Immediately after House Speaker re-election, Nick Begich’s legislative proposals were introduced. D.C., Republican Nick Begich was sworn in as Alaska’s US Representative on Friday in Washington, D.C., after a tense speaker re-election process. House Speaker Mike Johnson needed 218 votes to retain his position, as Republicans maintain a slim 219-member majority over 215 Democrats.
Representative Ralph Norman and Keith Self initially voted against Johnson but later changed their votes, ensuring his re-election. Thomas Massie remained the sole Republican opposing Johnson’s leadership.
Furthermore, Begich voiced his support for Johnson. He explained the importance of unity among Republicans to advance the America First agenda under President-elect Trump. He celebrated Johnson’s re-election on Truth Social, calling him a great speaker and emphasizing strong leadership for the country.
However, in November, Begich criticized the Biden-Harris Administration for issuing 67 executive orders restricting Alaska’s resource development. He highlighted budget reconciliation as a key legislative tool for advancing Alaska’s energy priorities in the first 100 days of Congress.
On his first day, Begich introduced three legislative initiatives focused on empowering Alaska Native communities and addressing old issues. Nick Begich’s legislative proposals aim to support Native populations while promoting economic development throughout Alaska.
Key initiatives include the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act, excluding specific trust benefits from means-tested federal programs. The Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act seeks to restore land entitlements. This is for historically excluded communities like Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangel.
Lastly, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act proposes returning undeveloped lands to Native village corporations. Begich vowed to prioritize Alaska, saying, “We are a team that is focused and ready to tackle issues that matter most to Alaskans—unleashing Alaska’s vast natural resources, building infrastructure that fosters growth, and championing policies that put Alaskans and Americans First.”
This news article was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
