The Murkowski Memo:

Updates from Alaska's Senior Senator

Dear Alaskan,

Spring is always a busy time for Alaskans as we end the school year, prepare for tourist season, and look forward to longer days. For many, it’s been a challenging time – including those in the YK Delta who are facing significant flooding, coastal communities concerned about the upcoming fishing season, and those in our military community who are mourning the loss of three soldiers stationed at Fort Wainwright. These challenges remind us of the importance of coming together – Alaskans supporting Alaskans.

Here's a brief recap of some of my activity over the past couple months. From hosting international leaders to strengthen our Arctic posture, visiting the shipyards which are developing the next generation of polar security cutters, and spending time back home with Alaskans across the state—check out this edition of the Murkowski Memo!

Best, Lisa

P.S. Thank you to everyone who wished me well on my birthday. Whether it was a call, text, email, or social post – your kind words were appreciated.

Bipartisan Visit to Ukraine

I joined Senators Manchin and Kelly on a bipartisan Senate Delegation to meet with Ukrainian President Volodrmyr Zelenskyy to reiterate the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and fight for democracy.

Hosting the Standing Committee of the Arctic Parliamentarians

I hosted leaders from five Arctic nations in Washington, DC, as part of a conference of the Standing Committee of Arctic Parliamentarians—which I proudly serve on as the Vice Chair. At the conference, we held discussions on Arctic policy and the future of the Arctic Council.

ALS Advocates on the Hill

I met with some extraordinary advocates in DC for ALS Awareness Month. Hearing their stories firsthand is a powerful reminder of the importance of continued research and education.

Standing Up for the Equal Rights Amendment

Men and women should be treated equally under the law, and there should be no time limit on equality. It is far past time for Congress to act. I will not give up on the effort to affirm the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Reintroducing Bruce’s Law and Combatting the Fentanyl Crisis

I reintroduced Bruce’s Law, a bill that will help bolster federal prevention and education efforts surrounding the deadly drug, fentanyl.

Honoring our Veterans at the Honor Flight Gathering

I’m glad I was able to take part in honoring brave men and women from Alaska, who came to the National Mall in Washington D.C. thanks to the generosity of the Last Frontier Honor Flight.

Policy Updates

Supreme Court Code of Conduct Act: I joined Senator Angus King on the bipartisan Supreme Court Code of Conduct Act, a bill that would require our highest court to establish its own ethics code—like all other courts require—we must restore the public’s confidence in the integrity of our judiciary
Safe Step Act: My bill, the Safe Step Act, will place reasonable limits on the use of “step therapy” and improve access to safer and more transparent treatments for patients. Step therapy, also known as “fail first,” occurs when a patient is required to try and fail on a lower cost drug before they are allowed to access the drug originally prescribed by their physician. This method has the potential to harm patients, in part due to delayed access to the most effective treatments, severe side effects, and irreversible disease progression, creating additional frustration for patients as they seek treatment. The Safe Step Act does not ban step therapy, instead placing reasonable limits on its use and creates a clear process for patients and doctors to seek exceptions and accelerated approval if necessary.
Fire Grants and Safety Act: This bipartisan legislation, which just passed the Senate, would extend federal support for local fire departments and have benefits to numerous departments throughout Alaska. As co-chair of the U.S. Senate Fire Caucus and a cosponsor of the legislation, I hope this bill will be signed into law soon.
Justice for ALS Veterans Act: As a founding member of the Senate ALS Caucus, I reintroduced a bipartisan measure to guarantee that surviving spouses of veterans receive all benefits due to them.
SPUR Act: This legislation will substantively reform the nation’s broken permitting and environmental review processes—and help increase domestic energy and mineral development, ensure federal lands remain open to productive uses, and streamline permitting of energy infrastructure.
FISH Act: This legislation will combat foreign illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties.

State Work Period in Alaska and the U.S.

I joined the YK-Delta Subsistence Regional Advisory Council meeting to better understand what those in the region are experiencing with low salmon returns. In the simple, but meaningful words of Richard Slats from Chevak: “If we don’t catch fish, we don’t eat.”

It was an honor to share a meal and good conversation with some of the Ukrainian refugees that have relocated to Alaska during the ongoing war against Russia. Special thanks to Catholic Social Services, the New Chance Ukraine Relief Program, and all the Alaskans who’ve helped our new friends and neighbors throughout their transition.

I visited the Arctic Angels at Fort Wainwright, and attended a re-enlistment ceremony.

A quick visit just before Mother's Day with my mom and dad.

As Alaska’s ice road season came to an end, I met with some of the crew members who help build and maintain the road along the Kuskokwim River—a super impressive and informative visit.

I traveled to the community of Mekoryuk for the first time, where I got to see the progress being made on their reindeer processing facility, stopped by their health clinic, visited with students at the school, and hosted a community meeting to hear first-hand how I can best represent their needs.

I traveled to Alabama and Mississippi to tour some U.S. Coast Guard facilities with Senator Britt (R-AL). I’m so grateful for everything our Coast Guard does to keep us safe, and look forward to getting new U.S. Icebreakers up and running.