Rep. Pete Stauber: Stand with Nick Begich for Congress and put Alaska first

By REP. PETE STAUBER

Alaska’s position on the national stage is critical for our Nation’s national security and energy independence. Developing Alaska’s vast natural resources is more crucial than ever if we want to continue fighting towards energy dominance.

Under the Biden/Harris Administration we have seen increasing restrictions on resource development, particularly in Alaska. Congresswoman Mary Peltola, my Democrat colleague, is taking an approach that threatens to stifle these critical industries, risking thousands of jobs and pushing energy prices higher for Alaskans already facing economic challenges. 

As a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I am committed to fighting for rural America and supporting policies that aim to unleash American energy. 

Alaska and her vast natural resources are no exception.

In Congress, Peltola has supported restrictive policies that put rural America last. 

Oddly, she was the only Western Caucus member to vote against the Lower Energy Costs Act. This key, bipartisan legislation was championed by the Western Caucus and would have slashed red tape and allowed American workers to responsibly produce our abundant natural resources while lowering energy costs for hardworking Americans. 

I have seen first-hand how the Biden-Harris Administration has targeted Alaska from day one and has sought to lock up the state’s resources. 

That’s why I sponsored Alaska’s Right to Produce Act thatwould have nullified the Administration’s executive action which blocked oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the National Petroleum-Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).

When the legislation came before the House, Peltola cynically became a “co-sponsor” of the bill for nothing more than political theater and she refused to vote for the legislation, urging her Democrat counterparts to oppose. 

This alone should outrage Alaskans. 

It is unfortunate that Peltola has refused to stand up and support commonsense legislation that would advance many of the priorities of the Western Caucus and champion rural America.

Peltola’s top-down policies often overlook the needs and voices of those who know our state best – its residents. 

On Tuesday, Alaskans have the opportunity to choose a candidate who understands the importance of developing Alaska’s natural resources and be a critical voice for our state.

In stark contrast, Nick Begich understands that there is no better jurisdiction than Alaska to harness our abundant naturalresources that will open the door for energy independence and economic renewal. 

Nick Begich’s vision for Alaska is one of opportunity and economic growth, ensuring that we can leverage our resources responsibly. Sadly, Peltola’s approach risks curbing our economic potential and jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless Alaskans.

It is time to elect leaders who will champion our state’s interests and put Alaskans first. 

I urge my fellow citizens to stand with Nick Begich as we work together to secure a prosperous future for Alaska.

Pete Stauber is in his third term in U.S. Congress. He represents Minnesota’s 8^th congressional district in northeastern Minnesota.