The impacts of Typhoon Halong are a stark reminder that disaster doesn’t end when the storm passes. Months later, Alaska Native communities are still displaced and facing the trauma and uncertainty of what comes next. That’s why, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I hosted a two-part field hearing that included a roundtable in Anchorage and a hearing and Tribal leader listening session in Bethel. Direct input from Alaskans helps ensure communities receive the support and resources they need in the short term, while also helping us better prepare for future disasters.

Today, the Senate voted on a resolution directing the president to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran, the eighth such resolution on this matter. I voted against the previous seven resolutions because I believed an abrupt withdrawal would endanger American forces and civilians in the region, but also because the president was operating within his constitutional authority under the 60-day threshold established by the War Powers Act. Two elements have changed since those previous votes: we have now surpassed the 60-day limit for hostilities without congressional authorization, and the administration has asserted that hostilities have ended, despite the blockade and continued fire directed at members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as our assets, allies, and partners. The administration's own position removes any justification for keeping our servicemembers in harm's way without congressional authorization. If U.S. forces are still required to operate in the region or hostilities are resumed, the administration is obligated to seek authorization from Congress and should come before this body, and the American people, making that case. I have been working with several colleagues on an authorization for the use of military force, but with the reported claim of ended hostilities, this course of action is not an effective means to manage this conflict. Should hostilities reignite and military action resume, I will reconsider the introduction of an AUMF. Until then, I will support measures to officially end hostilities and bring our men and women home. I will oppose any effort to redefine 'hostilities' in ways that allow the president to wage war indefinitely without seeking congressional approval as outlined by the Constitution.

Last week marked a deeply meaningful moment as the U.S. Navy christened the USNS Solomon Atkinson, honoring one of Metlakatla’s proudest Tsimshian sons. The ceremony celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Sol Atkinson, one of the first Navy SEALs, a decorated veteran of Korea and Vietnam, and a dedicated leader who spent his life serving both his country and his community. In a deeply personal honor, my staff in attendance placed my challenge coin in the ship’s mast-stepping ceremony, where it was sealed in steel and permanently welded into the mast. This centuries-old maritime tradition symbolizes protection and good fortune for the ship and all who serve aboard her. That coin will sail with the USNS Solomon Atkinson for as long as she serves. Having a Navajo-class ship bear Sol Atkinson’s name ensures that his story will continue to inspire generations to come. I’m thankful his family could be there to see this remarkable tribute to his life and service.

We have an obligation and a responsibility to make sure people feel safe in their communities. #MMIWG

The news of Kelly Hunt, an Alaska Native woman whose body was recently found in Anchorage, is absolutely heartbreaking. It’s unacceptable that cases like Kelly’s continue. Progress has been made in addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, but there is much more to be done. The MMIW crisis is ongoing and it demands our attention and action. My deepest condolences go out to Kelly’s family and her entire community as they navigate this devastating loss. https://t.co/A0CEOL0xkI

This commentary from Gwen Holdmann and Ben Mallott is timely and important. Much of rural Alaska depends on a fuel supply chain that is deeply strained by disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. As fuel providers work overtime to meet community needs, higher prices are certain and outright shortages remain possible—highlighting the need for bridge solutions that will help households meet their basic needs. https://t.co/Jy0lbZB2tm

I’m pleased that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General has initiated an audit of the DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, following the letter Senator Blumenthal and I led in December. This is a critical step toward the transparency and accountability survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes both deserve and demand. In light of the continued stonewalling, an independent assessment of the DOJ’s apparent refusal to release the full Epstein files is vital. It is frustrating that Congress has been forced to continue pressing the Department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but we will not rest until the survivors receive the justice they are entitled to. https://t.co/lXdIA2Dgat

Over 160 communities in Alaska rely on one or two fuel deliveries annually, typically by barge, and price volatility is driving up costs for carriers and customers alike. I appreciated the opportunity to raise this with Secretary Burgum directly this morning, and will be working closely with the administration to help these Alaskans get their fuel on time and at the lowest possible prices.

This weekend, @SenPeterWelch and I attended the @AESymposium in Anchorage before hosting the Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region in Fairbanks, where we were joined by seven parliamentary delegations, 22 parliamentarians, two regional parliamentary observers, and the permanent participants. As the world increasingly focuses on the Arctic, gatherings like these are more important than ever, bringing together academics, scientists, diplomats, military, and industry leaders. The shared challenges we face can only be addressed through cooperation. It was encouraging to work together on opportunities to strengthen energy security, scientific research, mutual defense, free trade, and more. My thanks to everyone who traveled from across the Arctic to connect and collaborate—because in these turbulent times, our relationships matter more than ever.

Alaska has extraordinary potential to deliver a long-term supply of clean-burning natural gas that bolsters energy security for our nation and our partners across the Pacific. I appreciate @SecretaryWright’s continued focus on @AlaskaLNG and his commitment that @ENERGY “will not rest” until the project is completed. #buildtheline