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Washington, D.C. – This morning, following the affirmation of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, Alaska Congressman Don Young issued the following statement:

“On Sunday, as I have done many times before, I proudly took my oath of office as I began my term representing Alaskans. I raised my
right hand and solemnly swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States. I pledged to always defend the Constitution, to bear true faith and allegiance to it, and to faithfully discharge the duties of my office. Last night, I voted to affirm the results of the Electoral College. Our country's founders knew firsthand the dangers of centralized power, and took steps to ensure that our people and states – not the federal government – were the ones trusted with the power to choose our leaders. In November, our nation turned the page on a hard-fought election. I, like most Alaskans, supported President Trump. We have worked well together, campaigned together, and secured many victories for Alaska. When he did not prevail, I shared a great sense of disappointment, as many in our state did. I have always respected President Trump's right to pursue legal challenges, present evidence, and make his case. This process has played out, the states have certified their elections, and Joe Biden will be sworn in on January 20th.

This vote was not about President Trump or President-elect Biden; it was about defending our Constitution and respecting the will of voters in the states. I am a constitutionalist, and many of my positions are informed by a commitment to our 10th Amendment and states' rights. Our Constitution is clear: the states administer elections and certify their own results. We either believe in states' rights, or we do not. It would be unprecedented for Congress to overturn the results certified by the states. Congress does not have this power, nor should it. As Republicans, we have long-fought to restrain federal power, and Congress overturning the election would be a victory only for federal overreach and big government. We must also recognize the slippery slope that this would create. We have an Electoral College for a reason -- it helps ensure that the voices of small states like Alaska are not drowned out by states like California and New York. Congress overriding the will of the states would be an egregious attack on the Electoral College, and would put Alaska in danger of not being heard in future presidential elections. Simply put: if Congress can overturn the victory of a Democrat, they can do the same to a future Republican.

Last night, we respected the will of the voters, even if they did not vote the same way we did. I love this country, and I love this institution. For the sake of the future, we must carry out the duties prescribed to us by the Constitution. These are difficult times. We have to defeat COVID-19 and get our economy back on track. Too many families have had their livelihoods destroyed, and it should be our priority in Congress to get the country open again. On Sunday, before I swore in Speaker Pelosi, I urged my colleagues to come together, hash out differences, and responsibly govern for the sake of the country. That is exactly what I intend to do this Congress. I will work with President-elect Biden as I have worked with nine presidents from both parties. When the president is right for Alaska, I will work with him. When he is wrong, I will stand against any effort to harm our great state. I have always believed that no matter what party controls the White House, America will always be great, and this remains true today. I sincerely thank President Trump for his service on behalf of our nation, and wish President-elect Biden well in the monumental task ahead. May God Bless America and may God Bless Alaska.”

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