Speeches
SPEECH: 2016 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention
REMARKS OF SENATOR LISA MURKOWSKIAS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY50TH ANNUAL ALASKA FEDERATION OF NATIVES CONVENTIONOCTOBER 21, 2016FAIRBANKS, ALASKA I am so pleased to join you at the 2016 AFN Convention, Alaska's great family reunion. At AFN we speak with each other in different languages and different ways. In Native languages and in English. But also in ways that transcend language: in dance, in art, in spirituality, and in fellowship. That's what makes this a favorite event for me each year. We th… Continue Reading
09.14.16
Floor Seech: King Cove Amendment
*As prepared, not delivered Mr. President, I am pleased that we are debating the Water Resources Development Act here on the Senate floor. I believe this is an important bill that addresses needs across our nation. I thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee for their leadership on it, and for working with Senator Sullivan and me to include a number of priorities for our home state of Alaska. As we continue to consider this bill, I want to highlight… Continue Reading
07.26.16
Anchorage Chamber: Make it Monday
*As prepared, not delivered I would like to thank the Chamber for your tireless work on behalf of businesses across our state, our families and the fundamental principles that make America exceptional. And it is great to be home; for Alaska is certainly the most exceptional state in our nation and I am honored every day to serve you in the United States Senate. Last week, while my colleagues drove around their respective districts in the Lower 48, I traveled the Yukon River and Kuskokwim Rive… Continue Reading
05.19.16
FLOOR SPEECH: Ways to Fix the Affordable Care Act
*remarks as prepared I have come to the floor today to join several of my colleagues to talk about the impacts the UN-Affordable Care Act has had on Americans across the nation, especially the people of Alaska. Last year nationally, we saw a dozen co-ops fail that were created by the ACA, throwing people into turmoil and leaving them questioning if they had insurance. UnitedHealth, one of the largest providers in the country, has been forced off the exchanges in numerous states. Just last week… Continue Reading
02.17.16
SPEECH: Annual Address to Alaska State Legislature
Good morning. It's a little unsettling isn't it? To come into this chamber and to know that our friend isn't with us. Max Gruenberg was a really great guy and a good friend to so many of us. And a friend to Alaska. And his loss is felt. My heart is with Kayla and the family, and with you, because Max was our family. Max was part of the Alaska family. So know that I am with you all as you are thinking of him. It's good to be back in Juneau, it's good to be home with family. And thank you for aga… Continue Reading
12.08.15
FLOOR SPEECH: Final Passage of Every Child Succeeds Act
Mr. President, I would like to take just a moment to talk very briefly about the Every Student Succeeds Act. I know that several of my colleagues have come down to the floor, just a couple of minutes ago the Senator from Wyoming, to really talk about the good things we've seen in this education reform bill and celebrate how the bill ends "the national school board" by putting more control for our schools in our state and local hands. And I think that is worthy of note. For the schools, for the … Continue Reading
12.07.15
Sen. Murkowski Highlights Alaska’s Leadership in Energy Innovation
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, this week highlighted the energy innovation occurring in some of Alaska's most isolated communities as local leaders seek to reduce the cost of electricity through a variety of cutting-edge technologies. Click here to view video of Thursday's event Speaking Thursday at an event hosted by The Hill newspaper on microgrids and innovation, Murkowski said that integrating a mix of local renewable resources - hydro and wind, chiefly - is a way for many Alaska co… Continue Reading
12.03.15
FLOOR SPEECH: Harmful Impacts of Affordable Care Act on Alaskans
Madam President, I have come to the Floor to once again talk about how the Affordable Care Act is harming the people of the State of Alaska. Alaskans have the highest insurance premiums in the country, and I hear from folks back home all the time about the burden these costs place on them. Our state's largest newspaper has been reporting as we've been seeing these premium increases coming out over the past several months, detailing the incredible rise of premiums throughout the state. The aver… Continue Reading
10.19.15
SPEECH: 2015 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention
What a week it has been! On Wednesday, I spoke to the NCAI and AFN Tribal Leadership Conference, where I pledged to work with Alaska's tribal leaders to re-examine federal laws that stand in the way of real meaningful tribal government. It was great to spend time with so many wonderful people at the Elders and Youth Conference. I even tried a little beading! Thanks to Liz Medicine Crow and her team at First Alaskans for the conference and all you do throughout the year. And of course the dancin… Continue Reading
07.21.15
FLOOR SPEECH: Every Child Achieves Act
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to vitiate the quorum call. I rise today to speak about the Every Child Achieves Act-the bill we have all been waiting for, for nearly fifteen years, to fix the flawed, one-size-fits-all No Child Left Behind Act. I would like to begin by praising Senator Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and Senator Murray, the Ranking Member, for the way they have managed this legislation from the very beginning. Senat… Continue Reading
07.14.15
SPEECH: Symposium on the Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval and Maritime Operations
Good morning and thank you for inviting me to be with you again to talk about the impact of reduced Arctic sea-ice on naval and maritime operations. More open water in the Arctic means more maritime traffic - no secret there. The Navy believes that between 2012 and 2025, vessel activity in the Bering Strait will more than double - from 483 to 1,000 - and that the number of vessels transiting the Northern Sea Route will grow ten-fold - from 45 transits in 2012 to 450 by 2025. So, more open wa… Continue Reading
06.30.15
SPEECH: Resource Development Council's Annual Meeting
Good afternoon, everyone. Ralph, thank you for that warm introduction. And thank you all for the invitation to be here today. Let me start off by congratulating RDC on its 40th anniversary. For forty outstanding years, this organization has been a strong voice for Alaska's core industries. That's quite a feat, and our State has benefitted greatly from your work. How about another round of applause for Senator Sullivan, as well? He's only been in office for six months, but he's already … Continue Reading
06.01.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Kawerak/Rural Providers' Conference
Good morning everyone, Senator Lisa Murkowski here. I am honored to welcome you to the 2015 Rural Providers Conference - this year joined with the Kawerak Regional Conference. Each year I have an opportunity to address a number of meetings convened by our Native community. The Rural Providers Conference occupies a special place in my heart and let me tell you why. This is not a conference dominated by politics, politicians and policy. Nor is it a conference about managing and funding Native pro… Continue Reading
05.15.15
SPEECH: Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Amy, thanks for your kind introduction. Thank you all for that warm Washington welcome. And thank you all for being here, early on a beautiful Friday morning. I actually fly through Seattle most weekends on my way back home, it's usually just lunch at Beecher's or breakfast in the Board Room on Friday and Monday. I'm certainly not alone among the Alaskans who regularly find themselves in Seattle. We probably have quite a few here with us today. This isn't just a midpoint or a layover in o… Continue Reading
05.13.15
SPEECH: Nuclear Energy Institute
Thank you, Marv, for that kind introduction. And thank you all for the opportunity to speak here at the Nuclear Energy Assembly this morning. It is great to be invited to address this group again. My goal today is to provide a policymaker's perspective on the future of U.S. energy policy and what I see as nuclear energy's crucial role within it. I am a natural optimist - I believe energy is good, and that we should make our energy increasingly abundant, affordable, clean, diverse, and secure… Continue Reading
05.02.15
SPEECH: Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, now in its 18th season, has become a remarkable kickoff to the summer flying season. Seeing the success of this event, I am happy to be a part of its continuation. We really have come a long way from the days of duct tape and wire hangers - seriously, these booths represent the latest in equipment and technology to keep our aircraft and airways safe. And what impressive aircraft are being shown today! As… Continue Reading
05.01.15
SPEECH: Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Dinner
I am so honored to join with all of you this evening, in the presence of Governor Walker, our new Adjutant General Laurie Hummel, and the distinguished military leaders who join me here on the dais. This evening we are also honored by the presence of Senator Dan Sullivan. Four months into his Senate career, Dan Sullivan is making his mark on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator Sullivan has been designated by his committee chairman, John McCain, as lead Senator for matters inv… Continue Reading
04.30.15
SPEECH: Victims for Justice Annual Awards Ceremony
Thirty years ago Victims for Justice was founded with the mission of ensuring that victims of violent crime and survivors of homicide can access the resources they need to recover from the horrible ordeals with which they have been burdened. Tonight we come together to honor Victims for Justice, to support its work and to recognize those who have provided outstanding service to victims of crime in the State of Alaska. I am honored to join with you this evening as we share our love and support f… Continue Reading
04.29.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Prince of Wales Island-Wide Mining
Hello from Washington, DC. I apologize I couldn't join you in person, but rest assured, I'd much rather be on beautiful Prince of Wales Island, discussing the future of mining in Southeast Alaska. I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you, and thank you for your interest in mining issues. Certainly, as you examine the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, you'll have a lot to talk about over the next couple of days. Alaska has a world-class mineral base, and Southeast is no exce… Continue Reading
04.28.15
VIDEO REMARKS: Alaska Native Village Corp. Association Annual Conference
Good day, and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you at your 7th annual meeting of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association. I would rather be in Anchorage with you today, but given the Senate's schedule, unfortunately that isn't possible. So let me give you a quick update from DC. Last year, the Senate had a number of achievements. We fully funded Contract Support Costs for tribally-run federal programs, adding $70 million a year for IHS hospitals and Joint Ventures in Alaska. … Continue Reading
