Lisa Murkowski: “We need a commercially available icebreaker up there soon, because we are not going to see our Polar Security Cutters…”

Ultimately, however, I will oppose his nomination.

As the Arctic grows in strategic importance, the United States must continue investing in the research, infrastructure, and expertise needed to strengthen our understanding of this rapidly changing region.

I will continue to champion this program and work with the Department to ensure this funding is administered more expeditiously going forward.

I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund—which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters—is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage.