Nick Begich has actively supported strengthening Alaska's military presence, advocating for expanded federal and NDAA military funding in the state due to its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific and as a gateway to Arctic operations (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman).
He co-sponsored legislation to establish a Secretary of the U.S. Coast Guard and personally toured Coast Guard Base Kodiak, supporting increased cutter assets and maritime security in Alaska (Press Release, Kodiak Daily Mirror).
Begich has called for a more robust and stable naval presence in Alaska to protect the state's extensive coastline and waterways, recognizing its unique role in national security (Juneau Empire).
He and other Alaska leaders consistently support military investments and spending in the state to maintain readiness and ensure local and national safety (Daily Sitka Sentinel).
Begich has criticized the Biden administration's defense policies, claiming they divert focus from core military objectives and weaken national defense priorities, which he views as a potential vulnerability (Juneau Empire).
Nick Begich Co-Sponsored Legislation to Establish Secretary of the Coast Guard According to a press release from Representative Nick Begich's office, "Congressman Nick Begich Co-Sponsors Legislation to Establish a Secretary of the United States Coast Guard." [Press Release - Representative Nick Begich Alaska at Large, 4/7/25]
2021: Nick Begich Highlighted Alaska's Strategic Importance For National Security According to Alaskans for Nick Begich, "Alaska is a critical component of America's national security strategy. Whether it's Alaska's geographic position as the gateway to Arctic access, early warning for missile defense, or our training grounds for cold weather combat, Alaska enhances the ability for American forces to fight and win in the 21st century." [Alaskans for Nick Begich, 4/17/21]
10/10/24: Nick Begich Supported Military Spending In Alaska According to Daily Sitka Sentinel (Alaska), "Peltola and Begich each support military spending in Alaska, they said." [Daily Sitka Sentinel (Alaska), 10/11/24]
October 2024: Nick Begich Expressed Commitment To Military Funding In Alaska For National Security According to Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, "Begich said it is crucial to continue invest in the military in Alaska and fully fund the military through the NDAA due to its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region. 'I will work with my colleagues in the House to ensure that Alaska has the resources that it needs, that it has the latest equipment, that it has the investment necessary in order to ensure that our nation remains safe and the people of Alaska remain safe,' he said." [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (Alaska), 10/11/24]
2025: Nick Begich Toured U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak And Supported Increased Cutter Assets According to Kodiak Daily Mirror, "I just had a great tour of the Coast Guard facility here in Kodiak. [...] I had an opportunity to go see one of the Fast Response Cutters here in Kodiak. I know we're scheduled to get several more throughout Alaska and that's going to be great." [Kodiak Daily Mirror (Alaska), 4/18/25]
September 2022: Begich Called For Increased Naval Presence In Alaska To Protect Waterways According to Juneau Empire, Begich said, "I have long said I believe that with more of the nation's coastline than all other states (combined) Alaska needs a stable naval presence... we have a great deal more to do to open up the waterways of Alaska and protect the waterways of Alaska. It's something we have had in the past and I think it's something we're going to need long into the future." [Juneau Empire (Alaska), 9/15/22]
September 2022: Nick Begich Supported Expanding Federal Funding For The Military In Alaska According to Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, 'She and Begich each said they support expanding federal funding for the military in Alaska.' [Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, 9/26/22]
2024: Nick Begich Criticized Biden Administration Defense Policies According to Juneau Empire, "ʻUnder Joe Biden, the military has strayed from its primary objective of protecting the people of our nation and is instead emphasizing Diversity Equity Inclusion and Environmental Social Governance policies,ʻ Begich told the Alaska Watchman." [Juneau Empire, 6/14/24]