Rep. Mary Peltola is flying with President Joe Biden back to Washington, D.C. on Air Force One. Peltola put out a press release that said she and the president will spend the time discussing his trip to Asia and “the role of oil and gas. “Alaska’s role in Pacific Rim strategy and energy markets.”
Congress reconvenes on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Peltola gave remarks Monday at the Joint Base Emendorf-Richardson commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on America by terrorists, in which she talked about how even as far away as Alaska, people experienced the impacts.
“While Alaska may be far from Ground Zero, we too felt the impacts of that day. Many of our brave soldiers were deployed overseas in the following years, where they fought and some died in the service of this nation. Everyone standing here today is in their debt,” she said.
Perhaps not everyone feels the debt — Peltola voted against funding troops earlier this year because the bill did not induced enough provisions for accommodating transgenders in the military.
“I thank the President for taking the time to visit us on this day, and for sending so many members of his administration to Alaska in recent weeks. As they toured the state with our Senators and me, they learned about our unique needs, and came to understand the vital role that Alaska plays in our nation’s security. Alaskans are proud to be America’s first line of defense, and on behalf of us all, I say: welcome, Mr. President,” Peltola said.
Peltola has endorsed Biden for president and said earlier she is frustrated that he canceled oil and gas leases in Alaska.
