Congressman Nick Begich’s First Two Bills Signed Into Law

July 14, 2025
Press Release

Delivering Major Wins for Alaska Native Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 14, 2025 – Congressman Nick Begich (AK-R) announced that his first two pieces of legislation, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act and the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025 have been signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 7, 2025. These bills deliver long-awaited reforms to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Congressman Begich introduced H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 on his first day in office after being sworn in on January 3, 2025. Congressman Begich is one of the first freshmen in the 119th Congress to send legislation to the President’s desk. 

“When the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was signed into law over 50 years ago, it was a historic legislative achievement for Alaska. However, what we saw over time was that revisions were needed to allow for greater decision-making authority among our Alaksa Native communities,” said Congressman Begich. “What we have done is remove unnecessary federal barriers and put the decision-making power back in the hands of Alaskans. Now, Alaska Natives and vulnerable Alaskans can receive support without fear of losing essential benefits, and over 80 villages can finally move forward with building homes, improving infrastructure, and growing their economies. Alaskans sent me to Washington to deliver results, and I’m proud to say we’ve done just that. We are unleashing the full potential of Alaska and strengthening greater self-determination for Alaskans.”

“This is a historic step that removes a barrier to community development and self-determination. I’m proud to support this effort to return 14(c)(3) lands to Alaska Native communities. AFN thanks Congressman Nick Begich for guiding both bills through the House, and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan for their strong support. The teamwork of our Alaska Congressional delegation reflects a shared commitment to advancing priorities important to Alaska Native people,” said Ben Mallott, President of Alaska Federation of Natives.

How H.R. 42 will impact Alaska: 

  • The Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act amends ANCSA to ensures that payments from Alaska Native Corporation settlement trusts are no longer counted as income when determining eligibility for federal assistance programs.
  • Alaska Native elders, individuals with disabilities, and the visually impaired will no longer face impossible choices between accepting trust payments and qualifying for programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or housing assistance.
  • Settlement trusts have long provided a safety net for Alaska Native communities. This law ensures they can continue offering support without penalizing recipients.

How H.R. 43 will impact Alaska:

  • The Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025 eliminates outdated land transfer requirements under ANCSA - ending the mandate that Alaska Native village corporations convey their lands to the State of Alaska to be held “in trust” for future municipal governments.
  • The new law will allow Native Village Corporations to retrieve land back that they previously conveyed to the state – giving Alaska Natives direct control over their own resources.
  • Native Village Corporations can now use these lands to build housing, improve infrastructure, and create jobs.

Legislative History 

  • September 2019: Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan introduced S. 2533, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act in the 116th Congress.
  • October 2020: Congressman Don Young introduced H.R. 8683, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act in the 116th Congress.
  • January 2021: Congressman Don Young introduced, H.R. 437, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act in the 117th Congress.
  • March & July 2023: Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan introduced S. 623, Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act and S. 2615, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act in the 118th Congress.
  • April & November 2023: Congresswoman Mary Peltola the House version of both bills in the 118th Congress (H.R. 2687, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act and H.R. 6489, Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act).
  • December 2024: The Senate version of both bills passed the Senate by unanimous consent, thanks to floor leadership from Senator Murkowski but failed to pass the House in the 118th Congress.
  • January 2025: Congressman Begich introduced H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 as his first two bills in the 119th Congress.
  • February 2025: The House passed both measures, making Congressman Begich the first freshman of the 119th Congress to send legislation to the Senate.
  • June 2025: Senator Murkowski led the final push in the Senate, securing unanimous consent and sending the bills to the President’s desk.
  • July 7, 2025: President Trump signed H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 into law.

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