Dear Alaskans,
As 2016 moves forward, it’s important to stay connected and update you on the progress of the 114th Congress. As always, I remain committed to ensuring the federal government is Alaska’s partner and not a roadblock to our success. This means pushing back against the massive growth of our federal agencies, fighting for access of our lands and abundant resources, and actively pursuing solutions that give Alaskans a better chance to succeed.
Congressman Don Young sharing a message with Alaskans (click here to watch).
Building upon a number of successes in 2015 – the first real, structural entitlement reform in decades ( the “Doc Fix”), directly overriding the president’s veto of reform-centered national defense legislation, major reductions to the nation’s growing tax burden, and passage of a long-term highway transportation bill that brings $2.9 billion to Alaska over the next five years – I look forward to advancing a number of Alaskan causes and priorities in the coming year.
Importantly, this week Congress passed and sent to the president a Coast Guard reauthorization bill that strengthens mission readiness, brings us closer to updating our aging fleet of icebreakers, and eliminates a series of overbearing rules and regulations placed upon our fishermen and mariners. Included in this bill were three separate provisions I introduced to move federal lands – in Tok, on Point Spencer, and in the Pribilof Islands – back to state and private ownership.
As noted, these land transfers included:
- The Point Spencer Land Conveyance Act, which establishes a public-private partnership in an effort to bring timely development to the Point Spencer region. Both the State of Alaska and the Bering Straits Native Corporation (satisfying a portion of their ANCSA land allotment) will be conveyed federal lands under this Act.
- The Tok Land Transfer, which authorizes the conveyance of U.S. Coast Guard housing facilities (no longer being used) to the Tanana Chiefs’ Conference to ensure the continuation of the region’s only behavioral health clinic.
- The Pribilof Islands Transitions Act of 2015, which authorizes the transfer of federal lands to the village corporations of Saint Paul and Saint George Islands.
Another noteworthy item coming before the House is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization. While I have concerns with the bill as written, I remain vigilant in protecting important Alaskan programs and initiatives, including Essential Air Service – a vital lifeline for many Southeast communities that would not otherwise receive air service – the Pilot’s Bill of Rights II, and funding for the Airport Improvement Program.
As a nation and a state we will continue to face challenges, and together I am optimistic that we can overcome these hurdles and defend Alaska’s interests. Thank you again for your years of support and for actively engaging in the many issues before the United States Congress.
Congressman for All Alaska,
Don Young
Sturgeon v. Frost: A Fight for Alaskan Sovereignty
John Sturgeon pictured in front of the U.S. Supreme Court (Photo: Bill O’Leary/ The Washington Post)
Last month, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Sturgeon v. Frost – a case about who, under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), controls state and Native property located within ANILCA Conservation System Units. In December, I filed an amicus brief in support of John Sturgeon. I argue, along with many others, that only the State of Alaska and Alaska Native Corporations – not the federal government – have the authority to make land use decisions on non-federal lands.
On the surface, this case is about a man, his hovercraft and a moose hunt on the Nation’s River. Digging a bit deeper, this case is about the growing stranglehold of the federal government and the “mother may I” enforcement of Western states. In my mind, the actions of the National Park Service represent a new level of arrogance on the part of the federal government. The intent of ANILCA, the law at the heart of this case, was always clear in the minds of Congress and its authors. Congressional leaders at the time – including Mo Udall, Scoop Jackson, Ted Stevens and myself – all understood the terms of law; it specifically guaranteed the protection of Alaska’s sovereignty and closed the door to future government encroachment. By ignoring the law and dismissing the intent of Congress, the federal government has once again attempted to expand its authority beyond anything ever imagined.
While I’m disappointed that recognizing federal law and Alaska’s sovereignty requires a Supreme Court ruling, I am pleased to see John and our fellow Alaskans have their day in court.
In Case You Missed It – Office Space: Don Young's Alaska Tundra (Roll Call)
Click here to watch Congressman Young’s tour of his Washington, D.C. office.
In December, between meetings with Alaskans and votes on the House floor, I met with reporters to film a web series called “Office Space.” We discussed hunting, former presidents, Alaskan artwork, and my time in Congress. As you can see, a touch of Alaska goes a long way in our nation’s capital. If you’re even in Washington, D.C., please come on by and visit in person.
Young Introduces Bill to Reduce Barriers for Rural Guard and Reserve Members
Earlier this week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate barriers facing members of the National Guard and Reserves living in rural areas of the country.
The bill, which is supported by the Alaska National Guard and the National Guard Association of the United States, works to increase rural participation and remove cost-prohibitive factors in the National Guard and Reserves by reforming an arbitrary $300 reimbursement cap for members traveling to training exercises and activities.
Congressman Young discussing the Rural Guard and Reserve Act of 2016 (click here to watch).
Alaska Division of Insurance Suspends Moda Health’s Business Activity
In late January, the Alaska Division of Insurance announced actions to significantly limit Moda Health’s business practices in Alaska. The announcement was meant to protect Alaskans from the failings of an individual insurance provider, but it also begs the question of the overall instability of our current healthcare system. With the departure of Aetna, Assurant Health and State Farm last year, Alaskans are now left with only one viable option to obtain individual health insurance – which is extremely concerning from a competition and marketplace standpoint.
The Alaska Division of Insurance has made assurances that Moda policy holders will continue to be able to access healthcare services, their claims will be paid and consumers will be protected. Alaskans should know that the State and the congressional delegation will be working with them as this process moves forward.
For more information, please see this note to Alaska consumers from the Division of Insurance.
Congressman Young Announces 2016 Service Academy Nominations
As an Army veteran, I take great pride in nominating some of Alaska’s best and brightest students to our nation’s service academies. Graduates of these distinguished institutions have defended our nation throughout history – from the Spanish American War to the Battle of Fallujah, the Civil War to the Korengal Valley. They have produced three US Presidents, numerous Cabinet secretaries, astronauts, and leaders of our nation in times of war and times of peace.
The 54 Alaskans I nominated for the class of 2020 have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, strength of character and a commitment to serving others. I have no doubt they will serve this nation proudly as the next generation of American leaders forged at our service academies.
For a list of Alaskan students nominated for appointment to a U.S. Service Academy, click here.
FDA Name Change of Alaskan Pollock
Months ago, I introduced legislation to change the market name of “Alaska Pollock” to “pollock” in order to fix a major loophole in FDA labeling. Under FDA standards, pollock caught in any part of the world could be labeled as “Alaskan”, which allowed 40% of “Alaskan Pollock” to be caught in Russian waters.
There’s no reason why foreign caught pollock should ever be disguised as Alaskan – it only confuses consumers, jeopardizes our fishing industry, and allows millions of pounds of mislabeled fish into our markets. Last month, in compliance with new federal law, the FDA officially announced its change to the Pollock name. This is good news for our many coastal communities and Alaska’s fishing industry as a whole.
Congress Renews Efforts to Nullify WOTUS Rule
After months of push back – from the American people, a majority of states, the courts and Congress – the Obama Administration should get the message loud and clear: the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule is unacceptable. Not only does this massive expansion of federal jurisdiction erode states rights, it will cause damaging effects across the country and result in significant confusion among industry and businesses.
In Alaska, even the most basic economic activity would become subject to this new federal jurisdiction – which could include areas with permafrost or seasonal wet areas. The end result is more litigation, higher costs for development and construction projects, and prolonged delays – an impact that reaches every corner of our state. That’s why earlier this month, I voted to send a resolution to the President’s desk that would nullify the WOTUS rule. Unfortunately, the President used his veto pen to defend party politics and kowtow to special interests.
House Bills Pass to SCRUB Federal Code of Outdated and Burdensome Regulations, Stop Abusive “Sue and Settle” Practices
We’ve seen a massive expansion of federal regulations in this country – 79,000 pages of new regulations in the federal register in 2015 alone. This out of control system of unchecked growth, amounting to $1.86 trillion annually, has caused our economy to suffer and eliminated numerous opportunities to lower costs, raise wages, and create new jobs for hardworking Americans.
Last month, the House passed two important regulatory reform bills – the SCRUB Act and the SUNSHINE Act, both prime examples of good governance that restore certainty to our system and eliminate outdated, obsolete and needless regulations. These two bills will take important steps to improve our unmanageable regulatory system and save hardworking taxpayers millions of dollars each year.
President Obama’s Executive Actions on Guns
When the President doesn’t get his way – on immigration, healthcare, gun control – it seems he operates in some sort of parallel universe, one void of Congress and the Constitution. For years, the Obama Administration and its anti-gun advocates have dramatically pushed to restrict the Second Amendment rights of law abiding Americans, and for years the American people and Congress have pushed back.
Now, the President has unilaterally – without the consent of the body authorized to make or change laws – announced executive orders to further restrict gun ownership in the United States. There’s no question, these actions undermine Congress, the Constitution and the American people. The Second Amendment is something I hold near to my heart; it’s sacred in my mind. Please know, I’m going to fight the President’s actions every step of the way.
Congressman Young sharing his thoughts on the President’s Executive Orders to Further Restrict Second Amendment Rights (click here to watch).
Congressman Young Welcomes New Addition to the Family
Parenthood has been one of the greatest honors of my life, so words can hardly describe the joy I felt holding my great grandson for the first time. With big smiles and open hearts, we welcomed Jaxson to the world on December 13th, 2015.
Alaskans in DC
I recently met with Isaac Vanderburg and Bryan Zak from the Alaska Small Business Development Center (ASBDC), a center which provides no-cost advising services and low cost educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business. I have long supported efforts to diversify Alaska’s economy, and the ASBDC is on the leading edge of these efforts.
This week, I joined the Alaska Food Coalition (via teleconference) to discuss a variety of issues, including food security, nutrition, and my legislation to fight childhood hunger – the Summer Meals Act.
David Fleming of Anchorage recently stopped by my office to share his experiences as a U.S. Fulbright student in Mexico City (2014-2015) and his selection as a 2016 Fulbright Alumni Ambassador. Not only is David a talented student, he also runs his own commercial fishing operation in Prince William Sound.
State Senator Bill Stoltze and Alaskan farmer Arthur Keyes, owner of Glacier Valley Farms, recently shared some home grown product during a discussion on Alaskan agriculture issues.
Alaskan student and hockey player Kaylah Larson of Anchorage saying hello on a recent visit to Washington, D.C.
#Flash Back Friday
After January’s record setting snowfall in Washington, D.C., I thought I’d share a picture of my first snowfall in our nation’s capital. Here I am giving my snowshoes a try on the East Front of the Capitol (December 19, 1973).
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Senator Ted Stevens, President Gerald Ford, and myself during a November 1975 visit to Fairbanks. President Ford said it well, “ the hardy people of Alaska and the alert Armed Forces stationed in this strategic area are a source of great reassurance to all Americans.”
In The News
Your Alaska Link: AK Congressman Don Young & Representative Mark Takai Introduce Rural Guard & Reserve Act
Your Alaska Link: Representative Don Young Praises Coast Guard Authorization Act Passage
Associated Press: Oregon, Alaska suspend activity by Moda Health Plan
Sit News: Republican Led Congress Sends Obamacare Repeal to President’s Desk for the First Time; Veto Expected
Alaska Public Radio Network: Obama’s energy remark baffles Alaska senators
Juneau Empire: FDA: Only Alaska pollock is 'Alaska pollock'
Alaska Journal of Commerce: Alaska’s Congressional delegation has likes and dislikes in Obama's final State of the Union
Sit News: President Takes Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence
