Congressman Nick Begich✓

For Alaska. Thank you for your support! @SpeakerJohnson @SteveScalise @GOPMajorityWhip @RepLisaMcClain @RepWesterman @RepBrianBabin @RepSamGraves @NatResources @housescience @TransportGOP @HouseGOP

When we talk about Alaska's energy future, it's important to remember that producing oil and gas is only part of the equation. We also need the infrastructure, workforce, and refining capacity to turn those resources into products. Marathon Petroleum's Kenai Refinery is a critical part of that equation. From aviation fuel and gasoline to diesel, asphalt, and other petroleum products, Marathon plays an important role in meeting Alaska's energy needs. Thank you for the productive visit today, and a special thank you to the Kenai Refinery workforce for keeping Alaska's economy moving.

Alaska is home to so many critical minerals and metals our nation needs for both national and economic security. Mining creates good paying jobs, strengthens our supply chains, and provides confidence for communities throughout Alaska; and companies like Ambler Metals, Coeur, Felix Gold, Graphite One, Nova Minerals, U.S. Gold, Contango, Kinross, Hecla, Teck, North Star, and so many others are making sure Alaska will responsibly be able to deliver what our nation needs well into the future. That’s why I’m proud to support mining, refining, and manufacturing in Alaska. Rebuilding our capacity to produce should be, and now is, a national priority. @AlaskaMiners

Healthcare in Alaska is different, and we need different solutions. That’s why I’ve been proud to support Rural Healthcare Transformation funding for Alaska. We’ve brought nearly $250 MILLION across 254 projects to Alaska this year alone to strengthen rural healthcare - part of over $1 Billion+ in investment over the next 5 years. That means portable X-rays in village clinics, telehealth for expectant mothers, training for the next generation of Alaska healthcare workers and community health aides, and better technology to help patients get care close to home. These investments will expand treatment options in some of our most remote communities, bringing better care directly to Alaskans.

Across Alaska, I’m hearing the same message loud and clear: our outdated permitting system is stifling our state’s potential. The bipartisan permitting reform package is a top priority for our state. It will lower costs, give industry the stability needed to invest and grow, and remove burdensome barriers while protecting the integrity and original intent of our laws. The Senate must act swiftly when we return in November.

Advanced nuclear technologies hold tremendous promise for delivering reliable, affordable power to Alaska’s remote communities. AIDEA’s $25 million investment in NuCube Energy lays the groundwork to help bring these technologies to market and position Alaska at the forefront of their deployment. By advancing innovative solutions that can provide dependable electricity and heat in some of the most challenging environments in the country, we have a real opportunity to lower costs and strengthen American energy security. Alaska has an extraordinary opportunity to lead the next generation of American energy innovation, and I'm pleased to see AIDEA taking an active role in bringing this kind of innovation to Alaska.

NuCube Energy is proud to announce a $25 million anchor investment from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, an Alaska state-backed investment authority. The investment is a strong endorsement of our approach to making advanced nuclear energy a practical, reliable power source for remote communities and commercial operations. Read more:

Alaska has lost a true original with the passing of longtime Alaskan entertainer, Mr. Whitekeys. His sharp wit and ability to find humor in Alaska politics made him a beloved entertainer and a legend in his own right. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Whitekeys in person, and it was easy to see why so many Alaskans admired him. He had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and reminding us that even in the often-serious world of politics, there is always room for a little humor. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Judith, his family and the many Alaskans whose lives he touched.

Today marks an historic milestone for Alaska’s transportation infrastructure and economic future. I was proud to join U.S. Department of Transportation @SecDuffy and @SenDanSullivan to announce $249 million for the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, a transformational investment that will help create new opportunities for economic growth across our state. This funding will support the construction of a 32-mile rail connection linking Port MacKenzie to the Alaska Railroad's existing mainline, providing a more direct and efficient route for transporting Alaska's minerals and energy resources to domestic and international markets. For decades, Alaskans have recognized the tremendous potential of Port MacKenzie. But realizing that potential requires sustained investment and the determination to see critical infrastructure projects through to completion. As Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads and Pipelines in the U.S. House, I have worked to ensure Alaska's unique infrastructure needs remain a priority in Washington. Earlier this year, we helped secure a $34 million federal investment to expand Port MacKenzie's cargo handling capabilities and supporting infrastructure. Today's $249 million announcement represents another major step toward building the transportation network necessary to support long-term development at the port. These investments build on one another. Expanding port capacity is essential but connecting that capacity to Alaska's broader transportation network is what will allow us to fully capitalize on the opportunities ahead. I want to thank Secretary Duffy for recognizing the strategic importance of Alaska's transportation infrastructure, Senator Sullivan for his continued partnership, and the Alaska Railroad Corporation, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and countless Alaskans who have worked for years to advance this project. Major infrastructure projects do not happen overnight, and today's announcement is the result of sustained efforts to turn a long-standing vision into reality. There is still work ahead, and I remain committed to advancing these investments through the next stages of development and construction.

In March, we saw a record-breaking NPR-A lease sale generate more than $163 million.   Today, BLM is building on that progress by streamlining qualifying winter exploration. This key permitting action will create opportunities for companies to discover additional resources and advance future projects in the NPR-A. Every new exploration opportunity carries the possibility of discovering additional resources that can support jobs, generate lasting economic growth for Alaska, and lower energy costs across the nation.

It was great to welcome NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to Alaska this week to see firsthand the incredible potential our state brings to America’s future in space. Thank you, @NASAAdmin for your leadership and commitment to advancing America’s aerospace dominance.

The Inspiration Tour continues in Alaska. Great to visit @uafairbanks with @RepNickBegich and meet the students, researchers, and faculty contributing to America’s leadership in space. From sounding rockets at Poker Flat and studying the aurora to satellite communications and Alaska Space Grant student research, some incredible work is happening here at the edge of the Arctic. These students are gaining the experience NASA will need as we return to the Moon, build a lasting presence, and prepare for Mars. Alaska plays an important role in the missions of today and the future.

I was honored to join @SECNAV in Whittier, Alaska today for the commissioning of our Navy’s newest destroyer, the USS Ted Stevens. Senator Ted Stevens dedicated his life to serving Alaska and our nation. Today, his legacy of service continues aboard one of America’s most advanced warships. As USS Ted Stevens sails in defense of our nation, her crew will carry a part of Alaska with them, a legacy built on service and strength. Godspeed.

Today we commissioned USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) in Whittier, Alaska, and added another ship to the growing Golden Fleet.

The Senate’s bipartisan passage of the Protect College Sports Act is a welcome step toward restoring order in college athletics. Years of lawsuits, uneven state rules, and nonstop roster movement have left programs and athletes without a reliable framework. This legislation establishes clear national standards that protect student-athletes, sustain women’s and Olympic sports, and give college athletics a more stable future. I look forward to this legislation moving forward in the House.

RT @WhiteHouse: A historic day for Alaska and American energy. 🇺🇸 Senator Sullivan, Congressman Begich, and Governor Dunleavy celebrate the $54 BILLION investment — and break down what it means for Alaska jobs, energy bills, and the next generation. ⬇️

Alaskans have long understood that unlocking our extraordinary natural gas resources could fundamentally change the trajectory of our state. Today, that vision is closer to reality than ever before. This historic $54 billion investment in Alaska LNG is what is made possible when we refuse to give up on transformational opportunities for Alaska.

One of Congress’ most important responsibilities is not just seeing what’s in front of us, but looking around the corner. As frontier AI and other emerging technologies advance, we must work with experts to anticipate potential risks while simultaneously supporting the impressive pace of American innovation. For technologies that have the potential to substantially impact our world, foresight matters. @HouseScience

RT @housescience: At yesterday’s hearing, @RepNickBegich asked what Congress can do to bring more biomanufacturing production to American soil as China continues to expand its capabilities.   Hear what Mr. Joshua Hodges of @HooverInst had to say. ⬇️

Happy Birthday to our United States Air Force! 79 Years of strength. Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve our nation. @usairforce

RT @HouseGOP: 239 years ago, our Founders signed the Constitution and gave America a framework built on liberty, self-government, and the rule of law. WE THE PEOPLE 🇺🇸

The American Reserve Modernization Act (ARMA) just cleared the House Financial Services Committee. We built support with members of Congress, subject matter experts, Commerce, and Treasury. Significant effort was made by committee staff on this important legislation, and for that collaborative work, we are grateful. Thank you to Chairman @RepFrenchHill, Chairman @RepBryanSteil, and the @FinancialCmte for advancing this bipartisan legislation which protects the American principles of financial sovereignty through self-custody, while establishing a clear Congressional framework for responsibly securing digital asset holdings held across our federal government.

@RepBryanSteil H.R. 8957, the American Reserve Modernization Act, by @RepNickBegich, passed 28-21.