When it comes to Senate math, Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski is usually the most important person in the room. You’ve probably seen the headlines. She’s often the "decisive vote" or the "pivotal moderate," and the 2026 budget cycle hasn't been any different. Honestly, watching her navigate these spending bills is like watching a high-stakes poker game where she’s the only one who knows the value of the cards.
Basically, if you want to know how did Murkowski vote on the budget, the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no." It’s a story of "yes, but."
The High-Stakes "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBBA)
The biggest moment happened back in July 2025. This was the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), a massive reconciliation package that formed the core of the administration’s domestic agenda. It was a 51-50 nail-biter. Murkowski was the one everyone was watching.
She eventually voted YES, but she didn't just hand it over. She held out until the very last second. She was "agonizing" over it, according to her own staffers. Why? Because the original draft slashed Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps) in ways that would have crushed rural Alaska. She used her leverage to extract some serious concessions:
- A $50 billion fund for rural hospitals.
- A two-year delay for Alaska on certain food assistance costs.
- Specific tax breaks for Alaska whaling captains and nonprofit fishing companies.
- Mandated oil lease sales in the Arctic.
Even after voting for it, she was blunt. She told reporters it was "one of the hardest votes" she'd ever taken. She literally said the bill wasn't good enough for the rest of the country, but she’d made it "better" for her own people. Talk about a complicated relationship with your own party.
The September Shutdown Scare
Fast forward to September 2025. The government was staring down a shutdown (again). This time, Murkowski played it differently.
When the Senate brought up two rival "stop-gap" bills—one from the GOP and one from the Democrats—Murkowski voted NO on both. She called them "messaging exercises." She was annoyed that neither side was being serious. She wanted a "middle path" that protected the Affordable Care Act's premium tax credits, which were set to expire.
She basically told both leaders, "Come back when you have a real plan." It’s that independent streak that makes her both a hero and a villain depending on who you ask in Anchorage or D.C.
The 2026 Appropriations Breakthrough
By the time we hit January 2026, things got a bit more bipartisan. Murkowski, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, helped pass a series of "minibus" spending packages.
Just recently, on January 15, 2026, she voted YES on an 82-15 bipartisan package. This covered huge chunks of the government: Interior, Environment, Commerce, Justice, and Science. For Murkowski, this was a "win" because it rejected the "draconian cuts" proposed by some in the House. It kept the National Science Foundation funded and protected Arctic research—things she views as non-negotiable for the future of the North.
Where She Stood Recently (January 2026)
| Bill Type | Murkowski's Vote | Key Context |
|---|---|---|
| OBBBA (Tax/Spending) | YES | Pivotal vote; secured $50B for rural health. |
| Sept. Stop-Gap (GOP) | NO | Called it a "messaging exercise." |
| Sept. Stop-Gap (Dem) | NO | Labeled it a "wishlist." |
| Jan. 2026 Minibus | YES | Bipartisan deal; protected Arctic research. |
The "War Powers" Defiance
It’s not just about the dollars and cents. Just last week, Murkowski joined four other Republicans (like Susan Collins and Rand Paul) to support a resolution that would block funding for military operations in Venezuela. She’s clearly signaling that she won't give the executive branch a blank check, even if it’s a budget matter. She called the current political environment "stunning" and "unpredictable."
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Murkowski is just a "RINO" or a "Democrat in disguise." That’s too simple. If you look at her budget votes, she is fiercely protective of Alaska’s economy. She’ll vote for massive GOP tax cuts and oil drilling (very Republican), but she’ll also fight to the death for Medicaid and climate research (very Democratic).
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She’s playing a different game. She knows that in a 50-50 or 51-49 Senate, she is the gatekeeper.
Actionable Insights for Following Murkowski's Next Moves:
- Watch the "Carve-outs": If a bill is moving and it doesn't mention "Alaska" at least ten times, expect Murkowski to be a "No" until the last minute.
- Follow the Appropriations Committee: Since she sits on this committee, her real work happens months before the final floor vote. If she’s "happy" with a committee markup, she’ll likely support the final bill.
- Look for the "Moderate Bloc": She rarely acts alone. If Susan Collins (R-ME) is leaning one way, Murkowski is usually right there with her. They are the Senate's most powerful duo.
- Monitor the Debt Ceiling: We’re heading toward another showdown later this year. Murkowski has historically voted to raise the ceiling to avoid default, but she usually demands "fiscal commissions" or spending caps in exchange.
The bottom line? Murkowski’s vote on the budget is a transactional process. She isn't voting for a party; she’s voting for a deal. If the deal helps Alaska and keeps the lights on without gutting the social safety net, she’s in. If it’s just a political stunt, she’s out.
To stay updated on her specific floor statements and upcoming votes, you can check her official Senate Appropriations page or follow the Senate's roll call records directly.