The Murkowski Memo:

Summer Recap from Alaska’s Senior Senator

***Rest in Peace Eugene 'Buzzy' Peltola, Jr.***

I am shocked, saddened and truly beyond words to express my grief at the loss of Gene Peltola Jr. Anyone who met Buzzy felt his warmth, generosity and charm. It was easy to see why so many Alaskans called him a friend, and how he was so loved by his family. He was Mary’s number one supporter and truly her rock. My heart is with Mary and their children, and Verne and I offer prayers and condolences to them.

For those wishing to send condolences, please send them to Rep. Peltola’s district office in Anchorage at 121 W Fireweed Ln Suite 260, 99503.

Dear friends and neighbors,

Summer coming to an end is always a bittersweet time in Alaska. The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter and the termination dust starts to settle on the mountains. While fishing tapers off, berry picking and hunting ramps up as we work to fill our freezers for the winter ahead.

My summer was kept busy hosting federal officials on ferries and float planes, traveling to communities across the state to visit with folks, and keeping a legislative schedule in Washington D.C. until August. In between it all, I found time to fish on the Kenai, get outside and hike, pick berries, and make it out to our annual Interior hunting trip—enjoying the best of what summertime in Alaska has to offer.

In this Murkowski Memo, I hope you’ll enjoy this summertime roundup as well as updates on some policy and upcoming issues. We have a busy legislative calendar this fall to advance our appropriations bill as well as measures like the National Defense Authorization Act, Farm Bill, and other matters important to Alaskans.

Best,

Alaska Grant Symposium

This fall, the 3rd Grant Symposium will be taking place on September 26th, at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage. The Alaska Congressional Delegation is hosting the symposium to educate and inform Alaskans on the ongoing opportunities and resources that are available. We hope you will be able to attend. Click here for more information.

Summer 2023 Roundup

Alaska Marine Highway travel with Secretary Buttigieg

I was happy to introduce Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
to Alaska's way of travel in coastal communities. We went on the F/V Hubbard from Juneau to Haines after our seaplanes were cancelled due to inclement weather.

Hosting Ag Committee Ranking Member Boozman in Kodiak

It was great to have my friend and colleague Senator John Boozman in Kodiak as part of his National Farm Bill Listening Tour. Agriculture in Alaska is different than ag in Arkansas, and Senator Boozman learned not only about Alaska's food security issues but how seafood should be incorporated in the Farm Bill as an important source of protein.

Kelp Farm Tour in Kodiak

I’ve often said that Alaskans who work in our seafood and mariculture industries are farmers of the sea. I’m so impressed by the work folks on Kodiak are doing to grow the mariculture industry, creating jobs and strengthening sustainable agriculture practices in Alaska.

Alaska State Fair

We stopped by the Alaska State Fair after hosting a roundtable discussion regarding farming, food security, and the Farm Bill. Senator Sullivan and I knew Senator Boozman would love the Fair and the opportunity to see so many of Alaska’s great farmers and crafters.

Hosting Attorney General Garland on Rural Public Safety Tour

Grateful to Attorney General Merrick Garland for joining me on a trip to Galena to understand the challenges and opportunities during his rural and public safety tour. My thanks to the folks in Galena and at the Tanana Chiefs Conference for hosting us and sharing their experiences.

Assessing Flood Damage in Juneau

I was with the Forest Service and City officials to assess the damage, impact, and next steps going forward in Juneau, where several homes and condos were destroyed after the Mendenhall River flooded.

Peony Walking Tour in Homer

I joined Rita Jo Shoultz, the head of Alaska Peony Growers on a walking tour in Homer. Even the rain didn't dampen the beauty of these gorgeous flowers!

Fishing on the Kenai

I was already dressed to start my work day in Soldotna, but couldn't resist throwing in my line to flip for reds on a perfect Kenai morning.

Annual Interior Duck Hunting Trip

Blueberry Festival in Ketchikan

Gorgeous sunny day at the Ketchikan Blueberry Festival!

Graphite One Tour Near Nome

I toured Graphite One near Nome to see the important work this company is doing to supply America with a critical mineral needed for everything from brake linings to electric vehicles.

U.S. Coast Guard Change of Command Ceremony in Juneau

I was with the entire Alaska Delegation and the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan at 17th District change-of-command ceremony in Juneau this summer.

Policy Updates

Senate Committee Approves All 12 FY 24 Appropriations Bills: Thanks to the leadership of Senators Murray and Collins, and my colleagues serving on the Appropriations Committee, 12 strong bills are now headed to the Senate floor for full consideration—a task that required bipartisanship and commitment. Our ability to pass all 12 appropriations bills out of committee before August was a win for good Senate processes.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024: I’m proud to have championed measures in this NDAA to strengthen our national security and uplift our servicemembers and their families. This year's bill will bolster America’s security, backs servicemembers and their families by increasing military pay by 5.2% and by building up the support systems around them, and gives our military the equipment and infrastructure they need to defend our nation, both at home and abroad.
Improving ARCTIC Act: Over the past year, in preparation for the 2023 Farm Bill, my team and I have been working diligently with Alaskan stakeholders to learn more about their concerns, priorities, and goals. With hard work and Alaskans’ generous input, I’m proud to unveil the Improving ARCTIC Act, a measure that works to invest in food security, strengthen the seafood industry, and improve agricultural Tribal self-determination.
Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act: I'm proud to once again join Senator Casey in introducing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to provide victims of domestic violence with the critical support they need. This bill would would strengthen services for the more than 1.3 million survivors of domestic violence nationwide and update the National Domestic Violence Hotline to better serve underserved populations.
Landless Legislation: I have reintroduced legislation that would amend ANCSA to provide five landless communities with the right to form an Alaska Native Urban Corporation and receive 23,040 acres, or one township, of federal land—just as ANCSA granted to other Southeast Native communities over 50 years ago.
Ocean ROI Act: A strong blue economy will require strong coordination and creativity. I have introduced legislation that would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a federal strategy for investing in the nation’s ocean-based economy with “Ocean Innovation Clusters."