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Thune Urges SAVE Act, $236M Alaska Defense Funding Before Recess

8/8/2026

Summary

Thune Seeks Fast-Track

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) seeks a fast-track deal before the August recess.
Susan Collins (Maine) will vote against attorney-general nominee Todd Blanche, while Senators Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) have not said they will vote.
The White House urges the Senate to adopt the budget resolution for farm aid, while Republican leaders may keep the chamber in session to pass it or SAVE America Act.

Summary

Trump Urges

Reconciliation 3.0 could allocate more than $236 million for high-priority construction at Alaska’s military installations.
Alaska has already received over $74 million in defense contracts—including $63 million in Anchorage—while its bases are deemed critical as Russia expands Arctic capabilities and China seeks a foothold.
President Donald Trump urged Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act before the Aug. 10 recess, warning that delays could leave Alaska defense investments and jobs on the table.

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Thune Seeks Fast-Track

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) seeks a fast-track deal before the August recess.
Susan Collins (Maine) will vote against attorney-general nominee Todd Blanche, while Senators Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) have not said they will vote.
The White House urges the Senate to adopt the budget resolution for farm aid, while Republican leaders may keep the chamber in session to pass it or SAVE America Act.

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