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

Across Alaska, I’m hearing the same message loud and clear: our outdated permitting system is stifling our state’s potential.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.

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. blm.gov/press-release/blm-st…

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Today, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advanced my Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act. Our air traffic control professionals deserve the most modern, reliable technology available to keep Americans safe. This bill addresses a straightforward gap by bringing proven situational awareness tools to contract towers that lack them. This bipartisan fix is straightforward. The safety benefit is real, and the impact of this bill will improve aviation safety across the nation.

From oil and gas, to land being returned to Alaska, to removing regulations that do not work for our state, to preserving our traditions and rights, Alaskans sent me to Washington to get to work and deliver results for our state. Today, my 14th bill passed the House. Read my full press release: begich.house.gov/media/press…

For many Americans, September 11th remains a living memory. For a new generation, it is now history. 25 years later, we have a responsibility to tell that story and remember the nearly 3,000 Americans we lost and to honor the heroes who ran toward danger. May we never forget.

This week, I spent time in Nome touring critical infrastructure projects, visiting healthcare facilities and local businesses, talking with municipal and Native leaders, and hearing directly from the people who live and work in this important part of Alaska. There is no road connecting Nome to the rest of our state. That’s why other robust infrastructure is critical to keep the communities of Western Alaska connected. Investing in Nome as a deep-water port means more reliable access to goods, greater economic opportunity, improved emergency preparedness, and critical American infrastructure in a region where national security is of growing importance. I appreciate the warm welcome from Nome, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the communities of rural Alaska to unlock land, resources, training, jobs, and the investment needed for the common infrastructure that underpins it all.