Sen. Lisa Murkowski

We thank Dr. Means for coming before the committee. It’s clear she did not have the votes on committee or on the floor. No committee would hold a vote they knew would fail. We look forward to considering Dr. Saphier’s nomination.

The news of Kelly Hunt, an Alaska Native woman whose body was recently found in Anchorage, is absolutely heartbreaking. It’s unacceptable that cases like Kelly’s continue. Progress has been made in addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, but there is much more to be done. The MMIW crisis is ongoing and it demands our attention and action. My deepest condolences go out to Kelly’s family and her entire community as they navigate this devastating loss. alaskasnewssource.com/2026/04/28/roa…

This commentary from Gwen Holdmann and Ben Mallott is timely and important. Much of rural Alaska depends on a fuel supply chain that is deeply strained by disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. As fuel providers work overtime to meet community needs, higher prices are certain and outright shortages remain possible—highlighting the need for bridge solutions that will help households meet their basic needs. alaskabeacon.com/2026/04/23/ame…

I’m pleased that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General has initiated an audit of the DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, following the letter Senator Blumenthal and I led in December. This is a critical step toward the transparency and accountability survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes both deserve and demand. In light of the continued stonewalling, an independent assessment of the DOJ’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. nytimes.com/2026/04/23/us/…

Over 160 communities in Alaska rely on one or two fuel deliveries annually, typically by barge, and price volatility is driving up costs for carriers and customers alike. I appreciated the opportunity to raise this with Secretary Burgum directly this morning, and will be working closely with the administration to help these Alaskans get their fuel on time and at the lowest possible prices.

This weekend, @SenPeterWelch and I attended the @AESymposium in Anchorage before hosting the Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region in Fairbanks, where we were joined by seven parliamentary delegations, 22 parliamentarians, two regional parliamentary observers, and the permanent participants. As the world increasingly focuses on the Arctic, gatherings like these are more important than ever, bringing together academics, scientists, diplomats, military, and industry leaders. The shared challenges we face can only be addressed through cooperation. It was encouraging to work together on opportunities to strengthen energy security, scientific research, mutual defense, free trade, and more. My thanks to everyone who traveled from across the Arctic to connect and collaborate—because in these turbulent times, our relationships matter more than ever.

Alaska has extraordinary potential to deliver a long-term supply of clean-burning natural gas that bolsters energy security for our nation and our partners across the Pacific. I appreciate @SecretaryWright’s continued focus on @AlaskaLNG and his commitment that @ENERGY “will not rest” until the project is completed. #buildtheline

Since my first days in Washington, I have been sounding the alarm about the need to recapitalize and expand our fleet of icebreakers. It feels good to say that we are finally beginning to realize that goal. Today, with the announcement that the first two Arctic Security Cutters will be homeported in Alaska, it is becoming real. This news marks a turning point in America’s investment in the Arctic and will allow us to reassert our influence in the region—enhancing maritime commerce, strengthening cooperation with our allies, increasing deterrence against our adversaries, and ensuring our military can respond to emergencies in any environment. I want to commend President Donald Trump for his commitment to these critical assets. When he came into office in 2016, one of my first conversations with him focused on the importance of investing in our infrastructure so we could compete in the Arctic in the 21st century. He listened and came through on his commitment to expanding our icebreaker capacity, and I appreciate his continued dedication to this issue. The work is just beginning. As we move to designate Alaska’s new homeport locations, ensuring these ASCs are ready to serve will require significant shoreside infrastructure with new housing to support both the vessels and the influx of personnel. While there is a long road ahead, this announcement means new investment, new jobs, and new opportunities flowing into our communities. Today is a good day for America, a good day for the Arctic, and a good day for Alaska. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

In a state as geographically expansive and diverse as ours, where 80 percent of our communities are off of the road system, we often depend on small planes and our ‘blue canoes’ to travel between islanded communities. That’s why I included our ferries, which are a cornerstone of Alaska’s infrastructure, in our bipartisan infrastructure bill. My goal was to rebuild the system for a generation to come, and we have already delivered $700 million and counting for that purpose.While the last rounds of funding from the infrastructure law have unfortunately been delayed, I credit Secretary Duffy for pushing these announcements through. I have spoken to him repeatedly in recent months, and he followed through on his commitment to get these funds moving. The ball is now back in the State’s court to apply and do right by the tens of thousands of Alaskans who depend on a sustainable ferry system. adn.com/alaska-news/20…

The President’s threat that “a whole civilization will die tonight” cannot be excused away as an attempt to gain leverage in negotiations with Iran. This type of rhetoric is an affront to the ideals our nation has sought to uphold and promote around the world for nearly 250 years. It undermines our long-standing role as a global beacon of freedom and directly endangers Americans both abroad and at home. The oppressive, terror-spreading regime of the Islamic Republic must be distinguished from the people and the civilization of Iran. Everyone involved—especially the President and Iran’s leaders—must de-escalate their unprecedented saber-rattling before it is too late.

Better equipping local leaders to take a comprehensive approach to addressing youth homelessness in Alaska and around the country must be a priority. The grant programs established through this legislation will give communities both the resources and the mechanisms to understand the root causes of youth homelessness and work upstream to identify and implement prevention measures to keep young people housed, safe, and supported. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

Alaska Native children are disproportionately impacted by abuse, neglect, and trauma – experiences that can shape the course of their entire lives. That’s why I reintroduced the American Indian and Alaska Native Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act which would help make sure Tribal communities have better access to funding, stronger support for prevention programs, and services that reflect their cultures and needs. When families have the right tools and resources, children have a better chance to succeed. imprintnews.org/news-brief/mem…

This is a great day for Alaska that further demonstrates the world-class energy potential across our North Slope. The delegation has focused on the NPR-A not only because it is a petroleum reserve—one of the most obvious places to produce energy anywhere in the nation—but also because we knew that industry’s interest in this area is remarkably strong. Our efforts to restore access, return to the rule of law, and get this program back on track have now been fully validated by these historic results. The best part is, the best is yet to come. From here, these leases will lead to new development and production, creating good jobs, generating even more revenues, and strengthening our energy security. I look forward to all of it and thank Secretary Burgum and his team for being excellent partners on behalf of Alaska. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

From top-10 finisher to repeat champion, Jessie Holmes’ meteoric rise is a story of true Alaskan perseverance. Congratulations on your second first-place finish in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race!

Our public school classrooms have been facing a staffing crisis for years, but teachers in Alaska on H-B visas have been instrumental in bridging that shortage and serving our students with talent and care. This legislation offers a commonsense exemption that will ensure Alaska’s schoolchildren have access to more high-quality educators while keeping class sizes reasonable. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

On this day of remembrance, we wear purple to bring awareness to violent crimes committed against children, and to remember one young girl we lost—Ashley Johnson-Barr.

For a state as vast and geographically diverse as Alaska, broadband access is not a luxury—it’s essential infrastructure. This investment will help connect more of our rural and remote communities to reliable, high-speed internet, opening the door to expanded economic opportunities, improved access to telehealth and education, and stronger connections between families and communities. I appreciate NTIA’s recognition of the importance of the BEAD program to our state and its efforts to ensure that we are able to maximize this initiative so that every Alaskan is connected. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

Iditarod Ceremonial Starts are always special, but when Alaska showcases a beautiful snowy winter day, it becomes truly unforgettable. Wishing all the mushers and their incredible dog teams a safe and successful journey in the 2026 Iditarod!

We in Congress can debate the merits of the War Powers Act, but the hard reality is that the President has committed U.S. troops to active engagement in combat with an enemy that has targeted and killed Americans for decades. We have lost six soldiers in this fight with the potential for more casualties. What our troops need now is for our Congress, and this country, to know that they are supported. It is for this reason that I oppose Senator Kaine’s War Powers Resolution—based on the practical implications of its passage. As written, it requires removal of troops from hostilities, leaving no room for operations that have already started to reach an even partially successful conclusion to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities. As Iran attacks everything it can, from military bases to embassies to civilian targets, we cannot tie our military’s hands or abruptly leave our allies and partners to fight on their own. There is no question that the President should have sought authorization from Congress before striking Iran on this scale, likewise bringing in our allies ahead of time as they now are equally in danger. However, the abrupt cessation of all offensive operations would not leave any Americans—soldiers, diplomats, or civilians—in the Middle East in a safer position. The President acknowledged in his notification to Congress that no one knows the full scope and duration of military operations that may be necessary. It then becomes the duty of Congress to define the scope of this conflict, requiring the President to fully and transparently make his case for this action. We should begin drafting and debating an authorization for the use of military force, critically examining requests for supplemental funding, as well as conduct rigorous oversight hearings, so the American people know the limits and objectives of this military operation. My focus is on the safety of America’s armed forces and the American civilians who are on the ground in the Middle East. At this point, we have little choice but to continue the military operation to degrade and destroy Iran’s capability for nuclear weapons. That will not happen without support for our U.S. military.

If you are an Alaskan currently in the Middle East, please follow the steps outlined below and contact my office if you need assistance. Staying informed of the latest guidance from the State Department is critical as the situation in the region continues to unfold. murkowski.senate.gov/contact/email