"Make it Monday" forum - One Big Beautiful Bill

Senator Sullivan will highlight the significant benefits Alaska will receive from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill.

PLUS, a member presentation by the Anchorage School District's CTE/Internship Coordinator, Bert Lord.
 

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Daniel Scott Sullivan, born on November 13, 1964, in Fairview Park, Ohio, is an American politician, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran who has served as the junior United States Senator from Alaska since January 6, 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Sullivan has built a distinguished career in public service, military, and legal sectors, with a focus on advancing Alaska’s interests in energy, defense, and veterans’ affairs.

He graduated from Culver Military Academy in Indiana in 1983, where he developed a strong work ethic and leadership skills. Sullivan went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University in 1987, graduating magna cum laude. He later attended Georgetown University, where he earned a joint Juris Doctor and Master of Science in Foreign Service in 1993, graduating cum laude and serving as a member of the Georgetown Law Journal.

Sullivan’s commitment to public service is exemplified by his over 30 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve before retiring on February 1, 2024. Commissioned as an infantry officer in 1993, he served on active duty until 1997 and continued in the reserves, with multiple recalls to active duty, including deployments to the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, Central Asia, and Afghanistan. His roles included TRAP Force Commander, Platoon Commander, and Commanding Officer in various units, earning him the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.

After leaving active duty in 1997, Sullivan moved to Alaska, where he clerked for Judge Andrew Kleinfeld of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (1997–1998) and Chief Justice Warren Matthews of the Alaska Supreme Court (1998–1999). He also briefly clerked for Judge James L. Buckley on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In 2000, Sullivan joined the Anchorage office of the law firm Perkins Coie, specializing in commercial and corporate law, and was admitted to the Alaska Bar.

From 2002 to 2009, Sullivan held significant roles in the administration of President George W. Bush. He served as a White House Fellow, working with the National Economic Council and National Security Council, and later as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, focusing on international energy, trade, and counter-terrorism financing.

Returning to Alaska, Sullivan served as Alaska’s Attorney General from June 2009 to December 2010, appointed by Governor Sarah Palin and retained by Governor Sean Parnell. During his tenure, he launched the “Choose Respect” campaign to combat domestic violence and sexual assault, emphasizing the protection of Alaskans’ safety and rights. He also pursued litigation to counter federal government overreach. From 2010 to 2013, Sullivan was Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, managing one of the world’s largest portfolios of oil, gas, minerals, and land. He developed strategies to promote responsible resource development, streamline regulations, and boost job growth in Alaska’s economy.

Sullivan announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2013, challenging Democratic incumbent Mark Begich. He won the Republican primary in August 2014 and defeated Begich in the general election with 47.96% to 45.83% of the vote. He was sworn into office on January 6, 2015, and was re-elected in 2020 against independent challenger Al Gross, securing 54% of the vote.

As a senator, Sullivan serves on four key committees: Armed Services (where he chairs the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support), Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Environment and Public Works, and Veterans’ Affairs. Recognized as one of the Senate’s most effective legislators by the University of Virginia’s Center for Effective Lawmaking, he consistently ranks among the top 10 senators for legislative impact. His legislative efforts include sponsoring the Save Our Seas (SOS) Act and SOS 2.0 Act, signed into law by President Trump, which are the most comprehensive ocean cleanup laws in history, and the Pro-Bono Work to Empower and Represent (POWER) Act, which supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Sullivan has also championed bills to improve veterans’ services, support Alaska Native communities, and promote Arctic security and energy development.
 

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