Don Young RSS Articles

Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee Holds Second Hearing on Rural and Tribal Issues with Universal Service Fund

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee chaired by Alaskan Congressman Don Young today received an update from tribal leaders and tribal telecommunications providers on the implementation of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rule on the Universal Service Fund (USF).

This is the second hearing held by Chairman Young on the issue of USF in Indian Country, and he invited Alaskans Steve Merriam of Arctic Slope Telephone and Julie Kitka from the Alaska Federation of Natives to get an update since the last hearing on June 8, 2012.

“It has been over a year since our last hearing on this issue and I wish that I could say that a lot of progress has been made on the issues we discussed. I wish I could say that the Universal Service Fund was as robust as it used to be. I wish I could say that FCC listened to the concerns of this Committee and was actively making changes,” Rep. Young said. “Unfortunately, the issues we discussed over a year ago are still a problem, and we also have all new problems stemming from these FCC reforms.”

Chairman Young referenced several major issues with USF that impact tribal and rural America. These issues include a complicated and costly waiver process and the need for large scale broadband infrastructure. Specifically, Chairman Young highlighted three variables that FCC has created, which operate opposite of all commonsense.

“Effectively, these three variables say that it is less costly to build in arctic climates than in warm climates, that it is less costly to build in Alaska than anywhere in the Lower 48, and that Alaska is not 100% tribal even though the FCC and the Bureau of Indian Affair recognize it as 100% tribal. Each of these variables, intended to help Alaska, ends up hurting Alaska. Numerous Alaskan carriers have made the FCC aware of these problems, and nearly a year later, nothing has been changed," said Rep. Young.

During today’s hearing, representatives from the FCC did not make themselves available for the hearing.

“Since the FCC first came out with the National Broadband Plan, and the subsequent Connect American Fund, the FCC has refused to be accountable to Congress. FCC staffers have ducked meetings with elected officials and have refused to share data on their Regression Analysis,” Rep. Young said. “I would like to point out to my colleagues that the FCC was invited to today’s hearing and could not make anyone available to testify. If the FCC is going to maintain that they care about tribal America, they should be taking steps beyond creating an office of Tribal Engagement and, at the very least; they should make themselves available and accountable to this Committee.”

Congressman Young will continue to press the FCC on these issues, and hopes to convene additional hearings in the near future, with FCC officials present and on the record so that Congress can get the answers they deserve.

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Congressman Young Welcomes 2013 Alaska Summer Interns

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young today announced the names of his 2013 summer interns working in his Washington, D.C. and Anchorage, AK offices:

"I am pleased to welcome these motivated Alaskans to my office. They represent the best and brightest students the state of Alaska has to offer,” Rep. Young said. “I would also like to thank one of our current interns, Liz Banicki for all of her hard work these past few months, and wish her the best of luck on her upcoming Fulbright scholarship.”

Caitlin Loyd, of Anchorage, attends the University of Pennsylvania, where she is double majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and Classical Studies. Loyd is a graduate of West High School, and is currently working in Congressman Young’s Washington, D.C. office.

Deborah Castillo, from Anchorage, is a recent high school honors graduate of Anchorage Christian Schools, and will be attending the University of Alaska Anchorage in the fall to study biology. Castillo will work out of Congressman Young’s Anchorage office.

Liz Banicki, a resident of Eagle River, graduated from the University of Portland in 2010 with a double B.A. in Political Science and German Studies. Upon completion of her internship in Congressman Young’s Washington, D.C., Liz will be relocating to Austria on her second Fulbright Scholarship to teach English.

The responsibilities of Congressional interns include: researching legislation, attending hearings and briefings, drafting letters and working with the legislative and press staff.

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Rep. Young Votes for National Defense Authorization Act, Includes Alaska Specific Amendments

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. –With Alaska Congressman Don Young’s support, the House of Representatives today passed the FY14 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), on a bipartisan vote of 315-108. The bill will authorize roughly $638 billion in national defense funding for both domestic and overseas contingency operations, including a 1.8 % pay increase for our men and women in uniform. The NDAA bill contains several Alaska specific amendments sponsored by Rep. Don Young.

“My amendments in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act cover a range of issues, from getting the Defense Department on record about Alaska’s strategic importance, to prioritizing funding for our nation’s strategic seaports, which includes the Port of Anchorage, to finding ways to save money and maintain military bases by co-locating Federal agencies on military bases,” said Rep. Young. “As our nation shifts to the Pacific, Alaska will play an even more critical role in training our soldiers, safeguarding our freedoms, and projecting our influence into the Pacific and the Arctic. My amendments continue to ensure senior military leaders remember the words of General Billy Mitchell who said ‘Alaska is the most strategic place in the world.’”

Congressman Young Amendments to FY2014 NDAA include:

Pacific and Arctic Strategic Study: Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue a report on the strategic value of installations operating within the Pacific Area of Responsibility. This report would analyze various characteristics including geographic advantage, usefulness for future missions, and proximity to training ranges, suitability of the installation for basing of F-35 aircraft and other future weapons systems and will provide the information Congress needs to assess our country’s strategic shift to the Pacific. Overall, this report would compel the Department of Defense to finally quantify and qualify why they believe Alaska’s military installations are strategic.
Strategic Seaport Prioritization: In support of U.S. national security requirements, this bipartisan amendment allows the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) to prioritize funding for the 21 DoD-designated strategic seaports (including Anchorage) in the United States.
Federal and Military Consolidation Report: In order to look for efficiencies, this amendment requires GAO to review the potential of co-locating Federal entities onto military bases, so long as those missions are compatible with the missions of the military installations. This report will focus on federal entities with homeland security, defense, international trade, commerce, and other national security-related functions. This good-government report will provide the foundation to explore new ways in which the U.S. can retain current military installations and still save money.
Lowering Regulatory Burdens for Alaska Native 8(a) Corporations: Corrects harms caused by Section 811 of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, that since enacted, has adversely affected Alaska Native Corporations that participate in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program.

“Today’s legislation once again ensures that our nation’s military receives the support they need to carry out their mission,” Rep. Young said. “In addition to funding our service men and women at home and abroad, this bill contains language to combat the rise in sexual assaults throughout the military, halts Administration proposals to increase TRICARE fees and incorporates lessons learned from the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya so that this type of incident never occurs again.”

Other important provisions that will benefit Alaska include:

Ground Based Interceptor: Streamlines the acquisition of the 14 Ground Based Interceptors announced by Secretary Hagel on March 15, 2013 saving the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
BRAC: Understanding that a round of base closures at this time would not only be costly, but reflect temporary budget pressures at the expense of long term strategic assets, this bill prohibits the Department of Defense from proposing, planning, or initiating another round of BRAC.
Training Ranges: Ensures continued access to military training ranges, like the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC).
National Guard and Reserve Equipment Modernization: Continues support of modernizing National Guard and Reserve Components by providing additional funding in a National Guard and Reserve Component Equipment Account.
Restoring Readiness To Our Armed Forces: This bill exceeds the President’s Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) request by $5 billion and uses those and other funds to replenish readiness accounts raided in prior years to cover underfunded war costs. This funding will restore Army and Air Force flying hours programs and facilities sustainment.

North Korea: This bill reflects a Sense of Congress that North Korea’s rogue actions are unacceptable and contrary to international peace and stability.

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Natural Resources Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Hydrographic Surveying and Ocean Monitoring Bills Sponsored By Congressman Young

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs today held a hearing on H.R. 1399, the Hydrographic Services Improvement Amendments Act, and H.R. 2219, a bill to reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act, both introduced by Alaskan Congressman Don Young earlier this year.

H.R. 1399 would reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 at FY2012 funding levels, while requiring $7 million per year toward Arctic hydrographic work, while limiting the administrative costs on contracts to 5%. Also found in the legislation, is a GAO study comparing the costs associated with conducting hydrographic surveys by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the cost of using contractors.

“This legislation is aimed at furthering America’s knowledge of its coasts, shipping routes, and waterways, with an increased emphasis on the Arctic, through research and studies,” Rep. Young said. “These hydrographic surveys are a key part of maritime safety, while also aiding economic and environmental efforts nationwide.”

H.R. 2219 would reauthorize the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act (IOOS). This program, comprised of an innovative consortium of federal, state, industry, research entities and academic partners, has provided better coordination and increased efficiency in how the federal government funds ocean research, data collection, and the development of products for ocean users. Using floats, ships, buoys, satellites, aircraft, and other entities, IOOS provides critical information used for predicting extreme weather events, identifying national security threats, ocean health, and aiding industry.

“Alaska is a proud home to one of the eleven regional IOOS associations, and works on our 44,000 miles of coastline. One example of their work is the network of 3,000 real-time sensors they maintain across the state that measures air temperature, wind speed, waves, and other information,” said Rep. Young. “Whether they know it or not, Alaska IOOS and the information they provide is important to the more than 80% of Alaska residents living near the water.”

Congressman Young is co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Oceans Caucus, which is dedicated to raising the awareness of the nation’s oceans through the support of ocean research.

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Congressman Young Lowers Regulatory Burdens for Alaska Native 8(a) Corporations through Amendment to FY14 National Defense Authorization Act

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to debate the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Alaskan Congressman Don Young today successfully included an amendment to the bill that will help reduce bureaucratic red tape with regards to Native American 8(a) contracting.

Rep. Young’s amendment seeks to correct harms caused by Section 811 of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, that since enacted, has adversely affected Alaska Native Corporations that participate in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. Section 811 requires that any 8(a) Native American sole-source contract, in excess of $20 million, go through an overly burdensome approval process. This heightened scrutiny, not required for any other contractors, has had a chilling effect for contracts. A recent GAO report showed a 60% decline in revenue from these contracts. This has resulted in a loss of jobs, reduced benefits to Native Americans and has led to unintended discrimination against Native community owned firms.

“Since Senator Stevens left the Senate, Native contractors have been under constant attack. Section 811 was snuck into the 2010 NDAA negotiations by the Senate, and ever since then I have repeatedly heard about the damage this Act has caused our Native contractors. My amendment makes it crystal clear that Section 811 should not, and cannot, be used as a barrier to prevent Native corporations to get contracts.”

“In addition to the clarifying language, I have secured the commitment from my friend, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Buck McKeon (R-CA), to join me in providing continued oversight of federal agency implementation of Section 811.”

After the amendment was passed, Congressmen Young and McKeon engaged in a colloquy regarding Section 811, discussing the effects Section 811 has had on Native American and Alaska Native 8(a) contracting, and their commitment to resolving the issue.

Congressman Young’s amendment clarifies that the heightened Justification and Approval of 8(a) contracts a delegable authority. The implementation by federal agencies of the heightened J&A has been inconsistent and contrary to Congressional intent. Some agencies have been treating the J&A as one to be approved by a “head of agency.” This is overly burdensome, and has had a chilling effect on contracts that would have gone through the small business program to Native contractors.

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Sealaska Bill Passes House Resources Committee with Rep. Young Amendment to Address Sportsmen Concerns

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Led by Alaskan Congressman Don Young, the House Natural Resources Committee today passed H.R. 740, the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that will allow the Sealaska Native Corporation to receive its remaining land conveyance under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Included in the bill was an amendment offered by Rep. Young that would make technical clarifications requested by sportsmen reinforcing continued State management of game on private lands.

“With passage out of committee today, Sealaska is one step closer to receiving their full land entitlement and completing the federal government’s statutory obligation under ANCSA to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska. The legislation will ensure that Sealaska Corp. continues to meet the economic and cultural needs of its shareholders,” Rep. Young said. “I am also pleased that my amendment to address sportsmen’s concerns was accepted by voice vote."

Supporters of the Sealaska land entitlement legislation include Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, the State of Alaska, the Alaska Federation of Natives, the National Congress of American Indians, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Alaska Forest Association, the Intertribal Timber Council, the ANCSA Regional Presidents & CEOs, the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska as well as numerous other communities, community organizations, and tribes throughout Southeast Alaska and across the United States.

H.R. 740 now heads to the House floor for consideration by the full House.

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Rep. Young Welcomes Natural Resource Committee Approval of Energy Bills Beneficial to Alaskans, Including Offshore Revenue Sharing Legislation

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Natural Resources Committee today approved 14 bills, including two pieces of energy legislation sponsored by Alaskan Congressman Don Young. The bills now head to the House floor for consideration by the full House.

H.R. 1964, the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska Access Act, would remove governmental roadblocks to ensure that Alaska’s oil and gas resources in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) are responsibly developed by requiring annual lease sales, firm timelines for infrastructure permits, and requiring a brand new integrated activity plan from the Bureau of Land Management.

“The National Petroleum Reserve Alaska was created for responsible resource development, and H.R. 1964 would help remove the red tape that has hindered economically feasible drilling in promising areas of the NPR-A,” said Rep. Young. “As I have said before, if producers can’t drill in the NPR-A, then where can they drill? I hope that today’s critical piece of legislation heads to the floor and passes the House as soon as possible, so that we can replace the Obama Administration’s recent NPR-A management plan with a plan that truly supports resource development and puts the United States on the path to real energy independence.”

H.R. 1548, the Native American Energy Act, promotes energy development by Indian tribes and Alaska Native Corporations by expediting and streamlining the permitting process, deters frivolous lawsuits, lowers the cost of federal permitting on tribal trust lands, and increases the opportunity for tribes to govern more aspects of energy development on their lands.

“I am pleased to see this legislation pass out of committee today. This bill comes in direct response from tribes across the United States who want to responsibly develop their natural resources on tribal lands, but time and time again run into burdensome rules and regulations put in place by the federal government,” Rep. Young said. “The Native American Energy Act will encourage much needed energy development in Indian Country, and be yet another step toward self determination and business development benefitting Indian tribes and Alaska Native Corporations.”

During the Natural Resources Committee markup, Congressman Young also voted in support of H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, which would open new offshore areas to production by requiring the Obama Administration to create a new five year leasing plan for the United States’ offshore energy resources in areas containing the most oil and gas potential, in addition to a more fair and equitable revenue sharing program for coastal states like Alaska.

“Day, after day, after day, this nation imports millions of barrels of oil from foreign countries like Venezuela, when we should be looking at the vast offshore potential off our coastlines; this bill does that, requiring lease sales in areas containing large oil and gas potential,,” said Rep. Young. “Another important component of this bill is the revenue sharing provision for new offshore development. If enacted, coastal states like Alaska would see a 37.5 percent royalty rate on all development off their Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Rep. Young Satisfied with Air Force Decision to Push 18th Aggressor Squadron EIS Public Hearings to July 15-18

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement after the U.S. Air Force agreed to move the dates of the 18^th Aggressor Squadron Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) public hearings from later this month to July 15 – 18, 2013. Late last month, in response to concerns from local leaders, Congressman Don Young and Senator Lisa Murkowski wrote Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh asking for more time for Alaskans to formulate comments.

“Giving Alaskans enough time to draft and formulate their comments for the next round of the EIS proposal was the right move, and I am glad the Air Force listened to request of Senator Murkowski and myself. Moving forward, I still believe this first Draft EIS does not address any of our concerns with the move, including sparse housing options, limited school availability and outrageous and costly commutes,” Rep. Young said. “With these additional few weeks, I call on all Alaskans to weigh in on this ill-conceived move. I hope that every Alaska who is affected by this move will take the time to tell the Air Force that this course of action is not in the best interest of their community, the state of Alaska, or this great nation.

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Congressman Young Congratulates Rep. John Dingell on Becoming the Longest Serving Member of Congress Ever

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today in recognition of his dear friend and colleague Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) becoming the longest serving member of Congress ever:

Congressman Young stopped by Rep. Dingell's office on the eve of his milestone to wish him congratulations.

“I first met John Dingell long before I came to D.C. In 1960, he visited Fort Yukon, Alaska, where he met with our local community about a potential energy project in the region. A World War II vet and member of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ John has had an impact on scores of major legislation passed through Congress over the past six decades, and he truly is a legislator’s legislator.

“John has never been afraid to reach across the aisle, and his many years in public office have taught him that ‘Compromise is an honorable word,’ and all of us in Washington should follow his lead.

“When I came to the House in 1973, we soon became fast friends, and I have enjoyed his friendship ever since. Now a lot has changed since then, but John’s work on behalf of his district in Michigan, and his passion for legislating remains as fierce as when I met him over 50 years ago. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve with him the past 40 years, and I look forward to many more years roaming the halls of Congress with my dear friend from the Great Lake State. Congratulations John.”

Rep. Young’s Priorities Included in Dept. of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acknowledging the need to balance fiscal restraint without jeopardizing our nation’s border and domestic security, Alaskan Congressman Young voted in favor of H.R. 2217, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014, which passed the House today by a margin of 245-182. Overall, the package provides $39 billion in discretionary funding for agencies within the Department of Homeland Security. This represents $34.9 million less funding than the President’s FY14 budget request and $613.2 million less funding compared to FY13 enacted levels.

“Today’s appropriations bill continues the House’s commitment to doing more with less. This legislation ensures that our nation’s borders are secure, increases funding for key functions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, while decreasing bureaucratic spending within the Transportation Security Administration by cutting their administrative budget by at least 15 percent and capping the amount of passenger screeners the agency can employ,” Rep. Young said.

“I am especially proud of the appropriations requests I submitted on behalf of firefighters is included in the final bill. Alaskan fire departments depend on these grants, used to hire new firefighters and recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.”

With the inclusion of Congressman Young’s appropriations request, the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Grant Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program will maintain level funding, rather than see a $5 million funding decrease as reflected in the Presidents FY14 budget request earlier this year.

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