Sen. Lisa Murkowski

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

I commend the extraordinary bravery, discipline, and professionalism of the troops who carried out this mission, and thank our allies for their swift and decisive coordination to protect our servicemembers in the immediate aftermath of these strikes. We pray for their safety, and for the innocent civilian lives that were lost. There is no question that Iran’s brutal regime must be held accountable for its ongoing aggression abroad and its ruthless repression of its own people. Last summer, following Operation Midnight Hammer, I supported the administration’s targeted actions in Iran after receiving a comprehensive briefing from senior officials. Events are rapidly unfolding, and I expect Congress to receive the same level of engagement so we fully understand the scope, objectives, and risks of any further military action.

When it comes to tsunamis in coastal Alaska, the difference between extreme danger and safety can be a matter of moments. We can’t afford anything less than a rigorously updated and effective tsunami warning infrastructure. This legislation strengthens the tools our communities rely on—from real-time data and improved communications to coordinated drills and hazard planning—so that Alaskans have the fastest possible warning and the clearest path to safety when every second counts. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

Proud to join with @SenatorCortezMasto to push through a pair of bipartisan bills today. One of them is the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act to designate and convey the remaining lands owed to Cape Fox Village in Southeast Alaska. The Senate passed this bill by unanimous consent at the end of 2024, and it is now finally headed to the President’s desk to become law. Thanks to all colleagues who worked cooperatively with us—some temporarily lifting their objections to advancing any lands-related bills—so we could move these non-controversial measures forward.

Alaska has unrivaled potential for carbon sequestration and carbon dioxide removal, both onshore and offshore. As the state with by far the most coastline, emerging marine options, such as seaweed and kelp farming, have shown great promise as we seek to responsibly reduce emissions on a net basis. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide for new research and development of these technologies in close partnership with local governments, communities, and the private sector. As we seek to develop them the right way – fully protecting our marine environment – I’m excited by what lies ahead and the opportunities this will help create across Alaska. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

Best part of the SOTU was seeing so many American heroes honored

After 4 years of Russia’s brutal and unlawful invasion of Ukraine, I stand firmly alongside Ukrainians as they defend their sovereignty, freedom, and future. I commend the heroism and resilience of the Ukrainian people, mourn the lives lost in this senseless war, and hope diplomatic negotiations resume as soon as possible — with Ukraine at the table. A lasting and just peace for the people of Ukraine must be had.

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. As doubt is cast on their legitimacy and public trust erodes, we would do well to avoid partisan reforms that sound good on paper but may work very differently in the real world, especially if the result would be a system that works for many but not all Alaskans. adn.com/opinions/2026/…

For Alaskans impacted by the shelter-in-place order in Mexico, please contact my office at (907) 271-3735 or visit murkowski.senate.gov/contact/email. A member of my team will be in touch. I also encourage you to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: mytravel.state.gov/s/step

For decades, the federal government has left obsolete PLOs in place to keep tens of millions of additional acres of Alaska locked up as de facto conservation areas. These designations have held back statehood land selections and resource development, giving the federal government a toehold to delay or reject important projects while depriving our state of crucial opportunities for jobs and revenues. So, I’m glad these PLOs are on their way out. These revocations will help facilitate opportunity for Alaskans by enabling the rightful transfer of these lands to Alaska. I thank Secretary Burgum, Deputy Secretary MacGregor, and their teams for their continued hard work to restore balance in federal land management across our state. murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/…

The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is a clear rebuke and a firm reminder that presidential power is not unlimited. The Constitution explicitly grants Congress authority to regulate trade and impose tariffs, and even if Congress fails to do that, executive actions must be clearly based in law. This is a good ruling – and a good day – for the separation of powers and the balance of power in our republic. apnews.com/article/trump-…

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I recently held a hearing on the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program—a program designed to help Native communities thrive. This isn’t about DEI; it’s Congress fulfilling its constitutional duties and federal trust responsibility to Native peoples. Native entity-owned 8(a) participants reinvest their earnings in their communities—in line with their communities’ needs—practicing economic self-determination and building stronger futures for generations to come. Congress intentionally structured the 8(a) program to ensure these businesses are accountable to their communities while keeping the program transparent and effective. This was the right call—both for Native communities, and for their partners in the federal government.

When Democrats attempted to advance sweeping election reform legislation in 2021, Republicans were unanimous in opposition because it would have federalized elections, something we have long opposed. Now, I’m seeing proposals such as the SAVE Act and MEGA that would effectively do just that. Once again, I do not support these efforts. Not only does the U.S. Constitution clearly provide states the authority to regulate the "times, places, and manner" of holding federal elections, but one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington, D.C., seldom work in places like Alaska. Election Day is fast approaching. Imposing new federal requirements now, when states are deep into their preparations, would negatively impact election integrity by forcing election officials to scramble to adhere to new policies likely without the necessary resources. Ensuring public trust in our elections is at the core of our democracy, but federal overreach is not how we achieve this.