Nicholas J. Begich

Reps. Begich, Gillen Introduce the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act

Position: The release advocates for federal legislation requiring the FAA to acquire and install advanced situational awareness technology (APRTs) at contract towers lacking modern surveillance systems, and to establish training programs for air traffic controllers to use these tools.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 4, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) and Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY) introduced H.R. 8597, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to equip air traffic controllers with modern tools and training to strengthen aviation safety. This bill serves as the House companion to Senate legislation led by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). “As Congress continues its work to modernize our nation’s air traffic control systems, we must ensure those improvements reach every corner of the country,” said Congressman Begich. “This legislation builds on those efforts, making sure our air traffic control professionals have access to the most modern, reliable technology available. By equipping contract towers with proven situational awareness tools, we are strengthening safety and ensuring our aviation system remains the gold standard worldwide.” “Our nation’s air traffic controllers are being pushed to the brink with long hours, staffing shortages, outdated tools and record burnout rates. They deserve access to the technology and training they need to efficiently do their work and keep our airspaces safe,” said Congresswoman Gillen. “I’m proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act to ensure the FAA is installing advanced situational awareness technology in our air traffic towers, removing workplace barriers and giving our air traffic controllers a clear view of our sky at all times.” BACKGROUND Numerous airports across the country in the Federal Contract Tower Program lack modern surveillance tools such as Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS). The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act addresses this gap by: Requiring the FAA to acquire and install Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRTs) at contract towers that lack advanced situational awareness systems; Directing the FAA to establish a training program to ensure controllers can effectively integrate and use these tools; and Authorizing funding for the acquisition, installation, and operation of APRTs, while reimbursing airports that have already invested in this technology. APRTs use ADS-B data to provide controllers with a real-time display of aircraft in local airspace, significantly improving awareness and reducing risk. Since the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which called for improved situational awareness technology at contract towers, APRTs have been deployed at several airports nationwide. Early results have shown enhanced controller confidence and improved operational safety. The bill has broad industry support from leading aviation organizations, including the Regional Airline Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, National Business Aviation Association, and the U.S. Contract Tower Association. ###

ICYMI: Congressman Begich Attends Oval Office Signing Expanding Access to Retirement Savings for American Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2026 – This week, Congressman Nick Begich attended an Oval Office ceremony at the White House where President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to expand access to retirement savings for millions of American workers. “I was honored to join the President in the Oval Office as he took action to expand access to retirement savings and empower workers to take control of their financial futures,” said Congressman Begich. “This initiative recognizes that financial stability is foundational to strong families and a strong economy. The federal Saver’s Match is a powerful tool that will encourage more Americans to start investing in their future.” BACKGROUND: The Executive Order establishes TrumpIRA.gov, a new federal platform designed to connect workers, particularly those without employer-sponsored retirement plans, with high-quality, low-cost Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) offered through the private sector. The initiative also includes a federal Saver’s Match of up to $1,000 annually for eligible low- and middle-income Americans who contribute to qualifying retirement accounts. Tens of millions of Americans currently lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, including many small business employees, independent contractors, and part-time workers. TrumpIRA.gov will allow individuals to compare retirement options based on cost, quality, and investment choices. The Executive Order also directs the Treasury Department to provide clarity on the role of philanthropic and charitable contributions to retirement accounts, opening the door for additional support for workers seeking to build wealth over time. TrumpIRA.gov is expected to be operational by January 1, 2027. ###

Congressman Begich Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Representation on North Pacific Fishery Management Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 30, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) introduced the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Representation Enhancement Act of 2026, legislation to ensure balanced representation and greater accountability in federal fisheries management impacting Alaska. “The North Pacific Fishery Management Council was established to advance policies in the interest of all user groups across our fisheries. In Alaska, many different user groups rely on the same resource, and we need to make sure every one of them has a seat at the table,” said Congressman Begich. “Ensuring balanced representation is critical to addressing broader challenges facing Alaska fisheries, including declining abundance. This bill is about restoring balance, strengthening accountability, and making sure fisheries management works for all Alaskans.” BACKGROUND: The bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require that Alaska’s appointments to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) include representation from recreational fishing, small-scale commercial fishing, and subsistence user groups. The NPFMC plays a central role in managing fisheries in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. However, concerns have grown that current council composition does not adequately reflect the full scale of Alaska’s fishing communities, including subsistence users, small boat fishermen, and recreational stakeholders. The legislation would: Require that voting members include at least one representative each from recreational, small-scale commercial, rural subsistence, and urban subsistence user groups. Establish clear definitions for these user groups to guide appointments; and Increase transparency in the nomination process by requiring the Governor of Alaska to identify which user group each nominee represents. The bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop guidelines to verify representation and implement the changes, with new requirements taking effect for future council appointments. The legislation has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee for further consideration. ###

Reps. Begich, Lee Introduce Geo POWER Act to Expand Next-Generation Geothermal Energy Nationwide

Position: Representatives Begich and Lee introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a federal demonstration program supporting next-generation geothermal energy development in regions currently lacking geothermal resources, with the goal of expanding clean energy capacity and reducing energy costs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 23, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced the Geothermal Power Opportunity with Expanded Regions (Geo POWER) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation geothermal energy projects across the United States. The Geo POWER Act establishes a new milestone-based demonstration program at the Department of Energy (DOE) to support innovative geothermal projects in regions that currently lack access to geothermal electricity. By pairing federal support with private investment, the bill seeks to unlock reliable, affordable, and scalable clean energy nationwide. “Geothermal energy has enormous, untapped potential to deliver reliable power across America,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “The Geo POWER Act will allow us to harness that potential by reducing risk, encouraging innovation, and expanding geothermal development into new regions, including in Alaska. By investing in innovation today, we can deliver affordable, dependable energy for American families in the long term.” “Here in Nevada and across the nation, geothermal is a promising and proven 24/7 clean energy source with immense potential for further growth,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “This bipartisan bill will help lower energy costs and advance American energy independence by scaling and speeding up the development of both our state’s — and our country’s — vast geothermal resources. At a time when energy costs are increasing across the nation, we need to embrace an all-of-the-above approach to help bring down southern Nevadans’ utility bills – this legislation, and the home-grown energy it supports, will do just that.” BACKGROUND: Next-generation geothermal technologies, such as enhanced geothermal systems, can generate clean electricity in a wide range of geologies, far beyond traditional geothermal hotspots. However, high upfront costs and geological uncertainty have limited deployment. The Geo POWER Act addresses these challenges by: Establishing a milestone-based financing program to reduce risk and ensure accountability Supporting projects that enable at least 30 megawatts of new geothermal capacity Prioritizing development in areas of the country with little or no existing geothermal power Encouraging data-sharing to accelerate future investment and innovation Leveraging private-sector capital to scale deployment Geothermal power provides consistent, around-the-clock electricity, strengthening grid reliability while lowering long-term energy costs. The bill requires DOE to support multiple projects across different states and developers, ensuring a diverse and competitive geothermal market that benefits communities nationwide. ###

Congressman Begich Leads Legislation to Lower Energy Costs, Introduces House Version of the DATA Act

Position: Congressman Begich supports legislation allowing manufacturers to operate self-contained, off-grid power systems to support AI and advanced manufacturing without increasing household energy costs or straining existing grids.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April. 21, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK), along with Congressmen Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and Burgess Owens (R-UT), introduced the DATA Act of 2026, the House companion to Senate legislation led by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), aimed at lowering energy costs for American families while accelerating U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. “America must win the race to lead in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies,” said Congressman Begich. “The DATA Act allows manufacturers to operate on fully self-contained, ‘grid-of-one’ power systems, so innovation can scale without forcing households to subsidize massive new energy demands or straining local utilities. For Alaska, this approach is especially critical. By leveraging our stranded energy assets and vast resource potential, this legislation creates a pathway for new jobs, new revenue, and long-term economic growth without raising energy costs for American families.” “We're taking a decisive step to unleash American energy innovation and restore market-driven competition," said Congressman Crenshaw. "By enabling private, off-grid generation, we can support explosive load growth without straining existing grids—protecting ratepayers while powering the technologies that will define the future. Winning the AI race against China is not merely an economic priority; it’s a national security imperative, and the DATA Act gets us closer to that goal with smart policy that lets American industry lead.” “America is the land of innovation and technological progress. The DATA Act is a commonsense bill that will ensure America stays the leader in the AI race and modernizes our regulatory structure to let businesses that require a lot of power create their own supply,” said Congressman Owens. “This is a win-win scenario where industry has a reliable flow of power, and residents and communities won't see an increase in their rates.” BACKGROUND: The legislation modernizes federal regulations to allow manufacturers and other energy-intensive industries to develop fully isolated, off-grid power systems and ensures new industrial growth does not strain existing power grids or drive up electricity costs for households. The DATA Act enables manufacturers to invest in customized, on-site electricity systems that are physically isolated from the bulk power grid. By keeping these systems separate, the bill ensures that new industrial demand does not increase costs for existing customers or compromise grid stability. For Alaska, the legislation provides a practical path to economic growth without placing additional pressure on local utilities or ratepayers. Congressman Begich serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology, and has made lowering energy costs and expanding reliable American energy production a top priority. ###

Two More Icebreakers Coming to Alaska

Alaska’s first icebreaker, the USCGC Storis, was commissioned in Juneau in 2025 WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today welcomed an official announcement from the Coast Guard that two additional icebreakers will be homeported in Alaska. The announcement comes after Admiral Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, testified to Sen. Sullivan that the agency was considering homeporting in Alaska up to four of the eleven Arctic Security Cutters (icebreakers) announced as part of the U.S.–Finland Icebreaker Agreement and the ICE Pact. Funding to build up to three icebreakers was secured by the Alaska congressional delegation in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA), signed into law on July 4, 2025. “Our leaders have talked for years about the national security imperative of closing America’s icebreaking gap with our adversaries and homeporting icebreakers where the ice is—which is Alaska. But we’re not just talking about these priorities anymore. We’re getting them done,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We now have at least three ice breakers being homeported in our state. I am honored to have led this effort which will bring enhanced national security and good paying jobs to our state. This announcement is the culmination of years of relentless advocacy I have put into homeporting icebreakers in Alaska. As chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee overseeing the Coast Guard, I have held hearings and countless meetings with every top federal official, from the President on down, on the necessity of rebuilding America’s polar icebreaking capacity. The historic provisions we secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act make this a reality. The dictators in Russia and China certainly recognize the importance of the Arctic and North Pacific, which is why we’re seeing escalating incursions near Alaska’s airspace and waters, including unprecedented joint operations. We are finally making the serious investments and decisions needed to build up our forces in America’s most strategic state to defend our interests in this vital region. These investments, including the announcement today, are not only good for our national security, they’re also great news for Alaska’s economy, hard-working families, and coastal communities. What an exciting day for Alaskans and for the whole country!” “Since my first days in Washington, I have been sounding the alarm about the need to recapitalize and expand our fleet of icebreakers. It feels good to say that we are finally beginning to realize that goal,” said Sen. Murkowski. “Today, with the announcement that the first two Arctic Security Cutters will be homeported in Alaska it is becoming real. This news marks a turning point in America’s investment in the Arctic and will allow us to reassert our influence in the region—enhancing maritime commerce, strengthening cooperation with our allies, increasing deterrence against our adversaries, and ensuring our military can respond to emergencies in any environment. I want to commend President Donald Trump for his commitment to these critical assets. When he came into office in 2016, one of my first conversations with him focused on the importance of investing in our infrastructure so we could compete in the Arctic in the 21st century. He listened and came through on his commitment to expanding our icebreaker capacity, and I appreciate his continued dedication to this issue. The work is just beginning. As we move to designate Alaska’s new homeport locations, ensuring these ASCs are ready to serve will require significant shoreside infrastructure with new housing to support both the vessels and the influx of personnel. While there is a long road ahead, this announcement means new investment, new jobs, and new opportunities flowing into our communities. Today is a good day for America, a good day for the Arctic, and a good day for Alaska.” “Homeporting two new Arctic Security Cutters in Alaska will strengthen America’s position in an increasingly strategic and contested Arctic,” said Congressman Begich. “These new vessels will expand our operational reach and ensure the United States can respond quickly and effectively across the Arctic domain. Alaska is the nation’s Arctic gateway, and our location makes us indispensable to national security. As global competition intensifies in the Arctic, we cannot afford to fall behind in a region that will shape the future of maritime access and defense. This is exactly why we fought for historic investments in the Coast Guard, because readiness in the Arctic requires modern assets and a sustained presence.” The first and only icebreaker ever homeported in Alaska, the Coast Guard Cutter Storis, was commissioned in Juneau on August 10, 2025, after years of work by the Alaska congressional delegation. Below is an overview of the delegation’s work to bring more Coast Guard assets, personnel, vessels, infrastructure and investments to Alaska. Securing U.S. Coast Guard Construction and Infrastructure Funding for Alaska Installations: Since 2015, Congress has appropriated about $1.408 billion for infrastructure and construction-related projects in Alaska to support new and existing Coast Guard assets, giving many communities throughout Alaska significant investments in their infrastructure and local housing. Securing Historic Investments in America’s Icebreaker Fleet: Through the FY 2025 budget reconciliation bill, the Alaska congressional delegation secured $4.3 billion for the procurement of two new Polar Security Cutters, with substantial progress toward a third, marking the most significant expansion of heavy icebreaking capability in U.S. history. The delegation also worked to deliver $3.5 billion to procure three Arctic Security Cutters, the nation’s next-generation medium polar icebreakers. Additionally, they championed $816 million for more than ten new light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters. Beyond icebreakers, the WFTCA included major investments across the Coast Guard’s fleet: $1 billion for approximately 10 Fast Response Cutters (FRC), $4.3 billion for approximately 9 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC), $2.2 billion for approximately 40 MH-60 helicopters, and $1.1 billion for approximately 6 HC-130 aircraft. Critically, these efforts are backed by over $3 billion for shoreside infrastructure to support the homeporting of these assets, including the $300 million for the homeporting of the Storis in Juneau. # # #

Congressman Begich Applauds Forest Service Announcement of Secure Rural Schools Funding for Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 15, 2026 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) applauded the U.S. Forest Service’s announcement that it will distribute $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025, including $11,767,586 for communities across Alaska. “The Forest Service’s announcement of $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025 is welcome news for rural communities across the country. Alaska alone will receive $11,767,586.14, helping ensure our communities can fund schools, maintain roads, and provide public safety services despite the challenges of managing untaxable federal lands,” said Congressman Begich. “Secure Rural Schools has been a critical bridge for timber-dependent communities in Alaska, and I will continue working to secure long-term reauthorization, so our rural communities have the certainty and stability they deserve.” BACKGROUND: The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding to counties and boroughs with National Forest System lands, helping support essential local services such as education, transportation infrastructure, and public safety. Because federal lands are not subject to local taxation, these payments play a vital role in ensuring rural communities can meet their responsibilities. Since its establishment in 2000, the Secure Rural Schools program has provided more stable funding for counties impacted by declines in timber revenue, helping communities adapt while continuing to deliver essential services. ###

Congressman Begich Votes to Restore DHS Funding and Support Homeland Security Personnel

Position: Congressman Begich supports H.R. 8029, which restores DHS funding and strengthens border security and immigration enforcement, including increased staffing for detention and removal of criminal aliens, enhanced drug interdiction, and expanded Coast Guard presence in the Indo-Pacific.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 26, 2026 – Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) voted in favor of H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, legislation to restore full funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ensure that critical national security personnel. “Americans depend on the men and women of DHS to keep our nation safe,” said Congressman Begich. “Congress must prioritize the safety and security of the American people, and this legislation restores critical funding and ensures DHS can carry out its mission without disruption.” BACKGROUND: H.R. 8029 provides $64.4 billion in discretionary funding to support DHS operations and protect the homeland. The legislation includes funding for defense activities, disaster response, and key security priorities, while also ensuring retroactive pay for frontline personnel impacted by the funding lapse. The bill strengthens border security by supporting staffing and detention capacity for immigration enforcement and prioritizing the removal of criminal and removable aliens. It also enhances efforts to combat the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into American communities. H.R. 8029 invests in national security by increasing the Coast Guard’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region and providing a pay raise for Coast Guard servicemembers. The House has repeatedly passed legislation to fund DHS, but Senate Democrats have refused to come to the table and advance these measures, prolonging uncertainty for frontline personnel and risking national security operations. Following House passage, H.R. 8029 now moves to the Senate. ###

Congressman Begich’s Airport Regulatory Relief Act Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 24, 2026 –– Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK), a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, secured House passage of H.R. 6427, the Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025. “Today’s passage of the Airport Regulatory Relief Act is particularly important for rural communities in Alaska and across America,” said Congressman Begich. “Our small airports are critical for many communities in Alaska, and this bill delivers the flexibility needed to maintain them more efficiently and affordably. By cutting unnecessary federal red tape, we can complete critical runway projects faster, reduce costs, and keep communities connected to essential services like medical care and mail delivery.” “This legislation recognizes Alaska’s reality,” Ryan Anderson, P.E., Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. “Allowing the use of highway specifications at rural airports lets us use local materials and stretch our infrastructure dollars further -so we can address more of the critical aviation needs our communities depend on, without compromising safety.” BACKGROUND: Under current law, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires small, non-primary airports - even those serving only light aircraft - to comply with costly, one-size-fits-all pavement standards designed for major international airports. This regulatory mismatch has driven up project costs, delayed construction timelines, and strained already limited local resources. H.R. 6427 provides a commonsense solution by allowing states to use their own proven highway construction standards for certain airfield pavement projects at non-primary airports serving aircraft under 60,000 pounds. The legislation maintains safety as a top priority by requiring FAA review to ensure that any alternative standards do not negatively affect safety. Congressman Begich introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Ed Case (D-HI), David Taylor (R-OH), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI). Congressman Begich is a member of the Aviation Safety Caucus and the Aviation Subcommittee. With the passage of H.R. 6427, Congressman Begich has now successfully passed 12 bills through the U.S. House of Representatives. ###

Congressman Begich’s Airport Regulatory Relief Act Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 24, 2026 –– Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK), a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, secured House passage of H.R. 6427, the Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025. “Today’s passage of the Airport Regulatory Relief Act is particularly important for rural communities in Alaska and across America,” said Congressman Begich. “Our small airports are critical for many communities in Alaska, and this bill delivers the flexibility needed to maintain them more efficiently and affordably. By cutting unnecessary federal red tape, we can complete critical runway projects faster, reduce costs, and keep communities connected to essential services like medical care and mail delivery.” “This legislation recognizes Alaska’s reality,” Ryan Anderson, P.E., Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. “Allowing the use of highway specifications at rural airports lets us use local materials and stretch our infrastructure dollars further -so we can address more of the critical aviation needs our communities depend on, without compromising safety.” BACKGROUND: Under current law, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires small, non-primary airports - even those serving only light aircraft - to comply with costly, one-size-fits-all pavement standards designed for major international airports. This regulatory mismatch has driven up project costs, delayed construction timelines, and strained already limited local resources. H.R. 6427 provides a commonsense solution by allowing states to use their own proven highway construction standards for certain airfield pavement projects at non-primary airports serving aircraft under 60,000 pounds. The legislation maintains safety as a top priority by requiring FAA review to ensure that any alternative standards do not negatively affect safety. Congressman Begich introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Ed Case (D-HI), David Taylor (R-OH), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI). Congressman Begich is a member of the Aviation Safety Caucus and the Aviation Subcommittee. With the passage of H.R. 6427, Congressman Begich has now successfully passed 12 bills through the U.S. House of Representatives. ###