SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, alongside U.S. Representative Nick Begich, have expressed their approval following the Senate's passage of two significant bills aimed at benefiting Alaska Natives. The bills in question, H.R. 42 and H.R. 43, were previously approved by the House of Representatives on February 4 and are now awaiting the President's signature to become law.

The legislation was introduced by Congressman Begich and aims to uphold commitments made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). H.R. 42 seeks to amend ANCSA by excluding certain payments from Settlement Trusts from being considered as income for aged, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives when determining eligibility for federal assistance programs.

H.R. 43 addresses land management issues by amending ANCSA to eliminate the requirement for Alaska Native village corporations to transfer lands to the State of Alaska for future municipal governments' trust. It also establishes a process for these corporations to reclaim lands previously conveyed to the state, subject to any valid existing rights established during state management.

Senator Murkowski remarked on the significance of these measures: "I’m very glad we could reach agreement to pass these important measures for Alaska Natives in the Senate... And with the passage of HR 43, we restore the ability of Alaska Native villages to make decisions about their lands and resources for the benefit of their communities."

Senator Sullivan highlighted ANCSA's historical impact while acknowledging its imperfections: "For more than 50 years since ANCSA was signed into law... Senator Murkowski, Congressman Begich and I have put forward legislation... ensuring elder and disabled Alaska Native people are not unfairly excluded from federal assistance they may need."

Congressman Begich emphasized bipartisan support: "These bills represent meaningful, nonpartisan work that Alaskans sent me here to do... This is a major victory for Alaskans."

The legislative journey began with S. 2615 and S. 623 being introduced in early 2023 and reported favorably by relevant Senate committees before passing unanimously in December 2024.

Both pieces of legislation mark a notable achievement as they are among Congressman Begich's first initiatives passed as a freshman member in Congress.