SC Alaska News

Senator Dan Sullivan, who represents Alaska in the U.S. Senate, posted a series of tweets on July 30 and July 31, 2025, addressing both confirmation delays for presidential nominees and the strategic military importance of Alaska.

On July 30, Sullivan commented on the pace of civilian nominee confirmations under President Biden’s administration, stating: "Unprecedented. By this point in Biden’s term, 44 civilian nominees had been confirmed by voice vote. Due to obstruction from the far left led by Chuck Schumer, @POTUS is the only President on record to not have a single voice vote confirmation." He further addressed what he characterized as obstruction within the Senate leadership: "@POTUS This unprecedented obstruction by Democrat Leader Schumer, which is driven by the far-left wing of his party, needs to stop and we should jam down on him for as long as it takes to get President Trump’s team confirmed."

The following day, Sullivan highlighted national security concerns relating to Alaska’s position: "Alaska is the most strategic place in the world. It’s why the Russians and Chinese keep testing our country up here. As I told @HarrisFaulkner, last week’s incursion is a stark reminder of why we need continued robust military investments in Alaska—which the OBBB delivers."

These statements come at a time when congressional gridlock over presidential nominations has attracted scrutiny. Historically, many non-controversial executive branch nominees are approved through voice votes—a process that allows for expedited consideration when there is broad agreement—but recent years have seen an increase in holds and procedural delays.

Alaska's significance as a strategic location for U.S. military operations has been repeatedly emphasized by lawmakers due to its proximity to Russia and growing attention from China. Senator Sullivan has previously advocated for increased defense spending in his state amid rising geopolitical tensions.