Nicholas J. Begich III

To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to ensure representation for all fishery user groups on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and for other purposes.

in committee

To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to acquire and install certified airborne position reference tools at air traffic control towers, and for other purposes.

in committee

Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act

in committee

“Mr. BEGICH. Mr. Speaker, it is with solemn respect and heartfelt sympathy that we honor the life and legacy of Brenda Itta-Lee. Her passing is a loss not only to family and community, but to the entire State of Alaska. As we reflect on her life, we recognize a trailblazer whose leadership, vision, and cultural heritage shaped the course of Alaska's history. Brenda was the first Inupiaq woman elected to the Alaska State Legislature. Her election in 1974 broke barriers and opened doors that had been closed to Indigenous women in public office. Yet her impact extended far beyond that groundbreaking moment. She carried the weight of that role with strength, representing her people with dignity and resolve. From her work in the Governor's Office to her influential role as a delegate at the 1971 Alaska Federation of Natives Conference, she helped define Indigenous self-determination for many generations. Raised in Utqiagvik, Brenda understood the responsibility of public service in deeply personal terms. She never forgot her roots, and she never stopped giving back. Her career was marked not only by political leadership, but by mentorship and advocacy. Whether testifying before Congress or encouraging young Alaska Natives to pursue their dreams, she made space for others to rise with her. Her leadership was as much about listening as it was about speaking, and her influence lives on in the many lives she uplifted. She once said that her greatest accomplishment was simply serving as a role model to young people in her region. But that was not a simple task. It was a conscious, consistent choice to carry herself with grace, pride, and purpose in boardrooms, in classrooms, and in moments of national consequence. Through her life's work, she preserved traditions, advanced representation, and brought the full strength of Inupiaq values into the halls of government. Brenda's legacy will remain a guiding light for Alaska. ____________________”

2025-10-28 · Civil Rights

“Mr. BEGICH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor a trailblazer in Alaska's sports history, Scott Gomez for his induction into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. As the first Alaskan to receive this extraordinary distinction, Mr. Gomez has not only broken barriers in the world of professional hockey but has also served as a role model for generations of young Alaskans. Born in Anchorage and a graduate of East Anchorage High School, Mr. Gomez rose swiftly through the ranks of professional hockey. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season with the New Jersey Devils, by winning the NHL's Calder Memorial Trophy. His career would go on to include two Stanley Cup championships, over 1,000 games in the NHL, and international representation with Team USA at the Winter Olympics. Beyond his accolades on the ice, Mr. Gomez's legacy is defined by his commitment to community. During the 2012 NHL lockout, while many of his peers played overseas, he returned home to Alaska to play in front of local fans. He has continued to mentor youth and invest in the sport through coaching roles, including his current position with the USHL's Surrey Eagles. Mr. Gomez also founded the Scott Gomez Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting youth hockey and increasing opportunities for underserved communities. Through scholarships, clinics, and community work, the foundation reflects his deep commitment to giving back and uplifting the next generation of players. Scott Gomez embodies the values of perseverance, excellence, and service that make Alaska proud. His journey from local rinks to national recognition reflects the very best of our state's spirit of optimism, hard work, and generosity. I offer my congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank him for the inspiration he continues to provide both on and off the ice. [[Page E1013]] ____________________”

2025-10-28 · Education