05.17.23

Sullivan Releases Statement on First Lady & Interior Secretary’s Visit to Alaska

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement ahead of the First Lady of the United States Jill Biden and Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI) Deb Haaland’s scheduled visit to Alaska:

“While I’m pleased to see Biden administration officials visiting Bethel and our rural communities to promote federal broadband investments authorized by Congress, I hope the First Lady and Secretary Haaland take the time to listen to Alaskans who have been harmed by the Biden administration’s policies,” Senator Sullivan said. “Unfortunately, that was not the case the last time Secretary Haaland visited Alaska and met with residents in King Cove as well as with Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans. Following that trip, Secretary Haaland not only further delayed and complicated land allotments that Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans were promised under the law, but also proceeded to reverse course on a land exchange that would have provided King Cove residents life-saving medical care access.

“In total, there have been 48 executive orders and actions singularly targeting Alaska under the Biden administration. Many of these were done without any consultation from Alaskans. The Biden administration needs to do better and listen to the people of Alaska.”