SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with U.S. Representative Nick Begich, all representing Alaska, have expressed their approval following the Senate's passage of two significant bills: H.R. 42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act, and H.R. 43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025. These bills had previously been approved by the House of Representatives on February 4 and were spearheaded by Congressman Begich.

The Senate passed both H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 by unanimous consent after Senator Murkowski's remarks on the floor. The legislation is designed to fulfill commitments made to Alaska Natives under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and to enable them to manage their lands and resources for community benefit.

H.R. 42 modifies ANCSA to ensure that payments from Settlement Trusts to elderly, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives or their descendants are not considered income when assessing eligibility for federal need-based programs.

H.R. 43 changes ANCSA by removing the obligation for Alaska Native village corporations to transfer lands to the State of Alaska in trust for future municipal governments. It also provides a mechanism for these corporations to reclaim land previously conveyed to the state, subject to any valid existing rights established during state management.

The bills are now awaiting presidential approval.

Senator Murkowski stated, “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 remarked on ANCSA's impact over five decades: “Despite the enormous good ANCSA has done, the law was not perfect... I want to commend our Senate colleagues for unanimously supporting our legislation.”

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

The legislative efforts mark a significant step towards enhanced self-determination and opportunities for Alaska Natives.