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Washington, D.C. – This week, the non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking announced that Alaska Congressman Don Young has been rated as the most effective Member of Congress for the 115^th Congress. “Legislative effectiveness” is defined by the Center for Effective Lawmaking as the “proven ability to advance a member’s agenda items through the legislative process and into law.” In the 115^th Congress, Congressman Don Young authored six bills and numerous provisions in larger legislative packages – such as opening ANWR for energy development – that were ultimately signed into law by the President. Congressman Young’s legislative achievements are even more impressive, given that he did not hold a leadership position or committee Chairmanship during the 115^th Congress. The Center for Effective Lawmaking notes that “relative to the average of 17 bills introduced by House lawmakers, Young put forth 62 pieces of legislation, 19 of which received some action in committee and 14 of which reached the floor.” His continued legislative success is a testament to his ability to build coalitions, work across party lines, and dogged determination to see Alaska’s priorities to the finish line.

“Alaska is unlike any other state in our union, and Alaskans need and deserve a legislator who puts their issues in the forefront,” said Congressman Don Young. “It is an honor to be recognized as the most effective Member of Congress, but it is an even greater honor to serve the people of Alaska. Since I arrived in Congress I have passionately fought for Alaskans, and I am as determined as ever to keep up the fight in the 116^th Congress. Having served in both the majority and minority, I know how what it takes to shepherd important legislation through Congress, and I stand ready to secure even greater victories for the people of Alaska.”

Co-Director of the Center for Effective Lawmaking Alan Wiseman, said, “In Congress after Congress, Congressman Young has emerged to become among one of the most successful members of the U.S. House of Representatives in his efforts to advance his legislative agenda, and the 115th Congress was no exception; as his record of legislative successes contributed to him being the most effective lawmaker in the House.”

Congressman Young has previously been recognized for his effectiveness in Congress. In 2017, FiscalNote named him the most effective Member of Congress. Additionally, the Lugar Center determined Congressman Young to be in the top 10% for bipartisanship in Congress. For more information on the bills Congressman Young has introduced in the 116^th Congress, click here. To read the Center for Effective Lawmaking’s full report on the most effective Members of Congress, click here.

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