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Washington, D.C. – The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Contracting Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing today on Alaska Native Corporations Contracting. 

Rep. Young, the former Chairman and Ranking Member and current senior Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over federal native policy, had previously made multiple requests to Committee Chairwoman Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME) to appear and testify before the Committee.  Those requests were denied.  In lieu of the preferred testifying in person, Rep. Young has entered his written testimony into the record (attached).   

“I am surprised and disappointed that this Senate Committee denied me the professional courtesy usually extended to fellow Members of Congress,” said Rep. Young.  “I have chaired and served for many years on one of the Committees with jurisdiction over federal native policy (to include Alaska Native Corporations) and know the issue well.  Including Alaska Native Corporation’s (ANC’s) in the 8(a) program was an action of Congress to improve the lot of those who were forgotten.  It has been an exceptionally successful program and has allowed Alaska Natives to begin to realize economic and social self-determination, something that has long been the goal of Federal Indian policy. 

“Much of what is being reported on Alaska Native Corporations is incorrect and misrepresented and is based on lack of research and lack of proper information; that’s incredibly unfortunate.  I consistently fail to see why our Congress is seeking to punish a successful program that is working exactly as intended.  Congress’ decision to allow Alaska Native participation was the correct one, and we are beginning to see the pay off now.  I am sure that after hearing today’s testimony and carefully evaluating the data and history, the Subcommittee will come to the same conclusion I have.”     

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