Lisa Murkowski

08/21/2026

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. 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.

08/21/2026

I join Alaskans in offering condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today. I’ve traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots. I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site. Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.

A charter plane crashed Thursday afternoon with multiple people on board near a remote airport in Western Alaska, according to a federal investigating authority.

08/19/2026

I am pleased that Kyle Reardon has been nominated to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of Alaska. Kyle brings extensive knowledge of both our state and our court 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.

U.S. President Donald Trump's latest slate of nine judicial nominees includes an Oklahoma state attorney who backed allowing taxpayer-funded religious charter schools, as well as a nominee to fill an Alaska seat left vacant after a judge Trump appointed in his ​first term resigned amid a sexual mi...

08/18/2026

I want to thank VA Secretary Doug Collins for coming to Alaska and seeing firsthand both the great work being done and the challenges we face in delivering care to our veterans. The Secretary repeatedly expressed his commitment to making it easier for the VA to get out into our communities, particularly those off the road system, to connect veterans with care, help them understand the benefits they may be eligible for, and ensure they know how to access them. Our veterans have earned our support, and their benefits shouldn’t be contingent on where they call home.

08/13/2026

Today I was in Juneau, where I saw the tremendous collaboration between the City and Borough of Juneau, Tlingit and Haida, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters, U.S. Coast Guard, and National Weather Service to keep Alaskans safe from the glacial lake outburst flood. Despite the uncertainty, this community is showing up for one another, from helping neighbors fortify their homes with sandbags to checking in on those who need assistance.

Make sure to follow US National Weather Service Juneau Alaska and KTOO for real-time updates as flooding continues through the night. Stay safe, Juneau.

08/11/2026

The other 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.

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 U.S. Department of Education is expected to award $41.3 million in grant funding through the Alaska Native Education Program to 26 Alaska grantees after some delay, according to an announcement from Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

08/09/2026

Without accurate stock assessments, we cannot make the informed, science-based management decisions needed to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable for generations to come. 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.

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska

08/07/2026

ALS is indiscriminate and devastating. It can strike any of us, and it will take all of us working together to support those affected and help end this terminal disease. This bill will break down barriers to treatment while accelerating the research and development of therapies for people living with ALS. I’m grateful to partner with Senator C***s and I appreciate that Congress has recognized the importance of this legislation by moving it forward quickly. I look forward to working through the remaining differences in conference so we can get it to the President’s desk before these critical programs expire on September 30.

08/07/2026

By allowing Russian energy exports to remain unchecked, we’re turning our back on Ukrainians as they continue their heroic fight for freedom. I have been an original cosponsor on every version of this legislation since it was first introduced, standing behind efforts to close that gap and prevent the Kremlin from feeding its war machine in the brutal offensive against Ukraine.

This bill has some of the strongest bipartisan support we’ve seen in the 119th Congress, sending a clear message: the United States stands with Ukraine.

The Senate has passed a punishing Russian sanctions bill that was a top priority for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.

08/07/2026

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.