and-rescue operations, respond to international crises, and support Department of War missions. No state is more aware of the important service of the Coast Guard than Alaska—home to more coastline than the Lower 48 states combined—which is why I spearheaded the largest investment in the Coast Guard in history in last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act.”

“The Coast Guard has a unique and highly specialized mission to protect our country from threats posed by smugglers, drug traffickers, terrorists, and other lawbreakers, and it deserves a service secretary to oversee and coordinate its operations, just like every other branch of the military,” said Sen. Scott. “This bill creates a Secretary of the Coast Guard in federal law to ensure the Service has the leadership it needs to take on the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. This is a matter of readiness and national security; Congress should pass this immediately so President Trump can make his nomination, and the Senate can get to work on confirmation.”

“The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are critical to our national defense and security, which is why they deserve the same strategic organization as other branches of our military,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Having a permanent Coast Guard Secretary will make the organization even more effective and enhance our national security. I’m proud to join this legislation with Sen. Rick Scott to give President Trump full authority to nominate a Secretary of the Coast Guard and further his mission of Peace Through Strength.”

Currently, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have a dedicated Secretary overseeing operations and representing the branch. However, the Coast Guard lacks a civilian executive leader, in an organization responsible for protecting 95,000 miles of coastline and 3.4 million square nautical miles of the U.S. exclusive economic zone.

This legislation creates, in statute, a Secretary of the Coast Guard to run as the leader of the branch. Upon this bill becoming law, the President would have the authority to nominate a Secretary of the Coast Guard subject to Senate confirmation.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

BACKGROUND:

Sen. Sullivan has consistently championed support for and robust investments in the Coast Guard to include the homeporting of four icebreakers in Alaska – specifically, three Arctic Security Cutters and the Cutter Storis.

Sen. Sullivan worked to pass the budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law in 2025. Because of Sen. Sullivan’s strong advocacy in the negotiations, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act made the largest investment in the U.S. Coast Guard in history—$25 billion for Fiscal Year 2026, including:

16 new icebreakers—three Polar Security Cutters (heavy icebreakers), three Arctic Security Cutters (medium polar icebreakers), and 10 light and medium icebreaking cutters;

22 new cutters—nine Offshore Patrol Cutters, 10 Fast Response Cutters, and three Waterways Commerce Cutters;

More than 40 new helicopters, six new C-130J aircraft, three new river cutters, and new maritime surveillance equipment (Many of these new Coast Guard aviation and ship assets will be coming to Alaska);

$300 million for the homeporting of theJuneau icebreaker, the Storis; and

$4.379 billion to repair docks, hangars, and shore facilities and replace aging infrastructure, funds that will help address the Coast Guard’s nationwide infrastructure backlog, as found in communities like Sitka, Seward, Kodiak and St. Paul.

###",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-advance-legislation-to-block-department-of-education-interagency-agreements,Murkowski and Colleagues Advance Legislation to Block Department of Education Interagency Agreements,2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)—all members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee—in voting to advance S. 5046, legislation they introduced to block certain Interagency Agreements issued by the Department of Education that would transfer critical offices and programs to other federal agencies that lack the staff and expertise needed to execute their missions. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who cosponsored the bill, also voted to advance it from committee.

Specifically, the Senators’ legislation would prevent the Department of Education from transferring to any other federal departments the Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Postsecondary Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, and Indian Education, or any programs implemented by those offices. The HELP Committee voted on the bill today and favorably reported it by a vote of 13 to 9.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s remarks on the legislation

TRANSCRIPT

To my colleagues, Senator Kaine, Senator Collins, and Senator Hassan, thank you for your willingness to get to a point where we have a universe where there are some real concerns about these movements between agencies, between departments, and the impact on kids.

And we cannot lose sight of the fact that at the end of the day, we're talking about children. Whether it's children with special needs, whether it's children in our elementary schools, whether it's our Native students: (we need to be) making sure that we don't lose that focus.

I had a pretty good conversation with Secretary McMahon. Obviously, she's advocating from a position to keep everything on track, citing for more time to do “proof of concept.” And I do listen to that.

But then I think about these kids in school. And when you're in school, when you're in the program that you rely on from day to day, your families rely on that. You're not really interested in knowing whether or not there's greater collaboration between agency folks because you've moved from one building to another.

So, I have taken the position that we allow for the programs that have been situated within the agencies - that Congress has directed for a good reason - that we allow those to continue.

But I think it is important to note that this was not a carte blanche, everything that the department has asked to be transferred we are objecting to. We're looking critically at the programs. We're looking specifically to the intent. I have a large Native population in my state. Alaska Natives are quite concerned about this. There was no Tribal consultation before any transfer was allowed.

So, these are issues that have real-time impact on our children right now and I would support the measure that my colleagues have advanced.

###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-merkley-continue-oversight-of-restoring-nsf-ocean-monitoring-systems,"Murkowski, Merkley Continue Oversight of Restoring NSF Ocean Monitoring Systems",2026-07-30,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) pressed the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide an update on the agency’s plans to redeploy vital Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) sensors. The bipartisan letter follows the Senators securing a commitment from NSF to pause its planned removal of the OOI sensors, a complex system of 900 ocean monitoring instruments that provides crucial data for coastal communities, fishermen, and nationwide emergency preparedness.

While many other parts of the OOI remain in the ocean around the globe, Oregon’s removed Endurance Array devices still need to be redeployed by the NSF, which requires agency funding and personnel. Without the restoration of full OOI Endurance Array operations, Pacific Northwest researchers and fishermen will be left without access to critical data during the busy summer and fall months.

“We respectfully request an update on NSF’s efforts to restore all OOI operational capabilities, including the Endurance Array, with information on the status of rescoping activities approved with budget as well as rescoping activities requested but still awaiting budget authority approval,” Merkley and Murkowski wrote. “Budget uncertainties impact the OOI program’s ability to retain the necessary personnel to operate and maintain the OOI, and we urge NSF to provide the budget certainty needed to hire and retain the personnel for redeployment, as well as ongoing operations and maintenance.”

Merkley and Murkowski also highlighted that the NSF has yet to begin collecting input from stakeholders on the OOI, despite the agency’s June 18th statement that it would.

They stressed, “For this review, we encourage due consideration of input from and inclusion on the review panel of a broad range of representatives including users and stakeholders of ocean observing facilities. We also urge a transparent process for conducting the review, recommendations, and implementation plans. Finally, we ask that NSF brief us on the recommendations and implementation plans prior to finalization. We look forward to collaborating with the agency, communities, and experts to unlock the next generation of improved ocean monitoring and high-tech data collection.”

Previously, Merkley and Murkowski teamed up to block the NSF’s planned removal of the OOI’s sensors. The effort followed Senate passage of their Saving the OOI Act, a simple two-page bill that says no federal funds shall be used to decommission the OOI system until the NSF conducts a thorough review and assessment of the network with robust stakeholder engagement.

Full text of the bipartisan letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

Dear Acting Director Stone:

Thank you for your June 18th decision to reverse course on the descoping and removal of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). We are grateful for your responsiveness to our calls and those of stakeholders to preserve this vital, one-of-a-kind ocean monitoring network that so many Americans rely on.

In the NSF update on the OOI, NSF committed to “not proceed with further removal or descoping of equipment from the remaining arrays and will continue operations including planned maintenance. While the Endurance Array has been removed from the water, we are developing plans to redeploy the equipment after servicing.” We understand and appreciate that NSF moved expeditiously following this statement to initiate OOI rescoping for the Endurance Array, including the approval of budget authority and ship time needed to resume some of the operational capabilities of the Endurance Array.

We are grateful for NSF’s commitment to resume full OOI operations and understand that there are ongoing budget complexities and uncertainties within the agency. We respectfully request an update on NSF’s efforts to restore all OOI operational capabilities, including the Endurance Array, with information on the status of rescoping activities approved with budget as well as rescoping activities requested but still awaiting budget authority approval. Budget uncertainties impact the OOI program’s ability to retain the necessary personnel to operate and maintain the OOI, and we urge NSF to provide the budget certainty needed to hire and retain the personnel for redeployment, as well as ongoing operations and maintenance.

Additionally, the NSF’s June 18th statement indicates the agency’s intention to issue a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to collect input from a diverse array of stakeholders, while convening an expert panel to assess ocean observational needs, evaluate available data sources, consider responses from stakeholders, and help the NSF identify a sustainable path for ocean observing systems. We eagerly await the issuance of the NSF’s DCL. For this review, we encourage due consideration of input from and inclusion on the review panel of a broad range of representatives including users and stakeholders of ocean observing facilities. We also urge a transparent process for conducting the review, recommendations, and implementation plans. Finally, we ask that NSF brief us on the recommendations and implementation plans prior to finalization. We look forward to collaborating with the agency, communities, and experts to unlock the next generation of improved ocean monitoring and high-tech data collection.

This decades-long initiative offers exciting opportunities to take America’s ocean observing capabilities to the next level, and we welcome this opportunity to work with you, coastal communities, academic institutions, and industry technology providers to ensure the U.S. seizes this opportunity to improve ocean data systems that serve such a diverse array of American communities.

Thank you, again, for your decision to reevaluate the descoping of the OOI, and for your continued engagement with us as NSF works to restore operations. This complex monitoring network is critical for the safety of Americans and our understanding of dynamic marine ecosystems. We look forward to working with the NSF and our dedicated university research teams to assess and redeploy the OOI and Endurance Array as quickly as possible.

###",1,2026-07-31T07:49:23Z,2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowskis-geese-house-legislation-advances-from-committee,Murkowski’s Geese House Legislation Advances from Committee,2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—Earlier today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee favorably reported S. 4399, Senator Lisa Murkowski’s (R-AK) legislation to convey the Geese House site from the National Park Service to Doyon, Limited. The bill would transfer ownership to Doyon to ensure that the culturally significant site is managed by and for the Athabascan people of the region. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is cosponsoring the legislation and Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s remarks in committee today

TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Chairman, thank you, and the rest of the committee here, for advancing my bill S. 4399. This is the Geese House Site Conveyance Act.

I'm pleased that we've been able to move it out of committee this morning, but I do find it somewhat disheartening to see that what should be a non-controversial measure received a wholly partisan vote. From what I hear from the Ranking Member in your initial comments, the concern is not so much on the substance of the matter, but that we have not paired taking lands out of the federal estate with other conservation matters.

I understand the Chairman's challenges in trying to try to advance bills through this committee with a little bit of parity. I get that, and yet sometimes, as he has indicated, there are matters that are so very local, so very parochial, and maybe there's just more that accumulate on our side than on the other side. That's obviously a discussion that the Chairman and the Ranking Member have as you set agendas.

But I would like to just share with colleagues who may feel that they have concerns based on substance as opposed to the construct of the measures that we worked to advance this morning.

This is not something that is new. Once again, we're seeking to address failures within the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act that was passed back in 1971 to address aspects of that settlement that have not yet been fulfilled. So, we are building this legislation on decades of work by Doyon to fulfill their land entitlement. The Geese House site is a sacred site for the Athabascan people who have called this land home for millennia.

After the passage of ANCSA, the Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971, Doyon initiated a pretty aggressive effort to help identify the significant sites and ensure conveyance of lands with historic and cultural importance. And it was through this process that the Geese House site was identified, and then Doyon formally filed its selection in 1978. So, we're going back a long way, folks. But then in 1980, what happens? We have ANILCA, which is the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, that was passed by Congress. And that Act established the boundaries of the Denali National Park and Preserve.

So, you have Doyon that is acting to complete their selection of sacred and historic sites. ANILCA comes in, overlays on top of that, and so there has been, again, a decades-long effort by Doyon to secure the Geese House site. And then in the Biden administration, the National Park Service determined that the conveyance was going to require an act of Congress. Up to that point in time, there had been efforts to try to advance it through the administrative process. (National) Park Service comes back and says, ""You’ve got to legislate.”

So here we are, nearly 50 years after the site was selected. The conveyance remains unfulfilled. To the merits of the selection itself, this bill would facilitate the transfer in the form of a parcel. It's as the Ranking Member has noted. It's a little shy of 22,000 acres. It's 21,750 acres, but it fulfills the commitments that were established under ANCSA to provide for the conveyance of culturally significant and historic lands.

And it wasn't that Doyon just kind of “willy-nilly” said “we want this section.” They worked with the Park Service, they got feedback from the Park Service. It allows for clear and manageable boundaries for the Park Service to continue the administration of the lands across the whole preserve, but it also establishes protection for cultural sites and ensures that Doyon can secure reasonable access to the site.

We did this in consultation with the local Tribes, with the communities, many of which have provided resolutions in support for the conveyance. And we have had opportunities within this committee over the years to talk about the significance of what it means within these Native lands to ensure that we are protecting sacred sites and culturally historic sites. And we certainly saw that with the Ranking Member’s passion when it came to Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. There was at that time, working with the last administration, a public land order, withdrawing more than 336,000 acres surrounding Chaco Cultural National Historic Park. And so that was an effort where, again, I certainly respected the Ranking Member's desire and what he sought to do with those protections for the cultural sites.

Some have suggested that 21,000 acres (for Geese House) is too large, and we need to narrow it down. But again, I'm looking back to Chaco, that was a 336,000-acre buffer for an area (Chaco Culture National Historic Park) that's only about 34,000 acres. So, the concern that we are hearing is that this is too much. And again, as I related in the last committee markup, when we were moving the Landless bill, part of the challenge that we have in Alaska is that so much of our lands are held in the federal state, roughly 223 million acres of federal lands. And so, when we need to try to make reasonable adjustments, we've got to come to Congress to do so.

So, when you when you put the Geese House conveyance into perspective, Denali National Park and Preserve spans more than six million acres, and the land that we're talking about conveying is less than one half of 1%. It's 0.36% be exact. We also strictly limit the conveyance by prohibiting mining. We protect the site's cultural significance, and we bar transfer of it to anyone other than the United States.

So, what we're trying to do here is again ensure the land that was faithfully stewarded by the area's Native people for thousands of years can again be managed by and for them. We would maintain that this conveyance is not excessive, and it's deliberately sized to avoid revealing the exact sacred site in a public manner.

So, I am again pleased that we've been able to move it out of committee. But I would hope that, given the protections that we establish in this legislation, and the work carried out to develop the selections in coordination with the Park Service, and with good support from the communities in the region, that we will be able to work together in a reasonable manner and find full agreement to return the Geese House site to the Athabascan people before the end of this Congress.

So, I'm happy, Mr. Chairman, to work with anyone on this committee, obviously on both sides of the aisle, to give further clarification, answer any questions or concerns. But I am pleased that we were able to advance it this morning.

Background:

Following the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Doyon, Limited worked with Alaska Native Elders to identify culturally significant sites eligible for conveyance under the Act. One such site is Geese House, a place of longstanding importance in the oral traditions of Northern Athabascan peoples. Doyon formally selected the site for conveyance in 1978; however, the conveyance was never completed. In 1980, the site was incorporated into the Denali National Park and Preserve through the enactment of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) which established the national park.

In recent years, Doyon sought to complete the conveyance of the Geese House site through an administrative conveyance process with the National Park Service (NPS). However, the NPS determined that existing law does not provide sufficient authority to transfer the site administratively and that legislation is required. This bill would accomplish the conveyance of the Geese House site to Doyon and ensure its stewardship and access for generations to come.

###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-murkowski-hickenlooper-introduce-legislation-to-permanently-authorize-nsf-office-of-polar-programs,"Sullivan, Murkowski, Hickenlooper Introduce Legislation to Permanently Authorize NSF Office of Polar Programs",2026-07-29,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), have introduced the Promoting Operational Leadership in Arctic and Antarctic Research (POLAR) Act, legislation that will permanently authorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) and reinforce NSF’s leadership and Alaska’s role in advancing U.S. interests in polar research and development through education, workforce development, and critical research infrastructure. The bill will strengthen the United States’ ability to observe, understand, and predict the physical, biological, and geological processes in polar regions by supporting informed decision-making, navigational safety, national security, and the long-term resilience of Alaska’s communities.

“In the past few years, we’ve begun to realize a vision I’ve championed for Alaska as an intellectual research hub, anchored by our world-class universities and the major research institutions that have been coming to our state,” said Sen. Sullivan. “The National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs is one piece of this vision, supporting innovative and creative scientific research in Earth’s polar regions and funding Alaska’s Arctic research institutes, which are critical to the preparedness and resilience of arctic communities and strengthening both America’s national security and Arctic defense. This week, Senators Murkowski, Hickenlooper, and I introduced legislation to make this office permanent. Our legislation will secure the polar sciences’ place among other leading scientific fields, clarify how much funding goes to Arctic versus Antarctic research, and strengthen the office that provides the majority of the National Science Foundation’s funding to the University of Alaska Arctic research system for years to come.”

“As the Arctic grows in strategic importance, the United States must continue investing in the research, infrastructure, and expertise needed to strengthen our understanding of this rapidly changing region,” said Sen. Murkowski. “The National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs has long provided the scientific and logistical foundation for American leadership in the Arctic and Antarctica. By establishing the Office as a permanent directorate within NSF, the POLAR Act ensures our nation is better positioned to advance critical research, support national security, and maintain U.S. leadership in the polar regions. It also reinforces the University of Alaska's role as our nation's premier Arctic research institution and a cornerstone of America's Arctic future. I appreciate Senator Sullivan's leadership and the close partnership with the University of Alaska in developing this legislation.”

“As a geologist, I’ve seen how research drives discovery and innovation,” said Sen. Hickenlooper. “Colorado is a global leader in atmospheric and polar research, and elevating NSF’s polar programs will support the groundbreaking work happening right here in our backyard.”

“The University of Alaska system extends deep gratitude to Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) for introducing the Promoting Operational Leadership in Arctic and Antarctic Research Act or the POLAR Act,” said Michelle Rizk, Interim President, University of Alaska System. “We also commend Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) for joining Senator Sullivan on this important legislation. By elevating the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Office of Polar Programs to a full Directorate, this bill raises polar science to its rightful place alongside other important areas of science, including engineering, computer science, biology, and mathematics. NSF is the largest federal sponsor of UA research, and polar programs fund more research than any other component of NSF. We are grateful for Senator Sullivan's leadership in supporting NSF and working to strengthen its polar and Arctic research programs. We look forward to the timely passage of the POLAR Act.”

“As America’s Arctic University, we are very appreciative and supportive of the legislation proposed by Senators Sullivan and Hickenlooper to address the critical need for knowledge of the polar regions,” said Dr. Larry Hinzman, Interim Chancellor, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). “The U.S. and international Arctic and Antarctic research and policy communities know that such investments are essential to help our nation address challenges related to food, energy and national security, as well as providing greater understanding of space physics, climate dynamics and oceanic processes. The Promoting Operational Leadership in Arctic and Antarctic Research Act (POLAR) is a vital step in the right direction.”

BACKGROUND:

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a world-class intellectual hub for Arctic research, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and cold weather innovation. Senator Sullivan has been a longtime advocate for UAF, recently securing critical funding and partnerships to grow the university’s Arctic research programs.

In July 2026, following Sen. Sullivan’s advocacy, NSF announced that the Alaska Critical Mineral Collaborative (ACMC), led by UAF, was selected as one of the new NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine could bring up to $160 million in funding to Alaska over the next 10 years and will help advance critical mineral development, innovation and collaboration, across Alaska and the United States.

In May 2026, Sen. Sullivan secured a 3-year agreement between UAF and the Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The collaboration will fast-track the developments and production of technologies to support the U.S. military, initially focusing on energy, hypersonics, drone operations, remote sensing, and space systems.

###",1,2026-07-30T07:32:48Z,2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-colleagues-lead-efforts-to-bolster-made-in-america-hydropower,Murkowski and Colleagues Lead Efforts to Bolster Made-In-America Hydropower,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C.–Yesterday, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the “Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act.” This bill will reform the Federal Power Act to reduce delays and costs of hydropower licensing. Specifically, the bill would limit Section 4 (e) and Section 18 mandatory conditioning of hydropower licenses under the Federal Power Act to those conditions that are related to “direct adverse effects” of the project.

“Throughout my time in the Senate, I have heard the same message from Alaska’s utilities and local leaders: the hydropower relicensing process is broken,” said Murkowski. “With 40 percent of our nation’s non-federal hydropower licenses set to expire by 2035, including 12 projects in Alaska, we need to address the unwarranted delays and costly federal requirements that often bear little connection to a project’s direct impacts. Those burdens make it much harder to maintain and expand one of Alaska’s most reliable sources of renewable, baseload power. By ensuring mandatory licensing conditions are tied to a project’s direct adverse effects, this legislation will provide greater regulatory certainty, reduce unnecessary costs, and help keep electricity affordable and reliable for Alaskans.”

“Hydropower is a growing source of power in both Montana and across the nation. The demand for U.S. energy is increasing every year, and we need to do everything we can to ensure we’re prepared to meet this rise in demand. These reforms will ensure the hydropower licensing process is more efficient, so we can get critical projects done in a timely manner,” said Daines.

“More than half of Idaho’s in-state electricity generation comes from hydropower, underscoring the importance of continued investment in the operation of both public and private dams. The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act improves the relicensing process to ensure our dams continue to meet growing demand for affordable, reliable baseload power while efficiently serving our communities,” said Risch.

Read the bill text HERE.

The senators also wrote a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce urging support and action on these reforms. The letter urges the agencies to:

Limit mandatory conditions to those that address direct effects of a project,

Limit the scope of the project area to its immediate vicinity,

Reasonably define ‘fishway’ to clarify that prescribed structures are intended only to address direct impacts to fish passage;

Require conditions to be backed by the best available science,

Require agencies to provide a statement with any conditions that demonstrates equal consideration to the effects of the condition “on energy supply, distribution, cost, and use; flood control; navigation; water supply; and air quality (in addition to the preservation of other aspects of environmental quality),” as required in Section 33, and

Ensure that conditions are not overly burdensome or costly.

“Taking steps now to address these issues will usher in a generational shift in hydropower production, keep costs lower for consumers, build jobs, maintain reliability for the grid, and protect blackstart assets, all while continuing to protect our natural resources. We urge you to immediately initiative rulemakings at each of your agencies and look forward to working closely with you to support new and existing hydroelectric generation,” they wrote in the letter.

Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) joined Murkowski, Daines, and Risch in sending the letter.

Read the full letter HERE.

Statements of Support:

“Hydropower is a critical resource in meeting Alaska’s growing energy needs while providing long-term electricity cost stabilization for families and businesses throughout the state. Alaska Power Association strongly supports the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act, which will ensure permitting agencies properly scope their mandatory conditions to address the direct effects of hydropower projects. Too often projects, and ultimately ratepayers, are asked to bear higher costs due to issues unrelated to project operations or impacts. We commend Senator Murkowski and Senator Daines for their leadership on this issue and urge Congress to quickly pass this much needed legislation,” said Crystal Enkvist, Executive Director, Alaska Power Association.

“Common sense hydropower reforms mean we need to pair the permit with the project. That’s why the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act is so important. For too long, hydropower producers have been forced to pay for wish-list items that have nothing to do with the reliable power they provide. With rising energy demand and 16,000 MW of hydropower up for license renewal over the next decade, we can’t afford to keep the status quo. I thank Senators Daines, Risch and Murkowski for taking action on this top priority, along with Rep. Cliff Bentz, who is leading this effort in the House. NHA looks forward to working closely with these water power champions to move this bill through Congress as quickly as possible,” said Matthew Allen, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, National Hydropower Association.

“Thank you Senators Daines, Risch and Murkowski for introducing the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act. This legislation will help create greater certainty in the permitting process for our hydropower assets, while ensuring our projects maintain their environmental integrity to protect fish and wildlife. Hydropower makes up nearly 23% of our generation portfolio at NorthWestern Energy, allowing our company to meet customer demand with affordable, reliable, and carbon-free power,” said Brian Bird, President and Chief Executive Officer, NorthWestern Energy.

###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/senator-murkowski-applauds-doj-settlement-resolution-supporting-alaska-native-healthcare-system,Senator Murkowski Applauds DOJ Settlement Resolution Supporting Alaska Native Healthcare System,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, welcomed the resolution of a longstanding legal dispute between the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and the federal government, which will provide $400 million, plus approximately $63 million in interest, to address improperly withheld contract support cost reimbursements under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA).

The settlement resolves the case, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium v. Kennedy, following years of litigation over the federal government’s obligation to reimburse tribal health organizations for the costs associated with carrying out health care services on behalf of the federal government. The agreement follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe, which affirmed tribal rights to contract support cost reimbursement under ISDEAA.

""Contract support costs are essential to ensuring tribal health organizations have the resources they need to provide the care the federal government has entrusted them to deliver. I have long fought to ensure the federal government honors its commitments to Alaska's tribal health organizations and fully meets its trust responsibility,” said Senator Murkowski. “In Alaska, our tribal health system is a lifeline. For many people in rural and remote communities, it is their primary access to essential health care. Resolving this lawsuit is a significant victory because it provides long-overdue certainty and resources that will allow ANTHC to strengthen health care delivery, invest in critical infrastructure and workforce needs, and focus on serving patients rather than continuing costly litigation. This settlement represents an important step forward for Alaska's tribal health system and the communities it serves. I thank the Department of Justice for helping bring this longstanding matter to a successful resolution.""",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-begich-applauds-house-passage-stop-insider-trading-act,Congressman Begich Applauds House Passage of Stop Insider Trading Act,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 22, 2026 – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation to strengthen transparency and accountability in Congress by prohibiting Members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing individual stocks. Congressman Nick Begich, a proud co-sponsor of the legislation, praised the bill's passage as an important step toward restoring the public's trust in government.

“The American people deserve to know that their elected representatives are serving the public interest, not their own financial interests,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “Frequent trading of individual stocks by Members of Congress has become an increasingly problematic issue and needs to end. Public service is a public trust, and Alaskans expect honesty, transparency, and accountability from those they send to Washington.”

The Stop Insider Trading Act, introduced by House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01), prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing securities issued by publicly traded companies or comparable financial instruments.

Nearly 200 House Democrats voted against the measure.

###",1,2026-07-24T07:30:11Z,2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-boost-health-care-workforce,"Murkowski, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Boost Health Care Workforce",2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act, legislation to address health care workforce shortages in Virginia and across the country. The bill would help internationally educated health care professionals overcome common barriers to entering the health care workforce in the United States.

“Many of our rural communities face significant obstacles to providing quality health care because of workforce shortages. This legislation would create opportunities for qualified health care professionals to help meet the needs of Alaskans,” said Senator Murkowski. “These health care professionals have found a home in Alaska and are ready and willing to answer the call to serve their communities. It is a win for everyone when we recognize their value and welcome their expertise into our nation's health care workforce.”

“Everywhere I go in Virginia—especially in rural communities—I hear about health care workforce shortages. We should think creatively to address those shortages and ensure we’re tapping into all of the resources and talents of those in the United States,” said Senator Kaine. “One way we can do this is by making it easier for people who were trained internationally and have significant experience to enter the health care workforce. I’m proud to introduce this bill that would help these professionals serve their communities.”

According to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), over two million college-educated immigrants in the U.S. are either unemployed or underemployed, and approximately 270,000 of these individuals hold health-related degrees but are working below their level of training or are not working in health care. The Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would help tap the talents of these individuals—who are living in the U.S. and legally able to work—and make it easier for them to enter the health care workforce at a level commensurate with their education, skills, and experiences.

Specifically, the Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act would create a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration to:

Support communities in developing local- and state-level partnerships between health care organizations, community-based organizations, higher education, and state and local governments to help connect internationally educated health care professionals with the resources they need to enter the health care workforce.

Address barriers internationally educated health care professionals trying to enter the health care workforce face by –

Assisting with obtaining overseas academic or training records and providing support throughout the U.S. licensing and credentialing process.

Developing work-readiness, peer support, mentoring, and culturally competent career counseling opportunities.

Establishing opportunities to complete necessary prerequisite courses, continuing education training, and English-language learning.

Supporting growth opportunities to address classroom and clinical instructor shortages.

Give priority to partnerships focused on supporting health care workers serving rural communities or filling a workforce shortage within a community.

The legislation is supported by: Advocates for Community Health, Afghan Cultural Society, American Geriatrics Society, American Health Care Association, American Public Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association, Americas Essential Hospitals, Arkansas United, Association of Clinicians for the Underserved, Association of Dental Support Organizations, Ballad Health, California Immigrants Resources Center, Chemeketa Community College, Federation of American Hospitals, Gerontological Society of America, Global Cleveland, IMPRINT Coalition, Intealth, International Institute of Buffalo, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, LeadingAge, Lifepoint Health, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, Medicos Unidos Venezuela, National AHEC Organization, National Association for Geriatric Education, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association of Indian Nurses of America, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, National Black Nurses Association, National Center for Assisted Living, National Immigration Forum, National League for Nursing, National Rural Health Association, National Skills Coalition, Pars Equality Center, Los Angeles, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Portland Refugee Support Group, Providence Public School, Restore Education, RUSA LGBTQ, Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, Synergy Texas, Talent Beyond Boundaries, The International Medical Graduates Academy (TIMGA), The Welcoming Center, Tiyya Foundation, TruMerit, UnidosUS, Upwardly Global, US Together, Virginia Center for Assisted Living, Virginia Health Care Association, Virginia Rural Health Association, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Welcome Back Initiative, Welcoming City, and World Education Services.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-epa-regulatory-relief-putting-downward-pressure-on-alaska-fuel-prices,Sullivan Welcomes EPA Regulatory Relief Putting Downward Pressure on Alaska Fuel Prices,2026-07-17,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Measure will unlock tens of thousands of gallons per day in refining capacity

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, today welcomed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin’s issuance of an emergency fuel waiver under Section 211 of the Clean Air Act, an action the Senator has been advocating for as a way to lower fuel prices. The waiver is an action of the National Energy Dominance Council’s (NEDC) Rural Alaska Energy Security Task Force, announced in May by Secretary of the Interior and NEDC Chairman Doug Burgum. The waiver temporarily relaxes federal diesel-fuel sulfur requirements for qualifying sales of Arctic-grade diesel above the Arctic Circle in compatible engines and equipment.

The action will allow North Slope producers to put substantial idle refining capacity to work, increase local fuel production, and displace a significant portion of the ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) currently transported to the North Slope so that it can be utilized by Alaskans.

“Global fuel supply disruptions have been a significant challenge for Alaska communities, resulting in rising fuel prices,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This targeted, commonsense measure—part of the NEDC Rural Alaska Energy Security Task Force—frees up Alaska-produced fuel to help put downward pressure on prices for hard-working Alaskans. I want to thank members of the administration, especially Secretary Burgum, Secretary Wright, and EPA Administrator Zeldin, for working with me to get this done. This is one important near-term step that I’ve relentlessly pushed for, and I will continue pressing for additional actions that will bring relief for Alaska’s families facing high energy costs.”

“President Trump has prioritized ensuring American families have an affordable domestic energy supply and EPA is proud to once again deliver, this time specifically for Alaska,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Thanks to strong support and advocacy by Senator Sullivan, Alaskans will no longer be forced to unnecessarily truck their fuel hundreds of miles across the state and Alaskan families will feel lower prices at the pump. This is a prime example of why EPA has waiver authorities in the first place; unique circumstances warrant unique solutions.”

Before the waiver, federal diesel-fuel sulfur standards prevented locally refined Arctic-grade diesel from being used in most internal-combustion engines, effectively limiting its use to heating and freeze protection and leaving significant North Slope refining capacity idle. Industry data indicate that at least 56,000 gallons of ULSD are currently trucked from Fairbanks to the North Slope each day, increasing to approximately 63,000 gallons per day during peak periods. By allowing existing topping units to supply eligible engines and equipment with locally produced fuel, the waiver will displace a substantial share of these shipments and unlock tens of thousands of gallons per day in previously unused local refining capacity. Up to an estimated 75,000 gallons of additional diesel per day could be brought online by North Slope producers.

The waiver takes effect upon signature, remains in force for 20 days, and can be renewed. Sellers must label fuel distributed under the waiver, and the fuel may be used only in eligible engines and equipment consistent with EPA’s conditions.

# # #",1,2026-07-18T06:58:50Z,2026-07-18T07:00:34Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/landless-bill-advances-from-senate-committee,Landless Bill Advances from Senate Committee,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today announced that her bill allowing five Alaska Native communities to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) passed out of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) by voice vote. The legislation, which would remedy a decades-long inequity for Haines, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Tenakee, now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

Senator Murkowski’s bill, S.2554, the Alaska Native Landless Equity Act, would amend ANCSA to allow these five communities to form Alaska Native urban corporations and receive 23,040 acres—or one township—of federal land. The communities were excluded from ANCSA when it was enacted on December 18, 1971. Last month, H.R. 41, Congressman Nick Begich’s (R-Alaska) companion legislation, passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and no recorded opposition.

Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s remarks

Click here to see the one-pager on Senator Murkowski’s legislation.

Some of the strongest advocates for protecting the Tongass National Forest have weighed in with their support for this legislation.

TRANSCRIPT

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Indeed, we are trying to fix this.

Again, this has been one of those efforts that, when you think about legislation you have worked over the course of a legislative career, the engagement that goes on within the communities, the engagement that goes on with different groups, the engagement that goes on with legislators...

This dais changes from time to time, and from Congress to Congress. I've had the opportunity to work with various ranking members on this, and now with Senator Heinrich, as we work to again educate and try to reinforce the wrong that we are attempting to right here.

I think oftentimes when you think about the Alaska Native Claims Settlement (Act), you think, ""Okay, a settlement is a settlement. 50 years ago. One and done."" And in fairness, it is all about ensuring that the terms of the settlement, as were agreed to, actually translate into the opportunities that settlement was intended to provide.

I mentioned the outreach that we have been engaged in. At the beginning, it was very much viewed as a fight (over) giving back federal land into the hands of individuals. Environmental concerns were expressed that we were going to allow untrammeled environmental degradation of the land. (There were) lots of concerns, and I think a lot of scare tactics that were there.

There are no better stewards of our Alaska's lands than the people who have lived on them for thousands of years. We have been able to not only to engage with but turn the views of many of the initial opponents to this legislation, among them The Wilderness Society, The Nature Conservancy, some of the strongest protectors of environmental values in the Tongass. Both have written letters of support for this bill, recognizing that we need to find this balance while also addressing the inequities (faced by) the Native people who were left out.

I added the letters from The Nature Conservancy and The Wilderness Society to our hearing record in February, so I don't feel like I need to add them here. But I'll just remind (people) that this should not be the controversial measure it has historically been viewed as.

I think all you need to do is look at the House and their recent actions on this. They worked on this bill, together, across the aisle, reported it from full committee… and the full chamber passed it on suspension by a voice vote with no recorded opposition.

So I’m just going to remind you: no opposition in the House—in this current House, where we don't see a lot of measures, particularly lands measures, (move without opposition). I think there's good reason for that, because it comes back to the inequity that we have seen and an effort to do right by the Alaska Native people who were excluded so many decades ago.

Again, I want to thank all who have worked with us, and I especially want to thank Senator Heinrich for your engagement on this. I understand your views toward conservation, and we respect them. The concern we hear from so many back home is that, when we're (talking) about an area where so much of the land is already federally owned and so much is already in conservation status, there’s just not a lot left over. So, again, making sure we can get ourselves to a good place on this is deeply appreciated.

I appreciate your willingness to have this measure move out by voice today. I acknowledge that you have asked to be recorded as a ""no,"" and my goal, and my ambition, and that of (my) team, is to help you and your team get to a place where we can all be supportive of rectifying this long-overdue wrong.

With that, I thank the committee, and I look forward to further engagement and moving this (legislation) and passing it into law.

Thank you very much.

Background: ANCSA transferred 44 million acres of land to more than 200 regional, village, and urban corporations to resolve land claims throughout Alaska—but did not include the five Southeast communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Tenakee.

The lands selected for conveyance to the new ANCSA Native Corporations in the bill were chosen by the landless communities in consultation with the Alaska Native communities, affected communities, local stakeholders, the U.S. Forest Service, and the public to allow for consideration of existing land uses.

Consistent with ANCSA, each community will form an urban corporation and receive approximately 23,040 acres identified on the maps referenced in the legislation. The total amount of land to be transferred equals roughly 115,000 acres and will account for less than 0.7% of the Tongass National Forest’s 17 million acres.

The Alaska delegation has introduced landless legislation since the early 1990s with Congressman Don Young leading the fight. In 2020, the delegation pivoted and introduced legislation with proposed land selections identified on maps. In December 2023, ENR favorably reported the Alaska Delegation’s Landless legislation.

Click here to view maps of proposed land selections that would be conveyed to the five communities through the legislation.

###",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-schatz-introduce-major-legislative-package-to-support-native-children-families-and-communities,"Murkowski, Schatz Introduce Major Legislative Package to Support Native Children, Families, and Communities",2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i), Vice Chairman of the Committee, introduced the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act (S.4976), a comprehensive legislative package aimed at advancing the well-being and future opportunities of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. A culmination of Senator Murkowski’s longstanding commitment to improving outcomes for Native children and families, this legislation builds on more than a decade of work to identify and address the unique challenges facing Native communities. This bill was developed based on the recommendations and themes of the report, The Way Forward, by the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, issued in February 2024.

The Commission, established through bipartisan legislation co-led by Senator Murkowski and former Senator Heitkamp, was created to conduct the first comprehensive, national examination of the programs, systems, and supports serving Native children. Through years of hearings, listening sessions, and site visits across Indian Country, the Commission elevated the voices and experiences of Native children, families, Tribes, and Native organizations. Its final report provided a roadmap for strengthening federal programs, improving coordination and service delivery, addressing data challenges, and supporting culturally grounded solutions that better meet the needs of Native children and communities.

“Every Native child carries the strength, hope, culture, and future of their community, and we have a responsibility to ensure they have every opportunity to thrive. Throughout my time in the United States Senate and my visits to hundreds of Alaska Native communities, I have seen the challenges families face, but I have also seen the incredible strength, resilience, and solutions that come from within these communities. The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act reflects what I have learned from listening to Native families, youth, leaders, and communities across Alaska and Indian Country—that lasting change comes from supporting the solutions communities know will work best for their children,” said Chairman Murkowski.

“The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act is an investment in the future of Native Hawaiian families. It strengthens support for Native Hawaiian children, improves health and housing, invests in education and language revitalization, and ensures Native Hawaiians have a seat at the table in shaping programs that affect their community,” said Vice Chairman Schatz.

“The National Congress of American Indians celebrates the introduction of the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act by Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Brian Schatz. Ten years ago, the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children became law, charged with identifying solutions for the crisis facing Native children. Today, we finally have an opportunity to act on those recommendations. The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act proposes over $800 million in investments, including nearly half a billion dollars that could begin flowing through set-asides to Indian Country immediately. These are real resources that Tribal Nations will use to protect children, strengthen families, and build lasting systems of care. Our children have already waited a decade. They cannot afford further delay. Congress must act now to pass this legislation and ensure Native children and families receive the support and opportunities they deserve,” said Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director for the National Congress of American Indians.

“The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act marks a historic and comprehensive federal commitment to meeting the unique needs of Native children and families. By addressing health, education, housing, nutrition, and justice through an integrated legislative approach, this bill embodies the collective voices and expertise of our communities that informed the Commission’s work. Meaningful reform at this scale is not typically swift or simple. It is built on years of testimony, deep engagement, and rigorous analysis of the systems impacting Native children nationwide. This bill transforms those efforts into actionable, cross-sector policy solutions. Cook Inlet Tribal Council strongly supports this legislation and extends our sincere gratitude to Senator Murkowski for her unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Native children and families,” said Gloria O’Neill, President and CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.

""Native children thrive when decisions about their well-being are informed by the communities, cultures, and traditions that have sustained our people for thousands of years. The introduction of this legislation reflects a growing recognition that Native leaders must have a meaningful role in shaping policies that impact Native children and families. We are encouraged by this collaborative approach and remain committed to advancing solutions that support healthy, strong, and resilient Native communities,” said Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN).

""Mahalo nui loa to Senators Murkowski and Schatz for their leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our children. The Native Children’s Act will provide a broad range of resources to address systemic barriers and challenges which impede progress for Native families. Although we support all sections of the bill, we especially appreciate the provisions aimed at providing stable and direct funding to Native American language schools and programs, including special training for teachers required to master both language fluency and subject matter expertise. Those provisions acknowledge the transformational success of Native American language medium education, and the decades of determined efforts by Native American communities to preserve, protect and revitalize their own cultures and languages,” said Dr. Kauanoe Kamana, President of the ?Aha Punana Leo, the sole Native Hawaiian educational organization providing statewide Hawaiian language revitalization-focused childcare, early education and follow-up support into adulthood. “Passage of this legislation will hold the federal government accountable to carry out the trust responsibility of the United States. Most importantly, this legislative effort by Senators Murkowski and Schatz promises to move us closer to a future where Native children have a chance to reach their full potential.”

Additional stakeholder quotes can be found here.

The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act turns years of listening into action by advancing solutions shaped by Native communities, strengthening Tribal self-determination, and supporting the health and well-being of future generations.

The legislation included eight titles aimed at improving the livelihoods of Native children and families in the areas of justice, housing and homelessness, education, childcare and workforce issues, nutrition, the expansion of research and data capabilities, and physical, behavioral, and environmental health.

A section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here.

Additional information on Chairman Murkowski’s work to develop the Native Children’s Implementation Act can be found here.

###",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-wins-for-alaska-in-committee-passed-water-infrastructure-package,Sullivan Secures Wins for Alaska in Committee-Passed Water Infrastructure Package,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Bill Continues Progress on Juneau Flooding Solution, Nome Deep-draft Port

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, this week voted with all his colleagues to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 from committee with a number of significant provisions for Alaska. These include provisions providing continued funding for water and sewer infrastructure in rural Alaska communities,addressing the recurring glacial lake outburst flooding in Juneau, Alaska, and offering significant cost savings for the community of Nome as it builds the nation’s first Arctic deep-draft port.

“Alaska is a resource-rich but infrastructure-poor state. Building out our infrastructure is a critical way to bring down our state’s high cost of living and make life more affordable for all Alaskans,” said Sen. Sullivan. “My team and I worked hard to ensure this year’s WRDA legislation prioritizes Alaska’s infrastructure needs and delivers major investments in our communities. Among other priorities, this year’s WRDA will help cut through red tape and fast-track a permanent engineering solution to the yearly threat of glacial flooding in Juneau and maintain the significant progress on our nation’s first Arctic deep-water port in Nome, which will strengthen Arctic security and reduce the cost of goods for the people of Nome and communities across the region. I was also able to include provisions that focus the Corps’ attention on building up the resilience of western Alaska villages that have dealt with erosion and severe storms and provide adequate funding and staffing for the Corps to fulfill its permitting duties in our vast state in a timely manner. Finally, this important legislation will also continue to deliver clean running water and flush toilets to rural communities across Alaska, an effort that I’ve led since I first got to the Senate. I’ll be working with my colleagues to advance this legislation on the Senate floor and get it to the President’s desk for his signature.”

“Thanks to Senator Sullivan’s steadfast efforts, the Arctic Deep Draft Port in Nome is a reality,” said Nome Mayor Kenny Hughes. “Construction is underway this summer, and the provisions he has secured in the 2026 WRDA bill in today’s mark-up will help to ensure that this vital infrastructure project is one step closer to supporting national security missions and the region’s economy.”

“This bill is critical to protecting our community from devastating flooding,” said Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon. “Juneau is fighting for our very future, and we are beyond grateful to Senator Sullivan for his tenacity and leadership in that fight at the federal level.”

“Throughout the years, Senator Sullivan has fought relentlessly for the Arctic Deep Draft Port,” said Nome Port Director Joy Baker. “His dedication and leadership have been instrumental as we have navigated the challenges that come with such a significant project, and we sincerely appreciate his vision and support.”

“Access to safe, reliable water is foundational to good health and to the strength of communities across Alaska,”said Natasha Singh, president and CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. “The Water Resources Development Act will play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of many people served by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium by investing in water and sanitation. ANTHC thanks Senator Dan Sullivan for his efforts on this important legislation and for his tireless support of the people and communities we serve. We are encouraged to see the bill advancing through the legislative process and strongly support its final passage.”

Regarding Alaska’s priorities, Sen. Sullivan’s provisions in WRDA 2026:

Fast-track relief for the Juneau glacial outburst flooding challenge by directing the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to expedite the process and proceed directly to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design.

Prohibit any reduction in the scope or capability of the Port of Nome project and classify its supporting infrastructure as serving a federal interest in national security, with the potential to significantly reduce the cost of the project to the local community.

Designate the west coast of Alaska as a federal priority area, compelling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to prioritize funding, investigations, and design to combat coastal erosion and storm surge in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong.

Green-light new feasibility studies for Kodiak Harbor, Scow Bay Harbor in Petersburg, Kodiak Island Borough flood and bank stabilization, Talkeetna flood and bank stabilization, and Unalaska coastal storm risk management.

Direct the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to fast-track and complete ongoing feasibility studies for the Homer Harbor modification and the separate Port of Nome Inner Harbor project.

Mandate that the Corps adequately staff and resource the Alaska District’s regulatory and permitting missions to account for the state’s massive geography and unique circumstances.

Secure $13.7 million in direct authorizations—working with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)—for local drinking water and wastewater projects, including $7 million for Sitka, $3.3 million for Nelson Lagoon, $2.1 million for Ouzinkie, and $1.3 million for Soldotna.

Reauthorize the Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities program at $140 million annually and authorize $60 million annually for Alaska Native village sanitation, crucially expanding eligibility to cover emergency operations and maintenance repairs.

Reauthorize $55 million annually for materials management infrastructure, alongside $30 million annually for drinking water, wastewater, and Trash Free Waters grants—programs and grants established by Sen. Sullivan’s 2020 Save Our Seas 2.0 Act.

Mandate a report on how to incorporate commercial fish landings into the Corps’ benefit-cost metrics in Alaska, breaking down barriers that have historically disadvantaged Alaska harbor projects.

Mandate a 90-day report on the Corps’ implementation of Executive Order 14153, including a review of staffing and the implementation of Alaska’s resource development priorities.

# # #",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-celebrates-national-science-foundation-critical-mineral-accelerator-engine-coming-to-uaf,Sullivan Celebrates National Science Foundation Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine Coming to UAF,2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Award Could Bring Up to $160 Million in Funding to Alaska

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today celebrated an announcement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that the Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative (ACMC), led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), has been selected as one of the new NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The designation could bring up to $160 million in funding to Alaska over the next 10 years and will help advance critical mineral development, innovation, and collaboration across Alaska and the United States.

“The new NSF Engine anchored at UAF, one of our nation’s premier research universities, will position the United States to lead not only in mineral production but also in the technologies that make mining smarter, safer, and more sustainable,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Alaska is home to 56 of the 60 minerals designated as ‘critical’ by the United States. That’s why I’ve championed efforts in the Senate to secure our nation’s critical mineral supply chains and realize Alaska’s untapped mineral potential to reduce America’s dangerous overreliance on China. ACMC’s proposal is another mineral initiative that I strongly advocated for, including through several letters and conversations with the leadership of the National Science Foundation. Alaska’s NSF mineral accelerator engine is one piece of a larger vision for UAF and our research institutions across the state that I’ve been pushing for years. UAF’s recently announced collaboration with the Department of War is another sign of the growing recognition of Alaska’s strategic importance and the state’s emergence as a world-class hub for research and innovation, including now in the critical minerals sector. I want to congratulate members of the Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative on all your hard work in putting forward such a strong proposal.”

“Senator Sullivan has long recognized that Alaska's critical minerals are essential to America's economic future and national security,” said Lee Ann Munk,director, Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative. “His leadership in advancing domestic mineral development and secure supply chains has helped create the momentum that made this opportunity possible. We are grateful for his steadfast support and look forward to working together to ensure Alaska becomes the nation's leader in critical minerals innovation, technology, and workforce development.”

Background

Sen. Sullivan has focused heavily on strengthening domestic critical mineral supply chains and ensuring that federal scientific investments translate into real-world competitiveness, national security, and durable economic growth.

Below is a timeline of Sen. Sullivan’s recent advocacy for the ACMC proposal.

In July 2025 and October 2025, Sen. Sullivan led two Alaska congressional delegation letters of support endorsing the ACMC proposal.

In February 2026, Sen. Sullivan participated in a virtual site visit (roundtable) intended to provide NSF leaders and external reviewers with an Alaska leadership perspective as part of the ACMC’s final application review process. Roundtable participants included University of Alaska (UA) President Pat Pitney, UAF Chancellor Mike Sfraga, Alaska Department of Natural Resources leadership, Alaska Native Corporation representatives, mining industry stakeholders, and research partners. During the roundtable, Sen. Sullivan emphasized Alaska’s strategic importance to U.S. critical mineral supply chains, the strength of the cross-sector coalition supporting the engine, and his commitment to helping bridge federal coordination or policy gaps if ACMC’s proposal is selected.

In March 2026, Sen. Sullivan sent a follow-up letter to NSF leadership thanking them for the February 2026 roundtable and reiterating his support for the ACMC proposal.

In June 2026, Sen. Sullivan met with Brian Stone, acting director of the NSF, and conveyed his support for the ACMC application to the NSF Regional Engines Program.

# # #",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/delegation-welcomes-corps-permit-for-king-cove-road,Delegation Welcomes Corps Permit for King Cove Road,2026-07-10,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Anchorage, AK—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) approval of a permit to facilitate construction of a life-saving road between the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska and nearby Cold Bay. The one-lane gravel connector will provide reliable transportation access from King Cove to Cold Bay, which is home to an all-weather airport.

“This is more good news for King Cove and all who care about the health, safety, and wellbeing of the hundreds of people who live there,” Murkowski said.“After decades of relentlessly making the case and pushing with everything we have, this life-saving road is finally almost a reality. A combination of careful analysis and common sense from the Trump administration—the Department of the Interior and now the Army Corps—have brought us to this point. I thank them for their continued commitment to protecting and improving these Alaskans’ lives.”

“For Alaskans, the decades-long King Cove Road impasse has been a symbol of an uncaring, out-of-touch, faraway federal government that prioritizes the lives of birds over people,” said Sullivan. “The great residents of King Cove time and again have kept hope alive, despite setbacks, most recently when the Biden administration disregarded the voices of the community and withdrew the previously approved land exchange. The permit issued by the Corps of Engineers today is vindication for King Cove, putting us closer than ever before to delivering a lifesaving, 11-mile, single-lane gravel road to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. I want to thank the Administration, especially Secretary Burgum and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Telle, for listening to Alaskans, for caring about their safety and well-being, and for putting us on the cusp of a historic breakthrough for safe and reliable access for King Cove.”

“This permit approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a critical milestone in a decades-long effort to provide the people of King Cove with the infrastructure they need to build an essential life-saving road,” said Begich. “For nearly 50 years, the community has advocated for a road connecting King Cove to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. This project addresses an obvious public safety need and will provide a reliable route for emergency access in adverse weather conditions. I commend everyone who helped move this project forward, from residents who never stopped advocating, to Secretary Burgum, the Army Corps of Engineers, Governor Dunleavy, and Alaska’s congressional delegation over many years.”

King Cove is located between two volcanic peaks near the end of the Alaska Peninsula, and its small gravel airstrip is typically closed by bad weather for more than 100 days each year. Many flights not canceled are delayed by wind, turbulence, fog, rain, or snow squalls; travel by boat is often impacted by waves that can top 12 feet and the lack of suitable dock infrastructure in Cold Bay. By comparison, Cold Bay, which is less than 30 miles from King Cove, has one of the longest runways in the state and it is closed an average of just 10 days per year.

At present, there are roads leading out of both King Cove and Cold Bay but no connection between them. The lack of dependable transportation access to Cold Bay routinely forces emergency medevacs from King Cove that risk the lives of patients and responders alike. It also creates significant quality-of-life issues, ranging from King Cove residents’ inability to regularly receive mail to week-long travel delays for students returning home from various activities.

King Cove residents have sought this life-saving connector road for decades. In late 2025, a major breakthrough occurred when the Trump administration conveyed490 federal acres to the King Cove Corporation in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned land near the Kinzarof Lagoon and the relinquishment of selection rights to more than 5,430 acres still owed to KCC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

The Corps permit issued this week is valid for five years and allows for dredge and fill activities to occur on just over five acres of land. For perspective, the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge spans 315,000 acres and there are at least 130 million acres of wetlands across Alaska.

More information is available here.

###",1,2026-07-11T07:10:48Z,2026-07-11T07:14:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-exemption-for-registered-alaska-native-craftsmen-from-new-etsy-ban-on-fur-sales,Sullivan Secures Exemption for Registered Alaska Native Craftsmen from New Etsy Ban on Fur Sales,2026-07-10,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, this week secured a new exemption to the animal product policy of Etsy that will allow Alaska Native craftsmen to continue selling fur items on the online crafts marketplace. The new policy, which goes into effect on August 11, will exempt taxidermy, byproduct materials, such as leather, sheepskin, shearling, cowhide, wool, or mohair, or fur products from sellers who are registered with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board from Etsy’s ban on products containing natural animal fur, regardless of age or origin.

“Just a month after the signing of my ARTIST Act into law, we’ve secured another significant win for Alaska Native craftsmen who’ve sustainably harvested wildlife and created clothing, handicrafts, and artwork for thousands of years,” Sen. Sullivan said. “When my team and I first heard about Etsy’s planned policy change this spring, we got to work, reaching out directly to Etsy’s CEO to explain how the company’s blanket prohibition affects the lawful practices of our artisans and harms the livelihoods of Alaska Native people across our many rural communities. I want to thank Etsy for being responsive to the concerns of Alaskans.”

Background

Sen. Sullivan has led several efforts to protect the rights of Alaska Native artisans and continues to educate others on the negative impacts facing Alaska Native and rural economies as a result of overly broad bans. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 permits Alaska Native people to take marine mammals and to create and sell “authentic Native articles of handicrafts and clothing” made from lawfully harvested marine mammals, including sea otter fur, subject to strict requirements that these harvests are not taken in a wasteful manner. TheIndian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 further established a framework to protect authentic Alaska Native-produced art and craft products.

In June 2026, the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, Sen. Sullivan’s legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists using walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing, was signed into law.

In May 2026, Sen. Sullivan wrote to Etsy's CEO demanding a change to the company’s new animal product policy that would prevent Alaska Native artists from selling fur handicrafts.

In February 2019, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists and Facebook to clarify Facebook Marketplace’s policies regarding the sale of products or artwork made with any “part, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur.”

In February 2018, Sen. Sullivan worked with Alaska Native artists to resolve a previous issue with Etsy that banned Alaska Native products that include sealskin, sea otter, and ivory.

# # #",1,2026-07-11T07:10:48Z,2026-07-11T07:14:29Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-welcomes-corps-permit-for-king-cove-road,Delegation Welcomes Corps Permit for King Cove Road,2026-07-10,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) approval of a permit to facilitate construction of a life-saving road between the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska and nearby Cold Bay. The one-lane gravel connector will provide reliable transportation access from King Cove to Cold Bay, which is home to an all-weather airport.

“This is more good news for King Cove and all who care about the health, safety, and wellbeing of the hundreds of people who live there,” Murkowski said. “After decades of relentlessly making the case and pushing with everything we have, this life-saving road is finally almost a reality. A combination of careful analysis and common sense from the Trump administration—the Department of the Interior and now the Army Corps—have brought us to this point. I thank them for their continued commitment to protecting and improving these Alaskans’ lives.”

“For Alaskans, the decades-long King Cove Road impasse has been a symbol of an uncaring, out-of-touch, faraway federal government that prioritizes the lives of birds over people,” said Sullivan. “The great residents of King Cove time and again have kept hope alive, despite setbacks, most recently when the Biden administration disregarded the voices of the community and withdrew the previously approved land exchange. The permit issued by the Corps of Engineers today is vindication for King Cove, putting us closer than ever before to delivering a lifesaving, 11-mile, single-lane gravel road to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. I want to thank the Administration, especially Secretary Burgum and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Telle, for listening to Alaskans, for caring about their safety and well-being, and for putting us on the cusp of a historic breakthrough for safe and reliable access for King Cove.”

“This permit approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a critical milestone in a decades-long effort to provide the people of King Cove with the infrastructure they need to build an essential life-saving road,” said Begich. “For nearly 50 years, the community has advocated for a road connecting King Cove to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. This project addresses an obvious public safety need and will provide a reliable route for emergency access in adverse weather conditions. I commend everyone who helped move this project forward, from residents who never stopped advocating, to Secretary Burgum, the Army Corps of Engineers, Governor Dunleavy, and Alaska’s congressional delegation over many years.”

King Cove is located between two volcanic peaks near the end of the Alaska Peninsula, and its small gravel airstrip is typically closed by bad weather for more than 100 days each year. Many flights not canceled are delayed by wind, turbulence, fog, rain, or snow squalls; travel by boat is often impacted by waves that can top 12 feet and the lack of suitable dock infrastructure in Cold Bay. By comparison, Cold Bay, which is less than 30 miles from King Cove, has one of the longest runways in the state and it is closed an average of just 10 days per year.

At present, there are roads leading out of both King Cove and Cold Bay but no connection between them. The lack of dependable transportation access to Cold Bay routinely forces emergency medevacs from King Cove that risk the lives of patients and responders alike. It also creates significant quality-of-life issues, ranging from King Cove residents’ inability to regularly receive mail to week-long travel delays for students returning home from various activities.

King Cove residents have sought this life-saving connector road for decades. In late 2025, a major breakthrough occurred when the Trump administration conveyed 490 federal acres to the King Cove Corporation in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned land near the Kinzarof Lagoon and the relinquishment of selection rights to more than 5,430 acres still owed to KCC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

The Corps permit issued this week is valid for five years and allows for dredge and fill activities to occur on just over five acres of land. For perspective, the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge spans 315,000 acres and there are at least 130 million acres of wetlands across Alaska.

More information is available here.",1,2026-07-12T07:28:31Z,2026-07-12T07:30:18Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-welcomes-corps-permit-king-cove-road,Delegation Welcomes Corps Permit for King Cove Road,2026-07-10,2026,2026-07,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Anchorage, AK—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) approval of a permit to facilitate construction of a life-saving road between the isolated community of King Cove, Alaska and nearby Cold Bay. The one-lane gravel connector will provide reliable transportation access from King Cove to Cold Bay, which is home to an all-weather airport.

“This is more good news for King Cove and all who care about the health, safety, and wellbeing of the hundreds of people who live there,” Murkowski said. “After decades of relentlessly making the case and pushing with everything we have, this life-saving road is finally almost a reality. A combination of careful analysis and common sense from the Trump administration—the Department of the Interior and now the Army Corps—have brought us to this point. I thank them for their continued commitment to protecting and improving these Alaskans’ lives.”

“For Alaskans, the decades-long King Cove Road impasse has been a symbol of an uncaring, out-of-touch, faraway federal government that prioritizes the lives of birds over people,” said Sullivan. “The great residents of King Cove time and again have kept hope alive, despite setbacks, most recently when the Biden administration disregarded the voices of the community and withdrew the previously approved land exchange. The permit issued by the Corps of Engineers today is vindication for King Cove, putting us closer than ever before to delivering a lifesaving, 11-mile, single-lane gravel road to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. I want to thank the Administration, especially Secretary Burgum and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Telle, for listening to Alaskans, for caring about their safety and well-being, and for putting us on the cusp of a historic breakthrough for safe and reliable access for King Cove.”

“This permit approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a critical milestone in a decades-long effort to provide the people of King Cove with the infrastructure they need to build an essential life-saving road,” said Begich. “For nearly 50 years, the community has advocated for a road connecting King Cove to the all-weather airport in Cold Bay. This project addresses an obvious public safety need and will provide a reliable route for emergency access in adverse weather conditions. I commend everyone who helped move this project forward, from residents who never stopped advocating, to Secretary Burgum, the Army Corps of Engineers, Governor Dunleavy, and Alaska’s congressional delegation over many years.”

King Cove is located between two volcanic peaks near the end of the Alaska Peninsula, and its small gravel airstrip is typically closed by bad weather for more than 100 days each year. Many flights not canceled are delayed by wind, turbulence, fog, rain, or snow squalls; travel by boat is often impacted by waves that can top 12 feet and the lack of suitable dock infrastructure in Cold Bay. By comparison, Cold Bay, which is less than 30 miles from King Cove, has one of the longest runways in the state and it is closed an average of just 10 days per year.

At present, there are roads leading out of both King Cove and Cold Bay but no connection between them. The lack of dependable transportation access to Cold Bay routinely forces emergency medevacs from King Cove that risk the lives of patients and responders alike. It also creates significant quality-of-life issues, ranging from King Cove residents’ inability to regularly receive mail to week-long travel delays for students returning home from various activities.

King Cove residents have sought this life-saving connector road for decades. In late 2025, a major breakthrough occurred when the Trump administration conveyed 490 federal acres to the King Cove Corporation in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned land near the Kinzarof Lagoon and the relinquishment of selection rights to more than 5,430 acres still owed to KCC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

The Corps permit issued this week is valid for five years and allows for dredge and fill activities to occur on just over five acres of land. For perspective, the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge spans 315,000 acres and there are at least 130 million acres of wetlands across Alaska.",1,2026-07-14T07:08:55Z,2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-presidential-pardon-for-wasilla-diesel-mechanic-unjustly-prosecuted-by-the-epa,Sullivan Welcomes Presidential Pardon for Wasilla Diesel Mechanic Unjustly Prosecuted by the EPA,2026-07-03,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Spurlock’s Shop was Target of Armed EPA Raid in 2022

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, today welcomed an announcement that Mackenzie “Mac” Spurlock, a diesel mechanic and small business owner from Wasilla, has received a presidential pardonafter being convicted by overzealous federal prosecutors for modifying emissions systems on diesel engines for Alaska businesses to keep their vehicles operational in the state’s extreme cold climate conditions. Sen. Sullivan, who has led the fight in Congress against the misguided Obama-era Clean Air Act diesel regulations, sent a letter to President Donald Trump on March 12 requesting a full and unconditional pardon for Spurlock.

In June 2022, the Biden administration EPA raided Spurlock’s shop, Matanuska Diesel LLC, with dozens of armed agents and personnel from other federal agencies who were flown in from California, Washington, and Oregon. Spurlock is a veteran who served six years in the Alaska Air National Guard as an aerospace propulsion technician.

“Four years ago, about 30 armed EPA agents conducted a military-style tactical raid of Matanuska Diesel, owned by Mac Spurlock—a devoted husband and father, small business owner, and veteran of the Alaska Air National Guard,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Mac’s supposed crime? His shop had assisted trucking businesses by modifying several diesel emissions-control systems mandated by a one-size-fits-all Obama-era emissions regulation, ensuring the vehicles wouldn’t shut down in Alaska’s harsh, subzero conditions.

“In addition to Mac, I’ve heard from countless Alaska truckers, equipment operators, and small business owners who rely on diesel equipment about just how unworkable and dangerous these rules can be in a state with temperatures that regularly dip far below the freezing point of diesel exhaust fluid. As Alaska’s Senator, I’ve led hearings to shine a light on this challenge, introduced legislation to bring common sense to these onerous and unworkable EPA rules, and worked closely with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to loosen these regulations in the near term and end the overzealous prosecutions.

“While my focus is on fixing this issue once and for all, I’m not forgetting the patriots like Mac, who were unjustly caught up in this madness and who have literally had their freedoms taken away. Mac just wanted to help business owners keep Alaskans safe on the highways in the winter. Instead, Mac became a felon, was hit with a $32,000 fine, was restricted from traveling, and couldn’t own a gun or even reenlist in the Alaska Air National Guard, something he had planned to do. This morning, on the eve of the Fourth of July, President Trump called me to let me know he had issued a full and unconditional pardon, grantingMac his freedom back and righting a grave injustice.”

Under current EPA regulations, diesel trucks and heavy equipment are required to use emissions systems that can trigger engine shutdowns if the system detects a fault. In cold weather, these emissions components—including but not limited to diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)—often struggle to reach or maintain proper operating temperatures, causing the system to register faults even when the engine itself is running normally. These systems have created life-threatening situations for truckers, including one trucker whose vehicle shut down in a blizzard on the Dalton Highway, a 400-mile stretch of road leading to Prudhoe Bay with only one gas station.

In November 2025, Sens. Sullivan and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act, which would direct the EPA to update its regulations to account for how diesel engines actually operate in cold-weather states, like Alaska, to prevent the automatic shutdowns caused by cold-related emissions faults. The legislation would also provide year-round exemptions from DEF system requirements for vehicles and equipment that operate primarily in cold-weather climates.

On March 11, 2026, Sen. Sullivan participated in aSenate EPW hearing on the diesel engine emissions regulation issue and Sen. Sullivan’s Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act.

# # #",1,2026-07-04T07:41:55Z,2026-07-04T07:42:45Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-hickenlooper-move-to-reauthorize-cost-effective-geological-mapping,"Murkowski, Hickenlooper Move to Reauthorize Cost-Effective Geological Mapping",2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) program that improves understanding of geologic hazards, critical mineral, geothermal, and other subsurface resources across the country. Since its launch in 2019, Earth MRI has accelerated project timelines, reduced exploration risk, and lowered costs by making foundational geologic information publicly available. Current funding for Earth MRI is set to expire at the end of FY26.

“Earth MRI has proven its worth many times over for both the private and public sectors, which is why I worked to establish the program in the Energy Act of 2020, before securing funding for it through IIJA. In Alaska, Earth MRI has been especially valuable in helping us understand our own resource potential and in predicting hazards that many Alaskan communities face. Since the program's launch, mineral exploration spending in Alaska has more than doubled,” Senator Murkowski said. “Understanding the resources beneath our feet is integral as we work to secure our domestic energy production and supply chains. Reauthorizing this program and now accounting for modern mapping technologies is one of the best investments we can make to build on the foundational work already underway and ensure the U.S. remains competitive in developing the resources needed for our energy future.”

“As a former geologist, I’ve seen firsthand how geology helps build a stronger future,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “To meet our urgent economic and national security challenges, we need to continue funding critical minerals research and exploration, all while investing in the geologists of tomorrow.”

""State geological surveys have seen firsthand the value of Earth MRI. Since its establishment, Earth MRI has become one of the most successful federal-state partnerships in the geosciences, providing the foundational mapping, geophysical, geochemical, and data resources needed to strengthen domestic mineral supply chains, support energy security, and improve our understanding of the Nation’s subsurface resources. AASG applauds Senators Murkowski and Hickenlooper for their bipartisan leadership and strongly supports reauthorization of this highly successful program,"" said Dr. Ruarri J. Day-Stirrat, President, Association of American State Geologists.

Background:

The legislation would reauthorize Earth MRI for an additional five years at funding levels similar to those provided under IIJA. The bill would also expand the program to include natural hydrogen, an emerging domestic energy resource that is attracting growing scientific and commercial interest.

USGS launched the Earth MRI initiative in 2019 to expand domestic geologic mapping and geophysical survey capabilities. The Energy Act of 2020 provided the first statutory framework for the effort before the program was formally authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021. Funding provided through IIJA is set to expire at the end of FY26.

A 2025 economic analysis by the American Geosciences Institute found that federal geologic mapping provides a high return on investment, generating between $23 and $35 in benefits for every dollar invested. Alaska consistently ranks as one of the top jurisdictions in the world for mineral investment attractiveness in annual surveys of mining companies, and the Earth MRI survey region in Interior Alaska has seen a 14% increase in staked mining claims since the program began.

###",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-introduces-bycatch-reduction-act,Sullivan Introduces Bycatch Reduction Act,2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, this week introduced the Bycatch Reduction Act, an updated version of bycatch legislation Sen. Sullivan introduced last year that incorporates extensive input from Alaska stakeholders. The legislation is an outgrowth of Sen. Sullivan’s Alaska Salmon Task Force Act, which was signed into law in December 2022 and created the Alaska Salmon Task Force.

Sen. Sullivan’s Bycatch Reduction Act creates a robust toolkit to reduce bycatch and seafloor habitat impacts from mid-water and bottom trawl fishing vessels and strengthen reporting transparency and accountability. These tools include establishing clear standards and monitoring requirements to ensure trawl nets remain off the seafloor; mandating proven salmon excluder devices; investing in salmon tagging, faster genetic sampling, and ecosystem analyses; creating a new flume tank testing facility that simulates real ocean conditions to evaluate new gear and tools; and reauthorizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). Finally, the Bycatch Reduction Act would provide the public with greater access to participate in the North Pacific Fishery Management Council regulatory process and NOAA data monitoring, while prohibiting the import of seafood from countries like Russia and China that ravage global fish stocks and fail to meet the same sustainability standards required of American fishermen.

**Click here to view a section-by-section summary of the Bycatch Reduction Act.**

“I’ve heard from countless Alaskans—from subsistence harvesters to commercial and recreational fishermen, and from residents of coastal communities to upriver villages—who are rightfully demanding direct action to reduce bycatch and gear contact with the seafloor to better protect our fisheries,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Based on those numerous conversations and the important work of the Alaska Salmon Task Force, I’ve introduced the Bycatch Reduction Act, the most comprehensive bycatch legislation ever introduced in the Congress. My legislation has three clear objectives. First, it will protect Alaska’s ocean habitat and fisheries by setting clear standards, improving monitoring, and establishing strict enforcement measures for trawl fleets. Second, the legislation will make bycatch monitoring and reporting more transparent through investments in new technology and investigations, guided by a new Bycatch Reduction Task Force made up of Alaskans. Third, the legislation will help test and deploy innovative fishing gear and equipment that reduce bycatch or habitat disturbances. Together, these measures will meaningfully improve the long-term sustainability of the fishery resources so many Alaskans rely upon.”

Alaska Stakeholder Support

“I’ve spent my career on the water, and I know how important it is to reduce bycatch and protect our fisheries,” said Captain Bob Candopoulos, Alaska sportfish and charter leader and owner of Saltwater Safari Company. “No one in Congress has done more to champion Alaska’s fisheries and tackle the issue of bycatch than Senator Sullivan. When I shared my concerns with him last summer, he listened and was eager to find practical solutions, including new technologies and tools to reduce bycatch. This bill reflects that commitment, and I’m confident he’ll keep leading the effort until it gets signed into law.”

“Senator Sullivan’s Bycatch Reduction Act addresses critical data gaps in Alaskan fisheries. It encourages collaboration among fishermen across fishing sectors and promotes innovative technologies to understand the impacts of fishing gear on the seafloor and reduce unobserved mortality of important benthic species,” said Gabriel Prout, third-generation Bering Sea crab fisherman and president of Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers. “I applaud him for his efforts.”

“AMCC has long called for better data and stronger accountability around bycatch, unobserved fishing mortality, and seafloor contact from fishing gear,” said Michelle Stratton, executive director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council and a member of the Alaska Salmon Task Force in 2023. “This legislation includes important steps in the right direction, particularly its focus on research, monitoring, and performance standards tied to seafloor contact. To be meaningful, that work must lead to measurable, enforceable standards that reduce real impacts on salmon, crab, habitat, and fishing communities.”

“Kenai River Sportfishing Association applauds Senator Sullivan for introducing this legislation and advancing needed reforms to reduce bycatch,” said Shannon Martin, executive director of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association. “We believe this bill strengthens protections for marine benthic habitats while increasing transparency and accountability within the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.”

“Senator Sullivan understands that Alaskans want meaningful action to reduce bycatch and protect seafloor habitat from bottom trawling. His new bill does both,” said Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association(ALFA). “ALFA applauds this bold step forward.”

Background

Several fish and crustacean species that spend all or part of their life in the marine environment have been experiencing increased variability in their productivity and abundance. The Bycatch Reduction Act builds on recommendations identified by the Alaska Salmon Task Force, which sought to disentangle environmental and human-caused factors that may be contributing to species declines and survivability, including bycatch in the marine environment. The task force was originally convened as a result of legislation authored by Sen. Sullivan, which was signed into law in December 2022.

The Bycatch Reduction Act builds on the success of the Alaska Salmon Task Force Act by:

Reducing impacts on seafloor habitats and protecting species that live on the bottom with improved trawl gear and technology to keep nets off the seafloor and through monitoring and enforcement measures.

Requiring proven bycatch reduction measures like salmon excluders on all pollock vessels.

Improving transparency and public participation in regional fishery management councils through recorded meetings, expanding public comment opportunities, and a review of conflict-of-interest processes.

Reconstituting the Alaska Salmon Task Force (ASTF) and giving Alaskans direct oversight of all NOAA data collection and reporting on mid-water and bottom trawl gear impacts to the marine environment and seafloor habitat, and a direct role to decide what NOAA investigates next.

Holding foreign seafood harvesters and producers to the same standards as American fishermen by prohibiting imports from countries that fail to meet comparable bycatch and conservation requirements.

Requiring the tracking of Alaska salmon migrations in the ocean through salmon tagging to reduce bycatch, genetic testing, and a thorough ecosystem analysis across the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska looking at ocean conditions like food availability, marine heatwaves, sea ice loss, and ocean acidification to understand how Alaska’s changing oceans impact the survivability of salmon, halibut, crab, and other species Alaskans depend on.

Encouraging modern technology for all commercial fishermen, including small boats, to obtain NOAA experimental fishing permits to test innovative gear, equipment, or technology that reduces bycatch and seafloor contact.

Requiring NOAA to publicly post observer coverage requirements and bycatch information in plain language, so all Alaskans can understand how bycatch is being tracked.

Authorizing new funding and infrastructure that help all fishermen across Alaska access and test improved gear to reduce bycatch and protect marine seafloor habitats.

Further background on Sen. Sullivan’s work supporting fishermen and coastal communities

In addition to several other pieces of legislation that Sen. Sullivan was able to pass supporting fishermen, subsistence harvesters, and coastal communities, Sen. Sullivan has passed legislation and finalized executive branch actions in a whole host of areas supporting healthy marine environments, sustainable fishing, healthy salmon runs, and going after illegal foreign trawl fleets, particularly from Russia and China.

Sen. Sullivan led a years-long fight to impose a comprehensive ban on the import of Russian-origin seafood into the United States given Russia’s non-reciprocal ban on the import of U.S.-sourced seafood. Sullivan initially succeeded in securing a 2022 executive order to ban Russian seafood imports, but that ban was circumvented as Russian seafood was shipped to and transformed in other countries, especially China, and then shipped into the United States almost duty-free. Sen. Sullivan then worked to secure a new December 2023 executive order and resulting U.S. Department of the Treasury determination to close this loophole. In 2025, he worked with President Trump to keep these 2022 and 2023 Russian reciprocity executive orders in place.

Alaska Salmon Task Force Act—Signed into law in 2022 (Public Law No. 117-328). This legislation required NOAA to convene an Alaska Salmon Task Force. The task force reviewed and reported on research about Pacific salmon in Alaska, identified applied research needed to better understand salmon migrations and declining salmon returns in some regions of Alaska, and supported sustainable management of salmon.

In 2024, Sen. Sullivan led the filing of an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for Alaska in support of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s approval of Amendment 123. This action established a variable limit for halibut bycatch allocated to the commercial groundfish bottom trawl “Amendment 80” sector that is determined based on halibut abundance levels annually. This lawsuit was dismissed in 2024, with the court ruling that the Council had acted lawfully in its decision.

Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act—A bill to combat foreign illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by blacklisting offending foreign fishing vessels and strengthening enforcement by NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act—A House bill (H.R. 774) signed into law in 2015 (Public Law No. 114-81). Sen. Sullivan was an original cosponsor of the Senate companion version of this legislation and is responsible for shepherding it through the Senate Commerce Committee. This legislation implemented the Port State Measures Agreement, increasedcoordination, and strengthened Coast Guard and Commerce Department enforcement against IUU fishing.

FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act—Signed into law in December 2025 (Public Law No: 119-60).

A provision by Sen. Sullivan was included in the FY 2026 NDAA to prohibit military dining facilities and commissaries from purchasing or selling seafood that originates or is processed in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to help Alaska fishermen and deny a market for Chinese fishermen.

FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations—Signed into law in November 2025(Public Law No: 119-37).

Beginning in 2023, Sen. Sullivan passed an amendment on the Senate floor to prohibit the use of funds to procure seafood from China for use in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. This amendment has been carried forward in subsequent agriculture appropriations bills, including the recently enacted FY 2026 bill.

# # #",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/06/24/2026/murkowski-supports-bipartisan-housing-package,Murkowski Supports Bipartisan Housing Package,2026-06-24,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act this week, a bipartisan legislative package designed to increase housing supply, reduce costs, and strengthen federal housing programs nationwide. The legislation incorporates provisions from bipartisan housing proposals previously considered by Congress and represents one of the most significant federal housing packages in decades. The bill passed the Senate in March, was amended in the House, and was approved by both chambers this week following subsequent negotiations. It now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

“Housing affordability is a serious challenge across Alaska, where high construction costs, limited infrastructure, and logistical hurdles make it even harder to build homes,” said Senator Murkowski. “While no single bill will solve Alaska’s housing shortage, this package represents a path that will offer additional tools to support families and communities across our state. Throughout this process, I worked to ensure that the unique housing needs of rural and Tribal communities would be addressed in the legislation. Although some of those provisions did not make it into the final package, I will continue working with my colleagues to advance solutions that address the challenges facing all Alaskans.”

Several provisions in the bill would directly benefit Alaska, including:

Faster Disaster Recovery: The bill authorizes the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program for three years and establishes a new Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency at HUD. This new office will streamline disaster recovery assistance and speed the delivery of aid to communities rebuilding after disasters. These improvements will help Alaska respond more quickly and effectively to rebuilding efforts in communities such as Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, which were devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong in October of last year.

Strengthening the HOME Program: The legislation reauthorizes and improves the HOME Investment Partnerships Program by increasing administrative flexibility, simplifying requirements for local partners, and allowing communities to use funds more efficiently for housing construction, rehabilitation, and rental assistance.

Support for Veterans’ Homeownership: Multiple provisions expand awareness and accessibility of VA home loan benefits and improve housing assistance programs for veterans, including updates to mortgage disclosures and improvements to the HUD-VASH program serving unhoused disabled veterans. As the state with the highest per capita rate of veterans, it is essential we have the resources needed to support those who have served our country.

Modernizing Manufactured and Modular Housing: The bill includes reforms to modernize federal rules for manufactured and modular housing, helping expand innovative housing construction methods that can lower costs and better accommodate unique cold-weather building needs in states like Alaska.

Addressing Corporate Home Purchases: The legislation includes a provision aimed at limiting the ability of large institutional investors from purchasing certain single-family homes, helping ensure that more homes remain available for families rather than large corporate buyers.

The legislation also includes programs to support home repairs, improve housing counseling and financial literacy, and expand opportunities for affordable housing construction nationwide.

During Senate consideration of the bill, Senator Murkowski filed several amendments specifically aimed at addressing the housing needs of Tribal communities. While these were not included in the final package, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, she will continue advancing Tribal housing priorities through her legislation, the NAHASDA Modernization Act.

###",1,2026-06-25T06:30:03Z,2026-06-25T06:31:21Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-introduces-alaska-national-guard-rural-community-revival-act-to-bolster-arctic-readiness-and-support-rural-communities,Sullivan Introduces Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act to Bolster Arctic Readiness and Support Rural Communities,2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today announced that his Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to modernize National Guard infrastructure and personnel strategy in the nation’s most strategic and remote regions, with a primary focus on the Arctic, has passed out of SASC as part of the broader FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and is now headed to the Senate floor.

The Act mandates the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in coordination with U.S. Northern Command and the Golden Dome for America Office, to develop the “National Guard Rural Community Revival Plan” within 90 days of enactment. This comprehensive plan aims to optimize readiness and force posture across remote regions where extreme environments and isolation pose unique challenges to strategic national security priorities, specifically addressing critical sites that were once robustly supported by the Department of War (DOW) but have been neglected or abandoned over time.

“Rural Alaska used to be a critical component of America’s northern defense, with Alaska National Guard units anchored by armories and supportive communities. Unfortunately, most of these National Guard units and armories were shut down during the 1990s, harming these communities, national security, and opportunities for young Alaska Native men and women who want to serve their country. Today, we begin to correct this strategic mistake,” said Sen. Sullivan. “My legislation initiates ‘Phase One’ of our strategy to revive the Alaska National Guard in Rural Alaska—to reopen, invest in, modernize, and staff the infrastructure and armories that were so important to defending our nation during World War II and the Cold War. My legislation directs the Pentagon to comprehensively evaluate available assets, engage local partners, and deliver Congress a clear roadmap with actionable options and precise cost estimates. Ultimately, this ensures we have the exact baseline needed to secure long-term investments and continue the essential military build-out across Alaska.

“This plan isn’t just about military readiness; it’s also about community resilience. As we upgrade these facilities, we are establishing a framework where the Department of War and our local economies directly invest in one another. By aligning DOW resources with local workers and allowing Alaskans to serve in their own backyards, we ensure our rural communities grow stronger right alongside our national security posture.”

“The Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act further cements Alaska’s role as ‘Top Cover for North America,’” said Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner of the Alaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “Alaska is both a potential platform to project power and our home to defend. Rebuilding thriving and active armories in all parts of the state, especially in Western Alaska, gives us better ability to respond to whatever situation may come, whether they be from a foreign actor or an immediate response to a natural disaster. Additionally, the various military training programs available only strengthen and broaden the opportunities for Alaska’s youth in rural areas. This is a win-win scenario for all involved and I support Senator Sullivan’s efforts to strengthen our dual-state and federal mission capabilities.”

“As a state Senator who has represented Rural Alaska for decades, I support Senator Sullivan’s Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act,” said Alaska state Senator Lyman Hoffman. “Reopening our National Guard armories will boost our rural economies, enhance emergency response throughout Western Alaska, and provide a pathway for more young Alaska men and women who want to join the military and live in their communities.”

During World War II, a series of Federal Scout Readiness Centers were established across Alaska to create a logistics network for the military, particularly the Alaska Territorial Guard, to defend the vast territory, especially following the bombings and subsequent invasion of the Aleutians by the Japanese in 1942. This foundation was expanded dramatically during the Cold War with the creation of the Alaska Army National Guard’s Scout Battalions and armories, which supported surveillance, early warning, and defense mobilization efforts to counter the threat from the Soviet Union. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, many of these armory facilities and lands have been abandoned.

The Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act includes six key pillars:

Modernizing Arctic Infrastructure: The Act requires a comprehensive audit of all armories, readiness centers, and ranges in remote areas to ensure they can support training and operations, including integrated survival and combat operations, in contested environments.

Strategic Logistical Hubs: The Act mandates the creation of strategic logistical hubs to pre-position and store critical assets, including extreme cold-weather gear, emergency materiel, homeland defense equipment, and advanced communications infrastructure. These hubs will be strategically optimized to ensure the National Guard maintains rapid-response capabilities for both domestic disaster relief and national security operations in remote and austere environments.

Rural Personnel Incentives: To address critically understrength units, the Act authorizes a localized incentives framework, including exploring specialized remote duty allowances, signing bonuses, and educational stipends, designed to recruit Guard members directly from local rural communities.

Technological Resiliency: The Act prioritizes structural and technological upgrades, such as microgrid integration for primary power under extreme conditions, secure tactical satellite integration, and redundant high-latitude network systems.

Dual-Use Airfield Expansion: The Act promotes the expansion of existing runways and hangar facilities to accommodate both modern military platforms, such as rotary-wing and autonomous aerial systems, and civilian aircraft.

Public-Private Partnerships: The Act encourages leveraging enhanced use lease (EUL) authorities to co-locate commercial telecommunications and energy infrastructure within National Guard footprints, lowering costs for taxpayers while enhancing installation resilience.

# # #",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-secures-56-provisions-historic-26-billion-for-alaska-in-fy-2027-defense-authorization,"Sullivan Secures 56 Provisions, Historic $2.6 Billion for Alaska in FY 2027 Defense Authorization",2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Bill Supports Alaska's Military Members & Families, Makes Largest NDAA Investment in Alaska History

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and his fellow Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) colleagues last week advanced the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of committee by a bipartisan vote of 18 to 9. The $1.15 trillion legislation includes 56 provisions and amendments authored by Sen. Sullivan. It authorizes a historic $2.6 billion in military construction and projects specifically for Alaska, and requires the Department of War (DOW) to create a plan to audit, fortify, and fully staff previously abandoned armories in many Rural Alaska communities.

The FY 2027 NDAA also supports military service members and their families, addresses critical energy and housing challenges, and helps close key defense gaps in the Arctic. Finally, the legislation is focused on catalyzing a sweeping defense manufacturing revival to address the atrophied defense industrial base and to build a modern U.S. military that can meet the rapidly evolving threats of global adversaries.

“For over 10 years, in each annual defense authorization, I have consistently fought for and delivered robust investments in Alaska and our service members. In that regard, this year’s NDAA is a grand-slam home run, making by far the largest investment ever in our great state at $2.6 billion,” said Sen. Sullivan. “These investments bolster Alaska’s role as the cornerstone of America’s missile defense system, the hub of Arctic and Indo-Pacific air combat power, and a vital platform for expeditionary forces. A centerpiece of this year’s NDAA is the beginning of the historic, multi-year, $7 billion ‘Fighter Town USA’ recapitalization at JBER, which will build 26 state-of-the-art facilities to make JBER the most strategic base in the world, create upwards of 4,000 private-sector jobs, and bring many more military members to our state in the years to come.

“Other NDAA provisions I secured will improve the quality of life for our Alaska-based warfighters and their families, with a well-deserved pay raise, critical housing and education support, and upgraded base infrastructure at JBER, Eielson, and Fort Wainwright. Finally, this year’s NDAA includes my bill, the Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act,which requires the Pentagon to plan for reopening and staffing many of the long-abandoned armories that exist across Rural Alaska to broaden our military’s presence and capabilities in our highly strategic state.

“Thanks to the rigorous, bipartisan work of the committee, this NDAA sends a clear message of strength to our adversaries, fosters a groundswell of economic activity that will create thousands of good-paying jobs at home in Alaska, and ensures the United States military remains the most lethal fighting force on the planet. I will be working with my Senate and House colleagues to preserve all these vital provisions and expeditiously deliver this important legislation to the president’s desk.”

The FY 2027 NDAA supports U.S. service members and their families with provisions that:

Authorize funding to support a 3.6 percent pay raise for military members.

Refocus defense leadership on service member quality of life by establishing a new Assistant Secretary at DOW to elevate and prioritize housing, travel, and movement issues for military members.

Improve counseling and access to information related to foster care opportunities for military families.

Enhance housing transparency through long-term planning and by incorporating community feedback.

Authorize DOW to increase the maximum tuition assistance benefit.

The $2.6 billion in military construction and project authorizations for Alaska include:

$2.066 billion for the Fighter Town Recapitalization Build-Out at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER).

$56 million for Addition/Alteration (ADAL) Field Training Detachment.

$132.3 million for a Conventional Munition Complex.

$451.5 million for dormitories.

$93.8 million for a flight simulator.

$31.25 million for fuel cell maintenance.

$422.1 million for infrastructure and utilities.

$63.25 million for low observable aircraft structural maintenance.

$127.5 million for an operation and generation hangar.

$359.1 million for precision guided munition (PGM) relocation.

$50 million for public traffic route alignment.

$125.25 million for Squadron 1-1 airfield pavements.

$154 million for Squadron 1-1 flowthrough hangars.

$156.964 million for the JBER Phase 2 Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) restructure.

$147 million for a dining facility at Ft. Wainwright.

$50 million in increased launch capacity, which will benefit the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska on Kodiak Island.

$43.2 million for winter equipment for the U.S. Army in Alaska.

$42 million for Joint Integrated Test and Training Center (JITTC) INC.

$41 million for the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) Range Operations Center at Eielson Air Force Base.

$24 million for Barracks Increment 2 at Ft. Wainwright.

$15 million for resilient autonomous sensing in the Arctic.

$10 million for autonomy within the Golden Dome missile defense system, which will include projects in Alaska.

Sen. Sullivan’s Alaska-related provisions in the FY 2027 NDAA:

Direct a plan to optimize Arctic readiness and infrastructure by requiring an audit to repurpose underutilized armories into tactical, cold-weather logistical hubs, utilizing public-private partnerships with Alaska Native corporations, making microgrid upgrades, and building targeted recruitment frameworks to address severe personnel vacancies in remote regions.

Allow 8(a) small businesses to bid on DOW construction contracts by committing to open a local office within 60 days of winning a contract, rather than having local office presence before submitting a bid.

Mandate the formal integration of the Army National Guard into the comprehensive Army Arctic Strategy, helping the Alaska National Guard to procure winter gear.

Direct DOW to establish a comprehensive strategy and roadmap to mitigate local community impacts during the construction of private data centers on military installations. To guarantee that these facilities do not compromise local utility needs, this legislation mandates that DOW conduct rigorous grid impact assessments, requiring a formalized review of energy demands and commercial grid stability, before executing or renewing any Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) for military infrastructure or energy production.

Establish a joint DOW-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) military trauma care and research program with regional partners to bolster medical readiness across the Indo-Pacific and Arctic.

Establish an Analytics and Simulation Laboratory within the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies.

Increase the end strength of Alaska Air National Guard full-time support personnel to ensure there are no cuts to local positions.

Direct the transfer of certain military land to the Municipality of Anchorage and the Village of Eklutna for critical projects that would help DOW and the community.

Require a strategy to improve Arctic satellite connectivity by directing the Secretary of War to submit a plan to enhance high-speed data downlinks, winterize ground stations against extreme weather, and build resilient communication lines alongside the Coast Guard and Arctic NATO allies.

Allow the U.S. Coast Guard to bid within the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, enabling remote Alaska maritime communities to secure competitive DOW funding for critical roads, housing, and utilities to directly boost Coast Guard operational readiness and family quality of life.

Strengthen military grid resiliency by requiring DOW to establish energy redundancy, diversify power supply sources, and ensure critical installations maintain reliable power generation capacities.

Direct the expansion of energy storage by requiring DOW to establish minimum fuel reserves and build protected infrastructure to eliminate single points of failure in Alaska.

Direct DOW to conduct rigorous audits of domestic energy supply chains and foreign energy dependencies, establishing a clear roadmap to wean DOW off dependence on resources from foreign adversaries and aggressively invest in secure domestic supplies, specifically Alaska’s extraordinary oil, natural gas, and critical mineral resources, to guarantee absolute energy independence for the U.S. military.

Direct the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report and briefing to Congress, evaluating the infrastructure and funding needed to expand national security space launches at the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island in Alaska.

Direct DOW to brief Congress on the feasibility of establishing a dedicated Arctic Capable National Guard Special Forces unit.

Raise the spending limit for quick-approval construction projects from $9 million to $15 million and waive local cost adjustments for Alaska.

Other Sullivan priorities in the FY 2027 NDAA:

Support the implementation of the new Program Acquisition Executive (PAE) office scorecards, which serve as a primary diagnostic tool for assessing the operational health of each acquisition office.

Establish dual acquisition workforce pilot programs by directing DOW to create a venture capital training certification for contracting officers and an advisory program integrating commercial industry executives into senior procurement roles.

Build upon Sen. Sullivan’s FY 2023 and 2024 NDAA provisions requiring the Navy to maintain 33 amphibious ships.

Direct the Navy to conduct a study on using naval reservists to expand its existing workforce backup program for shipbuilding.

Direct the Secretary of the Navy to brief Congress on establishing a standard legal definition for “distributed shipbuilding” across all federal vessel construction programs.

Require all budget books to explicitly detail all uses of multi-year procurement authority and supporting data, providing a predictable federal demand signal to venture capital and private equity partners, while equipping Congress with enhanced visibility into investment risk and long-term program sustainability.

Require certain DOW contractors to report detailed information regarding their business exposure to China, including revenue, profits, assets, investments, supply chain dependencies, financing relationships, and employment ties connected to China.

Require that mission-critical systems delivering space-based tactical data be procured from multiple vendors to foster a robust and resilient marketplace, the final provision of Sen. Sullivan’s Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act.

# # #

Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-senate-passage-of-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-including-provisions-for-alaska-june,"Sullivan Welcomes Senate Passage of 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Including Provisions for Alaska",2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today welcomed Senate passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, comprehensive legislation to increase housing supply, cut regulatory barriers, and expand homeownership opportunities across the country, including in Alaska’s rural and urban communities.

“Wherever I am in Alaska, whether in our rural communities or more urban areas, I hear from countless Alaskans struggling to find affordable housing. Supply shortages and the high cost of construction are major contributors to this crisis,” Sen. Sullivan said. “ROAD to Housing takes meaningful steps to address these challenges head on: modernizing local development and rural housing programs, streamlining burdensome federal red tape, supporting the innovative work many communities are undertaking to increase supply, including with manufactured housing, encouraging investment in housing, improving access to lending, expanding tools that can help families repair homes and maintain Alaska’s existing housing stock, increasing homeownership opportunities for Americans, directing HUD to review the applicability of Build America Buy America (BABA) requirements to the HOME program, and helping more veterans make use of the housing benefits they’ve earned. This legislation also builds on the progress we made in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act by complementing key economic development tools, like Opportunity Zones and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit—programs that help drive private investment and expand housing development in underserved communities across our state. Together, these efforts will expand safe, affordable housing opportunities across Alaska and help more Alaskans achieve the dream of homeownership.”

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help unlock greater housing availability by:

Increasing the cap on banks’ public welfare investments, including Housing Credits and Housing Bonds, from 15% of a bank’s capital and surplus to 20%, increasing demand from investors for Low Income Housing Tax Credits, thus increasing capital investment for affordable housing construction.

Establishing a flexible Innovation Fund to support communities, including tribes and Alaska Native Corporations, working to increase housing supply and improve community infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems.

Reauthorizing and modernizing key federal housing programs, including the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which is used annually in Alaska to help expand affordable housing and homeownership opportunities while reducing development costs and administrative burdens.

Authorizing HUD’s Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) Program to provide grants to communities to maintain, protect, and stabilize manufactured housing and manufactured housing communities and including a set aside for rural and tribal communities.

Incentivizing landlord participation in the Section 8 voucher program by removing red-tape for the housing choice voucher (HCV) process. In Alaska, over 4,000 families participate in the HCV program statewide and more than 2,000 rental property owners are already accepting HCVs. There is currently a waitlist for HCVs in Alaska. More landlords accepting HCVs could help reduce this waitlist.

Implementing language directing HUD to review the applicability of Build America Buy America (BABA) requirements to the HOME Program. Sen. Sullivan has repeatedly advocated to HUD to exempt affordable housing programs or review the applicability of BABA requirements to affordable housing programs.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will support housing repair and restoration by:

Authorizing a home repair pilot program to address Alaska’s aging housing stock by providing grants and loan opportunities to help families repair homes, improve energy and water efficiency, and address health and safety hazards. The program can also support workforce training for critical home repair industries, an important need in many rural Alaska communities.

Strengthening disaster recovery tools by authorizing the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery program for another three years and establishing a new Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund to support housing restoration, infrastructure rebuilding, economic revitalization, and mitigation efforts in communities impacted by catastrophic disasters, including Alaska communities rebuilding after Typhoon Halong.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will cut costly, unnecessary red tape by:

Streamlining federal environmental reviews to reduce unnecessary delays for housing development while maintaining appropriate protections, including simplifying review requirements for smaller housing projects and improving coordination between federal agencies.

Right-sizing National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) reviews for small and infill housing projects, which will simplify the regulatory process.

Directing HUD and USDA to coordinate on joint environmental reviews for housing projects funded by both agencies.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will improve veterans’ access to housing by:

Improving transparency and access to home loan options for veterans, including a provision that Sen. Sullivan cosponsored in the Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act.

Excluding veterans’ disability compensation from annual income calculations under the HUD-VASH program to help more homeless veterans access Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) housing.

Sen. Sullivan has been a leader in the Senate on working to increase the supply of affordable housing for middle- and low-income families and individuals, notably through his Workforce Housing Tax Credit (WHTC) Act, which would establish the first-ever middle-income housing tax credit, mirroring the success of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.

# # #",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-sullivan-welcome-funding-for-fisheries,Murkowski and Sullivan Welcome Funding for Fisheries,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) welcomed the announcement of roughly $99 million in funding allocated for Alaska fishery disasters from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This is a step toward funding for three Alaska fisheries that experienced disasters from 2022-2024. NOAA Fisheries will now work with the State of Alaska and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to develop a spend plan.

“Our fishing industry is part of the beating heart of coastal Alaska, but seemingly every fishery over the last decade has been hit hard by disasters beyond their control,” said Senator Murkowski. “This is one step in the process, but one step closer to ensuring fishermen, their crews, seafood processors, and communities impacted by these fishery disasters receive the funding they need. I sincerely appreciate Secretary Lutnick and those at the Department of Commerce for their commitment to helping our fishermen.”

“Alaska’s subsistence harvesters, commercial fishermen, and fishing communities have endured a series of fishery disasters and stock collapses beyond their control, threatening livelihoods and entire coastal economies,” Senator Sullivan said. “I have been pushing to resolve these disaster declarations and get this relief into the hands of Alaskans who need it. This nearly $100 million allocation—roughly 80 percent of the funding announced today—will provide critical support to those affected by the Bering Sea snow crab, Chignik salmon, and Upper Cook Inlet East Side Setnet salmon disasters. I want to thank Secretary Lutnick and the Department of Commerce for recognizing the extraordinary scale of the challenges facing Alaska’s fisheries and working with us to ensure Alaska’s fishermen receive the timely support they need.”

Fishery Disaster Amount Bering Sea Snow Crab Fishery, 2023/2024 $75,186,338 Chignik Salmon Fishery, 2022 $18,489,100 Upper Cook INlet Setnet Sockeye Salmon, 2023 $5,750,019",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-merkley-secure-commitment-to-preserve-us-ocean-monitoring-system,"Murkowski, Merkley Secure Commitment to Preserve U.S. Ocean Monitoring System",2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) announced the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is pausing its planned removal of the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s (OOI) sensors. NSF’s decision came after Murkowski and Merkley passed a Senate bill to prohibit the NSF from dismantling the OOI system.

“The National Science Foundation’s decision to leave the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s buoys in place is a massive win for coastal communities and fishermen around the country,” said Murkowski. “The data accessed through OOI is important for so many, and I’m immensely grateful that NSF listened to our calls. Today we saw the federal process at work—with the Senate quickly passing legislation and the executive branch responding to our position. I’m pleased to have partnered with Senator Merkley and a number of my colleagues to preserve this valuable system.”

“I teamed up with Senator Murkowski to lead an ‘SOS’ call—Save Ocean Sensors—and the Senate unanimously approved our bipartisan bill to defend the vital Ocean Observatories Initiative. Now, the National Science Foundation has reversed course and agreed to preserve the OOI’s critical sensors that provide essential data for managing our fisheries, forecasting weather, and understanding climate change,” said Merkley. “We’ll keep fighting to ensure scientists, fishermen, and coastal communities can continue to utilize the critical data the OOI provides.”

Yesterday, Murkowski and Merkley secured Senate passage of their bipartisan Saving the OOI Act, a simple two-page bill that says no federal funds shall be used to decommission the OOI system until the NSF conducts a thorough review and assessment of the network with robust stakeholder engagement.

The Saving the OOI Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

Murkowski and Merkley also led a bipartisan group of Senators on a letter demanding that the NSF reverse course on its plan to eliminate most of the OOI’s monitors.

###",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-on-iran-mou,Murkowski on Iran MOU,2026-06-18,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC - Following today’s Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement:

“This week’s Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran is a welcome step away from war, but it is also just a first step, and a final agreement may prove difficult to reach over the next 60 days. While it is significant that the Strait of Hormuz will be open, I share the apprehensions of many of my colleagues about the plain terms of the MOU—which include immediate sanctions relief and commitments for $300 billion in reconstruction—because the hardline Iranian regime could return to terror-as-usual without abandoning their nuclear program or ballistic missile capabilities. We should all want peace and greater stability in the Middle East, but only time will tell whether Iran is serious about either.”

###",1,2026-06-19T06:50:32Z,2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-advancement-of-als-research-treatments-legislation-from-committee,Murkowski Welcomes Advancement of ALS Research Treatments Legislation from Committee,2026-06-17,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP), welcomed the advancement of her Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act (ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act) of 2026. The legislation, co-led by Chris Coons (D-DE) and approved unanimously by the committee, will help people living with ALS continue to access promising treatments while further advancing the scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, companion legislation that passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce last month is being led by Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Ken Calvert (R-CA).

The legislation will reauthorize ACT for ALS programs for five years, codify the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of Expanded Access Program eligibility guidelines, require a new FDA five-year Action Plan, and require a new U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the implementation of ACT for ALS programs in 2030.

Watch Senator Murkowski’s remarks here.

The full transcript of her remarks can be found below.

TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Chairman, thank you for working with us to get this bill to this place. As you have noted, this is significant in terms of research into the therapies for ALS.

In 2021, we passed the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act. This provides a pathway for people who are not eligible for clinical trials to receive investigational treatments, and it also provides funding to the NIH and FDA to accelerate research and data sharing to speed therapy development.

But basically, what we're talking about here is a process that allows individuals the right to try. As we know, an ALS diagnosis is effectively terminal; there is just a tragic course. And so, any opportunity, any ray of hope that can be found out there is what those who are living with ALS are hoping for.

The bill that we have before us is a reauthorization of this program. You noted the work that Senator Coons and I have been doing on this reauthorization. But I tell you, we have been working with some extraordinary advocates over the years, people like Dan Tate, Brian Wallach, Sandra Abrevaya, and Jenny Dwyer, as well as advocates who have also just recently passed away, like Eric Dane. Many of us have personal connections in this space.

In that vein, Mr. Chairman, I would like to introduce into the record a statement from Senator Coons, highlighting the successes of the program and acknowledging the work of so many advocates and those who have helped us get to this point. This is a program that works and needs to keep working as we move towards possible treatments and, hopefully, one day, a cure.

We have made a few improvements here, but we really want to get this passed and signed into law. I thank you, and all those on the committee, for the support.

###",1,2026-06-18T06:41:00Z,2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-it-is-hard-right-now-every-alaskan-is-feeling-it,Murkowski: “It is hard right now. Every Alaskan is feeling it.”,2026-06-16,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC— Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) spoke on the Senate floor highlighting the impacts the Iran conflict has had on energy markets and prices, particularly in rural Alaska.

Watch the speech here.

Transcript As Delivered

Madam President, like so many across the Senate, really, across the country, I think we've all been watching the news this weekend to see whether or not we would have an announcement from the Trump administration on a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, among other objectives.

I think the news this morning is promising, and we're all waiting to see what the contours of that agreement will be. We can debate the way the administration started this war, but I certainly stand here today genuinely wishing the administration all the best in ending this on favorable terms.

It would clearly be good for the region, and it would be good for the world if the Iranian regime stops funding terror and permanently abandons its nuclear ambitions. I think we can all agree to that.

And while there appears to be a final agreement, we haven't seen it yet. We want to have a good deal from the U.S. perspective. We're going to learn more this week, and as we do that, I hope that things will begin to reopen and that we will be able to stave off what has been rapidly approaching in our energy markets.

That's what I want to speak to more directly today.

We know the basics here. All across the country, people and businesses are paying a lot more for fuel. We've seen prices go down a little bit today. That's good news. But the fact of the matter is that we've all felt the impact from rising prices.

The price of oil went up substantially during the war. So did the price of gasoline, diesel, kerosene, avgas, and other fuels as well.

That's taking a toll. It's simply more expensive to drive. It's more expensive to fly, to buy groceries. According to one estimate, the average American household has paid nearly $400 more for fuel since the start of the conflict.

As tough as that all is, and it has been very hard for many families, it has also been somewhat tempered.

For the past couple of months, we've been emptying ships with fuel that had already transited the Strait of Hormuz. Some regional flows have been rerouted to bypass it. That has been good in terms of getting product out there. Some producers, particularly here in the United States, have clearly stepped up their production, and we've seen how that has been able to soften things. China has reduced its imports. Refiners have adjusted their runs.

So there's been a lot going on to try to soften this impact. We've also tapped into commercial stocks and our emergency reserves through the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and we've benefited from some sound policies that this country has put in place. It was not too many years ago that I was very proud to lead the effort to lift the ban on crude oil exports, which as we have seen has greatly stabilized markets so far.

We have avoided the energy crisis that many thought was inevitable after so much global supply went offline. But I don't think we're out of the woods yet.

Global oil inventories are now dangerously low, and many in industry are sounding the alarm. They're telling us things like, ""We're running out of runway here."" That we've depleted our buffers and shock absorbers, that inventories have declined to levels not seen in more than 40 years.

Once no cushion is left, it's really hard to keep prices down. I hope we're going to be able to avoid that, because the consequences could be catastrophic in some places.

As a senator for Alaska, I’m also keenly aware that even if most of the country is able to avoid the worst, there are some who won't be able to escape it.

In fact, some are already living through it. They're living in my home state right now in communities like Ambler, Galena, and Mountain Village. What they're seeing is the impact of these rising prices. Unfortunately, prices are high now, but it's really hard for them to see relief in sight.

Even if the Strait of Hormuz fully opens this week, even if regional production and shipping come back much faster than projected, Alaskans in these communities and around my state will continue to face the repercussions of this war for months to come.

It's them that I want to draw attention to because, quite honestly, they need some help. They need and deserve help from every level of government, starting in Alaska and primarily from the state of Alaska, but extending to some reasonable actions we can take here.

So let me explain.

How is the war in Iran impacting towns and villages more than 6,000 miles away in Alaska so much more so than in other places? Because I'm hearing from all my colleagues that everyone's feeling the impact in their communities. So why am I standing here today to say our situation is a little harder, a little more challenging, and why will those impacts continue even after the war is over?

You can't have a discussion about Alaska communities without putting it in the context of Alaska as a whole.

Alaska is big. We all know Alaska is big. It's one-fifth the size of the United States of America. If you stretched Alaska over the Lower 48, we would extend from Florida all the way to California, practically from the Canadian border southward (to Texas). It's big.

In the midst of our vast geography, we have some 200 isolated communities around the state—about 20 percent of our total population—that are not connected to the road system.

All of these communities around the perimeter of the state, all the way up to the North Slope, are not connected by road. Down in the section of the state where I grew up, Southeast Alaska is entirely islanded, so nobody is connected by road there.

You've got the Panhandle, the Aleutians, and communities all along the coastline that are not connected by road. They are supplied by boats and planes that bring in goods, food, medical supplies, mail, and fuel. The fuel they rely on.

Many of these small coastal communities rely on diesel power generation. They depend on diesel to be able to keep the lights on. Sometimes that's offset by a little wind or a little solar, but for the most part these communities are diesel-powered.

So how do they get their fuel?

It's not like you can just call up the fuel barge any time of year. Once you get up here, you run into ice-choked waters. Rivers freeze over. To deliver fuel, you have to wait until the ice moves out and melts.

This is the time of year when that happens. It's hotter than the dickens here in Washington, DC, but back home the ice only left a matter of weeks ago. That allows fuel barges to begin resupplying these communities.

Effectively what happens, for most coastal and river communities—along the Kuskokwim, the Yukon, and elsewhere—fuel arrives by barge. It may be July before some communities receive fuel, but the deliveries really begin now in June.

Typically, a second delivery comes in September before freeze-up. Sometimes, in many river communities, fuel is delivered only once a year because water levels may be too low later in the season.

And, it's expensive.

Fuel was already expensive in these communities before the war. But if you think $4 a gallon in Denver is bad, try $9 a gallon in Dillingham. If $4 a gallon is bad in New Hampshire, up in Nuiqsut it's about $14 a gallon.

These are prices I had my interns check just last week. These are current prices before the spring barges have arrived.

Think about what's happening. In hubs like Bethel, Nome, and Kotzebue, fuel barges are now arriving. The prices I just mentioned—$9 a gallon in Dillingham or $14 in Nuiqsut—are going to go up.

We're looking at estimates of perhaps 50 percent or more.

This is sticker shock, and it's tough enough to see the increase with those barges coming in. But these are not temporary increases. These prices are going to last for months because communities buy fuel in bulk. These shipments have to last them through September or, in some cases, through the entire winter.

They're locked into the fuel prices they paid over the past month or two, when prices were at their highest.

The hubs are facing strains, but costs will be even higher for communities farther upriver or inland. You can probably add another couple of dollars per gallon for many of those communities.

In King Salmon, which is connected by a small road to Naknek, fuel is running about $9.11 per gallon. You don't just run to the store to buy milk. It's not a cheap commute.

In Hooper Bay, where fuel costs almost $10 a gallon, residents are now paying about $550 to fill their fuel tanks. That's going to translate into more than $1,000 a month this winter.

Even if oil prices continue to fall as we’ve seen today, and again that's good news, my fear is that these communities won't benefit because they had to buy when prices were high. They had to buy when the prices were high and they're locked in now. Time simply didn't work in their favor.

It takes about three months from refinery order to delivery in upriver villages. They couldn't just sit back and wait for lower prices because if they did, they risked not getting fuel at all before winter.

Once sea ice returns, you're locked out. The only solution then is flying fuel in 50-gallon barrels. That's expensive.

It is hard right now. Some of these communities don't have the working capital to pay 50 percent more for fuel. Some are waiting and risking bad outcomes this winter because they simply may not be able to afford to purchase their fuel.

Rural Alaska has faced an affordability crisis for some time. When it suddenly intensifies like this, I don't even know what we call it. But I can tell you this much: if you live in one of these rural towns and villages, you're wondering, ""How am I going to make it?""

This is the time of year when you need to fuel up your skiff so you can go upriver fishing to feed your family. Food in the store was already expensive and is now even more expensive.

You need fuel for your four-wheeler so you can hunt caribou.

These challenges affect food security, but people are also asking themselves where else they can cut back because they have to have enough fuel to make it through the winter.

None of these places are easy places to live, particularly in winter.

I received a letter just a couple of hours ago from one of the leaders in the AVCP region. She began by saying, ""It's not too often that I am scared, but today I am.""

She spoke to the challenge of higher fuel costs, concerns about access to salmon, and the challenge of providing for families.

I talk a lot about rural communities because their situation is just so challenged right now, but it's not just rural Alaska.

Every Alaskan is feeling it.

In Fairbanks, in the Interior, where I went to high school, the local utility announced a new fuel surcharge averaging $45.74 a month. That's on top of already high utility bills.

These are the issues that emerge when your state's ability to responsibly produce its resources has been choked off for decades, resulting in a pipeline system that is one-quarter full, less in-state refinery capacity than we would otherwise have, and less space in the budget to build out new energy systems.

My final point today is that these Alaskans are going to need help.

As I said, most of that should come from the state of Alaska because, in fairness, our budget has benefited from the war. Higher oil prices have helped our state treasury.

I do commend our state legislature. They've already passed legislation providing a $200 energy rebate to each Alaskan. They've doubled the cap on a bulk fuel revolving loan program. They've appropriated additional funding for it. They've made an allocation for school districts to purchase fuel, and they've brought back a community assistance program.

I'm pleased with the direction they've taken. We're waiting for the governor to sign those measures, and I think there is a possibility that our state legislature could do more in a future special session.

Here at the federal level, I think we have an opportunity to complement those actions and help those who have been hurt most dramatically and most immediately by higher fuel costs.

We can work within existing programs. We can provide full funding and emergency contingency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP.

We can appropriate funding for USDA's High Energy Cost Grant Program, which is administered in Alaska by the Denali Commission.

We could also look at a new mechanism to provide temporary assistance to those grappling with some of the heaviest burdens.

We can help, and I want to underscore that.

As this chamber considers an Iran supplemental to replenish missiles, interceptors, radars, drones, and infrastructure that we've lost, I hope some of these options will be on the table.

Because for some of our fellow Americans, especially those in rural Alaska, the impacts of this war won't end when a peace agreement is signed. They're going to continue long after, making life even more challenging.

I share this with colleagues in an effort to explain some of what we face in a place that many view as far away and remote.

But I would also suggest that we all have rural places in our states. We all have communities that are struggling right now. How we are there for them, how we help them face these challenges within their own families, is why we're here.

Madam President, I yield the floor.

###",1,2026-06-17T06:49:24Z,2026-06-17T06:50:53Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/following-murkowski-shaheen-request-inspector-general-finds-millions-in-family-planning-commodities-wasted,"Following Murkowski, Shaheen Request, Inspector General Finds Millions in Family Planning Commodities Wasted",2026-06-15,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, June 11, 2026, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Management Advisory was issued in response to a December 2025 request from U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The advisory found that approximately $8 million in U.S.-funded family planning commodities were wasted after being moved from climate-controlled storage and warned that an additional $1.7 million in commodities remain at risk of expiration as storage costs continue to mount.

The Management Advisory, sent to USAID principal and Chief Operating Officer Eric Ueland, warns of escalating costs to taxpayers and growing risks that millions of dollars in family planning commodities will go to waste following the Administration's decision to terminate a contract for family planning commodities despite congressional funding directives.

“The Inspector General's report makes clear that months of indecision and mismanagement have turned a preventable problem into a costly and wasteful one,” said Senator Murkowski. “Changing guidance and delays in reaching a final decision have resulted in significant storage costs, while much of the inventory is now considered unusable. Family planning and reproductive health assistance are essential to improving maternal and child health outcomes and preventing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. While the majority of these commodities are no longer viable, every effort should be made to ensure that the remaining usable supplies are distributed to qualified partners so they can reach the communities they were intended to serve.”

“The Inspector General's findings confirm that the Administration's actions have already resulted in the waste of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded commodities while forcing taxpayers to continue footing the bill for storage costs,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “After months of unsuccessful efforts to obtain basic information from USAID and the State Department, this review makes clear that viable family planning commodities remain available for distribution and that continued delays will only increase costs and the risk that additional supplies expire unused. The Administration should immediately take steps to preserve and distribute these commodities rather than continue wasting taxpayer money. In 2024, family planning and reproductive assistance helped 47.6 million women and couples receive contraceptive services, prevent 17.1 million unintended pregnancies and 5.2 million unsafe abortions and helped save the lives of 34,000 women.”

According to the USAID OIG Management Advisory:

Approximately $8 million in hormonal contraceptives, injectable contraceptives and other family planning commodities became unviable after being moved out of climate-controlled storage. Despite no longer being usable, taxpayers continue to pay approximately $5,000 per month to store the unusable commodities.

Approximately $1.7 million in family planning commodities remain viable and continue to be stored in climate-controlled facilities in Geel, Belgium at a monthly cost of roughly $19,500. Expiration dates for these commodities range from April 2028 to September 2031, but continued delays increase the risk that they will expire before they can be transferred and distributed.

Storage and freight costs associated with the commodities exceeded $360,000 between the January 2025 stop-work order and March 2026, with monthly storage costs increasing from $17,150 to $24,550.

USAID cannot complete closeout of the terminated award until final disposition actions are completed, creating the potential for additional costs to taxpayers, including interest on outstanding payments.

Shaheen and Murkowski requested the investigation after months of unsuccessful efforts to obtain information from USAID and the State Department regarding the disposition of the commodities. In their December 2025 letter, the Senators asked the Inspectors General to examine options for transferring or selling the commodities, determine whether products remained viable and assess the total cost to taxpayers associated with their storage and disposition.

The USAID OIG Management Advisory can be found HERE.",1,2026-06-16T06:53:21Z,2026-06-16T06:55:02Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-merkley-lead-bipartisan-push-to-protect-us-ocean-monitoring-systems,"Murkowski, Merkley, Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect U.S. Ocean Monitoring Systems",2026-06-15,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of Senators to demand the National Science Foundation (NSF) halt its plans to dismantle the vital Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), a complex system of 900 ocean monitoring instruments that provides crucial data for coastal communities, fishermen, and nationwide emergency preparedness.

“Eliminating most of this complex ocean monitoring system threatens the safety of our coastal communities while undermining our nation’s ability to monitor coastal environments, marine currents, and extreme weather events,” the bipartisan group of Senators wrote to NSF Acting Director Brian Stone.

The NSF’s dismantling of OOI would impact the collection of real-time, publicly available data off the coasts of Alaska, North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, Massachusetts, and Greenland, making it harder to track changing ocean conditions and extreme weather events such as El Niño.

“Federal funding for the NSF and OOI is crucial for the survival of coastal communities and economies. We urge NSF to abide by congressional intent and legal direction, which is clearly to maintain the operation of this cost-effective research system,” they continued. “Additionally, consistent with recommendations provided by the National Academy of Sciences in its Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences for NSF report, we request that NSF conduct a thorough evaluation of OOI – including engagement with the marine science community and other impacted stakeholders – before any decision is made regarding potential changes to this important program.”

The Senators directed, “The OOI system delivers crucial information about our ocean patterns and weather, reaching and touching all Americans. The effort to dismantle this vital network, jeopardizing decades of prior research, must be reversed in order to prioritize public safety.”

In addition to Murkowski and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

Dear Acting Director Stone:

We write today to urge you to reverse course on the proposal to dismantle the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) vital Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). Eliminating most of this complex ocean monitoring system threatens the safety of our coastal communities while undermining our nation’s ability to monitor coastal environments, marine currents, and extreme weather events.

For the past decade, the OOI has provided critical ocean data. This complex monitoring network – comprised of over 900 unique deep-sea buoys and other instruments – provides insights into changing ecosystem conditions and extreme weather events, which are increasing in frequency and intensity. This publicly available, real-time data is crucial for our coastal communities, fishermen, and nationwide emergency preparedness.

This summer, the world is bracing for a severe El Niño event, a weather pattern known to disrupt regional climates, exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall, and increase heatwaves both on land and in the ocean. The loss of this deep-water observation system would threaten our ability to prepare for and monitor future El Niño events, leaving public safety officials, natural disaster responders, coastal communities, and industries without the vital information they need to safely participate in a wide range of maritime activities.

Federal funding for the NSF and OOI is crucial for the survival of coastal communities and economies. We urge NSF to abide by congressional intent and legal direction, which is clearly to maintain the operation of this cost-effective research system. Additionally, consistent with recommendations provided by the National Academy of Sciences in its Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences for NSF report, we request that NSF conduct a thorough evaluation of OOI – including engagement with the marine science community and other impacted stakeholders – before any decision is made regarding potential changes to this important program.

The OOI system delivers crucial information about our ocean patterns and weather, reaching and touching all Americans. The effort to dismantle this vital network, jeopardizing decades of prior research, must be reversed in order to prioritize public safety.

###",1,2026-06-16T06:53:21Z,2026-06-17T06:50:53Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/fourth-icebreaker-announced-for-alaska-two-to-be-homeported-in-kodiak-one-in-seward,"Fourth Icebreaker Announced for Alaska; Two to be Homeported in Kodiak, One in Seward",2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Alaska Delegation Secured Icebreaker Funding Through Working Families Tax Cuts Act

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today welcomed an announcement from the U.S. Coast Guard that a fourth icebreaker, an Arctic Security Cutter, will be homeported in Alaska—on top of the two Arctic Security Cutters announced in April and the Coast Guard Cutter Storis, a retrofitted commercially available icebreaker that was commissioned in Juneau on August 10, 2025. Additionally, the Coast Guard announced today that the first two Arctic Security Cutters will be homeported in Kodiak, and the third will be homeported in Seward once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

The vessels and support infrastructure are being built as a result of funding and authorization secured by the Alaska congressional delegation in the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Delivery of the first Arctic Security Cutter is expected in 2028.

“The Alaska Comeback continues with a fourth icebreaker announced for the great state of Alaska!” said Sen. Sullivan, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries. “I am honored to have led the unprecedented turnaround we’re delivering for our state’s Coast Guard presence and for America’s Arctic security and icebreaking capacity. For decades, America languished behind our main adversaries in the Arctic, with just two icebreakers, one of which is broken. Now, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, not only are we building brand-new icebreakers, but we’re homeporting four where the ice is: Alaska! The announcement today is especially exciting for the people of Kodiak and Seward—two of our nation’s most patriotic communities—who will proudly host these impressive new cutters and their Coast Guard crews and families. These critical new assets will safeguard America’s interests and counter the aggression of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in the Arctic, and also serve as an important economic boost for our coastal communities.”

“For years, I have worked to rebuild America's icebreaker fleet and ensure new vessels are homeported in Alaska. With two new Arctic Security Cutters officially coming to Kodiak and another planned for Seward, that effort is now translating into real investments, real assets, and real opportunities for our state,” said Sen. Murkowski. “These vessels will enable the Coast Guard to support missions across the North Pacific and Arctic, strengthening our national security and emergency response. But they’ll do a lot more than break the ice: they’ll also bring new housing investment, construction jobs, and Coast Guard families to our communities, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities to grow. There is still significant work ahead at every level to build the shoreside infrastructure needed to support our growing icebreaking fleet. But homeporting them where they belong—Alaska—is the next essential step to turning this long-held vision into reality.”

“Alaska is America's gateway to the Arctic, and for too long, our nation’s icebreakers have been stationed thousands of miles from the waters they are built to navigate,” said Congressman Begich. “Homeporting these icebreakers in Seward and Kodiak puts them exactly where they belong, closest to the mission and ready to project American strength across the Arctic at a time when our adversaries are racing to expand their own presence. But this announcement is about far more than national security. It means good-paying jobs, new infrastructure, and generational investment in communities that have always answered the call to serve our country. These are families and small businesses who will feel the impact for decades. This is what happens when Alaska’s delegation works as one. We’re not done; we’ll keep fighting to bring more resources and more opportunities to communities across our state.”

“America’s future in the Arctic demands strength, capability and resolve,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “I want to thank President Trump for his bold leadership and vision in directing this critical investment and Alaska’s congressional delegation for championing the funding that made these icebreakers possible. These cutters will deliver the enduring operational capability our Nation needs to defend our sovereignty, deter adversaries, and safeguard vital resources for the American people.”

On January 29, 2026, Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, testified to Sen. Sullivan that the agency was considering homeporting in Alaska up to four of the eleven Arctic Security Cutters (icebreakers) announced as part of the U.S.–Finland Icebreaker Agreement and the ICE Pact.

Through the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA), the Alaska congressional delegation secured $4.3 billion for the procurement of two new Polar Security Cutters, with substantial progress toward a third, and $3.5 billion to procure three Arctic Security Cutters, the nation’s next-generation medium polar icebreakers. Additionally, they championed $816 million for more than ten new light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters. They also helped secure over $3 billion for shoreside infrastructure to support the homeporting of these assets, including the $300 million needed for the homeporting of the Storis in Juneau. These investments and announcements mark the most significant expansion of icebreaking capability in U.S. history.

Beyond icebreakers, the WFTCA included major investments across the Coast Guard’s fleet: $1 billion for approximately 10 Fast Response Cutters (FRC), $4.3 billion for approximately nine Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC), $2.2 billion for approximately 40 MH-60 helicopters, and $1.1 billion for approximately six HC-130 aircraft.

###",1,2026-06-12T06:37:16Z,2026-06-12T06:39:00Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/water-power-bill-moved-from-committee,Water Power Bill Moved from Committee,2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) passed the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME). The FLOWS Act will streamline routine updates for existing hydropower facilities and establish a commonsense licensing pathway for next generation water power technologies.

“For Alaska, hydropower is essential,” said Senator Murkowski. “So often, our hydro operators face unnecessary delays while trying to maintain or upgrade existing facilities. Alaska has short construction windows and project sites that are remote. Operators can lose a full season because of a simple maintenance request. The FLOWS Act keeps our communities powered without unnecessary delay by no longer requiring FERC approval for routine updates at these facilities. This legislation also modernizes federal licensing for emerging marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies by establishing a streamlined permitting pathway, predictable timelines, and a clear process for deploying innovative wave, tidal, and river-current energy projects that are leading the way in powering small Alaskan communities.”

“Diversifying our energy resources is key to the continued long-term success of our communities, our business and our futures – and hydropower plays an integral role. However, too often regulatory burdens stand in the way from common sense reform,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan FLOWS Act would streamline the licensing and permitting of this crucial renewable energy source and can help create reliable, clean, and affordable energy for Maine people and Americans for years to come. I am proud to work with my friend, Senator Murkowski, on this no-brainer piece of legislation for the future of Maine, Alaska, and all of the United States.”

Background

Current federal permitting processes for hydropower and marine energy projects contain redundancies and inefficiencies that unnecessarily delay project work and increase costs. Under existing requirements, routine maintenance and in-kind replacements at hydropower facilities often require prior approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), resulting in months-long delays for activities that do not affect project operations, safety, or environmental performance.

In addition, federal permitting frameworks were developed primarily for large, traditional hydropower facilities and have not kept pace with advances in innovative marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies that generate electricity from tides, waves, and river currents. As a result, these low-impact technologies face regulatory hurdles that were never intended for their scale or design.

The FLOWS Act aims to chart the course for a reformed hydropower and marine energy permitting process through the following improvements:

Releases hydropower project developers from seeking FERC approval for non-substantial alterations or additions; routine maintenance, repair, or replacement; or seasonal or temporary adjustments in response to circumstances beyond the project’s control.

Allows FERC to issue short-term licenses of 10–20 years for micro hydrokinetic energy projects, defined as marine energy projects with under five megawatts of installed capacity.

Establishes a two-year statutory timeline for FERC to act on micro hydrokinetic energy project applications and requires the Commission to promulgate regulations to implement this timeline within 180 days of the bill’s enactment.

Requires FERC to submit a report to Congress on the effects of licensed micro hydrokinetic projects on the environment, economy, and electricity reliability and affordability no later than five years after the bill’s enactment or after the first 50 licensed projects have been operational for one year.

The FLOWS Act builds on hydropower provisions Senator Murkowski advanced on a bipartisan basis during debate on the Energy Permitting Reform Act during the last Congress.

###",1,2026-06-12T06:37:16Z,2026-06-12T06:39:00Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/fourth-icebreaker-announced-for-alaska-two-to-be-homeported-in-kodiak-one-in-seward,"Fourth Icebreaker Announced for Alaska; Two to be Homeported in Kodiak, One in Seward",2026-06-11,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Alaska Delegation Secured Icebreaker Funding Through Working Families Tax Cuts Act

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today welcomed an announcement from the U.S. Coast Guard that a fourth icebreaker, an Arctic Security Cutter, will be homeported in Alaska—on top of the two Arctic Security Cutters announced in April and the Coast Guard Cutter Storis, a retrofitted commercially available icebreaker that was commissioned in Juneau on August 10, 2025. Additionally, the Coast Guard announced today that the first two Arctic Security Cutters will be homeported in Kodiak, and the third will be homeported in Seward once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

The vessels and support infrastructure are being built as a result of funding and authorization secured by the Alaska congressional delegation in the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Delivery of the first Arctic Security Cutter is expected in 2028.

“The Alaska Comeback continues with a fourth icebreaker announced for the great state of Alaska!” said Sen. Sullivan, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries. “I am honored to have led the unprecedented turnaround we’re delivering for our state’s Coast Guard presence and for America’s Arctic security and icebreaking capacity. For decades, America languished behind our main adversaries in the Arctic, with just two icebreakers, one of which is broken. Now, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, not only are we building brand-new icebreakers, but we’re homeporting four where the ice is: Alaska! The announcement today is especially exciting for the people of Kodiak and Seward—two of our nation’s most patriotic communities—who will proudly host these impressive new cutters and their Coast Guard crews and families. These critical new assets will safeguard America’s interests and counter the aggression of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in the Arctic, and also serve as an important economic boost for our coastal communities.”

“For years, I have worked to rebuild America's icebreaker fleet and ensure new vessels are homeported in Alaska. With two new Arctic Security Cutters officially coming to Kodiak and another planned for Seward, that effort is now translating into real investments, real assets, and real opportunities for our state,” said Sen. Murkowski. “These vessels will enable the Coast Guard to support missions across the North Pacific and Arctic, strengthening our national security and emergency response. But they’ll do a lot more than break the ice: they’ll also bring new housing investment, construction jobs, and Coast Guard families to our communities, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities to grow. There is still significant work ahead at every level to build the shoreside infrastructure needed to support our growing icebreaking fleet. But homeporting them where they belong—Alaska—is the next essential step to turning this long-held vision into reality.”

“Alaska is America's gateway to the Arctic, and for too long, our nation’s icebreakers have been stationed thousands of miles from the waters they are built to navigate,” said Congressman Begich. “Homeporting these icebreakers in Seward and Kodiak puts them exactly where they belong, closest to the mission and ready to project American strength across the Arctic at a time when our adversaries are racing to expand their own presence. But this announcement is about far more than national security. It means good-paying jobs, new infrastructure, and generational investment in communities that have always answered the call to serve our country. These are families and small businesses who will feel the impact for decades. This is what happens when Alaska’s delegation works as one. We’re not done; we’ll keep fighting to bring more resources and more opportunities to communities across our state.”

“America’s future in the Arctic demands strength, capability and resolve,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “I want to thank President Trump for his bold leadership and vision in directing this critical investment and Alaska’s congressional delegation for championing the funding that made these icebreakers possible. These cutters will deliver the enduring operational capability our Nation needs to defend our sovereignty, deter adversaries, and safeguard vital resources for the American people.”

On January 29, 2026, Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, testified to Sen. Sullivan that the agency was considering homeporting in Alaska up to four of the eleven Arctic Security Cutters (icebreakers) announced as part of the U.S.–Finland Icebreaker Agreement and the ICE Pact.

Through the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA), the Alaska congressional delegation secured $4.3 billion for the procurement of two new Polar Security Cutters, with substantial progress toward a third, and $3.5 billion to procure three Arctic Security Cutters, the nation’s next-generation medium polar icebreakers. Additionally, they championed $816 million for more than ten new light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters. They also helped secure over $3 billion for shoreside infrastructure to support the homeporting of these assets, including the $300 million needed for the homeporting of the Storis in Juneau. These investments and announcements mark the most significant expansion of icebreaking capability in U.S. history.

Beyond icebreakers, the WFTCA included major investments across the Coast Guard’s fleet: $1 billion for approximately 10 Fast Response Cutters (FRC), $4.3 billion for approximately nine Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC), $2.2 billion for approximately 40 MH-60 helicopters, and $1.1 billion for approximately six HC-130 aircraft.

# # #",1,2026-06-12T06:37:16Z,2026-06-12T06:39:00Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-welcomes-iron-dog-route-expansion-to-huslia-shungnak-and-ambler,"Sullivan Welcomes Iron Dog Route Expansion to Huslia, Shungnak, and Ambler",2026-06-10,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement from Iron Dog Race Inc. that the world’s longest snowmachine race will expand its route to include three new Alaska communities: Huslia, Shungnak, and Ambler. The expanded route, which will travel through portions of the Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, and Kobuk Valley National Park, marks an important new chapter for the iconic Alaska race and will bring new economic and recreational opportunities to communities across Western and Interior Alaska.

Senator Sullivan and his team played a key role in advancing the new route after Iron Dog Race Inc. reached out to Sullivan’s office in 2025. Working together, they drafted a detailed appeal that highlighted inconsistencies with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Comprehensive Conservation Plan issued in December 2022 preventing the route expansion. In February 2026, USFWS Director Sara Boario overturned the prior denial. Just one year later, all necessary permits, the Environmental Assessment, and the Finding of No Significant Impact are now completed, clearing the way for the expanded route through the Selawik and Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuges to include the new communities.

“Each year, the Iron Dog showcases the very best of Alaska—world-class snowmachine racers taking on 2,500 miles of extreme cold and unforgiving terrain, demanding the grit, resilience, and backbone that Alaskans are known for,” said Senator Sullivan. “This route expansion to Huslia, Shungnak, and Ambler is an exciting step forward, not only for this iconic race, but for these communities. It will help bring economic opportunity, support local engagement, and expand Iron Dog’s important work promoting snowmachine safety. I want to thank the Iron Dog organizers and racers, federal and state officials, tribal organizations, Alaska Native corporations, and local leaders along this new route for working with me and my team to make this expansion possible. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that strengthens communities across rural Alaska.”

“This has been many years in the making,” said Reuben Hanke, Trail Committee Chairman and Board Member of Iron Dog Race Inc. “The expansion represents countless hours of collaboration, discussion, environmental review, and partnership building. We are excited to share the economic benefits of the race with additional communities while continuing our mission of promoting safe and responsible winter travel across Alaska. Special thanks are also extended to Senator Dan Sullivan’s office, whose support and assistance throughout the process were instrumental, as well as the villages, cities, tribal organizations, and Alaska Native corporations along the new route that worked collaboratively to make this vision a reality.”

###",1,2026-06-11T06:38:38Z,2026-06-11T06:41:07Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-shaheen-introduce-senate-resolution-reaffirming-congressional-engagement-with-arctic-allies,Murkowski and Shaheen Introduce Senate Resolution Reaffirming Congressional Engagement with Arctic Allies,2026-06-09,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today introduced a Senate resolution reaffirming the strategic importance of the Arctic region and supporting continued congressional engagement with our Arctic allies. The resolution acknowledges the Arctic’s growing significance to U.S. national security while highlighting the region’s economic and scientific opportunities. It also stresses the need for continued cooperation with allies to promote the wellbeing of Arctic communities and Indigenous peoples.

The resolution follows a bipartisan Senate delegation led by Murkowski and Shaheen last month to Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Iceland, where the delegation met with government leaders, military officials, and researchers to discuss shared priorities. The delegation included Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).

The resolution was signed by the entire delegation. The text can be found here or read below.

Photos from the recent trip can be found here.

Resolution

Recognizing the strategic importance of the Arctic region and supporting continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and partners.

Whereas the United States is an Arctic nation by virtue of Alaska;

Whereas the United States maintains a number of key interests in the Arctic region, from homeland defense and national security matters to economic, environmental, and scientific affairs;

Whereas the Arctic region is governed through a framework of international law, norms, and institutions, including the Arctic Council, which promote peaceful cooperation, sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and respect for Indigenous peoples;

Whereas the accession of new Arctic allies the Kingdom of Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) reinforces the region’s strategic importance to the United States and its allies;

Whereas cooperation among Arctic nations and partners has historically contributed to stability, transparency, and confidence-building in the region;

Whereas Indigenous peoples are vital to Arctic governance and decision-making and possess traditional knowledge essential to sustaining the region’s future;

Whereas the Arctic faces significant opportunities and challenges related to critical infrastructure, telecommunications, maritime shipping, scientific research, energy systems, and regional connectivity, requiring sustained investment and collaboration with allies and partners;

Whereas increasing strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Arctic region underscores the importance of maintaining a stable, secure, and rules-based order to help maintain peace and stability throughout the region;

Whereas the coordination of the United States Armed Forces and Federal agencies with allied partners in the High North reinforces United States homeland defense;

Whereas, on May 22, 2026, at the NATO Foreign Ministerial in Sweden, the Arctic allies, consisting of Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, and the United States, issued a joint statement in support of increased cooperation “to achieve our common goal of a safe, prosperous and peaceful Arctic”; and

Whereas Congress plays a critical role in shaping Arctic policy and engaging with international partners to advance shared priorities in the region: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

reaffirms the strategic importance of the Arctic region to the national security and economic interests of the United States and its allies and partners;

recognizes the need for continued cooperation with Arctic allies and partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region;

supports efforts to strengthen Arctic security, infrastructure, maritime capabilities, scientific research, domain awareness, telecommunications resilience, and regional preparedness;

underscores the importance of working alongside allies and partners in multilateral fora, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to defend United States national security interests and uphold our shared values;

affirms the importance of meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples in Arctic governance and policy development; and

encourages continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and partners on shared Arctic priorities, including through intergovernmental exchanges, delegations, and cooperative initiatives.

###",1,2026-06-10T06:36:00Z,2026-06-10T06:37:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-speaks-on-h-1b-court-ruling,Murkowski Speaks on H-1B Court Ruling,2026-06-08,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Following today’s announcement that a federal judge struck down a $100,000 fee that U.S. President Donald Trump imposed on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement:

“Today’s decision from a U.S. District Judge to vacate the policy implementing the Presidential Proclamation mandating a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants—a 5,000% increase in some cases—came at a critical time for Alaska’s schools that are in the midst of hiring before next fall. Many school districts in rural and remote parts of the state rely on the H-1B visa program to bring quality teachers to their communities. In Alaska, this isn’t a partisan issue: the state legislature unanimously passed a resolution last month urging the federal government to waive the fee for educators.

“Last year, I introduced legislation to create an educator exemption, and I’ve been talking to Secretary Mullin about an administrative waiver from the fee to help bring teachers here. Today’s news is welcome relief for Alaska’s schools, but I will continue working to eliminate this fee permanently so that Alaska’s students are receiving the best education possible, regardless of the outcome of future legal challenges.”

Background:

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation requiring all H-1B visa applicants to accompany their petitions with a payment of $100,000 to be considered for entry into the U.S., in addition to existing fees and costs. School districts across Alaska have faced persistent teaching shortages while struggling to hire domestically. Alaska has made significant progress in addressing the issue by recruiting internationally and using the H-1B visa program to help ensure classrooms remain staffed.

On October 8, 2025, Senator Murkowski wrote a letter to then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging her to use her discretionary waiver authority to exempt teachers from the increased fee.

Senator Murkowski highlighted in the letter to the Department that “Alaska’s most rural school districts have small budgets—particularly in light of the high costs to provide services in rural Alaska—due to small student populations. A requirement to pay $100,000 per H-1B teacher would be impossible to meet—both for the districts and the individual teachers.”

###",1,2026-06-10T06:36:00Z,2026-06-10T06:37:32Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/house-passes-legislation-protecting-alaska-native-artists-cultural-heritage-and-economic-opportunities,House Passes Legislation Protecting Alaska Native Artists’ Cultural Heritage and Economic Opportunities,2026-06-05,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—The Alaska delegation today celebrated the House passage of the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, his legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists who use walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing. The bill previously passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“I want to thank my colleagues, especially Alaska Congressman Nick Begich, for working to get my ARTIST Act across the finish line in the House,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We are one step closer to ensuring the lawfully harvested and crafted walrus ivory works of Alaska Native artisans will no longer be targeted by well-intentioned but overly broad state laws aimed at stopping the illegal African elephant ivory trade. We’ve been working on this for over eight years, and I want to commend the Alaska Native leaders who first brought this issue to my attention and who’ve relentlessly supported our efforts to correct this historic injustice. I look forward to President Trump signing the ARTIST Act into law and protecting the right of the Alaska Native people to continue these centuries-old traditional practices, a critically important economic driver for Alaska’s rural communities.”

“Ensuring Alaska Native artists’ ability to create and sell their traditional handicrafts is about more than income. It’s about supporting families who have used their work to preserve heritage and culture through generations. For many artists, materials such as ivory have long-been vital to their craftsmanship and are already protected under existing federal law. Recent restrictions on the use of sustainably and legally sourced items could make it harder to continue practicing these skills and passing on the culture of their elders. Safeguarding wildlife and honoring Indigenous art can coexist,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m pleased to support Senator Sullivan’s legislation to ensure a one-size-fits-all rule does not prevent the world from experiencing the beauty of Alaska Native art.”

“For generations, Alaska Native artisans have created world-renowned works of art from legally and sustainably harvested walrus ivory,” said Congressman Begich. “The ARTIST Act ensures that overly broad state ivory bans cannot unintentionally criminalize these lawful handicrafts. This legislation protects the rights of Alaska Native artists to continue sharing their craftsmanship, traditions, and heritage with the rest of the country, while also supporting rural economies across Alaska. I’m proud to have led the House effort on this issue and grateful to Senator Sullivan for his partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line.”

Below are statements from key leaders and stakeholders in support of the ARTIST Act.

QUOTES

“Today’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the ARTIST Act to the president’s desk is an important milestone for our North Slope Iñupiat cultural self-determination,” said Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat President & CEO Nagruk Harcharek. “For thousands of years, our people have transformed walrus ivory into important tools, arts, and crafts. The ARTIST Act will ensure that our cultural traditions – which form the bedrock of our Iñupiaq identity – will be protected and can be perpetuated for generations to come. Quyanaqpak to the Alaska congressional delegation for your perseverance and standing by our side in this endeavor.”

""For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have sustainably harvested Pacific Walrus to survive in the Arctic,” said Melanie Bahnke, president of Kawerak, Inc. “As our ancestors have, we continue to rely on this resource for food, tools, and to create artwork celebrating our culture. We are grateful that the Congress passed this bill to ensure that our artwork and tools are not deemed illegal in various parts of the United States. On behalf of Kawerak and the people we serve, thank you, Senator Sullivan, for recognizing that banning our culture is wrong and for championing this bill through Congress.”

“The Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC) strongly supports this bill and thanks Senator Sullivan and his staff for working with us on it,” said Vera Metcalf, Director of the Eskimo Walrus Commission. “We also greatly appreciate the support from Kawerak, the Indigenous People’s Council on Marine Mammals (IPComm), the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), WWF Arctic Program, and especially our Alaska Native communities. The Pacific walrus remains a significant component of our Indigenous food security and remains a major feature of Alaska Native cultural heritage. Our use of ivory gives full expression to our traditional relationship with the Pacific walrus and our way-of-life. EWC thanks Congress for passing this bill to ensure the cultural and economic well-being of Alaska Native communities thrive.”

“The ARTIST Act reaffirms the rights of Alaska Native artists to create and sell authentic artworks and traditional handicrafts in the U.S. that are made from sustainably sourced marine mammal products, including walrus ivory,” said Steve MacLean, Managing Director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) U.S. Arctic Program. “This longstanding cultural tradition is a vital source of economic opportunity and income for many Alaska Native communities, and walrus remain a critical component of Indigenous food security and cultural expression. Senator Sullivan, working with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, has shown dedication and leadership in crafting this bill, which helps to restore opportunities for Alaska Native artists to share their artwork and provide for their families.”

“The passage of this legislation into law marks a significant milestone in recognizing and protecting the cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods of Alaska Native artisans,” said Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives. “AFN celebrates this achievement, and we thank Senator Sullivan for his leadership and advocacy throughout this effort, as well as all those who helped advance this important legislation to the President’s desk.”

BACKGROUND

For years, several states have enacted overly broad ivory bans intended to combat illegal African elephant ivory trafficking. Unfortunately, those laws have also swept in lawful, sustainable Alaska Native handicrafts made from walrus ivory—undermining centuries-old cultural practices and limiting important economic opportunities for Alaska Native artists and rural communities. The ARTIST Act clarifies that states may not ban the import, sale, or possession of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, and ensures these lawful and culturally vital traditions can continue to be practiced, shared, and sold across the country.

###",1,2026-06-06T06:16:30Z,2026-06-06T06:17:47Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-sullivan-legislation-protecting-alaska-native-artists-cultural-heritage-and-economic-opportunities,House Passes Sullivan Legislation Protecting Alaska Native Artists’ Cultural Heritage and Economic Opportunities,2026-06-03,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today celebrated the House passage of the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, his legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists who use walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing. The bill previously passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“I want to thank my colleagues, especially Alaska Congressman Nick Begich, for working to get my ARTIST Act across the finish line in the House,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We are one step closer to ensuring the lawfully harvested and crafted walrus ivory works of Alaska Native artisans will no longer be targeted by well-intentioned but overly broad state laws aimed at stopping the illegal African elephant ivory trade. We’ve been working on this for over eight years, and I want to commend the Alaska Native leaders who first brought this issue to my attention and who’ve relentlessly supported our efforts to correct this historic injustice. I look forward to President Trump signing the ARTIST Act into law and protecting the right of the Alaska Native people to continue these centuries-old traditional practices, a critically important economic driver for Alaska’s rural communities.”

“Ensuring Alaska Native artists’ ability to create and sell their traditional handicrafts is about more than income. It’s about supporting families who have used their work to preserve heritage and culture through generations. For many artists, materials such as ivory have long-been vital to their craftsmanship and are already protected under existing federal law. Recent restrictions on the use of sustainably and legally sourced items could make it harder to continue practicing these skills and passing on the culture of their elders. Safeguarding wildlife and honoring Indigenous art can coexist,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m pleased to support Senator Sullivan’s legislation to ensure a one-size-fits-all rule does not prevent the world from experiencing the beauty of Alaska Native art.”

“For generations, Alaska Native artisans have created world-renowned works of art from legally and sustainably harvested walrus ivory,” said Congressman Begich. “The ARTIST Act ensures that overly broad state ivory bans cannot unintentionally criminalize these lawful handicrafts. This legislation protects the rights of Alaska Native artists to continue sharing their craftsmanship, traditions, and heritage with the rest of the country, while also supporting rural economies across Alaska. I’m proud to have led the House effort on this issue and grateful to Senator Sullivan for his partnership in getting this legislation across the finish line.”

Below are statements from key leaders and stakeholders in support of the ARTIST Act.

QUOTES

“Today’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the ARTIST Act to the president’s desk is an important milestone for our North Slope Iñupiat cultural self-determination,” said Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat President & CEO Nagruk Harcharek. “For thousands of years, our people have transformed walrus ivory into important tools, arts, and crafts. The ARTIST Act will ensure that our cultural traditions – which form the bedrock of our Iñupiaq identity – will be protected and can be perpetuated for generations to come. Quyanaqpak to the Alaska congressional delegation for your perseverance and standing by our side in this endeavor.”

""For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have sustainably harvested Pacific Walrus to survive in the Arctic,” said Melanie Bahnke, president of Kawerak, Inc. “As our ancestors have, we continue to rely on this resource for food, tools, and to create artwork celebrating our culture. We are grateful that the Congress passed this bill to ensure that our artwork and tools are not deemed illegal in various parts of the United States. On behalf of Kawerak and the people we serve, thank you, Senator Sullivan, for recognizing that banning our culture is wrong and for championing this bill through Congress.”

“The Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC) strongly supports this bill and thanks Senator Sullivan and his staff for working with us on it,” said Vera Metcalf, Director of the Eskimo Walrus Commission. “We also greatly appreciate the support from Kawerak, the Indigenous People’s Council on Marine Mammals (IPComm), the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), WWF Arctic Program, and especially our Alaska Native communities. The Pacific walrus remains a significant component of our Indigenous food security and remains a major feature of Alaska Native cultural heritage. Our use of ivory gives full expression to our traditional relationship with the Pacific walrus and our way-of-life. EWC thanks Congress for passing this bill to ensure the cultural and economic well-being of Alaska Native communities thrive.”

“The ARTIST Act reaffirms the rights of Alaska Native artists to create and sell authentic artworks and traditional handicrafts in the U.S. that are made from sustainably sourced marine mammal products, including walrus ivory,” said Steve MacLean, Managing Director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) U.S. Arctic Program. “This longstanding cultural tradition is a vital source of economic opportunity and income for many Alaska Native communities, and walrus remain a critical component of Indigenous food security and cultural expression. Senator Sullivan, working with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, has shown dedication and leadership in crafting this bill, which helps to restore opportunities for Alaska Native artists to share their artwork and provide for their families.”

“The passage of this legislation into law marks a significant milestone in recognizing and protecting the cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods of Alaska Native artisans,” said Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives. “AFN celebrates this achievement, and we thank Senator Sullivan for his leadership and advocacy throughout this effort, as well as all those who helped advance this important legislation to the President’s desk.”

BACKGROUND

For years, several states have enacted overly broad ivory bans intended to combat illegal African elephant ivory trafficking. Unfortunately, those laws have also swept in lawful, sustainable Alaska Native handicrafts made from walrus ivory—undermining centuries-old cultural practices and limiting important economic opportunities for Alaska Native artists and rural communities. The ARTIST Act clarifies that states may not ban the import, sale, or possession of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, and ensures these lawful and culturally vital traditions can continue to be practiced, shared, and sold across the country.

TIMELINE

In May 2026, Sen. Sullivan urged the CEO of Etsy to change a proposed ban on fur products that would negatively impact Alaska Native artists authentic garments, handicrafts, and accessories made from lawfully harvested animals.

In October 2025, Sen. Sullivan’s ARTIST Act passed the Senate unanimously.

In January 2025, Sen. Sullivan reintroduced the ARTIST Act at the start of the 119th Congress to continue his effort to protect the rights of Alaska Native artists.

In October 2024, Sen. Sullivan introduced the ARTIST Act.

In September 2020, Sen. Sullivan led a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on the Empowering Rural Economies Through Alaska Native Sustainable Arts and Handicrafts Act, Sen. Sullivan’s bill to preempt states from banning walrus ivory, whale bone, and other marine mammal products that have been legally carved by Alaska Native people under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

Sen. Sullivan has advocated for Etsy and Facebook to amend their guidelines on handicraft sales to include products or artwork made by Alaska Native artists using sealskin, otter, walrus ivory, and other protected materials.

In September 2017, Sen. Sullivan wrote the National Governors Association and National Conference of State Legislatures with the Alaska congressional delegation to highlight the “potentially devastating and unintended consequences of broadly crafted state ivory bans that are currently in place or under consideration in nearly half of the United States.”

In September 2017, Sen. Sullivan introduced the Allowing Alaska IVORY Act, legislation to preempt states from banning walrus ivory or whale bone products that have been legally carved by Alaska Native people under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

In October 2016, Sen. Sullivan convened a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee field hearing at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention to discuss a series of reported problems and confusion surrounding state laws across the country that prohibit ivory sales and harm Alaska Native artisans.

In June 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a regulation banning most commercial and non-commercial trade in raw and worked ivory of African elephants following a global decrease in elephant populations due to illegal poaching. Many states have since enacted broader bans on ivory sales that generally include walrus, mammoth, and fossilized ivory used by Alaska Natives and Alaskans to produce artistic carvings, clothing, or authentic handiworks. These actions led to confusion among consumers regarding other legal ivory products, resulting in decreased demand for legal Alaska Native handicrafts and mammoth ivory carvings.

###",1,2026-06-04T06:38:12Z,2026-06-04T06:39:44Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-chairs-hearing-on-the-blue-economy-advancing-american-fisheries-maritime-strength-and-coastal-economies,"Sullivan Chairs Hearing on The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, and Coastal Economies",2026-06-02,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today chaired a Senate Commerce Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries Subcommittee hearing on “The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, and Coastal Economies.” The hearing featured testimony from four expert witnesses, three of whom are Alaskan: Tommy Sheridan, director of the Alaska Blue Economy Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; Jeremy Woodrow, executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute; and Nathan Wardwell, managing partner of JOA Surveys, LLC. Sen. Sullivan has led efforts in Congress to secure America’s place in the global Blue Economy through enforcement, environmental stewardship, infrastructure investment, and workforce development.

“The Blue Economy supports millions of American fishermen, processors, mariners, sport fishermen, welders, scientists, engineers, military personnel, charter operators, tourism workers, and small business owners across the United States,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Yet workforce shortages remain one of the great challenges across nearly every sector. We are serious about advancing the Blue Economy. We must invest in workforce development, training, apprenticeships and educational opportunities to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.”

The Blue Economy is vital to America’s economic strength, food security, and national security, especially in Alaska, which harvests over 60 percent of America’s commercial, sport, and subsistence seafood and holds more coastline than the rest of the country combined.

Click here or the image above to watch the video.

Below is a transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s opening statement in the hearing.

“Good morning. I want to welcome our distinguished witnesses. Apologize for my tardiness, but I think at least three of you understand. I just got in from Alaska last night, and you know what that's like. So welcome, especially to the Alaskans. And this is a subcommittee hearing that examines the importance of America's Blue Economy and the opportunities that presents for economic growth, innovation, job creation and national security.

The Blue Economy encompasses, the industry's activities and, of course, the communities that rely on our oceans, coasts, Great Lakes to create economic opportunities, support jobs, strengthen national security, and sustain coastal communities, including the American fishermen. The Blue Economy is also central to America's economic strength. In 2022, it generated more than $470 billion in goods and services and supported 2.4 million jobs.

It is one of the fastest growing sectors in America, in our economy and indeed the world, encompassing commercial fisheries and seafood, sport, fisheries, subsistence fisheries, maritime transportation, ports, tourism and recreation, and much more. For the United States, and especially for coastal states like my state, the great state of Alaska. These industries and community are not optional. They are essential.

I always do a little bit of bragging about the great state of Alaska here, but when we talk about coastline, we have more coastline than the rest of the country combined. I have a colleague from Minnesota here; I respect a lot. She talks about her state having 10,000 lakes. My state has 3 million lakes. America is a maritime nation.

Our economic success, food security, supply chains and national defense depend on safe, healthy and productive oceans. This hearing comes at a critical time as our nation races to strengthen our maritime industries and secure our place in the global Blue Economy, but so are other countries. The federal government is making significant investments in taking important steps to ensure America remains competitive and our coastal communities, continue to thrive.

Seafood and of course, our fishermen coastal communities remains one of the pillars of the Blue Economy. Alaska is the superpower of seafood, I'd like to say, producing more than 60%. Harvesting more than 60% of all commercial, sport, and subsistence seafood in America, and providing roughly 10 billion meals of healthy protein wild Alaskan fish each year. Our fisheries support thousands of jobs, sustain coastal communities, and help feed both our nation and the world.

President Trump's executive order on restoring American seafood competitiveness recognizes an important reality. Seafood competitiveness is economic security and even national security. At the same time, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remains a major threat, not just a global fish stocks and fair competition, but to the economic and national security of the United States. That is why my bipartisan fighting foreign illegal seafood harvest, or the FISH Act, which strengthens enforcement and proves international coordination and targets foreign bad actors, particularly China, is so important to stop this illegal fishing, what Senator Whitehouse calls pirate fishing.

We passed that in the Senate recently, and I believe it's going to be passed in the House soon. That will be the most comprehensive IUU fish legislation in the history of the country.

This builds on the bill's Senator Whitehouse and I passed the Save Our Seas Act, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which were the most comprehensive ocean cleanup legislation in American history. And right now, in this committee, we are working on my comprehensive bycatch bill that we introduced last year.

We are hoping to mark that up. That will be the most comprehensive bycatch legislation in American history. Healthy oceans are both an environmental priority and an economic necessity and a national security issue. Tourism, charter fishing, wildlife viewing and countless small businesses depend on sustainable fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems. Alaska is also seeing exciting innovation through our growing mariculture industry, where kelp and shellfish growers are creating new opportunities and jobs in coastal communities.

Science and data collection are foundational to the long-term success of the American Blue Economy. Fisheries, fishery surveys and stock assessments support sustainable fisheries management, and that is NOAA's key mission in this committee reminds them of that very regularly. Likewise, hydrographic services, including coastal mapping, charting and biometric surveys are essential for safe navigation, commerce and maritime operations across every sector of the American Blue Economy.

Advancing our Blue Economy also requires strengthening America's maritime transportation network; ports, marine highways, vessels, terminals, and logistics systems are essential to moving goods supporting coastal states, maintaining resilient supply chains while enhancing our national security. That is why the administration's maritime action plan is so important. Strengthening America's maritime transportation will require long term investment, workforce development, and strong public private partnerships that improve port capacity, modern infrastructure, support domestic vessel operators and ensure reliable transportation networks for coastal communities within and across states.

Tourism is another driver of the American Blue Economy. Visitors bring significant revenue directly to our local communities, making it important that America remains competitive as a global destination. That is why I introduced the Visit USA Act to fully fund Brand USA, the public private partnership responsible for promoting the United States as an international travel destination. Ultimately, this all comes back to people.

The Blue Economy supports millions of American fishermen, processors, mariners, sport fishermen, welders, scientists, engineers, military personnel, charter operators, tourism workers, and small business owners across the United States. Yet workforce shortages remain one of the great challenges across nearly every sector. We are serious about advancing the Blue Economy. We must invest in workforce development, training, apprenticeships and educational opportunities to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.

The United States possesses some of the richest ocean resources in the world, the best managed fisheries in the world. With the right investments, policies and partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of America's Blue Economy while strengthening our economic and national security and supporting coastal communities for generations to come. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today, many of whom traveled far from the great state of Alaska like I did last night, and to opportunities ahead, challenges they face and the policies needed to ensure a strong and prosperous maritime future in Blue Economy for America.”

# # #",1,2026-06-03T06:40:39Z,2026-06-03T06:42:22Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-moody-lead-effort-to-uncover-improper-health-care-billing-practices-that-lead-to-high-levels-of-medical-debt,"Sullivan, Moody Lead Effort to Uncover Improper Health Care Billing Practices That Lead to High Levels of Medical Debt",2026-06-02,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Ashley Moody (R-Florida) are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to uncover improper health care billing practices that lead to high levels of medical debt. Instances of high medical debt continue to be a top concern for Americans, and there are reports that indicate hospital bills charged to uninsured patients that end up as medical debt are often well in excess of the actual cost of providing the service.

“We are writing to request you investigate and provide recommendations to Congress for addressing inappropriate health care billing practices that lead to high levels of medical debt,” said the Senators. “Despite efforts by Congress and the Administration to insulate patients from ‘surprise’ medical bills in the No Surprises Act, after four years of runaway inflation and increasing health costs under the Biden administration, instances of high medical debt continue to be a top concern for our constituents.”

BACKGROUND:

While most medical debt sent to collections is under $300, approximately 14 million Americans owe over $1,000. Three million have incurred medical debt that exceeds $10,000, representing almost 80 percent of the aggregate medical debt owed in the United States.

High hospital bills have been a key factor for those suffering from high levels of medical debt. Almost 70 percent of Americans with medical debt under $1,000 reported having no hospital bills at all, but over 70 percent of those with debt over $1,000 reporting owing debt to hospitals, according to a 2022 survey.

Just last month, an investigation found “facilities on average charge the uninsured almost five times what Medicare pays for the same procedure.”

Senators Sullivan and Moody are directing HHS to investigate root causes of instances of inordinately high medical debt and provide recommendations to Congress.

Read the letter here.

# # #",1,2026-06-03T06:40:39Z,2026-06-03T06:42:22Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-hr-41-advancing-recognition-five-southeast-alaska-native,"House Passes H.R. 41, Advancing Recognition for Five Southeast Alaska Native Communities",2026-06-02,2026,2026-06,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 2, 2026 – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 41, the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) to address a decades-long omission in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and provide long-overdue recognition to Alaska Native communities in Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell.

“When ANCSA became law, five Southeast Alaska Native communities were left out through no fault of their own,” said Congressman Begich. “For generations, Native families in Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell have carried the burden of being known as the ‘landless.’ This bill honors existing agreements and provides a pathway for future economic development and self-determination for these Alaska Native families and their descendants.”

“For too long, five Southeast Alaska Native communities have been left out of a settlement framework intended to benefit Alaska Natives. H.R. 41 allows these communities to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, creating new opportunities for self-determination, economic development, and community investment. I commend Rep. Begich for advancing legislation that fulfills longstanding commitments and supports the future of Southeast Alaska Native communities,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman.

“Today, my heart is full. For too long our families have been without the land our ancestors stewarded; land is not just property — it is our language, our food, our ceremonies, our identity, and the future we will pass to our children. The House’s passage of H.R. 41 begins to finish what was left undone in 1971 and honors our elders who have waited their whole lives. We celebrate today not just for ourselves but for the generations who are one large step closer to being able to care for the places that made us who we are,” said Harriet Brouillette, Community Representative of Deishú (Haines).

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 41 authorizes the creation of urban corporations for the five Southeast Alaska communities and provides land conveyances consistent with the framework established under ANCSA. The legislation protects existing Native corporation entitlements and preserves revenue-sharing arrangements.

The bill also ensures that shareholders in the newly established Urban Corporations will continue to receive distributions through the Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska, preserving benefits currently enjoyed by eligible Alaska Native shareholders.

H.R. 41 now advances to the United States Senate for consideration.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:11:26Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-begich-announces-alaskas-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner,Congressman Begich Announces Alaska’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner,2026-05-28,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ANCHORAGE, AK – May 28, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) is honored to announce Service High School student Ivy Suoja has been selected as Alaska’s winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition with her mixed media collage portrait titled, Arctic Bear. As Alaska’s role in the Arctic continues to grow in importance to America’s future, Ivy’s piece is particularly timely. Her artwork captures Alaska’s connection to America’s Arctic future while powerfully representing this year’s theme, “America.”

“I want to congratulate Ivy Suoja from Service High School for winning Alaska’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition with her creative collage portrait, Arctic Bear,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “Ivy’s work was visually striking and deeply representative of Alaska’s unique place in our nation’s story. I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol representing Alaska.”

Ivy will soon join student artists from across the nation in Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Art Competition Winners’ Ceremony. Her work will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year, representing Alaska in the halls of Congress.

To learn more about the competition, visit the Congressional Art Competition website.

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-tribal-child-welfare-programs-and-support-native-families,"Murkowski, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Strengthen Tribal Child Welfare Programs and Support Native Families",2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) today introduced the Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act. This bipartisan bill aims to strengthen Tribal child welfare programs by increasing federal funding, reducing administrative barriers, and giving Tribes more flexibility to provide culturally appropriate family support. U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) are original cosponsors.

“The Alaska Native communities in my state are rich with tradition, culture, and family. But the same communities often lack local services and support to help families who’ve fallen on hard times. Maybe a parent is struggling with addiction or doesn’t have the resources to feed their children. Without the right support, kids may be sent away from their community to another town for foster care, completely cut off from their way of life and relatives. That is a devastating scenario, but it happens more than you’d think,” said Senator Murkowski. “Tribal communities know best how to support their children and families. This bill will cut red tape and give Tribes more flexibility and greater opportunities to care for Native children within their own communities, allowing children to remain connected to their families and culture.”

“Nevada’s 28 Tribes, bands, and colonies work tirelessly to provide support to their most vulnerable members, including young children, single mothers, and seniors,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “However, they unjustly lack access to key social services that other communities rely on. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help level the playing field so that all Nevadans can get the services they need.”

“The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) commends the introduction of the Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act, legislation that is committed to strengthening Tribal families through culturally grounded, prevention-focused policies,” said Larry Wright Jr, NCAI Executive Director. “Strong Native families provide the foundation for strong Tribal Nations, and this legislation represents a critical step forward. With its passage, Tribal governments will have direct access to the resources needed to support children and families before crises occur. By prioritizing early intervention, family preservation, and Tribal-led prevention services, the bill codifies Native communities as best positioned to care for their children in ways that reflect their cultural values, traditions, and community priorities. These reforms advance Tribal self-determination in the child welfare system and ensure that Native children remain connected to their families, communities, and cultural identities. Policies that strengthen Native families not only improve outcomes for children, but reinforce Tribal sovereignty and support the long-term health, stability, and resilience of Tribal Nations.”

“Gaps in basic human services funding to Tribal Nations mean that their most vulnerable citizens often don’t get the support they need. The Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act creates equitable access for Tribal Nations to federal programs that fund basic services to protect children, people with disabilities, domestic violence victims, and elders. The legislation also increases support for Tribal courts that provide mediation and justice services, streamlines administrative requirements, and increases incentives for Tribal Nations and states to collaborate to support at-risk Tribal children and families. We greatly appreciate Senator Murkowski’s and Senator Cortez Masto’s leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation and welcome the opportunity to work with them to ensure our most vulnerable Tribal citizens have the basic protections and services they need,” said Dr. Sarah Kastelic, Executive Director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA).

“CWLA applauds Senator Murkowski for introducing the Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act,” said Linda S. Spears, President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America. “This legislation will finally provide Tribes with equitable access to the critical child and family wellbeing resources already available to states through Titles IV-E and IV-B and the Social Services Block Grant. This increased federal funding will allow Tribes to implement culturally grounded prevention, family preservation, and foster care and adoption programs for AI/AN children that can help reduce the disproportionate representation of American Indian and Alaska Native children in child welfare services. This investment is long overdue and essential to ensuring that children remain safe, supported, and connected to their families and communities.”

“Too often, our systems are not setting our children and future generations up for success. Native communities continue to face barriers in education, child welfare, mental health, housing, and opportunity that impact the long-term well-being of our families,” said Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives. “The Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act is a bold step in the right direction, not only by strengthening coordination and authority, but by putting real funding behind those commitments. AFN deeply appreciates Senator Murkowski’s dedication to Alaska Native communities and her continued leadership in fighting for a stronger future for our children and the next generation.”

""As Chair of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, I'm proud to see the Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act translate the Commission's recommendations into real, actionable policy. This bill reflects what we've always known at Cook Inlet Tribal Council: when communities have the support and flexibility to care for their children in their own ways, families don’t just survive, they thrive. CITC is honored to stand behind legislation that makes that possible. Thank you, Senator Murkowski,” said Gloria O'Neill, President/CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.

The Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act recognizes the importance of Tribal sovereignty in child welfare administration and strengthens coordination between states and Tribes to improve outcomes for Native children in foster care and prevention services.

Most notably, the bill:

• Increases and creates Tribal set-asides, including a new Tribal set-aside within the Social Services Block Grant program;

• Establishes a new Tribal prevention-only Title IV-E agreement authority, allowing Tribes to access prevention services funding without first operating foster care or adoption assistance programs;

• Increases the authorized appropriations of the Tribal Court Improvement Program from $2 million each fiscal year to $5 million each fiscal year; and

• Expands support for Tribal-led prevention, family preservation, and early intervention efforts before children enter the child welfare system.

The legislation builds on the longstanding support of Senators Murkowski and Cortez Masto to strengthen the implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and improve outcomes for Native families through culturally informed, community-driven services. Provisions of the legislation draw upon the Tribal Family Fairness Act of the 118th Congress as well as Senator Murkowski’s draft Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act.

A section by section of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/we-cannot-look-away-murkowski-details-devastating-toll-of-ex-typhoon-halong-on-western-alaska-villages-need-to-address-critical-gaps-in-disaster-recovery-and-relocation,"“We Cannot Look Away”: Murkowski Details Devastating Toll of Ex-Typhoon Halong on Western Alaska Villages, Need to Address Critical Gaps in Disaster Recovery and Relocation",2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, delivered a floor statement on the impacts of ex-Typhoon Halong, which displaced more than 1,000 Alaskans and devastated communities along the coast of Western Alaska last October. Murkowski convened a two-part field hearing in Anchorage and Bethel during the May recess to hear firsthand from Alaskans impacted by the storm. During her floor remarks, the Senator discussed ongoing recovery efforts, challenges with the potential relocation of villages, and the need to strengthen federal mitigation and recovery programs.

Watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks here.

Transcript (edited for clarity):

“Earlier this month when I was back home in Alaska, I had an opportunity to have a two-part field hearing in my role as Chairman of the Senate committee on Indian affairs, and what the Committee was seeking to do was to examine the impacts of ex-Typhoon Halong. This was a major, major storm that devastated much of Western Alaska back in October 2025 and the committee looked to explore the various federal responses of the mitigation efforts and recovery programs that are available for Tribal communities.

“As I begin my comments today, I want to acknowledge the ever-present reality of the environmental threats to our coastal Western Alaska villages. This has been a problem – a challenge – for us for some period of time.

“It was 22 years ago that I sat at a different field hearing in Anchorage. It was convened by Senator Ted Stevens. At the time he was, I believe, chairing the Commerce Committee. But we heard testimony about the erosion and the flooding that was affecting coastal Alaskan Native villages, and even then Senator Stevens and I heard about the challenges that were faced by these typically very small, very rural communities in our state. And even back then, many of these communities were considering relocation, and it was from that initial field hearing that it was identified the many threatened communities – threatened by erosion, threatened by permafrost thaw. And so, I think it’s important to try to understand why we have so many Alaska villages that face this threat.

“We’re an Arctic state. We are a state that is seeing the impact of warming more dramatically than any other place in the country. We’re also a big, big state.

“But it also goes back to the way that many Tribal communities were established across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, which we refer to as the YK-Delta. The Native people of that region are largely Cup’ik and Yup’ik. They were historically nomadic people, and they moved with the seasons. They basically followed the subsistence resources, whether it was the game or the fish. When the fall came, which is the time when we see stronger storm surges, they would often move onto higher ground to avoid the worst of the storm’s effects.

“But history moved forward and following the purchase of Alaska from Russia, and in line with the assimilationist policies of the time, the Bureau of Indian Affairs began to build schools and this caused families to settle around the schools. Settlement locations were not chosen following good feasibility studies or cost-benefit analyses. They didn’t navigate environmental reviews or work through a lengthy permitting process, nor were they developed in conversation and consultation with surrounding Native communities, whose traditional knowledge about the land may have helped them avoid some ecological hazards.

“With the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act, the National Environmental Protection Act, and so many of the other laws regarding land ownership and the environment, what we saw were the Yup’ik and the Cup’ik people were largely unable to relocate as they historically might have. And as such, over time, many of these small Alaska Native villages have experienced more and greater natural disasters. And some of them have been extremely devastating.

“And this is where I’d like to speak about ex-Typhoon Halong. It’s now seven months after this typhoon hit Western Alaska, but that seven months has not dulled the terror of that storm, which is still present with so many. The storm crossed over a hundred thousand square miles. This is an area roughly the size of Colorado, and people in the region – again, primarily along the coast, very exposed – experienced winds exceeding a hundred miles an hour and a flooding storm surge pushing the floodwaters up to 25 miles inland from the coast. So you think you’re safe when you’re inland. Not so much when we have these extraordinary, extraordinary storm surges.

“There are two villages that were devastated, the Native village of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. And the damage there to homes and community facilities was so great that the residents had to be evacuated. They were taken either to Bethel or to Anchorage. But when I say evacuated, they were evacuated by the hundreds in the belly of a C-130 that came in, landed, and did a mass evacuation of these small villages. The pictures of hundreds of Native families sitting on the floor of a C-130 flying to safety because their villages had literally been swept away. And I think it’s important to keep in mind, Bethel is around 150 miles from Kipnuk and 500 miles from Anchorage. So they’re being evacuated from their village to very far away.

“And when I say these villages were damaged, it was 90% of Kipnuk’s community infrastructure that was destroyed or rendered entirely unusable. I was able to go into Kipnuk with several of the military leaders less than a week after the storm hit. It was eerily quiet. Really, the only sounds that one heard was an occasional dog that was barking because the people, when they were evacuated, were not allowed to take their animals. It was – it was devastation like something I’ve not ever seen.

“Kipnuk is a boardwalk community, which means that it is built on a tundra type land which is very wet, very marshy, very spongy, and so there are no roads. You drive a four-wheeler along a boardwalk. You walk around the boardwalk. The boardwalks had been lifted up, tangled and tossed, and driven into the sides of homes. Homes had been lifted up off of their foundations and floated not just a couple of feet, but miles away.

“When you think about what this does – when it rips up boardwalks, when it lifts up homes off of their very foundation, the community’s water source is gone; the boardwalks, which are their main roads, torn up, impassable. Again, homes are, are lifted, ripped off their pilings, drifting miles away. And Mr. President, this all happened so quickly in the dark of night in October that most people were still in their homes. They hadn’t been able to get the word to go to the school where it may have been safer. These people were in their homes.

“Sewage lagoons were breached and failed, spilling massive amounts of human waste across the local environment, including across many of the key subsistence areas and the cemeteries where the remains of their families are. Caskets began floating free in the waters. It’s hard to describe the devastation. It’s hard to describe even though I was able to see that damage as we flew into Kipnuk. You could see across the wide vacant tundra a random house catty-wompus over there. I could see small white objects in the tundra that I couldn’t recognize. It was only after I landed that I learned that those were caskets that had floated out and were now littered across the tundra.

“So, seven months beyond that event, people are still talking about the devastation to their community. And for those who were who were evacuated to Anchorage, adapting to life in our state’s largest city has also posed its own challenges. And as I have said, the people who were evacuated are now safe from a storm, but they’re facing other threats that are equally challenging.

“Right after the event, I was there again – it was about a week afterwards – and I went to visit the two congregate sheltering sites in Anchorage to visit the evacuees. I went up to one little girl. She was probably about six years old and she was coloring. I went over to say hello. She was super sweet, and I said, ‘What picture have you drawn?’ And she showed me and it was her house. And she says, ‘This is me and my family in my house.’ And then she kinda hugs my leg and she says, ‘Are you afraid of the dark?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not afraid of the dark. Are you afraid of the dark?’ And she said, ‘I didn’t used to be, but now I am.’

“And I, and I think about that little girl and that storm is long gone, but the trauma that she shared… because I later learned that hers was one of the families that was drifting for hours in the dark. Their house was spinning around in the current until it slammed into something that ultimately stopped it. So that trauma for that six-year-old, I don’t know how that goes away.

“Anchorage is nearly 500 miles away and over 240 times bigger than Kipnuk. And again, Kipnuk may be 800 people on a good day. That’s probably being generous, Anchorage is an urban place. It’s English-dominated. It’s close to mountainous terrain. Everything is different from what these people know in their village. It’s impractical to live a subsistence lifestyle in Anchorage.

“Just a very quick case in point: spring is the time of year when Native people who live out in these tundra villages, they’ll go out and they’ll gather eggs – seagull eggs, goose eggs – but it’s part of the spring harvest that just brings great delight to them and to their families. And when I was visiting with some at this hearing that we had a few weeks back, I said, ‘What’s the hardest thing about being here in Anchorage?’ And they said, ‘We can’t get subsistence food right now. We should be gathering eggs.’ And I turned to my team and I said there ought to be a way that even in a big city you should be able to have a subsistence harvest.

“Long story short, I was able to deliver 280 seagull eggs that had been collected off the tops of tall buildings – not the way that it is harvested in villages – but they were given to the elders of these villages who had been evacuated, with the permission of our federal resource agencies. But it was just one small thing that makes me think, we can try to put you in a safe place, but when everything else around you is foreign, it still becomes hard.

“The language barrier is a challenge. Accessing most social services in Anchorage requires at least a passing knowledge of English, and so for many of our conversations at our field hearing, we had interpreters who were translating to those who primarily speak Yup’ik. So challenges in terms of the gaps that we have.

“Students have been transferred to local schools in the Anchorage area and in the Bethel schools, and they’re doing the best that they can to adapt to urban life, but culture shock is very real and we’re seeing how it has taken a toll.

“We have heard that maybe at least one that we have confirmed, but possibly two young people, have taken their own lives since relocating to Anchorage. Others, we’ve heard, have fallen victim to substance use. Others are becoming homeless and ending up on our streets.

“And I know there are strong social service organizations like the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Southcentral Foundation, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, the Anchorage School District. So, many are doing their best to provide support to Halong survivors, but the truth is that the systems that we have in place to support communities after disasters like Typhoon Halong are simply not built to help relocate communities. They were not built to support evacuated people for long periods of time, nor were they provided with the flexibility to support people for whom English is a second language.

“So lots of different things that we looked at and saw as system failures. So what do we do? Because these are Alaskans who need help. And from the time of the storm on, it’s been my goal to ensure that they have the help that they need.

“Our field hearing was yet one more way to ensure people were heard and that their issues receive the federal attention that they demand.

“So the first part of our hearing was in Anchorage. We heard from elected Tribal leaders and representatives from the Native villages of Kwigillingok. Sometimes we just call it Kip and Kwig because obviously it’s easier to say Kip and Kwig. But I’ll tell you, so much of what we heard on that first day was really heartbreaking.

“Lucy Martin, who is Kwigillingok’s Tribal Resilience and Planning Assistant, described what it meant, what it felt like, to be floating along the river in her home after it was detached from its foundation. Again, you’re floating in the current; it’s dark; there’s nothing to see outside except dark. But what she did see were floating caskets of dead relatives going by her window. She said it was like living through a horror movie.

“And in his recounting of the evening that the storm hit, Kipnuk Chief Paul J. Paul, just choked up. He had such a hard time describing being in the house with his family in the dark, trying to be the strong adult, when his young granddaughter – his six-year-old granddaughter – said, ‘Grandpa,’ or ‘Papa,’ ‘can we sing Silent Night?’ because she wanted to bring some quiet to the horror that they were living in as their home floated away.

“When I came before this chamber last year after the storm, directly after, I noted how resilient the people of Alaska are – how community members, the National Guard, the Coast Guard, everyone – worked tirelessly in preparation, rescue, and recovery efforts.

“And I will tell you, Mr. President, no doubt about it, these communities are resilient, and we saw that on display in our field hearings as leaders recounted their personal traumatic experiences, while at the same time advocating for their communities and urging what the path forward should look like for their communities, but also for others that may be threatened.

“But here we are, seven months after the storm, and it’s clear that evacuees are just kind of in this limbo place. They have clearly expressed their preference to relocate, but they continue to grapple with a federal response system that can only facilitate their assimilation to a community that they’re uncomfortable with – Anchorage or, or Bethel. It’s just not home. It’s different.

“But also a federal government that says ‘we’ll help you, but you have to return to the site of the tragedy.’ So FEMA says ‘we’re there for you, but you’ve got to relocate where you are, you rebuild where you are, and in this case it’s a site that is now unstable, likely highly, highly contaminated.’

“Lucy Martin described the ground there as like walking on a Jell-O pad. She also said it felt like walking on a waterbed. So how do you reestablish a home in an area like that? These should not be the evacuation-only options, but we know firsthand in Alaska how challenging it can be to actually help communities relocate.

“The very first bill that I ever got signed into law here in my time in the United States Senate was a land exchange that authorized – helped to facilitate – the relocation of the Western Alaska community of Newtok. They wanted to relocate because, again, they are low-lying, very much on the coast, threatened by just the land around them. So they voted to relocate to a new site nine miles upriver, a new site called Mertarvik. And we introduced the land exchange bill. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush back in 2003.

“I wish that I could take credit for all the origins of this, but quite honestly they go back to the ’70s and the ’80s when Newtok community members first became alarmed by the nearby river erosion. But it took until 2019 for the first Newtok residents to actually be able to relocate to Mertarvik.

“And to this day, the residents now relocated there are dealing with substandard housing –housing that perhaps went up too quick. I’m not going to assign blame for it, but the housing is still a challenge. Community facilities that are still, still not what we would like them to be. It has been painstakingly slow, and that’s probably the best way to describe this process.

“Relocation also requires local communities to work together and to engage with federal, state, and regional partners for success. And my view on this whole issue of relocation, as hard as it is, is that we’ve got to figure out how we can be responsive to community needs, especially if these communities like Kip and Kwig have experienced a disaster so destructive that the environment around them has fundamentally changed to the point of being unlivable.

“If relocation is a community’s top priority, how do we respect that? How do we ensure that, that there is a path available for it?

“We also need to do a better job supporting all communities that are affected by natural disasters. The second day of our hearing underscored that. In Bethel, we heard more about ex-Typhoon Halong and about the effects of Typhoon Merbok.

“Typhoon Merbok was a 2022 storm that, again, had pretty much ripped through that entire region, through the Bering Strait, all the way down to the YK-Delta. And then, they had a massive flooding event just this last year. So again, consecutive disasters that are coming through these regions.

“What we heard on the second day of that field hearing was a lack of rural emergency response infrastructure, the barriers to accessing FEMA and state assistance, and the fact that there's no coordinating entity at the federal level for disaster, response, and relocation efforts.

“We have in the state of Alaska, a regional commission, the Denali Commission. It's well positioned in Alaska, but truth of the matter is, it lacks the funding to address every need associated with relocation. And utilizing the Denali Commission alone would not solve similar issues that are faced by lower 48 communities.

“After the field hearing, on that same day, we hosted a listening session for Tribal leaders and their designees, and what I heard was – even in the communities that were not hit by ex-Typhoon Halong, or it would just hit mildly – was that the effects of recent disasters and ongoing ecological changes are dramatic.

“We heard, for example, from the Native Village of Chefornak’s Tribal President, Janet Erik who shared her community is combating a combination of riverine, erosion, permafrost degradation, and overcrowding. And so Chefornak is not just sitting and waiting, they are pursuing a managed retreat strategy. They're building new homes on higher ground. They're putting them on pilings. They're putting them away from the adjacent river, while they're also working to remediate and remove buildings that are close to literally falling into the water.

“In contrast to Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, residents did not evacuate from Chefornak in the wake of Halong, only about 10 homes sustained damage, and the community actually took in several evacuated families.

“I think it shows that when you look at this through the lens of, ‘how can we be proactive to put ourselves in a safer situation’, like they were doing in the process of doing in Chefornak, it can make a difference. But even there, in Chefornak, the sewage lagoon and the landfill were washed out, contaminating land where community members pick their berries, gather their greens, and hunt, as well as the waterways where they fish. And the land has changed. The waters have changed. An entirely new waterway has formed near the land along the road to the airstrip. And their boardwalks are sinking, again, due to the melting permafrost. So these are realities on the ground.

“For Alaskans living in coastal and riverside communities, it's not a question of if the next typhoon will hit, but really a matter of when. And, Mr. President, I know we all have disasters that impact our states and communities. You come from a state where you see, you see tornadoes coming through that bring about massive destruction. And I think we have to appreciate what happens in our respective states, and the challenges, then, that we all have in responding. Alaska's challenges, perhaps, are a little bit accentuated because our geography is so massive, and our communities are so isolated.

“When I describe an evacuation, it's not just getting in your car and being able to move to safety. You have to wait for a C-130 to be able to land and do a massive evacuation of your village, in the situation of Kip, Kwig, and some of the others. And we also know that these communities were in the news, certainly in Alaska, when all this was going on. Small community, big impact. But we have this tendency to just move from what we're seeing unfolding on our screens to the next disaster that has hit somewhere else. And the people who are living with that trauma and looking at the disaster still in their area – they can't just look away. And I can't look away.

“Just think about the Arctic in the same space as Typhoon. There were no typhoons when I was growing up in Alaska, regardless of where I was living. But we are seeing these phenomenons impact us, growing more frequent. 50 year floodplain estimates are now being reached in closer to two or three years. And so it's just hard to move away from the growing reality.

“We have an emergency response manager. He's an extraordinary professional Bryan Fisher. He has been with the state of Alaska for a more than 30-year career in emergency services. He testified at that hearing in Bethel that out of the 198 disasters he had led, the state response to Typhoon Halong has been by far the most catastrophic.

“We know increased community threats from natural disasters, again, are not just a problem in Western Alaska or in Alaska in general. We've heard the stories from colleagues from North Carolina, from Tennessee, from Georgia, who were here to talk about the devastation following Hurricane Helene and the challenges that those communities have faced with federal disaster relief and recovery. There were also stories of Tribal communities in Southwest Washington State and Louisiana that face worsening, extreme weather events and sea level rise. And after our field hearing it's even more clear to me that the systems in place to protect our communities don't work as we need them to.

“Going back to my example of Newtok to Mertarvik, people want to view that relocation and say, ‘success.’ We relocated a village, and I suppose it is, if you want to consider the simple idea that the community wanted to move, voted to move, and they have since moved. But a closer look reveals many difficult, expensive lessons learned along the way.

“That relocation was a generation plus in the making. It's great success is now arguably measured in the lives not lost during ex-Typhoon Halong. I think about that and I think we've got to have a higher bar than that. Success cannot be measured only in terms of life or death. It also must include the dignity afforded to communities that are constituents call home.

“So where does this put us? What do we do going forward?

“We all need to pay attention, show up for the people that we serve, and for each other. And in the coming months, my team and I will continue working with Alaska communities, the state, and other federal agencies to chart a path forward. And our goal is to establish a more nimble system for the communities facing environmental threats – one that works with them and for them.

“So, a couple suggestions.

“First, I think you need a lead agency. Back in 2004, witnesses from the State of Alaska expressed that this is just too much for the State to take on alone. That was true back in 2004, that is still true. And with the communities threatened across the country, there is a federal nexus. We’ll do better if we can pool experience and lessons learned and work from a centralized vantage point.

“Next, we need to take another look at the way that we have siloed community resilience away from disaster response. We need to ensure that all parties are communicating and pulling together on infrastructure hardening, pre-disaster planning and mitigation, disaster response, recovery, and relocation efforts.

“We also need to ensure that these systems are easier to navigate. I hear this all the time. These systems have to be easier to navigate for the communities that are strapped for resources. Narrow grants that have to be pieced together, oftentimes over the course of years are not the most cost effective way to address the problem, especially for Tribal communities that are already struggling with low capacity.

“Right now, tribal leaders like Janet and her fellow council members in Chefornak are being asked to choose between building new homes for families that have moved in with relatives since their old homes were literally leaning into the river, or decommissioning and decontaminating old buildings that are also about to fall into the river.

“I do want to acknowledge, and we're very grateful for, the $16.7 million that the BIA just awarded to Chefornak through the Tribal Community Resilience Program. But this is just a start, because those are impossible choices that are facing far too many of our communities. It's not just Chefornak.

“In the meantime, I promise not to look away and to keep bringing folks up to Alaska to see, to understand, and to hear. As conversations continue about the best way to structure our disaster response system, I want to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, wherever you are, to address not only the unique needs in my home state, but of all our states, and make sure that they're adequately addressed. Our disasters and the response to them may look different. Iget that. But our people all deserve the same access to safety and disaster response. And we can't lose sight of that.

“I also want to acknowledge Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Billy Kirkland. Assistant Secretary Kirkland and his staff showed up for the people of my state. He sat with me for hours, as we heard from the people of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok when we had our field hearing in Anchorage, and then he traveled with me to Bethel, as we heard from Tribal leaders across the YK-Delta on these very important issues.

“As we listened, I was struck by some words from Charlotte Nayagak. She's from the Chevak Native Village, and she's worked on disaster, recovery, and prevention in the region for many years. She went up to the mic and she had, like, two minutes to speak, but she started off by saying, ‘Finally, finally, someone from out there, not just from Alaska – finally, somebody is listening to us. We need this, we need this help. Finally, somebody is listening to us,’

“So imagine, imagine spending decades watching, as Charlotte described, the erosion of your land getting worse and worse each year, happening faster and faster, and just feeling like nobody from outside your community – nobody from outside your state – is listening.

“We should all be listening, Mr. President. We should all be working together to provide a better future, even for the darkest disasters, for the people that we serve, no matter where they live.

“So, Mr. President, I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to do just that.”

###",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-demands-change-to-new-etsy-policy-that-would-ban-sale-of-alaska-native-fur-handicrafts,Sullivan Demands Change to New Etsy Policy That Would Ban Sale of Alaska Native Fur Handicrafts,2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) wrote the CEO of Etsy Inc.–an online marketplace of crafts and handmade items–demanding a change to the platform’s new Animal Product Policy prohibiting the sale of many products made of natural animal fur. The policy, which would go into effect August 11, 2026, would impact authentic Alaska Native garments, handicrafts, and accessories made from lawfully harvested animals.

“For thousands of years, Alaska Native people have sustainably harvested wildlife and created clothing, handicrafts, and artwork,” Senator Sullivan said. “These practices are recognized and protected under federal law. While we can all agree that measures must be taken to combat illegal wildlife harvests and trafficking, imposing a blanket prohibition that makes no distinction for lawful Alaska Native handicrafts will harm Alaskans without providing any meaningful conservation benefit. I urge Etsy to reconsider and clarify its policy by adopting a pathway for the sale of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts that incorporate fur, aligned with the broader federal legal framework Congress has carefully constructed to protect both wildlife and Alaska Native cultural heritage.”

Senator Sullivan’s full letter to Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal can be found here. On April 30, public radio station KNBA published a story about how this proposed ban would negatively impact Alaska Native artists.

Background

Senator Sullivan has led several efforts to protect the rights of Alaska Native artisans and continues to educate others on the negative impacts facing Alaska Native and rural economies as a result of overly-broad bans. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 permits Alaska Native people to take marine mammals and to create and sell “authentic Native articles of handicrafts and clothing” made from lawfully harvested marine mammals, including sea otter fur, subject to strict requirements that these harvests are not taken in a wasteful manner. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 further established a framework to protect authentic Alaska Native-produced art and craft products.

In October 2025, the Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition (ARTIST) Act, Senator Sullivan’s legislation to protect the legal rights of Alaska Native artists using walrus ivory in traditional handicrafts, art, ceremonial regalia, and clothing passed unanimously through the Senate.

In February 2019, Senator Sullivan worked with Alaska Native Artists and Facebook to clarify Facebook Marketplace’s polices regarding the sale of products or artwork made with any “part, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur”.

In February 2018, Senator Sullivan worked with Alaska Native Artists to resolve a previous issue with Etsy that banned Alaska Native products with sealskin, sea otter, and ivory.

###",1,2026-05-22T06:27:39Z,2026-05-22T06:29:18Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-nick-begich-leads-legislation-establish-strategic-bitcoin-reserve,Congressman Nick Begich Leads Legislation to Establish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,2026-05-21,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 21, 2026 – Today, Congressman Nick Begich (AK-AL), alongside co-lead Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), introduced the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 (ARMA), landmark bipartisan legislation to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and modernize how the United States manages digital reserve assets.

Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Ben Cline (VA-06), Barry Moore (AL-01), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Mike Carey (OH-15), Mike Collins (GA-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Riley Moore (WV-02), Tim Moore (NC-14), Abraham J. Hamadeh (AZ-08), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Dave Taylor (OH-02), and Matt Van Epps (TN-07).

“The American Reserve Modernization Act positions the United States to lead confidently in the digital age while protecting taxpayer interests, strengthening financial sovereignty, and reinforcing the principles of transparency and sound stewardship,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “Private property rights are fundamental to the American Ideal, and those rights must extend fully into the digital space. As the global economy evolves, the United States must embrace policies that protect individual liberty, encourage new innovation systems, and diversify America’s core reserves balance sheet.”

“Digital currencies are not the fringe phenomenon they once were. Individuals, businesses and governments already hold and trade them, and the U.S. is already one of the largest holders of bitcoin in the world. But Congress has never set a federal policy on what to do with that asset,” said Congressman Jared Golden. “Administrations have auctioned it off or held it in reserve, according to the whims of the executive branch. By creating a strategic reserve with the weight of law, the ARMA reinforces stability and gives Congress more time to establish long-term policy for how the federal government approaches cryptocurrency.”

“The age of digital finance is here, and for the United States to continue leading as the premier economy in the world, innovation and strategic investment are required,” said Congressman Buddy Carter. “I support the American Reserve Modernization Act because, by stockpiling Bitcoin, the United States strategically positions itself in both traditional and emerging financial markets, creating a security blanket against economic uncertainty while strengthening our long-term competitiveness on the world stage.”

“Establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is long overdue. Consolidating the Federal Government’s holdings of Bitcoin and other digital assets will empower us to harness these assets for American prosperity. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Begich’s American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA),” said Congressman Matt Van Epps. “In addition to establishing a reserve, this legislation promotes transparency by improving the security and oversight of Bitcoin held in the reserve. More importantly, the reserve would be established without cost to American taxpayers, while any sale of Bitcoin would only be for the purposes of reducing our national debt. With a national debt of $39 trillion, this is an essential piece of legislation.”

“Washington has ignored the reality that digital assets are becoming a major part of the global economy while countries like China move aggressively to gain an advantage,” said Congressman Barry Moore. “The American Reserve Modernization Act is about putting America first by ensuring the United States remains the financial capital of the world, protects taxpayers, and strengthens our economic security. We should be leading the future of finance — not letting foreign adversaries write the rules while bureaucrats in Washington drag their feet. I want to thank Congressman Nick Begich for his leadership on this important legislation, and I am proud to join this fight to ensure America remains the global leader in innovation and economic strength.”

“Washington cannot keep pretending Bitcoin does not exist, only to inevitably realize this is not a passing trend. Americans are already using digital assets, global markets are already adapting, and our adversaries are moving,” said Congressman Burgess Owens. “The American Reserve Modernization Act ensures the United States approaches this reality from a position of strength, leadership, and long-term strategic thinking.”

“The American Reserve Modernization Act ensures that the United States remains a leader in the future of finance,” said Congressman Mike Carey. “As digital assets continue to grow in importance globally, we need a clear and responsible approach that strengthens America's long-term economic position and keeps us competitive on the world stage. I would like to thank Congressman Begich for his leadership on this legislation, and am proud to join him in this effort.”

“America should not be selling off strategic digital assets. We should be securing them for the future. This bill takes a long-term approach by requiring the United States to responsibly hold Bitcoin as part of a modern reserve strategy,” said Congressman Mike Rulli. “I want to thank Congressman Begich for introducing the American Reserve Modernization Act and for recognizing the strategic importance of digital assets to our economic and national security. This legislation is about keeping the United States competitive, strengthening our financial future, and ensuring America remains the global leader in innovation.”

“Bitcoin and other strategic digital assets are an increasingly important part of the global economy. America must lead,” said Congressman Riley Moore. “I’m proud to join Congressman Nick Begich as an original co-sponsor of the American Reserve Modernization Act to help codify President Trump’s strategic vision for Bitcoin and ensure the United States remains the world’s dominant economic power. Establishing Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset strengthens our financial future, promotes innovation, and helps secure America’s competitive edge against foreign adversaries.”

“The United States government already holds billions in seized Bitcoin with no coherent strategy for managing it, and that needs to change,” said Congressman Pat Harrigan. “I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Congressman Begich's American Reserve Modernization Act, which establishes that framework. Bitcoin is the digital equivalent of gold, and just as gold reserves have anchored American financial security for generations, a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve positions the United States at the forefront of 21st century finance, with full transparency, rigorous oversight, and a clear mandate to lead rather than watch from the sidelines.”

BACKGROUND:

The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 establishes a secure Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the U.S. Department of the Treasury, alongside a separate Digital Asset Stockpile for federally held non-Bitcoin digital assets. The legislation consolidates the custody and management of digital assets held across federal agencies under the Treasury to ensure secure stewardship, transparency, and consistent oversight of taxpayer-owned assets acquired through forfeitures, penalties, and other lawful government proceedings.

This legislation positions the United States as a leader in responsible digital asset custody while creating a long-term framework for the secure management of strategic digital reserves. The legislation requires all federal agencies to provide a full accounting of digital assets currently held or controlled by the federal government and establishes robust transparency measures, including quarterly public “Proof of Reserve” reports, independent third-party audits, and congressional oversight.

To reinforce the strategic nature of the reserve, the bill requires Bitcoin held in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to be maintained for a minimum of 20 years. The bill also protects Americans’ digital property rights by affirming that the federal government may not impair the lawful right of individuals to own, transfer, or self-custody digital assets. Additionally, the legislation directs a study on budget-neutral acquisition strategies to evaluate lawful methods for expanding strategic reserves without increasing taxes, deficit spending, or the national debt.

The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 builds upon ongoing congressional efforts to modernize federal digital asset policy and establish durable protections for the responsible management of strategic digital assets.

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-applauds-signing-of-cape-fox-land-entitlement-finalization-act,Alaska Delegation Applauds Signing of Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act,2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the enactment of H.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act, marking completion of a decades-long effort to fulfill a commitment made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).

This new law—signed by President Trump yesterday—waives a statutory requirement that would have compelled the Cape Fox Corporation, the Alaska Native Corporation for the Village of Saxman, to use a portion of its ANCSA land entitlement on remote parcels with no economic value. The bill instead 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.

The tract would allow Cape Fox to consolidate land ownership for a project to construct a road and transmission line to connect the Mahoney Lake hydropower site to the Beaver Falls Power Grid. The measure also conveys the subsurface estate of this tract to the Sealaska Corporation to avoid the creation of additional split estate between National Forest System surface lands and Sealaska subsurface lands.

“Cape Fox was placed at an incredible disadvantage when it was forced to claim lands under ANCSA that offered little to no economic value to its village corporation. After decades of hard work, Cape Fox has finally overcome these obstacles and is now finally on track to complete its land entitlement,” Senator Murkowski said. “This is a testament to Cape Fox’s resilience, determination, and stewardship, and I congratulate them. I’m also grateful to my Senate colleagues for temporarily setting aside their differences on lands-related legislation to allow us to again pass this measure in the Senate, and to Senator Sullivan and Congressman Begich for their partnership in this effort. It is great to have this done and I look forward to the benefits it will provide in Southeast Alaska.”

“For too long, the Alaska Native shareholders of Cape Fox have been denied the opportunity to select a 180-acre parcel of land that would connect their entitlements and bring critical infrastructure to the region,” said Senator Sullivan. “The passage of this legislation marks a huge win for Cape Fox and its members and for the pursuit of economic opportunity and energy security for the surrounding villages. I’m glad to have worked with Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich to get this across the finish line and deliver a result that supports a stronger future for Southeast.”

“This legislation delivers long-overdue certainty for the Cape Fox Corporation and the community of Saxman,” said Congressman Begich. “By cutting through outdated statutory requirements and allowing Cape Fox to select lands that better meet their needs, we are streamlining land management and creating new revenue opportunities for Southeast Alaska while also honoring the promises made under ANCSA. The signing of this bill marks another important step in our commitment to advancing Alaska priorities and ensuring our communities have the tools they need to thrive and build new capacity. I am proud to have championed this bill in the House, working with Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Senator Cruz to get this bill across the finish line and to the president’s desk.”

Cape Fox was uniquely affected by the original terms of ANCSA as it was restricted from making selections within six miles of the boundary of the city of Ketchikan while all other village corporations could make selections within two miles of home rule cities. As a result, only the mountainous northeast corner of Cape Fox’s core township was available for selection by the corporation. Cape Fox’s options were further limited by the fact that the Annette Island Indian Reservation is within its selection area but unavailable under ANCSA.

H.R. 2815 marks the first time the House of Representatives has passed the Cape Fox bill and the second time the Senate has passed it. Murkowski first introduced the bill in January 2024 and secured its Senate passage in December 2024, but the House of Representatives did not take it up before adjourning that year.

After the House passed H.R. 2815 by voice vote in December 2025, Murkowski worked with her colleagues to structure a bipartisan pairing that allowed the measure to pass the Senate in February 2026.

###",1,2026-05-21T06:28:16Z,2026-05-21T06:29:43Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/cape-fox-leadership-applauds-presidential-signing-congressman-begichs,Cape Fox Leadership Applauds Presidential Signing of Congressman Begich’s Legislation,2026-05-20,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 20, 2026 – This week, the President signed H.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025, legislation Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) led in the House to resolve a long-standing Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) land entitlement issue for Cape Fox Corporation and the Native Village of Saxman.

“This signing is an important victory for the people of Saxman seeking certainty and opportunity after decades of delay,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “This law helps bring closure to an unresolved ANCSA entitlement issue by giving Cape Fox the flexibility to secure lands that are more practical and economically beneficial for its shareholders. It also reinforces Congress’s commitment to honoring the intent of ANCSA while supporting responsible development and long-term growth opportunities in Southeast Alaska. I commend the leadership at Cape Fox for their partnership and years of effort on this issue.”

“Cape Fox Corporation thanks Representative Begich and the entire Alaska Congressional Delegation for their leadership and tireless work to secure passage of this historic legislation,” said Clifford Blair, President Cape Fox Corporation Board of Directors. “After nearly 20 years of pursuing a legislative solution, Cape Fox has finally completed its ANCSA land entitlement. This law fulfills a long-standing promise to the Saxman community and opens the door to new opportunities for land access, energy development, and economic growth,”

The legislation authorizes the conveyance of federal land within the Tongass National Forest to Cape Fox Corporation while waiving outdated statutory requirements that prevented the corporation from finalizing its land entitlement under ANCSA.

Under the legislation, Cape Fox Corporation will be permitted to select approximately 180 acres of federal land outside of its original selection boundary, allowing the corporation to finalize its remaining entitlement under ANCSA. The bill also preserves public access easements and protects valid existing rights on the conveyed lands.

H.R. 2815 passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support before being signed into law on May 19, 2026.

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-presses-acting-ag-on-mmiw-crisis-state-and-local-grants,"Murkowski Presses Acting AG on MMIW Crisis, State and Local Grants",2026-05-19,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today questioned Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, focusing on substantial cuts to grant programs for local and state governments and the consolidation of offices that play a critical role in achieving justice for Alaskans.

Murkowski also pressed the Acting Attorney General on the removal of the Not Invisible Act Commission’s final report from the DOJ and Department of the Interior (DOI) websites. Mr. Blanche committed to looking into the report’s removal and following up with Murkowski, while also affirming his commitment to Tribal justice initiatives.

Click here to watch the Senator and Blanche’s exchange.

Please find a full transcript of the exchange below.

Full Transcript

Senator Murkowski: Acting Attorney General, thank you for being here this morning and responding to our questions. I want to follow on a couple that have been asked with regards to the Department of Justice's state and local law enforcement programs.

(There is) $1.2 billion in proposed cuts. We're looking at it very carefully because many of these grants and programs have a significant impact on our state—small population, large area to deal with. The budget also calls for the consolidation of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). Is the Office of Tribal Justice one of the offices that is also intended to be consolidated?

Acting AG Blanche: We're just consolidating the grant component. So, OJP, COPS, and then OVW. And by the way, we're not combining them; we're just making them more efficient. They will still maintain their own independence and brand, for lack of a better word. But what we heard from the field is that there were inappropriate inconsistencies and inefficiencies in having three separate bureaucracies running each of those programs. So, that's where—

Murkowski: I don't disagree with wanting to reduce bureaucracies. My interest is making sure that the fidelity of these grants and the availability to very rural, and oftentimes just very high-cost (areas) because of what we're dealing with out there, that they do not get overlooked. Because when you have cuts to the level that you're proposing, one has to assume that—okay, you can talk about reducing the bureaucracy and just what the program itself might look like. But again, my interest is making sure that this much-needed assistance is still pushed down to the very, very local levels.

Blanche: Senator, I assure you that the rural communities—and I appreciate that they have the most challenges applying for grants because of just the way they're structured—

Murkowski: Lack of capacity.

Blanche: Of course. And there's obviously—I forget the exact percentage, but a large percentage of our grants do go to rural communities, as they should, and rural police departments, as they should. And we are going to continue to do that. I mean, the COPS office is required to distribute half of its grants to rural communities.

And I don't want to take up all of your time, Senator, but that's one of the reasons why we built (this in). We're trying to make it more efficient because the field said—especially rural communities—that big cities don't have issues applying for grants; they have a bunch of people that can do it. And so, yes, we are very focused on that in the Tribal justice space, but also in the grant space.

Murkowski: Well, know that we're watching this one very carefully. I understand that in response to Senator Collins, you acknowledged a 25% cut to the Office on Violence Against Women. I was very involved in that reauthorization, and within that, we provide that OVW may not be subsumed by another grant-making component within DOJ. So, we want to make sure that, again, DOJ is going to maintain OVW's statutory responsibilities and how they move forward with their grant-making, and not losing out on that.

Blanche: We will. And we're aware of that. Yes, ma'am.

Murkowski: Let me ask about the Not Invisible Act. This was legislation that I introduced some years ago; it became law. May 5th is the day that we recognize as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. We had a big roundtable that Senator Sullivan helped organize just a couple of weeks ago. I had a lot of the folks from your department there, along with Alaska state, local, and Tribal representatives.

One of the things that kept coming up was the commission issued its final report. I thought it was pretty substantive. They issued it on November 1 of 2023 after great testimony and consultation all across Indian Country. But then, the report was removed very early on in the second Trump administration, and the related materials have been removed from the DOJ and the Department of the Interior websites.

So people keep asking me: Where did it go? Why? What is happening? We tried to get further information on that, again, up in Anchorage a couple of weeks ago. So, the question to you is: Why was the report taken down, when will it be restored, and more importantly, what concrete steps is DOJ taking within Department of the Justice and with others to implement the recommendations? We don't want the work of this really important commission to just sit and be ignored.

Blanche: Yes. So, I don't have an answer as to why it was taken down, but I will get back to you promptly. I will tell you—

Murkowski: I would appreciate that, yeah.

Blanche: And to your big-picture question, we are on the same page when it comes to Tribal justice and the work that we have to do with our Native American community, making sure that we're giving them the resources, the law enforcement. I've visited two so far as the Deputy Attorney General, and my staff has gone out to multiple others—to Northern New York, the Dakotas, Oklahoma—and we'll continue to do that. I think that at the end of the day, it is a funding and training issue that is our responsibility, and I recognize that. It's a priority.

Murkowski: Well, and we've seen positive signals. In the first Trump administration, that was when Operation Lady Justice was stood up. I think that that is good. We need to continue on that. You've put good people tasked to this, but this is where it gets confusing. When you have a public-facing website that helps people navigate through some of the reporting and the lack of data, that's where we could use a little help. So, if you can get back to me on that, I would appreciate it.

Blanche: I will, Senator.

Murkowski: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

###",1,2026-05-20T06:27:31Z,2026-05-20T06:28:54Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-celebrates-first-oil-from-pikka-development,Alaska Delegation Celebrates First Oil from Pikka Development,2026-05-18,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today celebrated an announcement from Santos and Repsol that first oil has been produced at the Pikka development on Alaska’s North Slope.

“This is one of the most significant achievements on the North Slope in decades and further cements the region’s renaissance. Pikka will help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, create great jobs for Alaskans, and bring billions to the state over its lifespan—benefitting all who live here,” Murkowski said. “This is also just the start, with new phases of the project yet to come and additional development taking place across the Nanushuk formation. I heartily congratulate Santos, Repsol, their hard-working teams, and individuals like Bill Armstrong who made this happen—from the vision to explore and discover, to now firmly putting Alaska back on the map as the place to produce energy.”

“The Pikka project, Alaska’s largest oil development in more than 20 years, is more than a decade in the making,” Sullivan said. “I had the honor of approving the exploration well when I served as Alaska’s DNR commissioner as we were marshaling new companies from around the world, large and small, to come and invest in our great state. We also worked relentlessly to make our permitting system more efficient, ensured companies were abiding by the terms of their leases, and if they weren’t got them out to bid to others quickly, and we also worked with the Legislature to create a more predictable tax system. All of this resulted in the Pikka discovery and more energy companies working on the North Slope—which is now one of the hottest oil plays in the world. Pikka will deliver 80,000 barrels of peak daily production through TAPS, billions of dollars in investments in our state and communities over its lifetime, and thousands of good-paying direct and indirect jobs for Alaskans across the state. I want to congratulate all the hard-working men and women who put in thousands of hours to bring Pikka online and to reach this major milestone in Alaska energy development. The Alaska Comeback continues!”

“First oil at Pikka signifies that Alaska’s North Slope remains one of the world’s premier energy regions and reinforces Alaska’s critical role in American energy security. This project is the result of decades long persistence and the willingness to invest in Alaska when many doubted what was possible,” Begich said. “At peak production, Pikka is expected to deliver 80,000 barrels per day, generating billions in investment and revenue for Alaska. That kind of opportunity only exists because people were willing to reject the idea of decline, think long-term, and invest in Alaska’s future. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing Pikka to first oil and look forward to seeing the opportunities this project will continue to create for Alaska families and America’s energy future.”

According to Santos, production at Pikka will initially reach 20,000 barrels per day over the next few weeks as various subsystems are brought online and eventually reach 80,000 barrels per day by the third quarter of 2026.

###",1,2026-05-19T06:31:01Z,2026-05-19T06:32:40Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-celebrates-first-oil-from-pikka-development,Alaska Delegation Celebrates First Oil from Pikka Development,2026-05-18,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today celebrated an announcement from Santos and Repsol that first oil has been produced at the Pikka development on Alaska’s North Slope.

“The Pikka project, Alaska’s largest oil development in more than 20 years, is over a decade in the making,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I had the honor of approving the exploration well when I served as Alaska’s DNR Commissioner and as we were marshaling new companies from around the world, large and small, to come and invest in our great state. We worked relentlessly to make our permitting system more efficient, and ensured companies were abiding by the terms of their leases, and if they weren’t, we got them out to bid to others quickly. We also worked with the Legislature to create a more predictable tax system. All of this resulted in the Pikka discovery and more energy companies working on the North Slope—which is now one of the hottest oil plays in the world. Pikka will deliver 80,000 barrels of peak daily production through TAPS, billions of dollars in investments in our state and communities over its lifetime, and thousands of good-paying direct and indirect jobs for Alaskans across the state. I want to congratulate all the hard-working men and women who put in thousands of hours to bring Pikka online and to reach this major milestone in Alaska energy development. The Alaska Comeback continues!”

“This is one of the most significant achievements on the North Slope in decades and further cements the region’s renaissance. Pikka will help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, create great jobs for Alaskans, and bring billions to the state over its lifespan—benefitting all who live here,” Murkowski said. “This is also just the start, with new phases of the project yet to come and additional development taking place across the Nanushuk formation. I heartily congratulate Santos, Repsol, their hard-working teams, and individuals like Bill Armstrong who made this happen—from the vision to explore and discover, to now firmly putting Alaska back on the map as the place to produce energy.”

“First oil at Pikka signifies that Alaska’s North Slope remains one of the world’s premier energy regions and reinforces Alaska’s critical role in American energy security. This project is the result of decades long persistence and the willingness to invest in Alaska when many doubted what was possible,” said Congressman Begich. “At peak production, Pikka is expected to deliver 80,000 barrels per day, generating billions in investment and revenue for Alaska. That kind of opportunity only exists because people were willing to reject the idea of decline, think long-term, and invest in Alaska’s future. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing Pikka to first oil and look forward to seeing the opportunities this project will continue to create for Alaska families and America’s energy future.”

According to Santos, production at Pikka will initially reach 20,000 barrels per day over the next few weeks as various subsystems are brought online and eventually reach 80,000 barrels per day by the third quarter of 2026.

# # #",1,2026-05-19T06:31:01Z,2026-05-19T06:32:40Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/alaska-delegation-celebrates-first-oil-pikka-development,Alaska Delegation Celebrates First Oil from Pikka Development,2026-05-18,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 18, 2026 - U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today celebrated an announcement from Santos and Repsol that first oil has been produced at the Pikka development on Alaska’s North Slope.

“The Pikka project, Alaska’s largest oil development in more than 20 years, is over a decade in the making,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I had the honor of approving the exploration well when I served as Alaska’s DNR Commissioner and as we were marshaling new companies from around the world, large and small, to come and invest in our great state. We worked relentlessly to make our permitting system more efficient, and ensured companies were abiding by the terms of their leases, and if they weren’t, we got them out to bid to others quickly. We also worked with the Legislature to create a more predictable tax system. All of this resulted in the Pikka discovery and more energy companies working on the North Slope—which is now one of the hottest oil plays in the world. Pikka will deliver 80,000 barrels of peak daily production through TAPS, billions of dollars in investments in our state and communities over its lifetime, and thousands of good-paying direct and indirect jobs for Alaskans across the state. I want to congratulate all the hard-working men and women who put in thousands of hours to bring Pikka online and to reach this major milestone in Alaska energy development. The Alaska Comeback continues!”

“This is one of the most significant achievements on the North Slope in decades and further cements the region’s renaissance. Pikka will help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, create great jobs for Alaskans, and bring billions to the state over its lifespan—benefitting all who live here,” Murkowski said. “This is also just the start, with new phases of the project yet to come and additional development taking place across the Nanushuk formation. I heartily congratulate Santos, Repsol, their hard-working teams, and individuals like Bill Armstrong who made this happen—from the vision to explore and discover, to now firmly putting Alaska back on the map as the place to produce energy.”

“First oil at Pikka signifies that Alaska’s North Slope remains one of the world’s premier energy regions and reinforces Alaska’s critical role in American energy security. This project is the result of decades long persistence and the willingness to invest in Alaska when many doubted what was possible,” said Congressman Begich. “At peak production, Pikka is expected to deliver 80,000 barrels per day, generating billions in investment and revenue for Alaska. That kind of opportunity only exists because people were willing to reject the idea of decline, think long-term, and invest in Alaska’s future. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing Pikka to first oil and look forward to seeing the opportunities this project will continue to create for Alaska families and America’s energy future.”

According to Santos, production at Pikka will initially reach 20,000 barrels per day over the next few weeks as various subsystems are brought online and eventually reach 80,000 barrels per day by the third quarter of 2026.

# # #",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-discusses-fy27-budget-with-epa-administrator-zeldin,Murkowski Discusses FY27 Budget with EPA Administrator Zeldin,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, welcomed Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to discuss the agency’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2027.

Senator Murkowski impressed upon Administrator Zeldin the importance of Tribal resilience as rural communities face increasingly devastating natural disasters. She also raised the bulk fuel crisis affecting rural Alaska and requested collaboration with the agency to provide administrative relief and flexibility to help ensure fuel deliveries reach communities and remain affordable for Alaskans.

Watch the Senator’s opening statement here.

Read Senator Murkowski’s full opening statement below.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

So, Administrator, thank you for joining us here this morning. Appreciate you being here. Also, a personal thank you for traveling to Alaska. Not everybody wants to come in winter. Maybe you didn't want to come in February, but I think you get a little taste of what some of the locals get to enjoy.

For colleagues, we had 152 consecutive days in Fairbanks where the temperatures did not get above zero. So, it was a cold winter, and I think you were able to enjoy a little bit of that. But again, thank you for making the trip, not only to my state, but to other colleagues as well, to know and understand and to really gather the facts on the ground. It's appreciated.

I want to acknowledge several of the steps that you've taken over the past year to help Alaska, specifically the transfer of $100 million to the Denali Commission to start addressing the serious bulk fuel storage issues that face so many Alaskan communities. We’ve got more work to do on that, but we're starting that off.

You drafted a new Waters of the United States rule to provide regulatory clarity and certainty. You're tackling some technical issues, like the diesel exhaust fluid sensor requirements to help reduce system failures in cold climate states. These things matter, and so I appreciate that.

But as with government, as with bureaucracy, the world's not entirely perfect. We still have more work, as you know, to do when it comes to the draft WOTUS rule as it relates to Alaska. It's not right yet. We wrote you as a delegation to outline its shortcomings, particularly the inclusion of permafrost within the definition of WOTUS. Again, when you're up there in Fairbanks, you have an opportunity—maybe not in the heart of winter, when everything is dramatically frozen—but we see the impact of thawing permafrost. So, I would urge you and your team to fix that and all the concerns that regulated Alaskans raised during the comment period before that rule is finalized.

I mentioned bulk fuel storage. Alaska has gratefully received a significant down payment on this more than $1 billion problem. This is something that, again, I think is pretty unique to Alaska, where you have all of these communities that are off-road, and so their fuel needs are met when they're able to fill up their bulk fuel storage. But we've got a tired history, I guess, with regards to the status of those above-ground storage tanks. So, we started funding that program in our FY26 bill. I'm going to be looking to build on that this year and beyond.

In the immediate term, I will tell you, Administrator Zeldin, people in Alaska, particularly in our off-road communities, are very anxious about the impacts that we're seeing rising from the conflict in Iran, and the impact not only on prices for fuel, but also being able to source fuel in so many of these communities. Eighty-two percent of our communities are not connected by road, but for the coastal and many of the river communities, they get their fuel basically twice a year. So, you're locked into fuel prices in the spring, which we consider to be June, and then in September.

So right now, people have ordered their fuel for their village, and they had to order it probably within the past 30 days or so, right when the prices were exorbitantly high. This is going to a region where we already experience fuel prices in the range of $7 to $10 a gallon. So, they're anticipating fuel costs in the range of 15 to $17 a gallon.

And when you put it into context, it's not just filling up your pickup truck. For most of these communities, it's not like there are a lot of roads, but the community is powered by diesel generation. So to keep your lights on, it's costing you to power that diesel generator, to fill up your skiff to go fishing for subsistence, or to fill up your four-wheeler to go hunting for subsistence, to be able to go out and collect firewood so that you can keep your home, your cabin, warm. It all requires fuel.

So, the impact on people's ability to either provide food, provide for some level of economy, or stay warm is already challenged before we've even had the delivery. And what we're hearing is a concern that so much of this supply—the refined product—is coming from South Korea. South Korea, of course, gets much of their oil from the Gulf, and so they're limiting quantities that they are sending out.

So, I've shared this with Secretary Burgum. I shared it with Secretary Kennedy—basically anybody who's listening—because I'm going to be making asks and encouraging those in the administration to do what you can to help us provide some relief and flexibility to ensure that the fuel not only arrives, but also that people are going to be able to afford it. So, there's a lot of stress there.

You've heard me talk about our issue with cleanup of contaminated lands in Alaska. We've appropriated funding for this for the last few years. My goal is to keep expanding on that. Again, this is one where, when we think about a raw deal, the federal government comes in for a host of different reasons, leaves an area, and leaves contaminated waste after the war, in some of the building projects, and then just walk away from it.

Then, when we settled up with Alaska Natives through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, so many of these contaminated lands were transferred as part of that settlement. But now you've got a huge problem on your hands. So, we've worked beyond the liability issues. Now it's just about the cleanup, and it's an area that is a considerable source of frustration. So, working with you and your folks on this continues to be a priority of mine.

Another area of frustration has been EPA’s decision to freeze or cancel grant funding that Congress approved and Alaska communities had secured on a fair and competitive basis. We talked about the situation with Kipnuk. They were a small village in southwest Alaska. They were awarded a grant to address coastal erosion. EPA canceled that grant just months before the community was literally wiped out by ex-Typhoon Halong.

And I grant you that particular grant would not have saved Kipnuk, but we have a lot of other coastal communities that need federal help and don't have it. So, it's hard when you have this kind of view from Washington that says this is a waste of money to help a community of 800 or 900 people.

It was really stunning to hear an EPA spokeswoman who went on the record to claim that the grant cancellation kept taxpayer dollars from being, quote, “swept into the Kuskokwim River.” That was really hard for people in that region to hear. It was pretty offensive, and it made me question what EPA political staff here in Washington, D.C., think of these threatened Alaska Native communities.

So, I'm going to be putting a lot of my muscle into this effort, because it's not just Kipnuk. It is small Alaska Native communities up and down the coast who are threatened right now with everything from coastal erosion to these devastating fall storms that we're seeing.

I’m very appreciative of what you and your team within the agency have done to end what we would call regulatory overreach that we saw throughout the Biden administration. It was daily. But I also recognize that while overreach is not good, underreach sometimes doesn't help us either.

Every American counts on EPA to ensure cleaner air, cleaner water, and a livable environment around them. And the baseline that determines what happens on those fronts—and all the other things that I mentioned—is in your annual budget. So that brings me back to the President's request. Like I said last year, there's good and bad within it.

We continue to target inefficiencies, overlap, and waste at the agency. We must do that. But I will share with you again: I do not support the elimination of virtually all funding for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds or the categorical grants. I think they're good. I think they're reasonable investments, and I figure they're probably going to be some big topics today.

Cutting them would hurt public health and safety, especially with many states, including a state like Alaska, that are not able to take over and cover the cost, particularly on short notice. So, it kind of feels like we're in the same place that we were last year.

So, my approach is going to be the same. We take the President's budget request as a suggestion. We work together to produce a good bill that allows EPA to fulfill its core missions and meet the needs of our communities. I think we did that last year in working with your team. We want to be able to do that again this year.

So, Administrator Zeldin, I will invite you to give your opening comments to the committee.

###",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-noaa-decision-on-chinook-esa-listing-provides-much-needed-clarity,Murkowski: NOAA Decision on Chinook ESA Listing Provides Much-Needed Clarity,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) completed its review process and declined to list Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA found that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon do not meet the necessary criteria to be classified as threatened or endangered under the ESA.

“NOAA made the right decision here, relying on sound science to determine that it is not appropriate to list Alaska’s Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered,” said Senator Murkowski. “Alaska’s Kings do need help, but the ESA is not the right tool and would not have saved our salmon. This decision lifts the cloud of uncertainty cast by a deeply flawed petition and will hopefully allow everyone—from federal agencies, to the State of Alaska, to coastal communities who depend on fisheries—to focus on more practical solutions to ensure stronger runs.”

###",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-to-remove-us-armed-forces-from-iran,Murkowski Votes to Remove U.S. Armed Forces from Iran,2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement following her vote on Senate Joint Resolution 163:

“Today, the Senate voted on a resolution directing the president to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran, the eighth such resolution on this matter. I voted against the previous seven resolutions because I believed an abrupt withdrawal would endanger American forces and civilians in the region, but also because the president was operating within his constitutional authority under the 60-day threshold established by the War Powers Act.

“Two elements have changed since those previous votes: we have now surpassed the 60-day limit for hostilities without congressional authorization, and the administration has asserted that hostilities have ended, despite the blockade and continued fire directed at members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as our assets, allies, and partners. The administration's own position removes any justification for keeping our servicemembers in harm's way without congressional authorization.

“If U.S. forces are still required to operate in the region or hostilities are resumed, the administration is obligated to seek authorization from Congress and should come before this body, and the American people, making that case. I have been working with several colleagues on an authorization for the use of military force, but with the reported claim of ended hostilities, this course of action is not an effective means to manage this conflict. Should hostilities reignite and military action resume, I will reconsider the introduction of an AUMF.

“Until then, I will support measures to officially end hostilities and bring our men and women home. I will oppose any effort to redefine 'hostilities' in ways that allow the president to wage war indefinitely without seeking congressional approval as outlined by the Constitution.”

###",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-alaska-press-highlights-marine-corps-expanded-presence-in-the-last-frontier,ICYMI: Alaska Press Highlights Marine Corps’ Expanded Presence in the Last Frontier,2026-05-12,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Senator Sullivan announced the U.S. Marine Corps Expansion Friday, including Marine Rotational Force-Alaska and a persistent 6th ANGLICO Reserve presence at JBER

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support and a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, recently announced the United States Marine Corps’ “Campaign–Alaska,” a new strategic initiative to expand the Corps’ operational capabilities in the Arctic. Sen. Sullivan has long advocated for a stronger Marine Corps presence in Alaska, arguing that the state’s geography, training ranges, airspace, military infrastructure, and proximity to the Arctic and Indo-Pacific make it uniquely suited for Marine Corps operations.

As reported by Alaska’s News Source and the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, the announcement was made at the University of Alaska Fairbanks alongside Lt. Gen. Roberta L. Shea, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces North. The initiative includes two major components: Marine Rotational Force–Alaska, which will bring Marines to Alaska for Arctic training and operational readiness, and a persistent Marine Reserve presence at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson through a Supporting Arms Liaison Team from 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, or 6th ANGLICO.

Click here or the image above to watch the video.

As reported by Alaska’s News Source, Lt. Gen. Shea said Marine Rotational Force–Alaska will take advantage of Alaska’s unmatched training environment, ranges, command and control structure, and joint partners to strengthen homeland defense, Arctic readiness, deterrence, and interoperability with allies. The persistent 6th ANGLICO detachment at JBER will bring what Shea called “a vital Marine Corps capability” to Alaska through some of the Corps’ top Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner also highlighted that this is part of a broader buildup of the military in Alaska:

“Sullivan noted that the Marine Corps’ announcement signifies the latest ‘in a historic military buildup in our state.’ He cited other examples, such as a multi-million fighter jet simulation training center and $7 billion recapitalization effort at JBER, multimillion-dollar investments at Eielson and Fort Wainwright, the buildup of the 11th Airborne Division and improvements in missile defense systems at Fort Greely and Clear Space Force Station.”

Background

The Campaign–Alaska announcement comes amid a broader military comeback in Alaska, including major investments in Arctic defense, fifth-generation fighter infrastructure, missile defense, Coast Guard expansion, and renewed recognition of Alaska’s strategic role in U.S. national security.

###",1,2026-05-13T06:12:22Z,2026-05-13T06:13:52Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-funding-for-emergency-and-resilience-needs-in-alaska-native-villages,Murkowski Welcomes Funding for Emergency and Resilience Needs In Alaska Native Villages,2026-05-08,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Anchorage – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced $20 million in emergency funding to help 16 Alaska Native villages that were facing severe shortages of basic, necessary supplies. The funding includes $4 million for immediate relief, delivering essential resources such as heating fuel, water, and firewood to 16 villages, and $16 million for critical infrastructure and climate resilience efforts in the Native Village of Chefornak.

“For many Alaskans, this support could mean the difference between getting by and going without. Last year alone, Akiak residents were without community power for 43 days. In Selawik, residents went nearly a month without drinking water due to failing infrastructure, relying on bottled water donations to tide them over.

“These realities are far too common in rural Alaska. Communities that rely on barges and small planes for deliveries often face weather delays that leave store shelves empty and fuel tanks low. Fuel costs are already high and projected to go even higher with the spring deliveries – expect to see prices upwards of $15 per gallon. Families will struggle to heat their homes, travel safely, haul firewood, or hunt to feed their households, and many communities have suffered water system failure over the cold winter. So emergency relief for heating fuel, water, and firewood will be welcome news to these communities.

“Challenges in Chefornak are also intensifying as they grapple with erosion, permafrost loss, and failing infrastructure which not only destroy homes and other vital buildings but threaten the safety and livelihood of the community itself. Investments that help relocate at-risk homes, repair essential infrastructure, restore wetlands, and rebuild critical access points such barge landings are vital to keeping communities connected and safe.

“That is why it is so important that the BIA is delivering essential resources to Alaska Native villages in urgent need. These investments are an important step toward safeguarding community health and supporting Tribal leadership in their pursuit of long-term resilience. I appreciate Assistant Secretary Kirkland for traveling to Alaska, listening directly to communities, and helping provide emergency support while recognizing the urgent need for greater long-term stability,” said Senator Murkowski.

Background: The 16 communities receving supplies are: Akiak, Ambler, Beaver, Buckland, Chefornak, Gambell, Goodnews Bay, Kiana, Kipnuk, Koyuk, Kongiganak, Kwigillingok, Newtok, Selawik, Shaktoolik and Shungnak. This funding will assist the village of Chefornak address threats of severe erosion, permafrost loss, and failing infrastructure by relocating at-risk homes, restore damaged wetlands, and reconstruct its barge landing. Chefornak is one of many Alaska Native villages facing these types of infrastructure and resilience needs.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Community Resilience was funded at $34 million in FY25. Senator Murkowski is the Chairman of the Interior appropriations subcommittee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. On May 5 and 6, Chairman Murkowski held a two-part field hearing in Alaska in which Assistant Secretary Kirkland participated and heard directly from Tribal leaders. Part one was held in Anchorage and titled, “Alaska Native Voices: A Roundtable with Kipnuk and Kwigillingok on Disaster Impacts, Recovery, and Resilience.” The second part is titled, “From Disaster to Resilience: Strengthening Tribal Communities through Federal Response, Mitigation and Relocation Programs.” Hearing will be followed by a Tribal Leader listening session.

###",1,2026-05-09T06:00:32Z,2026-05-09T06:02:31Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-announces-expanded-marine-corps-presence-in-alaska-to-strengthen-arctic-readiness,Sullivan Announces Expanded Marine Corps Presence in Alaska to Strengthen Arctic Readiness,2026-05-08,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, welcomed the United States Marine Corps’ announcement of “Campaign–Alaska,” a new strategic initiative that will expand the Marine Corps’ presence and training operations in Alaska to strengthen America’s Arctic readiness. The initiative includes two key efforts: Marine Rotational Force–Alaska, which will bring Marines to Alaska for persistent Arctic training and exercises, and Supporting Arms Liaison Team–Alaska, a permanent Marine Corps detachment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Together, these efforts will enhance the Marine Corps’ ability to train, operate, and deter adversaries in the Arctic and improve coordination with joint and allied forces.

Click here or the image above to watch the video.

“For nearly a decade, I have been working to increase the United States Marine Corps’ presence in Alaska, and today’s announcement is a major milestone in that effort,” Senator Sullivan said. “The Marine Corps recognizes what more and more of our military leaders understand: Alaska is one of the most strategic places in the world, and there is no better place for Marines to train, operate, and be ready to deploy. Marine Rotational Force–Alaska and the permanent establishment of a Supporting Arms Liaison Team at JBER mark the beginning of a broader Marine Corps campaign in Alaska—bringing elite, expeditionary Marines to America’s Arctic, strengthening our joint force, and adding another powerful chapter to the historic military comeback happening across our state. As a Marine who served for 30 years, I could not be more excited to see the Marine Corps making this commitment to Alaska.”

“In this era of strategic competition, Alaska is critical to homeland defense and a vital theater for global power projection in the Arctic,"" said Lt. Gen. Bobbi Shea, Commanding General, Marine Forces Northern Command. “The Marine Corps Campaign - Alaska is a deliberate and necessary step to ensure we provide the Joint Force with a combat-credible force to support the National Defense Strategy.”

Background:

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - ALASKA

MRF - Alaska is a task-organized Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) that conducts persistent, multi-domain expeditionary training and experimentation in Alaska. It is designed to provide a combat-ready force capable of operating in extreme cold weather, austere terrain, and limited-infrastructure conditions. Unit sizing and equipment is dependent upon operational requirements at the time of rotation.

Supporting Commands:

Marine Corps Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH): Serves as the component command overseeing MRF - Alaska, monitoring, reporting, and coordinating all Marine Corps forces operating in the Alaska Theater of Operations.

U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM): MRF - Alaska supports Homeland Defense operations under this command and integrated into USNORTHCOM exercises and operations.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM): MRF - Alaska participates in exercises and strengthens interoperability in support of this command.

SUPPORTING ARMS LIAISON TEAM - ALASKA

SALT - Alaska is a permanent Marine Corps detachment established at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). It provides a year-round, persistent liaison and Joint fires integration capability that supports rotational, Joint, and allied forces, ensuring continuity and enhancing the quality of training in the Arctic.

Supporting Commands:

Marine Corps Forces Reserve (MARFORRES): Is the parent command for SALT - Alaska. MARFORRES is responsible for activating, manning, and sustaining the detachment.

6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO): SALT - Alaska is a permanent detachment of this Marine Corps Reserve unit.

###",1,2026-05-09T06:00:32Z,2026-05-09T06:02:31Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-begich-gillen-introduce-air-traffic-situational-awareness-enhancement-act,"Reps. Begich, Gillen Introduce the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act",2026-05-04,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 4, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) and Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY) introduced H.R. 8597, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to equip air traffic controllers with modern tools and training to strengthen aviation safety. This bill serves as the House companion to Senate legislation led by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

“As Congress continues its work to modernize our nation’s air traffic control systems, we must ensure those improvements reach every corner of the country,” said Congressman Begich. “This legislation builds on those efforts, making sure our air traffic control professionals have access to the most modern, reliable technology available. By equipping contract towers with proven situational awareness tools, we are strengthening safety and ensuring our aviation system remains the gold standard worldwide.”

“Our nation’s air traffic controllers are being pushed to the brink with long hours, staffing shortages, outdated tools and record burnout rates. They deserve access to the technology and training they need to efficiently do their work and keep our airspaces safe,” said Congresswoman Gillen. “I’m proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act to ensure the FAA is installing advanced situational awareness technology in our air traffic towers, removing workplace barriers and giving our air traffic controllers a clear view of our sky at all times.”

BACKGROUND

Numerous airports across the country in the Federal Contract Tower Program lack modern surveillance tools such as Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS).

The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act addresses this gap by:

Requiring the FAA to acquire and install Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRTs) at contract towers that lack advanced situational awareness systems;

Directing the FAA to establish a training program to ensure controllers can effectively integrate and use these tools; and

Authorizing funding for the acquisition, installation, and operation of APRTs, while reimbursing airports that have already invested in this technology.

APRTs use ADS-B data to provide controllers with a real-time display of aircraft in local airspace, significantly improving awareness and reducing risk. Since the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which called for improved situational awareness technology at contract towers, APRTs have been deployed at several airports nationwide. Early results have shown enhanced controller confidence and improved operational safety.

The bill has broad industry support from leading aviation organizations, including the Regional Airline Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, National Business Aviation Association, and the U.S. Contract Tower Association.

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-begich-attends-oval-office-signing-expanding-access,ICYMI: Congressman Begich Attends Oval Office Signing Expanding Access to Retirement Savings for American Workers,2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2026 – This week, Congressman Nick Begich attended an Oval Office ceremony at the White House where President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to expand access to retirement savings for millions of American workers.

“I was honored to join the President in the Oval Office as he took action to expand access to retirement savings and empower workers to take control of their financial futures,” said Congressman Begich. “This initiative recognizes that financial stability is foundational to strong families and a strong economy. The federal Saver’s Match is a powerful tool that will encourage more Americans to start investing in their future.”

BACKGROUND:

The Executive Order establishes TrumpIRA.gov, a new federal platform designed to connect workers, particularly those without employer-sponsored retirement plans, with high-quality, low-cost Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) offered through the private sector. The initiative also includes a federal Saver’s Match of up to $1,000 annually for eligible low- and middle-income Americans who contribute to qualifying retirement accounts.

Tens of millions of Americans currently lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, including many small business employees, independent contractors, and part-time workers. TrumpIRA.gov will allow individuals to compare retirement options based on cost, quality, and investment choices.

The Executive Order also directs the Treasury Department to provide clarity on the role of philanthropic and charitable contributions to retirement accounts, opening the door for additional support for workers seeking to build wealth over time.

TrumpIRA.gov is expected to be operational by January 1, 2027.",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/homeland-security-bill-includes-major-wins-for-alaska,Homeland Security Bill includes major wins for Alaska,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) secured a wide range of Alaska priorities and policy wins in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murkowski worked to advance a balanced Homeland Security funding bill that prioritizes disaster response, maritime safety, border security, and robust congressional oversight, while ensuring accountability across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The bill provides $90.8 billion for DHS, an increase from FY25, including funding for the Coast Guard, disaster preparedness, cybersecurity, law enforcement training, and border operations.

FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations Highlights

Supporting Alaska’s Coast Guard and Maritime Infrastructure

The U.S. Coast Guard plays a critical role in Alaska—conducting search and rescue, enforcing fisheries laws, maintaining maritime safety, and projecting U.S. presence in the Arctic. Senator Murkowski prioritized investments to modernize Coast Guard infrastructure and strengthen Arctic capabilities.

Key Coast Guard investments include:

• $13.9 billion for the Coast Guard overall

• $30 million for acquisition of an aircraft hangar in St. Paul, Alaska

• $43.5 million for the third Polar Security Cutter (PSC)

• $160 million to prepare for the PSC homeport project in Seattle

• $30.7 million for Coast Guard housing in Alaska, which will help support capacity for the homeporting of new icebreakers in Alaska

The accompanying report language strengthens oversight of major Coast Guard acquisitions, directs improved planning for shoreside infrastructure projects, and requires regular congressional briefings on Polar Security Cutter progress and Arctic operations.

Investing in Disaster Response and Emergency Preparedness

Given Alaska’s exposure to earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and severe storms, Senator Murkowski focused on ensuring strong disaster response capacity nationwide.

The bill includes:

• $26.4 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund

• $48 million for the Next Generation Warning System

• $324 million each for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and SAFER programs

• $337.3 million for emergency management performance grants supporting FEMA and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

• $226 million for the National Flood Insurance Fund

Report language also directs FEMA to review access to AFG and SAFER grants for rural and volunteer fire departments—an important issue for Alaska’s remote communities.

Enhancing Northern Border Security and DHS Oversight

Senator Murkowski secured extensive report language focused on Northern border security, ensuring DHS appropriately resources ports of entry and operations along the U.S.–Canada border. The bill requires regular briefings to Congress on staffing, technology investments, telecommunications challenges, and any changes to port operations, and directs DHS to notify Congress before diverting significant personnel to the Southwest border.

Additional oversight provisions strengthen transparency and accountability across DHS, including:

• Restrictions on reprogramming funds without committee notification

• Protections for congressional access to DHS detention facilities

• Prohibitions on implementing a national identification card

• Buy American Act compliance requirements

• Safeguards against large-scale pay or classification changes without approval

Promoting Accountability in Immigration and Law Enforcement Operations

The bill includes several provisions aimed at increasing transparency and public trust in DHS enforcement activities.

These include:

$20 million for body-worn cameras for ICE agents and officers, with reporting requirements for any changes to agency policy

Monthly briefings to Congress on large-scale law enforcement or immigration enforcement operations

Reporting requirements on ICE removal decisions, removal flights, and wrongful removals

Direction to ensure DHS agents and officers are clearly identifiable during domestic operations

Training requirements affirming the public’s right to record DHS law enforcement activity

Improving Access to Immigration Services and Workforce Reporting

To address persistent service gaps and workforce challenges—particularly in non-contiguous states—the bill includes targeted reporting and transparency requirements.

Notable provisions include:

Direction to USCIS to report on the feasibility of collecting biometrics at CBP locations in remote areas where USCIS offices are inaccessible, including Southeast Alaska

A requirement for USCIS to publicly report Employment Authorization Document backlog statistics on a quarterly basis, alongside $10 million to address processing delays

A DHS report on hiring and retention challenges in rural and non-contiguous states, including impacts on Alaska Native communities

A report on the economic impact of the H-2B visa program and unmet workforce demand

In addition to programmatic funding to help Alaskans, Murkowski secured congressionally directed investments for four Alaska communities through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program—projects that were requested and prioritized by local governments and Tribal entities to reduce risk and protect lives and infrastructure:

Juneau: $1.5 million for the City and Borough of Juneau to protect infrastructure from annual flooding out of Suicide Basin, a glacial lake attached Mendenhall Glacier

Klukwan: $1.234 million for the Chilkat Indian Village to advance the Klukwan Landslide Protection Project, improving slope stability and safeguarding the community from landslide risks.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough: $2 million for the Mat-Su Borough to complete revetment and road upgrades, strengthening flood protection and improving the resilience of essential transportation infrastructure.

Saint Paul: $375,000 for the City of Saint Paul to support planning and design of salt lagoon and community pond flood mitigation improvements, helping protect critical infrastructure from coastal flooding.

###",1,2026-05-23T06:08:46Z,2026-05-23T06:10:20Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-addresses-iran-conflict-on-senate-floor,Murkowski Addresses Iran Conflict on Senate Floor,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today spoke on the Senate floor today as we draw near to the sixty days limit that the President has the authority to conduct military operations that have not been authorized by Congress.

Watch Senator Murkowski’s full remarks here.

Full transcript of Senator Murkowski’s remarks, as delivered:

Mr. President, I'm here to speak this afternoon about the conflict involving Iran, and more specifically, the role of Congress within it.

At the outset, I want to reiterate something that I think gets lost in these discussions. The fact of the matter is the Iranian regime is not an abstract adversary of America, or anyone who supports free people in a more peaceful world.

For over 47 years, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards have brutalized their own people in the name of preserving the power of their Supreme Leader. Protesters and dissenters are met with violence, imprisoned and murdered in cold blood. And at the same time, that same regime, through its proxies and networks, has killed thousands of Americans over the years. They have empowered groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, Shia militias in Iraq to orchestrate significant attacks that have destabilized the region.

There is no doubt that the Iranian people would be better without the Islamic Republic of Iran.

There is no doubt that the world would be a safer place without the regime spreading terror around the world.

We now find our nation at war with Iran, and I'm not here to relitigate how we got into this conflict. The fact of the matter is we're in it. But we owe it to our service members and the Americans who are feeling the economic impacts of this war, we owe them a clear, a thoughtful, a rational plan for what comes next.

Some two months later, the regime retains the ability to strike across the region. They continue to disrupt shipping through the Straits of Hormuz. And while the administration may point to ongoing negotiations, events on the ground and the rhetoric coming out of Tehran tell a different story.

But if the US steps back abruptly and prematurely, we almost certainly leave their critical capabilities intact. We risk a new set of leaders who are even more radicalized against us. And we all but invite retaliation against American military forces, our allies, and the American people.

And those are not risks that I'm willing to take. But the answer is not a blank check for another endless war. Nor is it open ended authority for the administration with no guardrails, no oversight from Congress and no clearly defined mission.

The answer, I believe, relies on careful, deliberate use of congressional power. And this is where I think we're falling short. Because we are approaching the 60-day mark under the War Powers Act.

So, what comes next? The Constitution is clear on this point, Congress holds the power to declare war and authorize the use of military force. And yes, the President must have flexibility to respond to emergencies and imminent threats, and he does.

But those are not ongoing military campaigns like we find ourselves currently mired in. In such conflicts, the President and the administration must explicitly state their goals, their plans, and the metrics for success.

And if we don't press them to define those parameters, we may risk repeating history. One of the clearest lessons from the War on Terror is that the failure to think beyond the initial phase of military operations can lock us into a conflict that becomes more lengthy, more deadly, more costly and more difficult to unwind.

Which brings me to a concern I have had from the outset of this conflict, and that's the lack of clarity from the administration, from their public statements to the classified briefings that we receive as members of Congress.

When American service members are deployed and lives are on the line, the administration owes Congress and the American people a straight answer about what we are trying to achieve. And that's why I have been working with several of my colleagues on an Authorization for the Use of Military Force.

Now this is an authorization but is also a restraint. It's not a blank check. It would not grant open ended authority, but instead, it would seek to establish a framework requiring the president to come to Congress with clearly defined political and military objectives. It would require metrics for success, notice of any changes in objectives, and an exit criteria. It would ultimately ensure that Congress is engaged.

AUMFs should precede wars, not be enacted in their midst. That wasn't a choice for us here, but it cannot be used as an excuse to abandon our responsibilities. We're supposed to represent, engage, debate, vote, and when and where necessary, restrain the executive. That's why we're supposed to be here in Congress, and that matters most in times of war.

We've already lost service members in this conflict; may God rest their souls. And there is still danger and more service members will almost certainly be put in harm's way, even during an economic blockade.

Now, I think there is a fair and legitimate question that some may be asking.

You're looking at an AUMF. We've just had a vote on a War Powers Resolution. Actually, we have had several votes on War Powers Resolution, and I have opposed each of them, including the one that we just took today.

So why AUMF and not a War Powers Resolution? The War Powers Resolution we have voted on would have required the removal of US forces from active hostilities. They would have halted operations that were already underway without any framework for what comes next, and that's just something I can't support.

Iran has been targeting U.S. personnel, our allies, and our partners across the region, and I don't believe that we can responsibly tie the hands of our military or walk away in the middle of an ongoing fight without a plan. We saw in Afghanistan in 2021 the dangers of withdrawing without a strategy.

The president should have come to Congress before engaging in military action at this scale that we're seeing now, and that regrettably did not happen. So, we're now in a position where Congress must step in; not to abruptly end operations, but to define them.

And that's the difference here.

The War Powers resolutions have attempted to stop this conflict without establishing a path forward. An AUMF recognizes the reality that the US military is already engaged, and provides structure and clarity by requiring the administration to define what we're trying to achieve and the means of achieving it. It requires reporting to Congress, and it brings transparency where little has existed over the past two months.

Now, Mr. President, I'm not introducing an AUMF today, but if we pass this 60-day mark from the start of hostilities with still a lack of a credible plan and information from the administration, it is something that I intend to introduce once the Senate reconvenes here.

So, I want to close by saying as plainly as I can: I stand firmly behind our troops, and as part of that, I do not take their deployment lightly, and I do not accept that we should engage in open-ended military action without clear direction or accountability.

Congress has a role. Congress has to step up and fulfill that role, that obligation that the Constitution assigns to us. We owe it to the men and women who are serving our great nation.

And with that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. Thank you.",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-schultz-discuss-fy27-forest-service-budget,"Murkowski, Schultz Discuss FY27 Forest Service Budget",2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, recently convened a hearing with the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Tom Schultz, to discuss the agency’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2027.

Senator Murkowski also asked Chief Schultz about how Alaskans would be impacted by the Forest Service’s recently announced reorganization and called for more transparency in this effort for Alaskan Forest Service employees and their families. At the hearing, Chief Schultz confirmed that the reorganization will not result in the closure of research facilities in Alaska or reductions in Alaska-based staff. The agency also affirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong on-the-ground presence in the state, recognizing Alaska’s unique forest ecosystems and the critical role that local research and personnel play in supporting forest management, wildfire preparedness, and sustainable economic activity.

Watch Senator Murkowski’s opening statement here.

Read Senator Murkowski’s full opening statement below.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Senator Murkowski: Welcome to Chief of U.S. Forest Service here this morning to speak to the Forest Service Fiscal Year 2027 budget. I want to thank you for your leadership, Chief, I really appreciated the conversation that we had yesterday.

Lot on the table, and there is more to raise here today. I anticipate good participation from the committee here this morning.

I want to start by crediting you for many of the good things that are happening back home in Alaska right now.

A year ago, I told you I was impressed by your understanding and your genuine awareness of Alaska's issues, and I think that you've been using your legislative and your administrative authority to help address them.

You've entered into a shared stewardship agreement with the State of Alaska. You're working on lifting the Roadless Rule, which, in my view, should never have been applied to Alaska, but you're doing that on a nationwide basis now. You started the process of revising the Tongass National Forest Plan, for the first time in decades. You've issued a draft decision for the South Revilla project to enable the harvesting of more timber from the Tongass, and all the while that you're doing this, your folks are processing the recreational permits that we're seeking to be able to welcome our many tourists and as they seek to enjoy our multi-use forests.

As you know, I've not always been pleased or satisfied with the Forest Service management decisions in Alaska, and while I have some real concerns about agency staffing, I think you're restoring balance to the agency mission, and I appreciate that.

I think you recognize the need for timber harvesting, energy development, and mining, and you are reasonably allowing those multiple use activities on our forest lands, even as we're working to protect subsistence and to welcome and encourage tourists back to Alaska.

Our first cruise ship of the season landed a couple days ago. So, the folks are coming, and I will tell you when they come up that Inside Passage, they're going through the Tongass National Forest, and they're seeing these emerald landscapes around them and the recognition that we've actually harvested in these areas for most is “Where? How?”

Well, this is a renewable resource, and when managed correctly and properly, you can enjoy the abundance of what grows on the land while also enjoying the natural beauty that continues.

There's a lot to be positive about right now, but as we meet, I also have just a sense of dread and looming. We're looking at the maps that you just shared with Senator Merkley and I. As we look to the upcoming summer season and what it's going to mean for wildfire and drought, the pictures that you're showing about Alaska allows me to breathe a little bit easier, but I know for my colleague here (Senator Merkley), he's taken deep gulps.

And the reality is it is in so many different parts across our country right now. There are severe threats because many of our forests are already unhealthy. Too many are overgrown, infested by insects and invasive species, increasingly susceptible to once extreme conditions that are now becoming the norm.

Most forecasts are projecting that this will be a bad year for both fire and drought, and if that comes to be, it's going to impact everything. It's going to impact the firefighters, the forest, the forest resources, the communities that surround them, the communities on the front lines.

And it's going to impact our federal budget. We passed the so-called “fire fix” in 2018. We're now entering the final years of its budgetary adjustment in FY27. In my view, we need to provide every resource needed to fight fires as part of a broader policy that addresses every facet of the problem. And that means robust forest management through a full spectrum of activities that help reduce, prevent, and ultimately lower the cost of wildland fire. So as we brace for fire season, the Forest Service is simultaneously tackling some very big internal initiatives, starting with a proposal for a new wild land fire service. As I told Secretary Burgum last week, there is merit to the proposal. I have seen in Alaska—a state where we don't have Forest Service firefighting—I have seen how the Alaska model can work elsewhere, so I know it can be done.

I understand why it would make sense for the Department of Interior, but my question still remains: does it make the same sense for the Forest Service and the lands that you manage?

You're also proposing a significant reorganization of the Forest Service. I agree that many improvements can be made to the agency's structure and organization, but details matter. So I'll have some questions about how what is being proposed would actually work in practice.

And as much as you have proposed a reorganization, you're also proposing a consolidation of Forest Service assets and facilities, and again, in some cases, that absolutely makes sense. I think we do have some sprawl that can be realigned.

But as we do that, you move cautiously. It's not knee jerk. It's not without a good deal of consultation there. This isn't BRAC, this isn't DOGE, being lean and mean and moving to an Interior-like state office model doesn't necessarily mean being more effective, especially if the cuts being made degrade the agency's capabilities and research mission.

But I have shared with you, I think it makes sense when you are the Forest Service and most of your lands are managed in the West, it makes sense to head further to the West, and you're talking about your headquarters there to Salt Lake. I could suggest that you can move it all the way to the West and bring it up to Alaska, but I'm going to back off that idea.

Perhaps the easiest thing to say right now is that the Forest Service has an incredibly ambitious agenda right now (and) in my view, there's no need to shy away from the conversations that will follow.

Not much that you have proposed is a hard no for me, but I'm not exactly an immediate yes on everything, either. So to get to that good place, I think I'm going to be seeking firm assurances for what I think we need in Alaska, like a sustainable timber harvest in our largest national forest, a commitment to maintain important agency facilities and personnel, continued co-management agreements with our Tribes, and a robust public process for those affected by agency decisions—and that's just to name a few.

We're a long way from ensuring our mutual goal of ensuring the health, productivity and resilience of our forests. But I do look forward to working with you, Chief Schultz, and along with my ranking member, Senator Merkley here, and all the members on the panel to put together a good budget, a budget that will be right for all across the country and move us in the right direction. So again, I thank you for your leadership and your willingness to be here and to work with the committee.

###",1,2026-05-12T06:07:57Z,2026-05-12T06:09:10Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-begich-introduces-legislation-strengthen-representation-north,Congressman Begich Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Representation on North Pacific Fishery Management Council,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 30, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) introduced the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Representation Enhancement Act of 2026, legislation to ensure balanced representation and greater accountability in federal fisheries management impacting Alaska.

“The North Pacific Fishery Management Council was established to advance policies in the interest of all user groups across our fisheries. In Alaska, many different user groups rely on the same resource, and we need to make sure every one of them has a seat at the table,” said Congressman Begich. “Ensuring balanced representation is critical to addressing broader challenges facing Alaska fisheries, including declining abundance. This bill is about restoring balance, strengthening accountability, and making sure fisheries management works for all Alaskans.”

BACKGROUND:

The bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require that Alaska’s appointments to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) include representation from recreational fishing, small-scale commercial fishing, and subsistence user groups.

The NPFMC plays a central role in managing fisheries in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. However, concerns have grown that current council composition does not adequately reflect the full scale of Alaska’s fishing communities, including subsistence users, small boat fishermen, and recreational stakeholders.

The legislation would:

Require that voting members include at least one representative each from recreational, small-scale commercial, rural subsistence, and urban subsistence user groups.

Establish clear definitions for these user groups to guide appointments; and

Increase transparency in the nomination process by requiring the Governor of Alaska to identify which user group each nominee represents.

The bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop guidelines to verify representation and implement the changes, with new requirements taking effect for future council appointments.

The legislation has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee for further consideration.

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-ai/an-health-organizations,"Murkowski, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support AI/AN Health Organizations",2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced legislation that would allow U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps officers to be assigned to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). The PHS ACCESS Act addresses an oversight in current law to authorize these assignments and establishes an incentive program for officers serving in remote and rural areas. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

Forty-one UIOs nationwide offer comprehensive, community-based, culturally competent healthcare services, fulfilling the healthcare needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native population. UIOs play a critical role in serving the healthcare needs of the estimated 2.9 million urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), who make up approximately 70% of the total AI/AN population. However, these organizations face significant healthcare workforce shortages that limit their capacity to meet the unique needs of their patient population.

“UIOs provide far more than a place for an annual check-up; they deliver culturally grounded care that reflects the needs and values of the communities they serve,” Senator Murkowski said. “All Native people deserve access to quality health care, whether they live in a city or a rural community. Ensuring these facilities are adequately staffed will strengthen health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities nationwide and help fill a critical gap in care.”

“Everyone deserves high quality health care. That’s why the work that our Public Health Service Officers do is so critical—they keep Americans healthy and conduct research that saves lives,” said Senator Murray. “This bipartisan legislation would make common sense changes to cut red tape to ensure that PHS Officers can be deployed to Urban Indian Organizations to better serve Native communities and make it more affordable for local agencies to bring on officers. I will always fight for federal funding and policies to make sure Tribal communities get the support they need, no matter where they live.”

“This bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense step to strengthen our public health workforce and ensure Urban Indian Organizations have the personnel they need to deliver quality care,” Senator Tillis said. “By expanding access to U.S. Public Health Service officers and supporting service in rural and underserved areas, we can help close critical gaps and improve health outcomes for Native communities across the country.”

“Nevada’s Urban Indian health facilities are chronically understaffed,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Even the best doctors and nurses can’t provide patients with the quality of care that they need if there simply aren’t enough of them. This commonsense fix gives the Department of Health and Human Services the flexibility it needs to ensure that Tribal communities across the Silver State can get the health care they need.”

“We are grateful to Senators Murkowski and Murray for championing this bipartisan effort to allow U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Officers to be detailed directly at urban Indian organizations. Due to limited funding, Urban Indian Organizations continue to face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled health care professionals, and detailing Commissioned Officers help them address workforce shortages and increase collaboration across the federal health care system. Recently, Secretary Kennedy detailed 70 officers to Indian Health Service facilities to help stabilize staffing needs. We urge Congress to pass this legislation swiftly so that Urban Indian Organizations can similarly benefit from this vital workforce support,” said Francys Crevier (Algonquin), CEO of National Council of Urban Indian Health.

“Access to care is critical to achieving the vision that Alaska Native people are the healthiest people in the world,” said Monique R. Martin, the Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. “The PHS Access Act is a strong step forward in strengthening the services we provide and improving the health and well-being of the people we serve. ANTHC thanks Senator Murkowski for her leadership in introducing this legislation.”

""Senators Murray and Murkowski are leading a critical effort to address one of Indian Country's greatest healthcare challenges—staffing shortages,” said Esther Lucero (Diné), president and CEO of Seattle Indian Health Board. “We are grateful this bipartisan bill recognizes the needs of urban Indian clinics alongside tribal health facilities. With approximately 76% of American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas, their right to healthcare doesn't end beyond their traditional homelands.""

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Background

Current law allows Health and Human Services to assign USPHS officers to specific entities but does not directly grant this authority to UIOs to authorize USPHS Commissioned Corps officers to perform healthcare services and supportive functions.

This legislation also follows the constructive service credit model adopted by the Department of Defense to make the program discretionary for all USPHS Commission Corps officers. This will provide the necessary flexibility for USPHS to adapt incentives to evolving personnel and mission needs moving forward.

###",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-cortez-masto-propose-roadmap-for-development-of-next-generation-geothermal-infrastructure,"Murkowski, Cortez Masto Propose Roadmap for Development of Next Generation Geothermal Infrastructure",2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) unveiled the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, a roadmap for America’s research, development, and demonstration of next-generation geothermal systems. Next-generation geothermal technology uses the heat (100-400º+ C) from rocks several kilometers below the surface of the earth to produce electricity.

“Alaska holds some of the most promising geothermal resources in the world,” said Senator Murkowski. “At a time when energy prices are rising due to forces beyond our control, this legislation ensures we have the tools, data, and innovation needed to unlock that potential and deliver reliable, baseload, homegrown energy for generations.”

“As the United States looks to produce enough energy to meet our rising demand, we must include next-generation geothermal as one way we can reliably and efficiently generate electric power,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Right now, Congress can proactively and thoughtfully push for the research and development of the necessary infrastructure to produce cutting edge, commercial-ready geothermal energy. In an-all-above approach to energy, it’s a piece of the puzzle that will help lower energy costs and power our future.”

The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act would establish Research and Development (R&D) Programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). These programs would ensure that existing programs are also available for the testing of these next-generation technologies, enhance the collaboration between DOE and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to locate ideal conditions for next-general geothermal energy production, and expand public-private partnerships by establishing a Next-Generation Geothermal Center of Excellence to advance enhanced geothermal energy technologies, including supercritical geothermal energy production.

Additionally, this legislation would:

Establish a new Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) site for the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of superhot geothermal technologies;

Require a tech-neutral approach for the RD&D of all next-generation geothermal energy technologies;

Require the creation of a public DOE data repository, which would standardize data collection and storage, enhance accessibility, and help map regional resources;

Create a Commercial Readiness Innovation Grants Program to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies for commercial purposes;

Establish a Surface Facility Innovation Grants Program to uncover cost-cutting measures for next-generation geothermal technologies and facility designs;

Reauthorize and extend key geothermal provisions from the Energy Act of 2020; and

Require progress reports to Congress on the above programs, as well as USGS geothermal resource assessments.

This legislation is endorsed by the Clean Air Task Force, ClearPath Action, Climate Innovation Action, Eavor, Fervo Energy, Geothermal Rising Action, National Wildlife Federation, and the World Resources Institute.

Additional Statements of Support:

“The U.S. is at the forefront of geothermal energy innovation, and this bill has the potential to strengthen global leadership, boost competitiveness, and accelerate the next generation of clean firm technologies. This nation has vast, underutilized next-generation geothermal and superhot rock potential. This bipartisan bill has important components – R&D programs, improved data collection and better learning and information sharing – that align with CATF’s recommendations for unlocking that potential,” said Terra Rogers, Director for Superhot Rock Energy at the Clean Air Task Force.

“America’s subsurface holds enormous energy potential that new geothermal technologies are beginning to unlock. The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act will accelerate innovation to advance superhot rock geothermal nationwide. Continued progress in supercritical geothermal R&D, including deep drilling and subsurface mapping, can expand reliable energy production, strengthen U.S. energy security, and reinforce American leadership in advanced clean energy technologies,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath Action.

“Next-generation geothermal technologies, including enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop geothermal systems, and both in superhot conditions, have the potential to unlock vast new sources of reliable, clean energy. The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act would build on existing authorities to help ensure that emerging and innovative technologies receive the support they need to advance. Advocates for Climate Innovation thanks Senators Cortez Masto and Murkowski for their leadership in developing this important legislation,” said Roger Ullman, Executive Director of Climate Innovation Action.

“The Next-Generation Geothermal R&D Act offers an urgent and pragmatic approach to advancing next-generation geothermal technologies, from research and development to commercialization. Eavor thanks Sen. Cortez Masto and Sen. Murkowski for introducing this important legislation,” said Neil Ethier, Vice President of Commercial and Business Development at Eavor.

“Fervo Energy applauds Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership in advancing geothermal research and development. By prioritizing commercial-readiness innovations in drilling, reservoir design, data analytics, and surface facilities, this legislation targets key barriers to rapidly scaling next-generation geothermal,” said Ben Serrurier, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Fervo Energy.

“The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act recognizes what the industry has been saying for years: the path to tens of gigawatts of new geothermal capacity runs through more than one technology. Directing DOE research and development support across enhanced geothermal, closed-loop, and supercritical systems — and standing up the infrastructure to test and commercialize all of them — will ensure that no viable pathway to scale is left on the shelf. That's exactly the signal private capital needs,” said Caity Smith, President of Geothermal Rising Action.

“The National Wildlife Federation recognizes that next-generation geothermal energy has substantial potential to provide reliable and affordable clean energy, ensuring a future where wildlife and people can thrive. The introduction of the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act by Senators Cortez Masto and Murkowski will support the growth and innovation of the sector by providing pathways for milestone-based projects, collaborations between the public and private sectors, and technological advancement while exploring next-gen potential across the United States,” said Shannon Heyck-Williams, Associate Vice President of Climate and Energy at the National Wildlife Federation.

“As the U.S. looks to address rising electricity demand, next-generation geothermal is an imperative piece of the solution set. Geothermal can provide clean, reliable energy around the clock. This bill would significantly boost U.S. leadership on this modern energy source by providing targeted investments to test and commercialize the next-generation of geothermal technologies. We urge lawmakers to pass this Act and scale up innovative geothermal systems,” said Christina DeConcini, Director of Government Affairs at the World Resources Institute.",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-sullivan-begich-introduce-legislation-to-convey-culturally-significant-site-to-doyon-limited,"Murkowski, Sullivan, Begich Introduce Legislation to Convey Culturally Significant Site to Doyon, Limited",2026-04-28,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to convey the Geese House Site from the National Park Service to Doyon, Limited. The bill would transfer ownership to Doyon, Limited, to ensure that the culturally significant site is managed by and for the Alaska Native Athabascan people. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is co-sponsoring the legislation.

“The Geese House Site is owed to Doyon, Limited under the commitments made in ANCSA—which enabled the conveyance of culturally significant sites to Alaska Native Corporations,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation fulfills that promise by completing a long-outstanding conveyance to Doyon to ensure this important cultural site is properly stewarded.”

“For decades, Doyon worked to resolve the status of the Geese House Site, an area of great cultural and spiritual significance to the Athabascan people,” Senator Sullivan said. “Conveying these acres corrects an oversight by the federal government to complete an ANCSA land conveyance that was specifically selected by Doyon nearly 50 years ago. I want to thank Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich for working with me on this legislation to fulfill our obligations under ANCSA and to return these lands to Alaska Native stewardship, where they can be managed with the care, knowledge, and respect they deserve for generations to come.”

“This legislation is a commonsense step to fulfill the intent of ANCSA by completing an important outstanding land conveyance to Doyon,” said Congressman Begich. “The Geese House Site was selected decades ago but was never transferred, and current law requires congressional action to finalize the matter. This bill ensures the land is conveyed and managed in a way that protects its historical significance and honors the federal commitment of ANCSA.”

“The Geese House is one of the most important cultural and spiritual sites in all of the Doyon Region,” said Aaron Schutt, Doyon’s President and CEO. “We have obligations to both our ancestors and our future generations to bring this site back into Native ownership and stewardship. We appreciate Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich’s work introducing the legislation and Senator Sullivan for co-sponsoring.”

Background:

Following the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Doyon, Limited worked with Alaska Native Elders to identify culturally significant sites eligible for conveyance under the Act. One such site is Geese House, a place of longstanding importance in the oral traditions of Northern Athabascan peoples. Doyon formally selected the site for conveyance in 1978; however, the conveyance was never completed. In 1980, the site was incorporated into the Denali National Park and Preserve through the enactment of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) which established the national park.

In recent years, Doyon, Limited sought to complete the conveyance of the Geese House site through an administrative conveyance process with the National Park Service (NPS). However, the NPS determined that existing law does not provide sufficient authority to transfer the site administratively and that legislation is required. This bill would accomplish the conveyance of the Geese House site to Doyon and ensure its stewardship and access for generations to come.

###",1,2026-04-29T06:03:53Z,2026-04-29T06:05:09Z
https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murkowski-sullivan-begich-introduce-legislation-to-convey-culturally-significant-site-to-doyon-limited,"Murkowski, Sullivan, Begich Introduce Legislation to Convey Culturally Significant Site to Doyon, Limited",2026-04-28,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Dan Sullivan,S001198,www.sullivan.senate.gov,sullivan,https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and Congressman Nick Begich (R-Alaska) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to convey the Geese House Site from the National Park Service to Doyon, Limited. The bill would transfer ownership to Doyon, Limited, to ensure that the culturally significant site is managed by and for the Alaska Native Athabascan people. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) is co-sponsoring the legislation.

“The Geese House Site is owed to Doyon, Limited under the commitments made in ANCSA—which enabled the conveyance of culturally significant sites to Alaska Native Corporations,” said Sen. Murkowski. “This legislation fulfills that promise by completing a long-outstanding conveyance to Doyon to ensure this important cultural site is properly stewarded.”

“For decades, Doyon worked to resolve the status of the Geese House Site, an area of great cultural and spiritual significance to the Athabascan people,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Conveying these acres corrects an oversight by the federal government to complete an ANCSA land conveyance that was specifically selected by Doyon nearly 50 years ago. I want to thank Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich for working with me on this legislation to fulfill our obligations under ANCSA and to return these lands to Alaska Native stewardship, where they can be managed with the care, knowledge, and respect they deserve for generations to come.”

“This legislation is a commonsense step to fulfill the intent of ANCSA by completing an important outstanding land conveyance to Doyon,” said Congressman Begich. “The Geese House Site was selected decades ago but was never transferred, and current law requires congressional action to finalize the matter. This bill ensures the land is conveyed and managed in a way that protects its historical significance and honors the federal commitment of ANCSA.”

“The Geese House is one of the most important cultural and spiritual sites in all of the Doyon Region,” said Aaron Schutt, Doyon’s President and CEO. “We have obligations to both our ancestors and our future generations to bring this site back into Native ownership and stewardship. We appreciate Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich’s work introducing the legislation and Senator Sullivan for co-sponsoring.”

Background:

Following the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Doyon, Limited worked with Alaska Native Elders to identify culturally significant sites eligible for conveyance under the Act. One such site is Geese House, a place of longstanding importance in the oral traditions of Northern Athabascan peoples. Doyon formally selected the site for conveyance in 1978; however, the conveyance was never completed. In 1980, the site was incorporated into the Denali National Park and Preserve through the enactment of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) which established the national park.

In recent years, Doyon, Limited sought to complete the conveyance of the Geese House site through an administrative conveyance process with the National Park Service (NPS). However, the NPS determined that existing law does not provide sufficient authority to transfer the site administratively and that legislation is required. This bill would accomplish the conveyance of the Geese House site to Doyon and ensure its stewardship and access for generations to come.

###",1,2026-04-29T06:03:53Z,2026-04-29T06:05:09Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-shaheen-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-study-the-harmful-effects-of-intimate-partner-violence-on-maternal-health,"Murkowski, Shaheen Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Study the Harmful Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Maternal Health",2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are leading the introduction of bipartisan and bicameral legislation to protect the health and well-being of pregnant women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) by requiring the study of the harmful effects of IPV on maternal health and investing in innovative programs to prevent IPV and improve maternal and child health outcomes for survivors.

“Improving maternal health outcomes must be a national priority, and that includes confronting the role intimate partner violence can play during pregnancy. We need strong, evidence-based research to fully understand this connection and to give communities the tools to keep mothers safe,” Senator Murkowski said. “This legislation provides resources to organizations at all levels to study this connection and implement effective strategies to protect moms and babies during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.”

“It’s unacceptable that research linking maternal and child health outcomes to the physical and mental trauma of intimate partner violence is still lacking despite the alarming prevalence of sexual assault among pregnant women and the danger posed to mom and baby alike,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m so glad that Senator Murkowski has joined me in this important bipartisan effort to help us better understand the impacts of intimate partner violence on pregnant women so that we can better support survivors and protect the health and the safety of their children.”

Sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner?continues to be a pervasive challenge?with?1 in 3 women having experienced sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.?Approximately 324,000 pregnant persons?experience IPV every year and nearly half?of female IPV?survivors experience some sort of physical injury. IPV has been linked to significant, long-term consequences on the health of expectant mothers and their children. The Protect Moms from Domestic Violence Act would fill a critical research gap by promoting studies on the relationship between IPV, maternal mortality and health outcomes and also award grants to programs that support survivors and address structural barriers to health equity.

A copy of the bill text can be found HERE.

A companion bill is being led in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08). The Protect Moms from Domestic Violence Act is endorsed by Futures Without Violence, National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health, American Medical Women’s Association, Jewish Women International, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, Legal Momentum, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center.",1,2026-04-28T06:05:12Z,2026-04-28T06:07:17Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-and-blumenthal-announce-inspector-general-audit-of-dojs-failure-to-release-the-full-epstein-files,Murkowski & Blumenthal Announce Inspector General Audit of DOJ’s Failure to Release the Full Epstein Files,2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced that, at their request, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) has initiated an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation requiring the release of all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. While survivors have called bravely and repeatedly for full transparency, DOJ has failed to comply with their requests and the law.

“This is a critical step toward the transparency and accountability survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes both deserve and demand,” Murkowski and Blumenthal said. “In light of the continued stonewalling, an independent assessment of the Department of Justice’s apparent refusal to release the full Epstein files is vital. It is frustrating that Congress has been forced to continue pressing the Department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but we will not rest until the survivors receive the justice they are entitled to.”

“We’re encouraged by the news of the Office of the Inspector General starting an audit of the Justice Department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, an action World Without Exploitation and survivors have long demanded,” said Lauren Hersh, CEO and Co-Founder of World Without Exploitation. “The Justice Department’s failures in the selective and incomplete files release caused devastating harm to survivors and undermined trust in the institutions responsible for safeguarding sensitive information. Exposing Epstein survivors’ names and identifying information has been retraumatizing and deeply painful to them and has caused a chilling effect on survivors everywhere, reinforcing their deepest fears that they will not be protected if they speak out against their perpetrators. True accountability means learning from what went wrong and taking meaningful corrective action. We’ll continue to fight until we get to the truth.”

In December, Murkowski, Blumenthal, and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of senators in writing Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume requesting the audit. The full text of their letter is available here and copied below.

Dear Acting Inspector General Berthiaume:

We write to you following the December 19 deadline imposed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or “the Department”) to release all records and documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. By the Department’s own admission, it is in violation of the law—before DOJ had even begun to release the files, Deputy Attorney General Blanche admitted that it would not disclose them all by the December 19 deadline. And DOJ has lived up to that promise, failing to fully disclose the files in violation of the Act.

Not only has DOJ withheld files, but those records that were disclosed are largely information that was already public. Even those records are so heavily redacted that there are serious questions as to whether the Department is properly applying the limited exceptions for redaction that are permitted under the Act. Moreover, several records appear to have been removed, without explanation, from the files the Department did release.

Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential. As such, we request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”) perform an audit of the Department’s compliance with the statute.

In passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act with overwhelming margins in both the House and the Senate, Congress demonstrated a clear, bipartisan mandate for public transparency in the Epstein case. The legislation expressly enumerates the limited circumstances in which withholding or redaction is permitted. Any withholding or redaction beyond those specified circumstances is against the law. But because Congress and the public do not have complete access to the Epstein documents, we are not able to fully assess for ourselves whether records were inappropriately withheld or redacted. DOJ OIG—with access to the full Epstein files and with independence from the larger Department—is ideally positioned to do a complete and independent assessment of the Administration’s compliance with the Act.

Despite calls from Epstein survivors for complete release of the documents, this Administration has shown consistent hostility towards transparency and a perceived willingness to weaponize the case for political ends. In February, Attorney General (“A.G.”) Bondi gave binders of supposedly newly declassified Epstein files—not to survivors, but to reported “right-wing influencers.” She also claimed that Epstein’s so-called “client list” was “sitting on [her] desk right now to review.” Yet, in July, DOJ and FBI released an unsigned memo directly contradicting her, and claiming it had found no evidence of Epstein having kept a client list. In August, Ghislaine Maxwell was moved to a lower security prison after two days of meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. In November, President Trump expressly and publicly urged A.G. Bondi to investigate prominent Democrats and banks connected to Epstein. Just days later, A.G. Bondi announced she would follow the President’s command. These actions, including inconsistent public statements about the contents of the files, have raised fundamental questions about the Department’s willingness to faithfully and impartially comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. These questions have only grown in volume since the incomplete release of files on December 19.

Given DOJ OIG’s ability to access the full set of Epstein files and its independence from the Department, it is ideally placed to perform an audit to ensure the Department’s compliance with the law. Such an audit is essential not only to ensure the Department has acted as the law requires, but also to maintain the public’s trust in the disclosure of the files and in the Department’s handling of the case. Specifically, DOJ OIG should ensure that: (1) redactions were properly applied to protect all survivors; (2) redactions were not used to shield abusers, perpetrators, or enablers; (3) records were not withheld for any reason other than those enumerated in the statute; (4) all withholding of records was appropriate under the statute and narrowly tailored; and (5) the Department did not consider politics in deciding whether or how to release documents.

We appreciate your attention to this important request. Full transparency—as called for bravely and repeatedly by survivors—is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes. Survivors deserve full disclosure. They also deserve the peace of mind that would be afforded by an independent audit of the Department’s compliance.

###",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z
https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-congress-cannot-abdicate-its-core-oversight-and-appropriations-responsibilities,"Murkowski: ""Congress cannot abdicate its core oversight and appropriations responsibilities""",2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,AK,Lisa Murkowski,M001153,www.murkowski.senate.gov,murkowski,https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1,scraper,"Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement following her vote on S.Con.Res.33, the concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2026:

“The budget resolution before us last night would have funded two agencies for three years, extending into the next administration and removing the level of oversight that Congress owes the American people. I absolutely support funding for those who provide security for our nation, but Congress cannot abdicate its core oversight and appropriations responsibilities in the process.”",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z
https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-begich-lee-introduce-geo-power-act-expand-next-generation-geothermal,"Reps. Begich, Lee Introduce Geo POWER Act to Expand Next-Generation Geothermal Energy Nationwide",2026-04-23,2026,2026-04,Republican,House,AK,Nicholas J. Begich III,B001323,begich.house.gov,begich,https://begich.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 23, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced the Geothermal Power Opportunity with Expanded Regions (Geo POWER) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation geothermal energy projects across the United States. The Geo POWER Act establishes a new milestone-based demonstration program at the Department of Energy (DOE) to support innovative geothermal projects in regions that currently lack access to geothermal electricity. By pairing federal support with private investment, the bill seeks to unlock reliable, affordable, and scalable clean energy nationwide.

“Geothermal energy has enormous, untapped potential to deliver reliable power across America,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “The Geo POWER Act will allow us to harness that potential by reducing risk, encouraging innovation, and expanding geothermal development into new regions, including in Alaska. By investing in innovation today, we can deliver affordable, dependable energy for American families in the long term.”

“Here in Nevada and across the nation, geothermal is a promising and proven 24/7 clean energy source with immense potential for further growth,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “This bipartisan bill will help lower energy costs and advance American energy independence by scaling and speeding up the development of both our state’s — and our country’s — vast geothermal resources. At a time when energy costs are increasing across the nation, we need to embrace an all-of-the-above approach to help bring down southern Nevadans’ utility bills – this legislation, and the home-grown energy it supports, will do just that.”

BACKGROUND:

Next-generation geothermal technologies, such as enhanced geothermal systems, can generate clean electricity in a wide range of geologies, far beyond traditional geothermal hotspots. However, high upfront costs and geological uncertainty have limited deployment.

The Geo POWER Act addresses these challenges by:

Establishing a milestone-based financing program to reduce risk and ensure accountability

Supporting projects that enable at least 30 megawatts of new geothermal capacity

Prioritizing development in areas of the country with little or no existing geothermal power

Encouraging data-sharing to accelerate future investment and innovation

Leveraging private-sector capital to scale deployment

Geothermal power provides consistent, around-the-clock electricity, strengthening grid reliability while lowering long-term energy costs. The bill requires DOE to support multiple projects across different states and developers, ensuring a diverse and competitive geothermal market that benefits communities nationwide.

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:19:40Z