January 23, 2026 — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) says key fisheries, science, and coastal priorities for the state were protected in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriation “minibus” bill as Congress works to avoid a Jan. 30 federal funding lapse.
The package combines the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment bills, completing roughly half of the FY26 appropriations process. Murkowski said the legislation safeguarding funding is critical to the state’s economy, fisheries, and coastal communities.
“While tough choices were made, we protected the priorities that matter most to Alaskans: our fisheries, public safety, energy security, Arctic research, and coastal infrastructure,” Senator Murkowski said. “This is exactly why the regular order appropriations process matters—it allows us to come together and build a product through compromise that meets the needs of our people and communities.”