Congressman Nick Begich’s First Two Bills Pass Congress, Headed to the President's Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE 20, 2025. – This week, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) celebrated the Senate's passage of H.R. 42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act, and H.R. 43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025, marking a significant legislative victory for Alaska. The bills now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“These bills represent the kind of meaningful, nonpartisan work that Alaskans sent me here to do,” said Congressman Begich. “We’ve corrected longstanding federal issues that have held Alaska Native communities back, and we’ve done it with strong support from both parties. Senator Murkowski was instrumental in advocating for these bills in the Senate since the 116th Congress and I am grateful for her efforts to help get these bills across the finish line in the Senate. These bills were about local decision-making and empowering communities to build their futures. My team and I have worked diligently since day one to move these bills through Congress, and I’m honored to be one of the only freshmen of the 119th Congress to send legislation to the President’s desk. This is a major victory for Alaskans, and a strong step forward towards greater self-determination and opportunity for Alaska Natives.”
“With two bills now headed to President Trump’s desk, Representative Begich has shown he is a leader who is working for Alaska Natives and the state of Alaska. H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 will soon be signed into law because of the immediate effort Nick has shown since coming to Congress. I congratulate Mr. Begich on this success and look forward to continuing to work with him on the Natural Resources Committee,” House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)
H.R. 42 – Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act
This legislation ensures that payments from Alaska Native Corporation settlement trusts are not counted as income when determining eligibility for federal assistance programs. The change will protect vulnerable Alaska Natives - especially elders, the disabled, and the visually impaired from having to choose between essential benefits and long-standing trust support.
H.R. 43 – Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025
This bill removes outdated land transfer requirements under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) that have blocked economic development in more than 80 Alaska Native villages. It returns approximately 11,500 acres of land to Native Village Corporations, empowering them to make decisions that support housing, infrastructure, and growth.
Congressman Begich introduced both H.R. 42 and H.R. 43 on his first day in office. Their passage marks a significant early achievement in his tenure and delivers immediate benefits to communities across Alaska.
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