Don Young RSS Articles

Statement from Rep. Young on Payroll-Tax Holiday Extension

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

After voting to pass legislation that would, among other things, extend the payroll tax holiday through the end of the year, Alaska Congressman Don Young released the following statement:

“Although this isn’t a perfect bill, it’s the right thing to do for the American people,” said Rep. Young. “Passing this bill today means hardworking Alaskans will not see their taxes raised by as much as $1000 a year and Alaska’s Medicare providers will not see a crippling rate decrease. While I would have rather seen this bill paid for in full, there were several crucial provisions in this bill that are critical such as reforming the unemployment insurance system and repealing another pillar of Obamacare.”

Some notable provisions in this bill:

An extension of the payroll tax holiday for approximately 170 million working Americans through December 31, 2012.
Provision commonly referred to as the “Doc Fix” that will prevent a 27.4% rate cut that is scheduled for doctors that accept Medicare patients.
In exchange for extending unemployment benefits for the American people, starting December 31, 2012, people will only be eligible to receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 63 weeks. This is a reduction from the current number of weeks (86) an Alaskan can receive unemployment benefits.

H.R. 3630 passed the House of Representatives by a vote 293-132.

Rep. Young Comments on Approval of Shell’s Spill Response Plan

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today in response to the Department of Interior’s approval of Shell’s Chukchi Sea Oil Response Plan:

“This is great news for the state of Alaska especially at a time when we need additional oil flowing in the pipeline more than ever. The Chukchi Sea has the ability to create thousands of high-paying jobs, decrease our dependence on foreign oil and most importantly get this economy moving again. Shell has worked with both the state of Alaska and Federal Government to ensure their spill prevention plan is adequate should a spill occur. Today’s approval by the Interior Department is especially promising because it represents one of the final steps prior to Shell drilling its first well in the Chukchi Sea.

“Alaska is ready, the Coast Guard says it’s ready and now Shell is ready; let’s start developing – this summer - the resources in the Arctic for the good of this nation.”

U.S. House Passes Landmark Energy Legislation; Includes Rep. Young’s Provision to Open ANWR

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

As oil prices continue to rise amid turmoil in the Middle East, the House of Representatives, led by Alaskan Congressman Don Young, passed sweeping energy legislation today that would, among other things, open a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to energy development. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 237-187.

“This is a great piece of legislation for the American people,” said Rep. Young. “Tapping into ANWR’s enormous energy potential could provide up to 1.5 million barrels a day for years to come. America is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and this bill will finally let us develop those resources for the good of our people.

“This is my 12th time passing ANWR out of the House and although this is a momentous day, there is still work to be done,” continued Rep. Young. “The Senate should not drag its feet on this bill. The American people are sick and tired of high energy prices, high unemployment, and out of control deficits - they want cheap energy created here in America and that is exactly what this bill will do.”

H.R. 3408 includes the following provisions:

ANWR – The bill would open roughly 3 percent of ANWR to energy development and direct the Department of Interior to execute lease sales.

Offshore Development – The bill would open portions of the Alaska, Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts to offshore drilling and require the Interior Department to execute lease sales. Additionally, this bill would provide coastal states with 37.5% of revenues generated from all new offshore development.

Oil Shale – The bill would require oil shale leases to be issued by the Interior Department as well as promote shale technology research and development. The bill would make permanent the Resource Management Plan regulations published by the Interior Department in November 2008.

Rep. Young Comments on President’s Budget

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today in response to President Obama releasing his FY 2013 budget:

“Instead of releasing a realistic budget blueprint for this country, President Obama instead released nothing more than a campaign document consisting of the same ‘tax and spend’ policies that got us into this mess in the first place. The President promised when he took office that he would cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term; we are now carrying $15 trillion of debt into that final year and the best the President can do is release a budget for this year that increases our national debt by $1.3 trillion!

“Let me be clear, if the President really wants to get this nation back on track, then he will tell the Democrat-controlled Senate to not wait another 1,000 days and finally put forward a budget. Otherwise, his budget is just another chapter from the same old story of massive deficits, broken promises, and empty rhetoric that the American people have become accustomed to under President Obama. The American people deserve better from their President.”

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Alaska Delegation Questions Air Force Over Eielson Decision

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Following a meeting with U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz today, the Alaska Congressional Delegation released a set of unified statements.

The meeting was requested by the Alaska Congressional Delegation to question as well as hear the reasoning behind the Air Force’s recently announced plan to relocate the 18^th Aggressor F-16 Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Congressman Don Young:

“Overall, I was pleased with the candidness of today’s meeting and am hopeful that the Air Force will act on the concerns I raised in the meeting. General Schwartz reaffirmed what I, and most Alaskans already know – Eielson Air Force base is crucially important to this country’s national security, especially as our focus shifts towards possible threats in the Asia-Pacific theatre. The Air Force has indicated that this decision was made to make Eielson more efficient, and while that may be true, I would rather not move a squadron but instead work towards lowering energy costs and making it cheaper to operate the base. I think that it is critically important that General Schwartz hear from the Alaskans on the ground who will be affected the most by this decision – that is why I requested that he not only set foot in Alaska, but visit Fairbanks and speak to the people there as soon as he can. I look forward to working with the Air Force, the rest of the Alaska Delegation, and the Governor in lowering energy costs in the Interior to improve efficiency and make Eielson an attractive location for future Air Force assets.”

Senator Lisa Murkowski:

“It was good to hear General Schwartz say he believes America still needs Eielson Air Force Base, and that it should play a significant role as America’s military shifts its future focus to the Pacific Rim. But I still feel like Alaskans and I have seen this movie before – and we saw how it ended in 2005. Seven years ago, the Pentagon projected dramatically unrealistic savings at Eielson as they mapped out their BRAC attempt but after we stepped up and showed them the numbers and the reality on the ground, the commission decided against taking that action. I cannot see how the math has changed in less than a decade.”

Senator Mark Begich:

“At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today in response to my questioning the Pacific Command Commander nominee, Admiral Samuel Locklear, spoke to the strategic importance of Alaska’s location. He said Alaska is critical to our ability to rapidly respond to missions around the globe and critical to preparing our forces for those missions. I was pleased to hear the Air Force Chief of Staff, General Norton Schwartz, echo Admiral Locklear’s recognition of the training opportunities in Alaska and affirmation Red Flag Alaska exercises at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex are as strong as ever and won’t be going away. Yet I remain opposed to the relocation of the F-16s from Eielson Air Force Base. As Admiral Locklear acknowledged, bases in Alaska are critical to our national security. That includes Eielson Air Force Base. I made one thing clear to General Schwartz, the Alaska Delegation is not backing down. I look forward to the General's upcoming trip and hope Alaskans will take the opportunity to share their thoughts with him in 10 days."

Chairman Young Holds Hearing on American Indian Empowerment Act

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, chaired by Alaskan Congressman Don Young, held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3532, the American Indian Empowerment Act of 2011. This bill, introduced by Rep. Young, would increase tribal authority over their own lands – something tribes have wanted for years. Specifically, this bill would allow a tribe to request that the title to its tribal land be taken out of trust and conveyed to the tribe while also ensuring such lands retain their “Indian Country” status, meaning lands would remain inalienable.

“Today’s hearing was a major step in the direction of getting the Federal government out of the way of America’s tribes,” said Rep. Young. “Some may say my bill is too radical; I say to them that is exactly what is needed. America’s tribes are the ones feeling the worst brunt of the Federal government’s outdated and overreaching regulations. We can do better! That is why I am committed to exploring new ideas and crafting a federal Indian policy that works with our tribes, not against them.”

To read Rep. Young’s opening statement in its entirety, click here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing:

Panel I

Donald “Del” Laverdure

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

U.S. Department of the Interior

Washington, DC

Panel II

The Honorable Robert Porter

President

Seneca Nation of Indians

Salamanca, NY

The Honorable W. Ron Allen

Tribal Chairman, CEO

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Sequim, WA

The Honorable Walter Dasheno

Governor

Santa Clara Pueblo

Espanola, NM

Robert T. Coulter

Executive Director

Indian Law Resource Center

Helena, MT

Rep. Young Votes to Pass Long-term FAA Reauthorization

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

With Alaskan Congressman Don Young’s support, the House of Representatives passed a long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill today. After 23 short-term extensions, H.R. 658 will set policies for America’s aviation system, authorize infrastructure projects and provide much needed long-term stability for the FAA. This bill passed the House with a vote of 248-169 and will extend the current FAA authorization for four years.

“While this bill is long overdue, I am pleased that we were able to finally pass a long-term extension today,” said Rep. Young. “Whether it’s for transportation purposes, search and rescue missions or connecting us with the lower 48 - aviation plays an essential role in the lives of all Alaskans. I am especially proud of the fact that Essential Air Service in Alaska will continue to be fully funded and I want to thank Chairman Mica for working with me on this crucial issue.”

Key provisions in this bill beneficial to Alaska:

Fought to ensure that Essential Air Service (EAS) is maintained in Alaska, because EAS is a vital lifeline that connects 44 Alaskan communities.
Successfully included language to ensure that all Alaskan communities have the ability to receive compressed oxygen for use in medical clinics and construction. The compressed oxygen regulations that went into effect in 2009 failed to take into account the inability to reach our remote communities by ground transportation. The one-size-fits-all approach to this new regulation was threatening the livelihoods and health of Alaskans without taking into account the unique make-up of our state.
Airport Improvement Program is funded at $3.35 billion per year, potentially creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for airport improvements projects.
Authorizes continued funding for the Alaska Aviation Safety Project to aid in their mission to reduce aircraft related fatalities in Alaska. The authorization directs the FAA to provide such sums as may be necessary for the completion of the Alaska Aviation Safety Project with respect to the 3-dimensional mapping of Alaska's main aviation corridors. This project helps to increase general aviation safety by enhancing pilot situational awareness through the incorporation of advanced remote sensing and aviation technologies.
Funds the national deployment of NextGen, the satellite air traffic control system based off the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology pioneered in Alaska by the Capstone program.
Directs the FAA to implement a system to improve volcanic ash avoidance options for aircraft, including warning and notification systems.
Directs the development of a plan for expanded use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Arctic for research and commercial purposes

Rep. Young Comments on Air Force Decision to Move F-16 Squadron, Retire C-130s

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today in response to the Air Force’s announcement to move all F-16 fighter aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base to Elmendorf Air Force Base:

“Today’s announcement by the Air Force concerns me greatly. We should not be moving personnel and equipment - especially C-130s that are crucial to search and rescue missions throughout Alaska - farther from the Arctic when we’re on the verge of finally realizing the potential of what the Arctic has to offer. I believe Fairbanks has a vital role in America’s military future and quite frankly serves as the northern anchor of the Pacific Rim and this country’s gateway to the Arctic.

"That is why I have made a request that the Air Force come in and brief me on how they plan to meet the President’s new strategic objectives in the Pacific. I want to know why this decision has been made especially after Fairbanks fought – and won – this relocation battle in 2005. I look forward to hearing what they say as well as working with the Governor and the rest of the Alaska delegation to resolve this.”

House Resources Committee Passes Bill to Open ANWR

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Led by Alaskan Congressman Don Young and Chairman Doc Hastings, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 3407, the Alaskan Energy for American Jobs Act. This critical piece of legislation would authorize oil and gas development in less than 3 percent of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

“I want to applaud my colleagues on the committee for passing this bill today,” said Rep. Young. “It’s important to note something that is crucially important - we passed this bill today with bipartisan support. The North Slope of ANWR was set aside for one reason – to develop its oil and gas resources. This committee reaffirmed what the majority of Alaskans already know – it’s time to harness those resources for the betterment of not only Alaska but the country as a whole. Congress does far too much talking and not enough doing when it comes to creating jobs and lowering energy costs. Open ANWR for development and we’ll see lower prices at the pump, less dependence on foreign oil and new high-paying American jobs!”

“Throughout his entire career Don Young has been a tireless advocate of the Alaska Natives’ right to benefit from their own resources located in ANWR and across the great state of Alaska. Without his constant work to educate his colleagues on the importance of energy production in ANWR we would not have been able to pass this bill out of Committee,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04). “Energy production in ANWR will create tens of thousands of jobs for Alaskans and improve the quality of life across the state, while increasing America’s energy security and I commend Don Young for his years of efforts on this issue.”

Rep. Young to Senate: “1000 Days is Long Enough!”

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In light of today being the 1000th day since Senate Democrats have produced a budget, Alaskan Congressman Don Young will be joining his Republican colleagues at tonight’s State of the Union Address in wearing a button symbolizing the 1000 days.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why Congress has such high disapproval ratings,” said Rep. Young. “When the Democrat-controlled United States Senate, led by Harry Reid, cannot produce a budget in over two and half years, the American people have a right to be livid. Democrats in the Senate should follow the lead of the many Alaskans who know how important setting a budget and living within your means is.

“President Obama has a chance tonight in his State of the Union Address to show real leadership; I hope he seizes the moment by encouraging the Senate to follow the House’s lead and start acting responsibly by finally passing a budget. We can't wait any longer - 1000 days Is long enough!”