ICYMI: Nick Begich Delivers Huge Wins for Alaska

ICYMI: Nick Begich Delivers Huge Wins for Alaska

Congressman Nick Begich penned an op-ed highlighting the wins wins he secured for Alaska in the One Big, Beautiful Bill.

With Nick Begich's leadership, the law:

• Unlocks Alaska's natural resources
• Strengthen and protects Medicaid for Alaska's most vulnerable communities
• Secures our border to protect Alaska communities
• Delivers historic tax relief for Alaska families

President Trump signed the bill into law on the 4th of July.

Read the full op-ed from Congressman Nick Begich here or excerpts below:

Opinion: How Alaska won through the budget reconciliation bill
Anchorage Daily News
Congressman Nick Begich
July 3, 2025

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Because we started early, OBBBA delivers the most significant federal expansion of responsible energy development in Alaska since statehood. The bill re-opens the 1002 Area of ANWR, restarts lease sales in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and unlocks stranded gas in Cook Inlet for domestic LNG production. Most importantly, we secured a 40% increase to the state revenue split with the federal government - getting us closer to the Statehood Act's promise and returning billions to local communities for schools, roads, health care and public safety. With permitting certainty and streamlined environmental reviews, stakeholders will invest billions in exploration and production. Creating high-paying jobs, eliminating the need for state income and sales taxes, and over time, growing the Permanent Fund to deliver more money to Alaskans through our PFDs.

This bill is about putting Alaska's resources to work for Alaskans and ensuring that future generations inherit prosperity and the promise of self-determination.

Alaskans also won historic tax relief that recognizes our high cost of living. OBBBA eliminates federal income tax on overtime and tips, makes the Trump tax cuts permanent for every Alaska family and doubles the standard deduction for workers in remote areas. Small businesses benefit, too: accelerated depreciation schedules and an expanded Section 179 limit free up capital to invest, hire and innovate right here at home.

Our maritime lifeline received equal attention. The bill authorizes billions to modernize Coast Guard infrastructure, build homeports across the state and fund next-generation ice-capable cutters for Arctic search and rescue. We paired that with timber reforms that streamline permitting in the Tongass and breathe life into Alaska's fledgling timber industry.

OBBBA secures Medicaid for future generations. By shoring up the program's trust fund and shielding Alaska from looming federal cuts, the bill guarantees that seniors, families and vulnerable residents, especially those in our most remote communities, can continue to see a doctor, fill prescriptions and receive preventive care without fear that support will disappear. Alaska's SNAP program has one of the highest overpayment rates in the country - nearly six times the national average. The OBBBA incentivizes states to deliver more accurate, efficient administration. That's good governance that saves money and improves service for Alaskans

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Alaska's story will continue to be told in Congress, and we will continue to build off the success of the One Big Beautiful Bill to make Alaska stronger and more prosperous. For Alaskans, it's truer than ever: North to the Future.