Biden Officials Seek Murkowski's Support with Alaska Pilgrimage

Almost every major official in the Biden administration, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, has made a pilgrimage to Alaska in recent weeks. Alaska's senior Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski, has been instrumental in attracting these visits, using them as an opportunity to advocate for federal support for Alaska's unique transportation system and highlight the state's distinct challenges. Murkowski's willingness to work with the Biden administration has given her influence, but there are limits to her reach, as seen in the administration's decision to cancel oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Cabinet travel to Alaska is part of Biden's approach to working with lawmakers on the other side and finding common ground.