Senator George Rauscher

Today we celebrate Flag Day, honoring the symbol that has represented our nation’s strength, unity, and freedom.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution declaring that “the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” From those original thirteen colonies to the fifty states we know today, the American flag has stood as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to build and defend this nation.

Flag Day represents the courage of those who have served, the determination of those who came before us, and the hope we carry forward.

Today, we honor the flag not just as a symbol, but as a living reminder of who we are as Americans.

May we always stand united under its colors.

I had a wonderful time visiting the City of Valdez to celebrate their 125th anniversary. It was truly an honor to take part in such a meaningful milestone and to present a legislative citation recognizing the community’s rich history and enduring resilience. With hundreds in attendance, I am deeply grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this celebration possible.

One of the highlights on Friday was the dedication of the Valdez Container Terminal, now named in honor of Ryan Sontag. I’m pictured with his son, Brad Sontag, a moment that was especially meaningful for many in attendance.

While there, I also had the opportunity to participate in a TAPS tour, including a stop at Milepost 800. We learned more about safety, operations, and the movement of oil through the pipeline for both import to the terminal and export via large ships. Standing at the 800-mile mark, overlooking the terminal and tank farm, offered a powerful perspective on the scale and significance of the work taking place each day.

My sincere thanks to Mike Day, Diana Bouchard, and Suzanne Cunningham for providing such an informative tour.

Together, these experiences showcase Valdez’s vital role in Alaska’s history, economy, and future.

It was a true honor to present a legislative citation to Trooper Anthony “Tony” Beck in recognition of his 27 years of dedicated service to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers. Trooper Beck retired on April 30th of this year from the Valdez post.

Over the course of his career, Trooper Beck logged an estimated 150,000 nautical miles while conducting marine patrols and enforcement operations. He was responsible for a vast and demanding patrol area, conducting enforcement missions throughout Prince William Sound and the Copper River Basin. His service also included numerous temporary duty assignments across western Alaska, Fairbanks, and Southeast Alaska.

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, Tony! Thank you for your years of service. And thank you to Senator Cronk and Representative Schwanke for co-sponsoring the citation.

Today, on Don Young Day, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of a man who meant so much, not just to Alaska, but to me personally as a friend.

Don Young was a relentless advocate for Alaska’s interests, championing major infrastructure projects, strengthening transportation systems, and advancing resource development across oil, gas, mining, and fisheries. He fought tirelessly to open opportunities for development while ensuring Alaskans had a seat at the table. His leadership helped secure opportunities for economic growth, local jobs, and greater self-reliance for Alaskans, leaving a lasting impact on the state he proudly represented.

But beyond the titles and accomplishments, Don was someone who cared deeply about people. He valued relationships, spoke his mind, and had a way of making you feel like you mattered. That’s something I’ll always remember.

Alaska is stronger because of him. I’m grateful for his friendship, his leadership, and the path he helped pave for future generations.

Happy birthday, Don. You are missed, and your legacy continues to guide us.

Today, at 11 am, House Finance will take up amendments to HB 381 the Oil & Gas Property Tax bill.

You can watch the committee meeting live here:

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Yesterday, the Big Lake Community came together to mark the 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Miller’s Reach Wildfire at the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center. The event recognized those impacted, celebrated the resilience of our community, and highlighted the progress made in wildfire prevention, preparedness, and recovery over the past 30 years. It also featured educational presentations, interactive discussions, and displays with historical photos and safety resources, all aimed at strengthening awareness and readiness for the future.

Additionally, I had the opportunity that same day to attend the City of Houston’s 60th Anniversary of its incorporation. The celebration included remarks from Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, Representative McCabe, Mayor Edna DeVries, Todd Smoldon representing Governor Dunleavy, and other community leaders. I was also honored to present the City of Houston with a legislative citation commemorating this milestone anniversary.

It was a day that highlighted both the resilience of our communities and the importance of continuing to work together for a stronger future.

Today we remember June 6, 1944: D-Day. The courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of the Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy, forever changed the course of history. We reflect on the freedoms their actions helped secure and the price paid to achieve them.

Their bravery will never be forgotten.

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $350 million initiative for four projects to build, modernize, and restart coal plants across the country, including a project in Anchorage, Alaska. This effort is framed as part of a national strategy to maintain reliable power on the grid and make use of existing energy infrastructure.

For Alaska, being named in this package puts our state directly in the discussion about long‑term grid reliability, baseload power, and federal investment in energy infrastructure.

Read more here:

Energy Department to Invest $350 Million to Build, Modernize, and Restart Coal Plants The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the selection of four coal modernization and reliability projects to strengthen coal-based generation, grid reliability, and strategic energy infrastructure.

Yesterday, I attended the Alaska LNG rally at Golden Heart Waste Management in Fairbanks, where Alaskans from across the state came together in support of developing our resources and strengthening our energy future.

I was glad to join the discussion and hear from Alaskans who are passionate about seeing this project move forward. The level of interest and support on display yesterday highlights the potential this project holds for our communities, our workforce, and future generations of Alaskans.

The gas line is the best chance we have to bring low-cost energy which will finally allow industry and manufacturing jobs, business investments, reverse the exodus and bring back families.

"They didn't know it couldn't be done."

A milestone made for the 49th state. Today marks 49 years since construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was completed in 1977. Built across 800 miles of some of the most challenging terrain in the country, TAPS stands as a testament to Alaska ingenuity, determination and resilience. Nearly five decades later, we honor the thousands of workers who proved that spirit true and made this historic project possible.

📷: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company