Alaska
State Senators:
Lisa Murowski (R)
Term Start: December 20, 2002
Full Name: Lisa Ann Murkowski
Date of Birth: May 22, 1957
Birthplace: Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Lisa Murkowski was born on May 22, 1957, in Ketchikan, Alaska. She is the daughter of Frank Murkowski, a former U.S. senator and governor of Alaska. Growing up, she lived in various towns across the state, including Wrangell, Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Georgetown University in 1980 and a Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law in 1985.
Personal Life: Lisa Murkowski is married to Verne Martell, and they have two sons. She enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing, reflecting her deep connection to Alaska’s natural environment.
Early Career: After obtaining her law degree, Murkowski worked as an attorney in Anchorage, both in private practice and as a clerk for the Anchorage District Court. She also served on the Mayor’s Task Force for the Homeless from 1990 to 1991.
Political Career:
- Alaska House of Representatives: Murkowski began her political career in the Alaska House of Representatives, where she served from 1999 to 2002. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as education, health, and social services. Murkowski was known for her bipartisan approach and commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents.
- U.S. Senate: In 2002, Murkowski was appointed to the U.S. Senate by her father, then-Governor Frank Murkowski, to fill the seat he vacated. She was subsequently elected in her own right in 2004 and has been re-elected multiple times. As a senator, Murkowski has focused on issues such as energy policy, healthcare, and education. She is known for her independent stance and willingness to work across party lines.
Committees:
- Committee on Appropriations
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
- Committee on Indian Affairs (Vice Chairman)
Legislative Achievements:
- Energy Policy: Murkowski has been a leading voice on energy issues. As a member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, she has worked on legislation to promote energy independence, support renewable energy development, and ensure the responsible development of natural resources.
- Healthcare: Murkowski supports expanding access to healthcare while controlling costs. She has played a key role in healthcare legislation, including efforts to protect and improve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and increase funding for rural healthcare services.
- Education: Murkowski advocates for improving education at all levels. She supports increased funding for public schools, higher teacher salaries, and measures to make higher education more affordable and accessible.
- Indigenous Rights: Murkowski is a strong advocate for Alaska Native and American Indian rights. She has worked on legislation to improve healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
- Public Lands and Conservation: Murkowski supports the conservation of public lands and the responsible development of natural resources. She has worked on legislation to protect Alaska’s unique environment while balancing economic development needs
Senator Murkowski is known for her dedication to energy policy, healthcare, education, Indigenous rights, and public lands conservation. Her background in law and public service, along with her extensive experience in the Alaska House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, shape her legislative priorities. She continues to advocate for policies that benefit Alaskans and the nation.
Committees
Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly
Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.
Indian Affairs: Committee conducts hearings, investigations, and studies to address these issues and to develop and recommend legislation to the Senate that impacts Native American communities
Voting patterns
Senator Lisa Murkowski, representing Alaska, has a varied voting record that highlights her moderate stance and bipartisan approach. Here are some recent highlights of her voting patterns:
Key Voting Patterns:
Healthcare:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): Murkowski has shown a willingness to break with her party on healthcare issues. She notably voted against the repeal of the ACA in 2017, emphasizing the need for a replacement that would not harm Alaskans’ access to healthcare.
- Rural Healthcare: Murkowski advocates for increased funding and support for rural healthcare services, recognizing the unique challenges faced by remote communities in Alaska.
Environmental Issues:
- Climate Change and Energy: Murkowski has a mixed record on environmental issues. While she has supported oil drilling and other energy development projects, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), she has also acknowledged climate change and supported renewable energy initiatives.
Social Issues:
- Abortion: Murkowski is one of the few Republicans who supports abortion rights. She has consistently voted to protect access to abortion and has opposed efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: She supports LGBTQ+ rights and voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which aimed to prevent workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Judicial Nominations:
- Supreme Court: Murkowski has sometimes diverged from her party on judicial nominations. She voted against Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, citing concerns about his judicial temperament and the need for a thorough investigation of the allegations against him.
Impeachment:
- Donald Trump: Murkowski voted to convict former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, holding him accountable for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot.
Fiscal Policy:
- Tax Reform: She supported the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which overhauled the tax code and provided significant tax cuts, particularly for corporations and higher-income individuals
Murkowski’s voting patterns reflect her willingness to take independent stands, especially on issues that directly impact her constituents in Alaska. Her moderate approach often places her at the center of critical legislative decisions, making her a key swing vote in the Senate.
Full Name: Daniel Scott Sullivan
Date of Birth: November 13, 1964
Birthplace: Fairview Park, Ohio, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Daniel Scott Sullivan was born on November 13, 1964, in Fairview Park, Ohio. He attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University in 1987. Sullivan then pursued further education at Georgetown University, where he obtained a joint law and Master of Science in Foreign Service degree in 1993
Personal Life: Dan Sullivan is married to Julie Fate Sullivan, and they have three daughters. The Sullivan family is deeply rooted in Alaska, with Julie being a member of a prominent Native Alaskan family. The family resides in Anchorage, Alaska
Military Service: Sullivan has a distinguished military career. He served as an infantry and reconnaissance officer in the United States Marine Corps and later as a reservist. His service includes deployments to Afghanistan and active involvement in various military roles, including as a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve
Dan Sullivan (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2015
Professional Career: Before entering politics, Sullivan had a diverse professional career. He worked as a judicial law clerk for judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Alaska Supreme Court. He also practiced law at Perkins Coie in Anchorage, Alaska. Sullivan served as an assistant secretary of state for economic, energy, and business affairs during the George W. Bush administration and as the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
Political Career:
- U.S. Senate: Dan Sullivan was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, defeating incumbent Democrat Mark Begich. He was re-elected in 2020. As a senator, Sullivan focuses on issues such as national security, energy development, veterans’ affairs, and economic growth.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Armed Services
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Legislative Achievements:
- National Security: Sullivan is a strong advocate for a robust national defense. He supports increased defense spending, military readiness, and veterans’ benefits. He has worked on legislation to enhance U.S. military capabilities and support service members and their families.
- Energy Development: Representing an energy-rich state, Sullivan supports policies that promote the development of Alaska’s natural resources. He advocates for responsible energy production, including oil, gas, and renewable energy sources.
- Economic Growth: Sullivan focuses on policies that promote economic growth and job creation. He supports tax cuts, deregulation, and measures that stimulate investment in Alaska’s economy, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and resource development.
- Environmental Protection: While supporting energy development, Sullivan also backs measures to protect Alaska’s unique environment. He advocates for balanced policies that ensure economic growth while preserving natural resources and wildlife.
Senator Sullivan is known for his dedication to national security, energy development, economic growth, and environmental protection. His background in law, military service, and public administration, along with his extensive experience in the U.S. Senate, shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that benefit Alaskans and the nation.
Committees
Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.
Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs
Veteran Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.
Voting patterns
Senator Dan Sullivan, representing Alaska, has a recent voting record that reflects his focus on national security, support for military personnel, and economic development in Alaska. Here are some highlights of his recent voting patterns:
1. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Sullivan has been actively involved in shaping the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024. He voted in favor of the bill, which includes 33 provisions he authored. These provisions focus on military construction in Alaska, enhancing Arctic security, and increasing pay for service members. The bill authorizes significant investments, such as $168 million for military construction in Alaska, emphasizing the state’s strategic importance in national defense.
2. Ukraine Aid Bill: In February 2024, Sullivan voted to advance a foreign aid bill providing $95 billion for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. He supported this bill as it aims to counter authoritarian aggression globally and boost America’s industrial base by directing over $50 billion into defense-related manufacturing.
3. Economic and Infrastructure Investments: Sullivan secured over $790 million in military projects for Alaska in the FY 2025 Defense Authorization, continuing his efforts to strengthen the state’s infrastructure and support local economies. This includes significant funding for runway extensions, housing projects, and other military facilities in Alaska.
4. Social Security Administration Services: He worked to improve services provided by the Social Security Administration for Alaskans, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing federal services in his state.
5. Bipartisan Efforts: Sullivan has shown a willingness to work across party lines, particularly on issues related to national security and economic development. For instance, he collaborated with Senator Lisa Murkowski and others to push for reforms and additional funding in defense bills and other legislative efforts.
Senator Sullivan’s recent votes and legislative efforts highlight his priorities in strengthening national defense, supporting Alaska’s economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of military personnel and their families.