The east entrance of the federal building holding the U.S. courthouse is seen on July 8, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Recent executive actions affecting the federal workforce are disrupting Alaskan jobs and funding. Alaska federal workers and contractors, along with essential funding, are currently facing a barrage of growing challenges that threaten the strength and stability of our state. Our family, friends, and neighbors who have dedicated their careers to serving our country, working on contracts to support our nation’s priorities, or benefiting from federally funded programs to improve their lives are scared and confused.
Critical federal dollars have been frozen, bringing community-driven projects and efforts to a standstill, while thousands of Alaska-based federal contractors are questioning whether or not they will be paid. Alaskan federal employees are being pressured to spy and report on their colleagues, relocate their families, and leave their jobs under the guise of a “buyout.”
Regardless of how they might feel about the federal government or which political party is in power, I’m hopeful that Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Rep. Nick Begich understand that a functioning federal government is essential for a functioning Alaska. The Alaska delegation can respond to these disruptions by urging President Trump to uphold existing laws, ensure clear communication, and protect Alaska’s economic stability.
Federal employees, contractors, and dollars are vital to a thriving Alaska. According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the federal government employs over 15,000 Alaskans and, in 2023 (according to data from SAM.gov), spent more than $3.8 billion on contracts across the state. Additionally, billions of federal dollars that fund locally led initiatives related to health care, education, energy, law enforcement, transportation, recreation, housing, habitat restoration, disaster relief, etc., have been frozen.
Alaskans understand that federal employees, contractors, and dollars play a critical role in our communities. We see the on-the-ground results of these projects and share meals with these folks. Together, as Alaskans, we can stand up for our federal workers and dollars.
The delegation has options to reign in executive overreach:
- Ensuring Alaskan families don’t need to relocate by upholding the congressionally passed Telework Enhancement Act of 2010.
- Uphold the Impoundment Control Act and use congressional authority to immediately lift the freeze on federal grants and loans to prevent unnecessary funding delays, job losses, and legal challenges.
- Meet with Office of Personnel Management leadership and request an end to vague, government-wide email memorandums. Instead, encourage OPM to engage with career civil servants in crafting realistic reform procedures based on practical timelines, union contracts, and established law.
By the end of the week, the Alaska delegation could write and publicly publish a joint letter to President Trump addressing these issues and outlining the steps they are taking. Ideally, those steps could include holding community town hall meetings to hear from impacted Alaskans and congressional hearings on President Trump’s executive overreach.
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