Senator Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican from Alaska, has gained a reputation for defying her party’s expectations, particularly on key issues during President Donald Trump’s first term, such as the attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
In her new memoir, “Far From Home: An Alaskan Senator Faces the Extreme Climate of Washington, D.C.,” she reflects on these moments and others, emphasizing her commitment to speaking out when necessary.
In an interview with NPR’s All Things Considered host Juana Summers, Murkowski provided insights into her memoir, her beliefs about Trump’s significant domestic policy initiatives, and her thoughts on the future of democracy in the United States.
Murkowski expressed her skepticism regarding the Republicans’ current legislative package, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“I don’t refer to it as the big beautiful bill. It is big and I’m not quite sure it’s beautiful yet,” she said.
While she acknowledged that the bill includes several provisions she supports—particularly relating to border security, national defense, and energy—Murkowski remains concerned about its implications for Medicaid in Alaska, a state where healthcare access is limited and costs are high.
“Having said that, where’s the bulk of the attention right now? It’s on Medicaid, the impact to Medicaid,” she noted.
Murkowski stated that Medicaid is vital to many Alaskans, and emphasized the need to address existing concerns about the program while maintaining its effectiveness for those most in need.
In addition to her views on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Murkowski discussed another piece of legislation, the rescission package, which aims to reclaim $9.4 billion previously allocated for foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she highlighted her support for public broadcasting, particularly given Alaska’s rural landscape.
Public broadcasting serves crucial functions such as providing news coverage, delivering emergency alerts, and offering vital information like fishing reports to local communities, according to Murkowski.
She expressed her disapproval of the rescission’s threat to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, stating, “The threat to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is very real with this rescission. And it’s not something that I support.”
Murkowski also mentioned the importance of global health programs in maintaining humanitarian efforts that can mitigate conflicts around the world.
While discussing the appropriations process, she asserted the role of Congress in determining funding allocations.
“These were all authorized and appropriated by Congress. Now you have an administration coming in and saying, ‘We don’t like this. Get rid of it.’ We have a role as the appropriators,” she stated.
In considering her position within the Republican Party, Murkowski acknowledged that, despite her never having voted for Trump, she still identifies with the party, which has largely been influenced by the former president and his MAGA movement.
When Summers asked if moderates have a place in the current Republican framework, Murkowski responded, “I think there is still a place in the Congress for moderates. We need more on the Republican side. We need more on the Democrat side.”
She highlighted the importance of collaboration across party lines to solve problems that affect differing states, emphasizing the need for unity and problem-solving over partisan politics.
Murkowski also shared her concerns about the state of American democracy, noting, “I have never been part of more conversations where people have asked whether or not democracy is safe right now.”
She attributed some of this concern to growing politicization within institutions and a decline in public belief regarding their integrity.
Murkowski stressed that while there are fears surrounding democracy, she does not believe it is doomed.
When asked to address individuals who feel politically homeless, Murkowski encouraged them not to remain silent.
“Don’t assume that anybody else is going to speak up for you. Don’t be ground down because you don’t think that you’re being heard,” she advised.
She emphasized the importance of civic engagement and urged individuals to speak out peacefully if they feel their concerns are being overlooked.
“If you don’t think it’s OK. It is your obligation to speak up. I think this is where I hoped people would be after reading my book; that there is a glimmer of hope,” she said.
Murkowski concluded her thoughts by encouraging citizens to be involved in their communities and strive to support the betterment of others.
“It just requires a heart to try to make a difference. You do that and we’re going to be OK,” she asserted.
image source from：npr
