Fellow men and women of the Watch, if you’ve been feeling the weight of bureaucratic red tape stifling our great state’s potential, take heart—today marks a turning point. In a season of remarkable victories for American ingenuity and self-reliance, we’ve seen the passage of transformative legislation that promises to revitalize our economy, secure our future, and put control back in the hands of everyday people. From unlocking Alaska’s vast energy reserves through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the historic approvals today of the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act, we’re witnessing a resurgence of U.S. leadership that echoes the pioneering spirit of our Last Frontier. These wins aren’t just policy footnotes; they’re lifelines for families, businesses, and communities across Alaska and beyond.

Let’s start with the energy front, where the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025—stands as a monumental achievement. Dubbed the “big beautiful bill” for its sweeping scope, this legislation rolls back burdensome regulations from previous administrations, reinstating lower royalty rates for energy production and mandating regular oil and gas lease sales. For Alaska, this means a direct infusion of opportunity. Our state, blessed with immense natural resources, has long been hampered by federal overreach that locked away billions of barrels of oil and vast reserves of natural gas. Now, with provisions shaped by our own Senator Dan Sullivan, the bill unleashes Alaska’s economy by putting more oil in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, creating thousands of good-paying jobs, and generating vital revenues for our state coffers. Imagine: lower energy costs for American families, historic tax cuts for working folks, and strengthened healthcare options—all flowing from Alaska’s contributions to national energy independence.

The benefits are staggering. Alaska’s North Slope and Arctic regions, home to some of the world’s richest untapped resources, can now lead a boom in production that not only bolsters our local communities but also fortifies America’s position against foreign energy dependence. Congressman Nick Begich highlighted this perfectly, noting that the bill “lays the foundation for Alaska’s future and renews our hope in the American dream—a safer, stronger, more prosperous nation.” We’re talking about revitalized villages, new infrastructure projects, and an economic ripple effect that touches everything from fisheries to tourism. And let’s not forget the environmental stewardship baked in: by prioritizing domestic production, we reduce global emissions from dirtier foreign sources while advancing cleaner technologies right here at home. This isn’t just about drilling—it’s about dignity, self-sufficiency, and honoring the land that sustains us.

But the good news doesn’t stop there. Today, July 17, 2025, Congress delivered another pair of game-changers with the passage of the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act, propelling the United States to the forefront of digital finance and blockchain innovation. These bills, part of what insiders are calling “Crypto Week,” represent the first major federal frameworks for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and digital assets—long overdue clarity in a space that’s been muddled by uncertainty and overregulation.

The GENIUS Act, which sailed through the House today with a resounding 308-122 vote, focuses on stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to stable assets like the U.S. dollar. By establishing strict rules for operations, reserves, and consumer disclosures, it protects users from fraud while opening doors for innovation. Think of it as a seal of approval that could unleash a wave of new financial tools: faster, cheaper ways to send money to family overseas, secure savings options immune to inflation whims, and seamless integration into everyday banking. Experts are already hailing it as a “new era” for Americans’ wallets, drawing more institutions and consumers into the fold with confidence.

The single largest airdrop of value in the history of the Crypto space will become reality in less than one month…

Complementing this is the CLARITY Act, passed 294-134, which provides a comprehensive structure for the broader crypto market by separating decentralized blockchains from centralized digital assets. It assigns management authority to either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), depending on a crypto project’s level of decentralization and worldwide usage. Decentralized projects, classified as digital commodities, fall under the CFTC’s purview, while more centralized ones, deemed investment contract assets, remain with the SEC—ensuring transparency, tailored disclosures, and exemptions for truly decentralized finance activities. This isn’t government overreach; it’s smart guardrails that foster growth while shielding investors from scams. By treating most decentralized crypto tokens as digital commodities exempt from overly stringent SEC rules where appropriate, the bill unleashes U.S. dominance in blockchain technology. Under the CLARITY structure as written, top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Cardano are poised to qualify as commodities due to their high levels of decentralization and global adoption, paving the way for lighter regulation and broader innovation. And here’s the real gem: enhanced privacy through blockchain. In an age where Big Tech hoards our data like gold, blockchain empowers individuals with decentralized control—secure, transparent transactions where you own your information, not some faceless corporation. No more surrendering personal details to centralized databases vulnerable to hacks; instead, pseudonymity and encryption put privacy back in your hands, aligning perfectly with our Alaskan values of independence and self-determination.

The single largest airdrop of value in the history of the Crypto space will become reality in less than one month with the first Issuance of Midnight, a privacy focused blockchain intended to give you total control over your data and privacy and built to rigorous compliance standards. This one technology alone would secure Alaska’s election integrity completely, and forever obviate the need for recounts and other election shenanigans that have plagued the Alaskan, and national, landscape for years.

These acts aren’t abstract Washington wins—they’re practical boons for everyday life. Digital finance means lower remittance fees for our military families, innovative lending for small businesses in remote villages, and even traceability in industries like fishing, where blockchain can verify sustainable sourcing and boost premiums for Alaskan seafood. With consumer protections front and center, we’re building a financial system that’s inclusive, efficient, and resilient against economic shocks.

Now, tie it all together, and you’ll see why this is especially exhilarating for Alaska. The energy unlocked by the One Big Beautiful Bill dovetails seamlessly with the digital revolution sparked today. Blockchain and crypto operations, from mining Bitcoin to running data centers, are energy-intensive beasts—and Alaska’s abundant, affordable resources position us as a powerhouse in this arena. Consider the proposed North Slope data center by Hilcorp and tech partners, using natural gas to fuel crypto mining. Or envision renewable energy from our windswept coasts powering cloud mining platforms that generate passive income for locals. With lower costs and regulatory clarity, we’ll attract tech firms, create high-tech jobs in places like Fairbanks and Anchorage, and diversify our economy beyond traditional sectors.

This synergy—energy abundance fueling digital innovation—means Alaska isn’t just participating in America’s comeback; we’re leading it. Lower electricity bills from domestic production will make our state a magnet for blockchain enterprises, while privacy-focused tech safeguards our freedoms in an increasingly surveilled world. It’s a virtuous cycle: more energy production brings revenues to fund infrastructure, which in turn supports the green and digital transitions that benefit all.

Friends, these developments remind us that when we cut through the nonsense and empower free enterprise, miracles happen. From the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay to the blockchain ledgers of tomorrow, Alaska’s spirit of resilience shines bright. Let’s celebrate these victories, roll up our sleeves, and build the prosperous, private, and powerful future our families deserve.