Congressman Begich Applauds Advancement of House Natural Resources Committee Budget Reconciliation Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 7, 2025 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) applauded the passage of the House Committee on Natural Resources’ budget reconciliation proposal, which will generate significant revenue by unlocking Alaska’s extraordinary energy and resource potential.

On day one, Congressman Begich began architecting the Alaska section of this landmark House reconciliation bill, identifying key strategies to reduce the nation’s deficit by harnessing Alaska’s abundant natural resources. Congressman Begich worked closely with House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and House Republican leadership to ensure Alaska’s resources and energy potential were prioritized as a key pathway in budget reconciliation. 

“This is a major victory for Alaska and for American energy independence,” said Congressman Begich. “I’m proud to see our work move forward and am grateful to Chairman Westerman and my colleagues on the committee for their partnership championing Alaska as the pathway to the kind of federal revenue generation that also generates economic prosperity and growth.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Congressman Begich’s leadership and contributions to the budget reconciliation legislation:

“From the moment he stepped foot in Washington, Rep. Nick Begich has been hard at work for the people of Alaska to ensure Alaska’s economy thrives with new opportunities. His legislative contributions to our one big, beautiful reconciliation bill through the Committee on Natural Resources generate significant revenue by resuming lease sales, encouraging domestic energy production and development by mandating lease sales in ANWR, and unleashing Alaska’s bountiful resources to the benefit of the state and the country,” said Majority Leader Scalise. “As a freshman member, Rep. Begich hit the ground running to fulfill our promises to the American people, and I am grateful to have his dedicated service, insightful contributions, and incredible work ethic here in the House. I’m also thankful to Chairman Westerman for his leadership and for working with Rep. Begich to include this important legislation.”

House Committee on Natural Resources, Chairman Bruce Westerman also applauded Congressman Begich’s efforts on the committee to advance this proposal:

“Today, Natural Resource Committee Republicans advanced our portion of the one big, beautiful reconciliation bill. I’d like to thank Congressman Begich for his tireless efforts on behalf of Alaska and our great nation to generate more than $18.5 billion in savings for the American people by unleashing the United States’ abundant natural resources,” said Chairman Westerman. “Unlocking responsible energy production in Alaska significantly increases revenue and will shore up U.S. energy supply chains for generations to come. I look forward to advancing the legislation through the reconciliation process."

The proposal mandates offshore and onshore oil and gas lease sales across Alaska, including six sales in Cook Inlet, four in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and biennial lease sales in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPR-A). Importantly, this proposal also boosts the state of Alaska’s share of leasing revenues to 90% by 2035.

The budget reconciliation proposal will generate $18.5 billion in federal revenue and savings for the American taxpayer by harnessing the power of American energy and resources.

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