Senators from Alaska, Maine form ‘Arctic Caucus’

Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she’s forming an Arctic caucus — a group of senators that will meet to advance discussion among senators and staff about issues important to the Arctic and its people, including defense, science and trade.

“It’s about what the vision is, the long-term vision, for the United State’s role in an emerging part of the globe that’s as dynamic as any place out there,” Murkowski said in a speech on the Senate floor today.

She says the Arctic is relevant to all senators, no matter what state they represent. The caucus already has its first non-Alaskan member: Sen. Angus King, an Independent from Maine.

Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her atlruskin@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Lizhere.

Previous articleJewell: No Plan Afoot to Declare ANWR Monument
Next articleAlaska News Nightly: March 4, 2015