Lisa Murkowski

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alan Armstrong (R-OK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and John Cornyn (R-TX) in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reverse his recent agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow Russian-origin diesel fuel into global markets. “Granting Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely in global markets damages American security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves from Putin’s murderous, illegal war. This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded,” the senators wrote. The senators urged Trump to instead take swift action to implement sanctions authorized by the recently passed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which President Trump signed into law in September. “These authorities require you to apply economic pressure on Russia and the chief enablers of its war, in particular China, and thereby enhance your negotiating position to bring a swift end to this ruinous conflict,” the senators wrote. The full text of the senators’ letter is available here and copied below. Dear Mr. President, Congress and the American people support ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives over the last four and a half years because Russia chose to invade its neighbor. A brokered peace, however, must be on just terms. It must uphold democratic values, the sovereignty and security of Ukraine, and their people’s right to choose their future. The deal you struck with President Vladamir Putin on October 9th will not achieve just ends, nor will it benefit Americans. The Treasury Department’s General License No. 135, which lifts sanctions on Russia’s diesel exports, only provides Putin with more fuel to finance his war machine and enables Russia to continue its brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Granting Moscow the ability to sell Russian diesel freely in global markets damages American security interests and is a betrayal of the people of Ukraine, who continue to defend themselves from Putin’s murderous, illegal war. This deal is a gift to our adversary and a betrayal of our Allies; it should be rescinded. We also recognize the urgent need to lower energy costs for American families and address the disruptions caused by the war with Iran. However, allowing Russian-origin diesel into global markets will offer limited to no relief to Americans. It will have a negligible impact on fuel prices, but the revenues the Kremlin will receive from this agreement will undoubtedly finance its desired war of attrition and advance its security cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea. It will also endanger servicemembers operating overseas in support of Operation Epic Fury. Last month, Congress passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which you swiftly signed into law. Both chambers passed the legislation with resounding, bipartisan votes, clearly demonstrating our intent and granting you the authorities to broker a just and fair peace. These authorities require you to apply economic pressure on Russia and the chief enablers of its war, in particular China, and thereby enhance your negotiating position to bring a swift end to this ruinous conflict. For decades, America has stood as the bastion of freedom against tyranny, and American presidents have embodied our nation’s resistance to tyrants. Putin is a tyrant. Withdraw from this agreement, rescind General License No. 135, and execute the authorities provided under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Maintain our legacy – and the duty America holds – as leader of the free world. # # #

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we celebrate the cultures of Alaska Native peoples. For countless generations, Alaska Native communities have carried forward their languages, knowledge, and traditions, helping shape the state we are proud to call home.

One year ago, Typhoon Halong changed lives forever in Western Alaska. I will never forget seeing the devastation firsthand. Unfortunately, for families in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, recovery continues, and many are still displaced and uncertain about what comes next. I’m grateful to the Tribal leaders, first responders, volunteers, and community members who have stepped up to help others through this extraordinarily difficult time. It makes me proud to see Alaskans supporting Alaskans, but that resilience must also be met with meaningful federal support. I will continue working to improve disaster preparedness and recovery for communities across our state. One year later, we cannot look away. I remain committed to standing with affected communities, listening to their voices, and ensuring they have the opportunity to shape their path toward healing and long-term recovery.

There is no need to livestream any execution, including this one. I would expect this from terrorists and dictators, but not here in America. It would give this individual, who deserves no further notoriety, the martyrdom he seeks. How we carry out justice matters just as much as the justice itself, so I urge the Pentagon to reverse this gruesome decision. https://t.co/HtKIy8FpBX

A few weeks ago, Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation to increase sanctions and tariffs on Russia. The President should be using those authorities instead of allowing Russia to export diesel, rake in revenues, and continue its catastrophic war in Ukraine. We can discuss Russia’s return to global energy markets once the war is over, but in the meantime, we need to cut off everything fueling it. https://t.co/KPkEoDy1Np

Senator Stevens was a tireless champion for Alaska and the men and women who serve our nation, and it was an honor to celebrate his name joining one of the most formidable warships of the 21st century. I know Captain Hays and her crew will proudly carry on Uncle Ted’s legacy of commitment and service. Fair winds and following seas, and lead with courage! ⚓️

Congrats to Backpack on becoming the 2026 Fat Bear Week Champion and showing the world how Alaskans get through the winter: eating a lot of salmon!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined Senators Angus King (I-ME) and John Curtis (R-UT) in introducing bipartisan legislation to increase affordable housing across the United States. The Build American Efficiency Act would streamline the process for home builders to determine and locate domestically sourced materials that comply with the Build America, Buy American Act (BABA). This small legislative step would help homebuilders cut costs and avoid bureaucracy as they work to address the national housing shortage. To accomplish its goals, the Build American Efficiency Act would encourage the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to share industry-led initiatives to certify products and facilities that comply with BABA requirements. The BABA standards were passed in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. "I'm committed to using every federal resource available to make building homes in Alaska more streamlined and affordable across the board,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation will help identify products that are made in America more easily, cutting through red tape to get more homes built with American-made materials around the country.” “Despite our country’s desperate need for additional affordable housing options, American homebuilders face steep costs and bureaucratic red tape,” said Senator King. “The Build American Efficiency Act would empower the Department of Housing and Urban Development to share information to help builders, manufacturers, and housing providers navigate complicated compliance requirements and identify verified American-made products. Eliminating this time-consuming and costly additional step for homebuilders will allow them to build more homes faster. It’s a three-page bill that amounts to a common-sense helping hand.” “Utah’s impressive growth has unfortunately brought with it the strain of rising housing costs—which has already been made worse by unnecessary federal red tape,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan bill is a commonsense fix that makes it easier for builders to identify American-made materials, cut through bureaucracy, and get more affordable homes built faster.” More specifically, the Build American Efficiency Act would: Clarify that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has the authority to recognize auditable and verifiable systems that document products that comply with Build America, Buy America domestic content requirements Allow HUD to treat documentation generated under the Make It American Process Standard, or similar standards that provide an auditable and verifiable certification process, as sufficient evidence for domestic content certification Help manufacturers, builders, and funding recipients more easily determine which products comply with BABA requirements Reduce time spent navigating waiver requests, duplicative paperwork, and uncertainty over which products have or have not been approved Preserve flexibility by ensuring the bill does not mandate the use of any one database or prohibit recipients from using other lawful methods to certify compliance. Nationwide, the bill is supported by ABB, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Associated General Contractors, Eaton, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Inclusive Abundance Action, Maine Affordable Housing Coalition, National Association of Electrical Distributors, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Realtors, National Association of State Housing Agencies, National Electrical Contractors Association, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Prysmian, Schneider, Siemens, and Southwire.

Washington, DC—The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) during a business meeting today reported three bills championed by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The measures would strengthen Alaska’s energy security by investing in next-generation geothermal technologies; improving electric grid resilience; and expanding efforts to map critical mineral and other resources. The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI): S. 4870 would reauthorize Earth MRI, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) program that improves understanding of geologic hazards, critical minerals, geothermal resources, and other subsurface resources across the country. Since its launch in 2019, Earth MRI has accelerated project timelines, reduced exploration risk, and lowered costs by making foundational geologic information publicly available. Current funding for Earth MRI is set to expire at the end of FY26. The legislation would reauthorize Earth MRI for an additional five years at funding levels similar to those provided under IIJA. The bill would also expand the program to include geologic hydrogen, an emerging domestic energy resource that is attracting growing scientific and commercial interest. Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act (H.R.8790): S.4406 would establish Research and Development (R&D) Programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). These programs would ensure that existing programs are also available for the testing of these next-generation technologies, enhance the collaboration between DOE and the Department of the Interior (DOI) to locate ideal conditions for next-general geothermal energy production, and expand public-private partnerships by establishing a Next-Generation Geothermal Center of Excellence to advance enhanced geothermal energy technologies, including supercritical geothermal energy production. Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act (SECURE Grid Act): S. 4166 would empower states to more fully assess risks to their electric grids, from extreme weather to cyber threats and other vulnerabilities. Each year, states must submit a State Energy Security Plan (SESP) to receive funds from the State Energy Program, which are used to design, develop, and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The SECURE Grid Act would require future SESPs to account for additional threats and vulnerabilities, including supply chain dynamics, extreme weather, potential physical attacks on the grid, and the impact of growing energy demand. By assessing these additional factors, states would be better able to recognize and respond to weaknesses in their energy infrastructure. The legislation would also require states to coordinate with suppliers of manufactured components and infrastructure to better understand and prepare for potential disruptions. ###

This unprecedented announcement moves our long-sought Alaska natural gas pipeline closer than ever to construction and operation. South Korea’s commitment to invest $54 billion to build the gasline will deliver significant benefits for Alaskans, from good jobs to affordable energy. I look forward to learning more about the timing of South Korea’s investments and other key details of this agreement, and I thank President Trump and his administration, Senator Sullivan—who has led the way on this project—Congressman Begich, and Governor Dunleavy. This has been a team effort, and we need to keep going until the gas is flowing. https://t.co/ecwKlyMfB8

On Orange Shirt Day, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding School Survivors, we honor the children who returned home and remember those who never did. 🧡 https://t.co/uwLMreGWAE

Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, last night sought to limit the Trump administration’s ability to take certain actions that fall under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction. “President Trump has made recent statements about the Kennedy Center and the ‘Triumphal Arch,’ giving very little context or content about either to Congress or the public. Both projects fall under the purview of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which I chair,” said Senator Murkowski. “Any action to demolish facilities authorized by Congress or to construct facilities on federal land first requires rigorous oversight and explicit congressional approval. I would ask the Trump administration to work with us and present actual plans, including cost estimates, for these projects rather than circumventing their responsibility to American taxpayers.” Senator Murkowski joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the subcommittee, introducing legislation that would require congressional authorization to demolish presidential memorials constructed under congressional mandate. The list of presidential memorials includes the Kennedy Center. Senator Merkley introduced the bill and sought unanimous consent for its passage on the Senate floor, but another member blocked that motion. ###

For those living with ALS, every day matters. They cannot afford disruptions in research, treatment access, and support. This reauthorization ensures that the momentum we have built over the past five years will continue, keeping pathways to promising investigational treatments open while supporting the research needed to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. I’m grateful to Senator Coons, Representatives Quigley and Calvert, and especially the ALS community, whose persistence helped us get this legislation across the finish line before the authorization expired.

Washington, DC— U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE), Co-Chairs of the Senate ALS Caucus, along with Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Ken Calvert (R-CA) today celebrated final congressional passage of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to preserve access to promising investigational treatments and accelerate research into ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. The Senate passed the legislation by unanimous consent late last evening, and it now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “For those living with ALS, every day matters. They cannot afford disruptions in research, treatment access, and support,” said Senator Murkowski. “This reauthorization ensures that the momentum we have built over the past five years will continue, keeping pathways to promising investigational treatments open while supporting the research needed to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. I’m grateful to Senator Coons, Representatives Quigley and Calvert, and especially the ALS community, whose persistence helped us get this legislation across the finish line before the authorization expired.” Background: Originally enacted in 2021, the ACT for ALS Act established an Expanded Access grant program to provide people living with ALS who are ineligible for clinical trials access to promising investigational treatments while supporting research on those therapies. The law also created a public-private partnership led by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to accelerate the development and approval of therapies for ALS, as well as an FDA grant program supporting research into interventions to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure these diseases. The reauthorization extends these programs through 2031 and codifies the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of eligibility guidelines for the Expanded Access Program. Murkowski and Coons introduced the Senate legislation in April. The Senate unanimously passed its version in August. Quigley and Calvert led the House legislation. For Fiscal Year 2026, Murkowski helped secure $90 million for ACT for ALS programs, an increase of $15 million over the previous fiscal year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the Newborn Essentials Supply Toolkit (NEST) Act to deliver starter maternity kits to new moms in communities with high rates of infant or maternal mortality. The kits include supplies for both mother and baby such as diapers, wipes, educational materials, and more. “The time immediately after childbirth is an especially vulnerable time for mothers and their newborns. Evidence supports providing critical supplies during the postpartum period can improve families’ experiences, including reduced anxiety and financial stress,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am pleased to join Senator Kim in introducing legislation to codify this successful program and offer this support to growing families across the country.” “Those first couple days of my sons’ lives were filled with immense joy but also the very real anxiety and uncertainty every parent faces. The NEST program has been a helping hand to new moms in the precious and daunting first chapter of their kids’ lives. I'm proud to work with Senator Murkowski to codify and continue its success,” said Senator Kim. The United States has consistently ranked highest for maternal mortality when compared to peer nations; while the infant and maternal mortality rates started leveling off, since 2020 rates have been on the rise again. Mental health conditions and substance use disorder are the leading cause of death among women during the postpartum period, and postpartum deaths account for 63% of maternal deaths in the perinatal period. The bipartisan NEST Act addresses maternal and infant health disparities by codifying a pilot program at the Department of Health and Human Services that partners with local community organizations and federally qualified health centers to distribute toolkits to expectant mothers in areas of highest need. Every expectant mother in the program will receive a Newborn Essentials Supply Toolkit that includes: diapers, wipes, hygiene items, blankets, and thermometers for infants; postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, and breastfeeding supplies for the mother’s postpartum recovery; and educational materials, such as information on maternal health resources, hotlines she can call, and information on other programs that may provide support. The NEST Act is endorsed by: Shades of Blue Project and Save the Children. "The introduction of the NEST Act is a crucial step forward in ensuring new parents' access to essential resources during one of life's most vulnerable moments,” said Kay Matthews, Founder and Executive Director at the Shades of Blue Project. “As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges of the perinatal period, I know how transformative it can be when families receive the right support at the right time. I'm grateful to Senators Andy Kim and Lisa Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership on pro-family and cost of living issues—when we invest in moms and babies, we're investing in American communities, especially those who have been historically underserved." "Save the Children is proud to support the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act and is grateful to Senators Murkowski and Kim for their leadership in improving outcomes for mothers and babies by investing in proven programs that save lives," said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy at Save the Children U.S. "The NEST Act is a common-sense investment in families that will help ensure parents in rural America have access to critical care, supplies, and supports needed to give their babies a healthy start." ###

President Trump has made recent statements about the Kennedy Center and the ‘Triumphal Arch,’ giving very little context or content about either to Congress or the public. Any action to demolish facilities authorized by Congress or to construct facilities on federal land first requires rigorous oversight and explicit congressional approval. I would ask the Trump administration to work with us and present actual plans, including cost estimates, for these projects rather than circumventing their responsibility to American taxpayers. https://t.co/lHSlRbN9Nv

Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today welcomed Senate passage of their Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act. During floor session, Murkowski made a motion to pass H.R. 3620, the House version of the bill, securing its passage by unanimous consent. The legislation transfers ownership of a small parcel of land in downtown Anchorage, where the Quyana Clubhouse is located, from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Southcentral Foundation (SCF). The bill now heads to the President for his signature. SCF is an Alaska Native tribal health organization designated by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and 11 federally recognized Tribes to provide healthcare services to beneficiaries of the Indian Health Service under a self-governance compact. The transfer will strengthen SCF’s ability to advance its mission by allowing the organization to secure financing, replace its current facility, expand services, and create jobs. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to complete the transfer within two years of enactment. “For years I’ve partnered with dedicated Alaskans who’ve put their time, energy, and heart into getting this bill across the finish line,” said Senator Murkowski. “Southcentral Foundation has built something special at the Quyana Clubhouse, where Alaska Native people experiencing serious mental health challenges can find support, connection, and a path forward, all while integrating Alaska Native culture into care. This legislation will give Southcentral Foundation the tools to expand the facility and its services, including intensive outpatient programming, so it can continue meeting the needs of Alaska Native people for generations to come. I’m grateful to everyone who never stopped working to make this milestone a reality.” “Southcentral Foundation serves the behavioral health care needs of thousands of Alaska Native people, including through initiatives like Quyana Clubhouse, which incorporates cultural values and traditions into the treatment of individuals with severe mental health challenges,” said Senator Sullivan. “Transferring ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse will empower Southcentral to build on the success they’ve had in creating an innovative and welcoming place for individuals with persistent mental health concerns. I’m grateful to have worked with Rep. Begich and Sen. Murkowski to get this bill to the president’s desk.” “Southcentral Foundation has a proven record of delivering high-quality, community-driven care to Alaskans in the Southcentral region. By transferring ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse property, Southcentral Foundation will have the opportunity to make the long-term investments necessary to expand behavioral health services and provide more comprehensive care,” said Congressman Begich. “This is a commonsense, Alaska-driven solution that will enable a trusted local provider to better serve Alaskans. I was proud to lead this legislation through the House, and I’m grateful to Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Southcentral Foundation for their partnership in getting it across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.” Background: Congressman Begich introduced H.R. 3620 in the House in May 2025. Senators Murkowski and Sullivan introduced companion legislation, S. 2098, in June 2025. The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3620 in June 2025. The House Natural Resources Committee subsequently reported H.R. 3620 favorably by unanimous consent, and the House passed the legislation by voice vote in December 2025. In February 2026, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, chaired by Senator Murkowski, held a legislative hearing on both H.R. 3620 and S. 2098. The Committee later considered H.R. 3620 and ordered it favorably reported without amendment in August 2026. On September 29, 2026, Senator Murkowski brought H.R. 3620 before the Senate and secured its passage by unanimous consent, clearing the legislation for the President’s signature. The Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act has received official letters of support from: The State of Alaska Department of Health; The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium; The Anchorage Fire Department; The Municipality of Anchorage; and The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. ###

Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has joined a series of bipartisan efforts this week to protect Ukrainians who sought refuge in the United States following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The measures include legislation to provide a pathway to permanent residency, as well as a push for the administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine. “I have spent time with many Ukrainians who have found a home in Alaska after fleeing Russia’s brutal invasion. They have become part of our communities, sending their children to our schools, participating in the local workforce, and rebuilding their lives while the war continues to devastate their home country,” said Senator Murkowski. “My office has worked with many of these families as they navigate our immigration system, and the reality is that it is simply not safe for them to return to Ukraine. We should not force Ukrainians—whom we allowed into the U.S. and who are here legally and contributing to our communities—back into an active war zone. These two pieces of legislation will provide them with the stability and protection they need to continue to live and work here until it is safe to return to their home.” Murkowski’s recent efforts include: Extending Protections for Ukrainians in the United States: Murkowski joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing bipartisan legislation to protect the immigration status of Ukrainians who fled to the United States in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion, and thus their ability to live and work here. The legislation would extend through July 1, 2029, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ukraine, which is set to expire on October 19, 2026. TPS provides temporary legal status to individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries because of armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Ukraine has been designated for TPS since April 2022. Providing Ukrainians a Pathway to Permanent Residency: Murkowski, along with Blumenthal and Coons, introduced legislation that would provide Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the United States since Russia’s aggression began in 2015 with an opportunity to become lawful permanent residents. The legislation would allow eligible Ukrainians who were paroled into the United States or entered through other lawful means to apply for a green card, provided they meet existing admissibility requirements and complete required Department of Homeland Security vetting. The bill would also protect eligible applicants from removal while their applications are being considered and provide fee waivers for those unable to afford processing costs. Under existing law, those who receive lawful permanent resident status could later become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Urging an Extension and Redesignation of TPS for Ukraine: On Tuesday of this week, Murkowski joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the Departments of Homeland Security and State to extend and redesignate TPS for Ukraine for an additional 18 months. Ukraine’s current TPS designation is set to expire on October 19, 2026. The senators called for continued protections for current beneficiaries and a redesignation that would make additional Ukrainian nationals eligible for TPS while Russia’s war continues. The letter can be found here. Background: In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, firing missiles against military and civilian targets across the country as troops pushed to overtake major cities. Although Ukrainian forces successfully blocked the attempted invasion of Kyiv and have since liberated significant territory throughout the country, Russian offensives continue to target Ukrainian communities and claim thousands of casualties. Russia has also engaged in a campaign of abduction and forcible removal of Ukrainian children, seeking to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language, and identity, and exposing them to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, hunger, injury, trauma, and death. Murkowski has previously pressed the Department of Homeland Security directly on delays affecting Ukrainians in Alaska who rely on TPS, humanitarian parole, and associated work authorizations. Her office has worked directly with many Ukrainians who are living in Alaska and have successfully integrated into their new community. ###

I have spent time with many Ukrainians who have found a home in Alaska after fleeing Russia’s brutal invasion. They have become part of our communities, sending their children to our schools, participating in the local workforce, and rebuilding their lives while the war continues to devastate their home country. My office has worked with many of these families as they navigate our immigration system, and the reality is that it is simply not safe for them to return to Ukraine. We should not force Ukrainians—whom we allowed into the U.S. and who are here legally and contributing to our communities—back into an active war zone. These two pieces of legislation will provide them with the stability and protection they need to continue to live and work here until it is safe to return to their home. https://t.co/gorGowvga8

Permitting reform is one of the best things we can do for our country, and the package negotiated in the Senate is objectively good for our country. We should take it up and pass it this work period, instead of waiting and potentially missing our window.

The racial and rural disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates in this country are alarming and unacceptable. Our legislation works to address this by investing in innovative approaches to maternal health care, improving data collection, strengthening support for women during the postpartum period, and expanding the use of telehealth in rural communities. Whether you’re in Napakiak or New York City, every mother and child deserves access to quality care, and the programs implemented through this bill will help bring us closer to that goal. https://t.co/4lQGyKEC3u

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Mothers and Newborns Success Act, bipartisan legislation to address the United States’ disturbingly high maternal and infant mortality rates and reduce the well-documented racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. “The racial and rural disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates in this country are alarming and unacceptable,” said Murkowski. “Our legislation works to address this by investing in innovative approaches to maternal health care, improving data collection, strengthening support for women during the postpartum period, and expanding the use of telehealth in rural communities. Whether you’re in Napakiak or New York City, every mother and child deserves access to quality care, and the programs implemented through this bill will help bring us closer to that goal.” “The U.S. is the most prosperous, powerful, and innovative nation in the world—yet more mothers and infants die throughout pregnancy and childbirth than in nearly any other peer nation. For Black women, rates of maternal mortality are even higher,” said Kaine. “This is tragic but overwhelmingly preventable—that’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski to direct federal resources toward dramatically decreasing U.S. maternal and infant mortality and addressing inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes. This is a goal everyone should be able to get behind, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.” Maternal and infant mortality in the U.S. is a tale of two crises: an overall rate that far exceeds other developed nations, and a rate among people of color that is yet worse. The overall U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2024 was 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, far higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)—a collection of developed peer nations—average of 10.3. That same year, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 5.52 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to an OECD average of 4.0. For both maternal and infant mortality rates, there are clear racial disparities, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women suffering worse outcomes than white women. For example, the 2024 maternal mortality rate among Black women was 44.8 per 100,000 live births, which is over three times higher than the maternal mortality rate for white women and more than four times the OECD average. The Mothers and Newborns Success Act would aim to bring the U.S. maternal and infant mortality below the OECD average and reduce racial and ethnic disparities by directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to take actions to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and deploy such measures in a manner that counters inequities. Specifically, the bill would: Provide grants administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) State Maternal Health Innovation Program and the Supporting Maternal Health Innovation Program for states to create and implement plans to address disparities in maternal health and improve maternal health outcomes. Support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify birthing facilities so that patients know the level of risk-appropriate maternal and neonatal care at each facility. This would help improve care delivery and health outcomes for expectant mothers and their infants. Support the CDC’s efforts to gather pregnancy checkbox data from death certificates to help provide more accurate data on maternal deaths. Support the CDC’s data collection on maternal attitudes and experiences during the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods as well as efforts to provide technical assistance to states to ensure representation of communities of color in key datasets. This data would help determine and address gaps in care. Establish a pilot program through HRSA to identify and share best practices and evidence-based information on maternal health with providers and patients. Establish a National Maternal Health Research Network at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support innovative research on the underlying causes of maternal mortality and their treatment. Support HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetric Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program to improve access to and continuity of obstetric care in rural communities, including through the use of telehealth. Establish a public and provider awareness campaign through the CDC to promote awareness of maternal health warning signs and the importance of vaccinations for pregnant women and children. Full text of the legislation is available here. ###

Yom Kippur is a time of reflection, repentance, and forgiveness, and one of the most sacred days in Judaism. I wish all those observing a peaceful and contemplative fast. G’mar Chatima Tova. https://t.co/c7nP10cGAx

I’m encouraged that our nations have reached a breakthrough that respects Greenlandic self-determination and the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark while strengthening our shared security in the Arctic. I’m hopeful that this agreement will build upon the longstanding framework established by the 1951 Defense of Greenland Agreement, adapting our cooperation to address today’s security challenges while preserving the foundation that has supported our partnership. I have always had faith in the enduring friendship between the United States, Greenland, and Denmark, and I believe this agreement represents an important opportunity to further strengthen our bond. https://t.co/rv96SPIV0L

The Office of Management and Budget has proposed revisions that could significantly change how federal grants and financial assistance are administered, including funding that supports Tribal governments and organizations across Alaska and the nation. I sent a letter to OMB urging meaningful government-to-government consultation and calling for any final rule to recognize the unique political and legal status of Tribes, uphold the federal trust, treaty and statutory obligations, and fully account for the impacts on Tribal governments and the essential services they provide. For Tribes, changes to federal grant administration could affect resources for health care, housing, education, public safety, infrastructure, child welfare, and more. https://t.co/dHSqcPAdtk