Arctic Today: The only US heavy icebreaker catches fire returning from Antarctica
The crew of the Polar Star, the only operable U.S. heavy polar icebreaker, had completed this season’s annual resupply mission to Antarctica despite a bevy of difficulties: an electrical system began smoking, one of two evaporators used for making drinking water broke, a shaft on the propeller began leaking, and there were ship-wide power outages. […]
Murkowski, Manchin, King Highlight Urgent Need for Greater U.S. Leadership in the Arctic
Chairman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Ranking Member Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., yesterday convened a roundtable with domestic and international dignitaries and policy leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the Arctic region. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, the co-founder of the Senate Arctic Caucus along with Murkowski, also attended the event. The roundtable focused on the […]
Senator Murkowski Speaks at AFN’s Alaska Day Event in DC
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) kicked off the Alaska Federation of Natives’ (AFN) Alaska Day event this week in our nation’s capital to address opportunities and challenges we face at our northernmost border and educate policymakers on Alaska’s strategic significance. This two-day briefing includes Alaska Native leaders, high-level military personnel, the Alaska Congressional Delegation and […]
Murkowski Unveils Arctic Legislation to Reinvigorate America’s Arctic Role
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) unveiled legislation aimed to raise the nation’s presence in the Arctic through two bills, the Arctic Policy Act (APA) and the Shipping and Environmental Arctic Leadership Act (SEAL Act). The APA takes steps to increase local and indigenous voices in federal science and policy in the Arctic while the SEAL […]
FLOOR SPEECH: Unveiling Arctic Legislation to Reinvigorate America’s Arctic Role
Senator Lisa Murkowski Arctic Floor Speech Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the privileges of the floor be granted to my military fellow Juan Ramirez for the remainder of his fellowship through June of 2019. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, there’s been a lot of discussion this evening by my colleague from New Jersey, […]
Arctic Today: New U.S. legislation speeds up the possibility of a Nome port
Last month, new U.S. federal legislation breathed new life into the possibility of a port in Nome. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, part of a larger bill on water infrastructure, was signed into law on October 23. The legislation seeks to improve water infrastructure throughout the United States. The bill calls for […]
Murkowski Supports Coast Guard Reauthorization
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) last night voted in favor of S. 140, The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, which passed in a 94-6 vote. The bipartisan legislation co-authored by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), co-sponsored by Senator Murkowski, will further develop America’s presence in the Arctic, support the maintenance and repair of U.S. Coast […]
Murkowski Spotlights Alaska at Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today delivered remarks during the opening session of the 2018 Arctic Circle Assembly, which is being held in Reykjavik, Iceland. The Assembly annually brings together more than 2,000 of the most influential leaders, policymakers, and experts from more than 60 countries to focus on the Arctic region. This year’s Assembly showcase […]
Murkowski Supports a Safer and More Prosperous Alaska
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently approved the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations bill, which contains several priorities U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski secured for Alaska. As a member of this subcommittee, Murkowski included provisions to strengthen Alaska’s world-class fisheries, protect Alaskan ocean wildlife, improve Arctic infrastructure and research, and support […]
Murkowski Welcomes New Coast Guard Assets to Alaska
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) welcomed the announcement that the Coast Guard will homeport six Fast Response Cutters (FRC) in Alaskan communities, which will enhance the Coast Guard’s coastal capability to perform search and rescue operations, protect our fisheries, and improve resiliency to disasters throughout Alaskan waters. In a letter from the Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral […]