The Murkowski Memo:

Updates from Alaska's Senior Senator

Dear Alaskan,

It’s been a busy couple months visiting with Alaskans. No matter the location, it’s been good to hear directly from you about your priorities, opportunities, and challenges. Whether it’s being with old or new friends at the Iditarod, meeting with tribal leaders in my office in Washington, DC, or visiting communities across the state—I value my time with you.

Calling for the Re-approval of the Willow Project

Alaska Native and union leaders joined the Alaska Congressional Delegation calling on the Biden administration to re-approve the Willow Project on Alaska's North Slope.

State Representative Josiah Patkotak (I-Utqiagvik), Nagruk Harcharek of Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat, Joelle Hall of AFL-CIO Alaska, Doreen Leavitt of the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, representatives of additional Alaska Native groups, state and national union leaders, and many fellow Alaskans traveled to the Capitol to show their support for the meticulously-planned, socially-just, and environmentally-sound Willow Project, successfully making the case for its re-approval by the Biden administration.

Many North Slope residents strongly support Willow. Click the video above to hear them speak to what the project means for their lives and communities.

The Alaska Federation of Natives brought people together for AFN Alaska Day in Washington, DC where we focused on a wide array of issues that are significant to our state.

Annual Address to the Alaska State Legislature

It’s always an honor to speak with the members of the Alaska State Legislature. In my annual address to the State Legislature, I discussed my efforts to deliver results for our state—through the infrastructure law, appropriations process, and more. I’m looking at every facet of how we can make Alaska the best place to work and play and stay.

Iditarod Ceremonial Start in Anchorage

I had an extraordinary day at the start of the Iditarod! It was incredible to cheer on the racers and their sled dog teams at the ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage. Congratulations to Ryan Redington on bringing home his first Iditarod win!

I was able to wish Iditarod winner Ryan Redington a 'good luck' at the start of the race!

CERAWeek 2023

I joined Senator Joe Manchin and Dr. Daniel Yergin at CERAWeek2023—the world's premier energy conference—in Houston, Texas. We discussed Alaska and the nation’s most important energy issues, and what we’re working on at the federal level to strengthen energy security—including permitting reform.

Totem Pole Blessing

I was honored to have Ken Grant, tribal leaders, and staff join me in my office to hold a rededication blessing ceremony for this 900-pound totem pole in my office, carved by Nathan Jackson. This totem pole was once was placed in the offices of the late Senator Ted Stevens and late Congressman Don Young.

Joining the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the rest of the Alaska Congressional Delegation, Veterans, and advocates at an event officially renaming the Alaska VA Clinic the – “Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System," an accomplishment made possible through legislation I introduced and helped shepherd into law.

Policy Updates

Equal Rights Amendment: Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and I testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on our bipartisan, bicameral joint resolution to remove the arbitrary deadline for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and to recognize that 38 states have ratified the amendment.
Safe Step Act: I led the reintroduction of the Safe Step Act of 2023, a bill that places reasonable limits on the use of “step therapy,” and works to improve access to safer and more transparent treatments for patients.
Social Security Fairness Act: I joined my colleagues in reintroducing bipartisan legislation that would ensure public sector workers, including teachers can receive full Social Security benefits.
Supporting Local Fire Departments: I joined bipartisan legislation to extend federal programs that help support local fire departments across the country.
Mothers and Newborns Success Act: I reintroduced the Mothers and Newborns Success Act, bipartisan legislation to promote maternal health and reduce racial inequities in maternal and infant mortality by strengthening support for women during and after pregnancy, expanding maternal health research and data collection, and ensuring women are better matched with birthing facilities that meet their specific needs.

Connecting with Alaskans

Clear, blue skies at Fur Rondy in Anchorage!

Stunning views of the northern lights.

Attending the Alaska Armed Services YMCA's annual Salute to the Military in Anchorage.

Hosting my annual reception for Alaska State Legislative staff in Juneau.

Thanking the great team on the Alyeska Ski Patrol.

At the Alaska Sealife Center's Alaska Ocean Leadership Awards.

Meeting with Southeast Conference and other stakeholders to emphasize the importance of putting our best foot forward for the future of our Alaska Marine Highway System.

I met with Fu Bao Hartle of Juneau in my Washington, DC office. Fu Bao is an athlete and advocate with Special Olympics Alaska.

Spending time at the United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) Board Meeting. UFA works tirelessly to ensure Alaska’s fishing industry remains a healthy and vital economic driver in our state.

Attending the sixth annual More than Our Stories event in Washington, DC. I was grateful to spend time with ALS advocates whose critical work helped us pass legislative efforts like the ACT for ALS.