United States Senator Lisa Murkowski

U.S. Senate Events 

Remembering September 11^th

Alaskan Impact: Alaskans woke up 11 years ago today to a different world, many answering early morning phone calls about the terrorist attacks in New York and near Washington, DC.  Today, Senator Murkowski shared a statement with Alaskans in remembrance of the day, including:

“Eleven years later, Americans have shown that our resolve cannot be broken. We remember and honor all those who have and continue to sacrifice to keep us safe, especially the more than 2 million members of our military who have served in the years since 9/11.

“We should also remember the spirit of unity and determination that followed in the weeks and months after 9/11. We were not divided as Democrats and Republicans, we were Americans united in purpose.  We would do well in these divisive campaigns to reflect on that unity as Americans and pledge to work together to advance the best interests of this great nation.”

House of Representatives Events

Keeping America’s Waters Safe

Alaskan Impact: The U.S. Coast Guard is the front line of defense for much of our waters, and in Alaska, that role is expanding as the Arctic open up.  During the August recess, Senator Murkowski and Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) held a U.S. Senate field hearing at U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak, where the USCG discussed their needs and challenges. Today, 10 years after passage of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, the House of Representatives asked about our nation’s level of protection.

5:30am AKDT
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing
Topic: “Tenth Anniversary of the Maritime Transportation Security Act: Are We Safer”
Testimony from:

• Rear Adm. Joseph Servidio, Assistant Commandant for Preparedness, U.S. Coast Guard
• Stephen Caldwell, Director of Homeland Security and Justice Issues
• Beth Rooney, Manager of Port Security for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

Watch the entire hearing online: http://1.usa.gov/etaeJA

Off the Hill Events

Supporting Families of US Prisoners of War

Alaskan Impact: Alaska-based Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl is the only Prisoner of War from the war in Afghanistan, and has been held by the Pakistan-based Haqqanis since 2009.  According to a news report over the weekend, Sgt. Bergdahl remains safe, but efforts to find and rescue the soldier continue.  As Bowe’s friends and family raise awareness of his situation on Facebook, the VA held a meeting focused on ensuring all former prisoners of war receive the support they need when they return home.

5:00am AKDT
Veterans Affairs Department (VA) Meeting
Topic: “Prisoner of War Issues”
Participants:

• Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War

In Case You Missed It – Arctic Issues

Senator Murkowski spent the last days of the Senate August recess attending the 10th Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region in Iceland.  The trip was essential for Murkowski, who believes Arctic nations must collaborate and communicate about how the evolving and emerging environment can best be developed and preserved. 

click to watch