Commentary: Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act compromises Alaska Native people’s rights

The words “bipartisan,” “American,” “affordability” and “jobs” altogether insinuate taking care of our communities. But the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act does anything but that. BAAJA, under the pretext of a permitting reform package, undermines Tribal sovereignty and the rights of Alaska Native Corporations, weakens our environmental laws and limits the public’s ability to both provide input and challenge decision-making. The bill’s Manager Amendment does not sufficiently address these impacts. And the bill is moving through Congress fast. BAAJA was introduced in the U.S. Senate floor as S. 5653 on September 30, 2026, just before the Senate recessed. Leaders of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works spearheaded the bill.

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