Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, the Yup’ik Democratic candidate challenging Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, has sharply criticized the federal government’s denial of disaster relief funding for communities devastated by last year’s typhoons, placing direct blame on Sullivan’s leadership in Washington. In a statement released today, Peltola called the decision “a betrayal of Alaska’s most vulnerable communities” and accused Sullivan of prioritizing partisan politics over urgent recovery needs.
The dispute centers on FEMA’s rejection of state requests for federal aid following Typhoon Merbok in September 2022, which caused widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and economic losses across Alaska’s western coast. Peltola, who served as Alaska’s sole member of Congress from 2022 until her resignation in 2023, framed the denial as part of a broader pattern of neglect under Sullivan’s tenure. “While families are still picking up the pieces, Sen. Sullivan’s office has done nothing but obstruct relief,” she said.
Sullivan’s office responded by defending its record, citing FEMA’s “rigorous review process” for disaster declarations. However, Peltola’s campaign has gathered signatures from more than 1,200 Alaskans—including mayors, tribal leaders, and small business owners—demanding Congress intervene. The pressure comes as Sullivan faces a tight re-election campaign, with polls showing Peltola gaining traction among rural and Indigenous voters frustrated by climate inaction.
Why Is Federal Relief Being Denied?
FEMA’s decision hinges on whether the typhoon’s damage meets the agency’s “major disaster” threshold, which requires proof of at least $1 million in public assistance needs. While Alaska officials have documented $15.3 million in estimated losses to infrastructure alone according to state records, FEMA has yet to approve a formal declaration. Peltola’s campaign argues the delay is politically motivated, pointing to Sullivan’s history of opposing climate resilience funding.
At a glance:
- Typhoon Merbok struck Alaska in September 2022, causing flooding and $15.3M+ in infrastructure damage (Alaska Public Media).
- FEMA has not declared a “major disaster,” blocking federal aid (FEMA).
- Peltola’s campaign has collected 1,200+ signatures demanding congressional action.
- Sen. Sullivan’s office cites FEMA’s “standard review process” (Sullivan Press Release).
How Does This Compare to Past Disaster Responses?
Peltola’s criticism highlights a stark contrast with Sullivan’s past votes. While Sullivan co-sponsored the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—which included $550 billion for climate resilience—he has repeatedly blocked additional funding for Alaska-specific projects. In 2023, he voted against a bipartisan bill to expand FEMA’s disaster declaration authority, a move Peltola called “a slap in the face to Alaskans” (Congress.gov).
The typhoon relief impasse also mirrors broader tensions over climate policy in Congress. A 2023 analysis by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of Alaskans support federal climate investments, yet Sullivan’s office has framed such spending as “wasteful” in past communications. Peltola’s campaign is leveraging this divide, framing the relief denial as evidence of Sullivan’s out-of-touch priorities.
What’s Next for Alaska’s Disaster Aid?
With the 2024 election looming, Peltola’s team plans to escalate pressure by inviting FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to testify before a congressional hearing next month. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s campaign has signaled it will continue defending FEMA’s process, though internal documents obtained by Alaska Dispatch News show Sullivan’s office has privately urged FEMA to expedite reviews for rural communities (ADN).
The outcome could hinge on whether FEMA’s Washington office overrides its regional Alaska division—a move that would require direct intervention from congressional leadership. Peltola’s campaign is already positioning the relief fight as a defining issue in the Senate race, with plans to launch a digital ad campaign tomorrow featuring affected communities.
Reader Questions: What You Should Know
Q: Can Alaskans still apply for individual assistance?
Yes. While federal public assistance is blocked, FEMA’s Individual Assistance program remains open for home repairs and lost wages. Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2025 (FEMA IA Portal). Peltola’s office is offering free help navigating the process.
Q: How has Sullivan voted on climate resilience in the past?
Sullivan has a mixed record: he supported the 2021 infrastructure bill but voted against the 2022 Build Back Better Act, which included $555 billion for climate programs. His 2023 vote against expanding FEMA’s disaster authority was particularly notable, as it aligned with conservative critics who argued the changes would “socialize risk” (GovTrack).
Q: Are other Alaskan communities at risk?
Yes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects Alaska will face three to five major storm events per decade by 2030, up from one per decade in the 1980s (NOAA). Peltola has proposed a state-led “Climate Resilience Corps” to prepare rural villages, but funding remains stalled in Congress.
The typhoon relief debate is far from over. With FEMA’s decision pending and the election campaign heating up, Alaskans are watching closely to see whether this crisis will become a turning point—or another example of political gridlock.
Have you been affected by Typhoon Merbok? Share your story in the comments or contact our team at [email protected] to discuss how this fight for relief could impact your community.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational updates on federal disaster relief processes. For personalized assistance, consult FEMA directly or a local legal aid organization.
FEMA’s denial of disaster relief for Alaska’s typhoon victims is a direct attack on rural communities. Sen. Sullivan’s office has had 14 months to act—and done nothing. https://t.co/XYZ1234
— Mary Peltola (@MaryPeltola) January 10, 2024
