Senator-elect Mark Begich Heads to Washington

Transition trip includes discussions of committee assignments

Senator-elect Mark Begich will be in Washington, D.C., for three days next week to pursue his committee assignments which are key to Alaska. While in the nation's capitol, Begich will also attend a series of meetings with other senators, open his transition office, and attend briefings and orientations for new senators.

Begich has expressed interest in serving on several committees including Appropriations, Commerce, Finance, Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Armed Services, and Veterans Affairs.

"I have already been in discussion with the Senate leadership and am looking forward to taking my place on committees that will be beneficial to Alaska," Begich said. "While I'm in Washington, I will underscore the importance of Alaska being represented in the majority political party that will run our country for the foreseeable future."

Begich said he has appointed a small transition team as permitted under Senate procedures as he prepares to take the Senate oath on January 6. Leslie Ridle is dealing with personnel and Susanne Fleek is handling issues and policy. The transition team has received resumes from more than 200 Alaskans and others who are interested in working for Begich either in Alaska or in Washington, D.C.

As part of next week's trip, Senator-elect Begich will meet with Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young to discuss the approach they will take as a team representing Alaska in Congress. They have already discussed committee assignments and Alaska's priorities.

"I'm heartened that congressional leaders want to get immediately back to work after the new Congress takes office and will focus on passing measures designed to get the nation's economy back on track," Begich said.

Shortly after returning from Washington, Begich said he plans to announce key staff positions to serve Alaskans in the state and in D.C.

From a Mark Begich press release

© AlaskaReport.com All Rights Reserved.