| Updates from Alaska and Washington, D.C. |
Dear Alaskans,
The second session of the 116th Congress is in full swing, and I wanted to reach out to you personally with an update on what is happening in both Washington, D.C. and Alaska. In recent weeks, I have introduced, cosponsored, and voted for legislation covering a range of topics such as our fishing industry, election security, and remediating the spread of toxic chemicals. I am proud to be your representative in Congress, and your input is crucial to helping me do my job on behalf of Alaskans. As always, do not hesitate to contact me to share your ideas for making our state and nation a better place.
Sincerely,
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Revitalizing our Fishing Sector
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My legislation to create opportunities for young people in our fishing industry has passed UNANIMOUSLY through committee! Young commercial fishermen are facing bigger challenges than ever before – new barriers to entry, limited training opportunities, and a lack of support. My bill is about supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities in Alaska and across the nation by making the next generation aware of the opportunities available in the commercial fishing industry. Read more about this bill by clicking here.
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| The 2020 State of the Union Address
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This week, President Trump laid out a strong, unifying vision for our country, and highlighted the many successes of his Administration. Very frankly, President Trump has been good for Alaska. Under his leadership, we've reformed our tax code, empowered Alaskans to develop our lands, and rolled back the burdensome Obama-era regulations that were stifling our economy. Above all, this President has restored confidence to entrepreneurs in Alaska and across our country. Look around, the success is hard to miss. Alaska's unemployment rate is at a record low; wages have risen, and new business applications are up 49 percent.
Our achievements aren't just limited to our economy here at home; America is once again respected by our allies abroad. Iranian terrorist Qasem Soleimani committed heinous atrocities and facilitated human rights abuses against the oppressed people of Iran. At President Trump's direction, our Armed Forces put a quick and decisive end to his reign of terror. The world sheds no tears for this ruthless monster who took thousands of American lives.
Not everybody supported this President, and I understand that. But when this President is successful, everyday Americans are successful. Our union is strong, and it's up to us to keep this incredible momentum going together. As we enter a new year, I want Alaskans to know that I stand ready to work with President Trump and his Administration to ensure a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future for Alaskans. Click here or on the image above to hear more about this year's State of the Union Address.
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| Celebrating Black History Month |
February marks Black History Month, an important opportunity to highlight the incredible role African Americans have played in the success of our nation. The Library of Congress is a great resource to learn about African American history. From the abolitionists who risked life and limb to end slavery, to African American veterans, civil rights leaders, entertainers and sports icons, there is no shortage of history to discover through their collections. Click here for the full digital exhibit.
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| Securing American Elections |
The right to vote is the very foundation of our American democracy, and the integrity and security of our elections must be protected from bad actors across the globe. As technology advances, so too do potential threats, not only to our voting machines but to other essential election equipment such as voter databases and voter registration systems. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Protect American Voters Act to help safeguard our elections from hostile foreign governments. Click here to read more.
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| Transportation Funding for Alaska Natives |
This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on the transportation needs of tribes, federal land management agencies, and U.S. territories. Alaska, like no place else in our country, demonstrates the nation’s critical duty to invest in transportation infrastructure for American Indians, Alaska Natives and federally managed lands. For Alaska’s 229 federally recognized tribes and with over 60% of Alaska’s land federally owned, these programs are an essential lifeline for our state. I am grateful for the opportunity to address the subcommittee on this important topic. Click here or on the image above for video of my opening remarks.
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| Protecting the Environment, Safe Water, and Public Health |
I recently voted in support of the PFAS Action Act. There is consensus that exposure to PFAS chemicals poses a risk to human health, and I am pleased to see the House take action to address serious impacts of these substances. Too many Alaskan communities, particularly those in close proximity to military bases, have faced challenges in remediating PFAS contamination. It has been one of my priorities this Congress to address the issue of PFAS contamination in our state and across the country. Click here to read more about this important legislation.
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| AFN Public Safety Roundtable with the Alaska Delegation |
(Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, Congressman Young, and Assistant Sec. of the Interior for Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney.)
Our rural villages and urban Native communities face many challenges, among them, are a lack of law enforcement and the tragic crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I recently joined Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan for a public safety roundtable hosted by the Alaska Federation of Natives as part of their Alaska Day 2020 trip to Washington, D.C. The event was a packed house of fired-up Alaskans ready to find solutions for protecting their communities.
Our discussion was a productive one, and I am grateful to the Alaska Native leaders in attendance who shared their ideas for making sure our communities are safe for everyone. Thank you for hosting us, and I look forward to our continued work together.
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| Remembering the Alaska Airlines Tragedy |
(Morris and Thelma Thompson.)
January 31st marked a somber anniversary for Alaskans. On that day in 2000, Alaska Airlines Flight 261 was lost in the Pacific Ocean with 88 souls on board. My very dear friend Morris Thompson, his wife Thelma, and their daughter Sheryl were among those who perished that day. Morris was an important member of the Fairbanks community and an Alaska Native leader beloved by many. Through his work with Doyon Limited, and his presidency of the Alaska Federation of Natives, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched.
May we always remember for Morris, his family, and the passengers and crew of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 -- including Janice Stokes of Ketchikan and Malcolm Branson of Seward.
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| Taking Action Against Iranian Terrorist Qasem Soleimani |
In early January, Iranian forces launched a missile attack on military installations housing American servicemembers in Iraq. We are all very grateful that no Americans were harmed by Iran's attacks. I am especially thankful that our Alaska-based soldiers serving in Iraq were safe and accounted for following the strike, and pray for their continued safety.
We must be clear-eyed about this situation; Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and continues to be a bad-faith actor in the diplomatic arena. Qasem Soleimani was a terrorist who committed heinous atrocities and facilitated human rights abuses against the oppressed people of Iran. Freedom-loving people everywhere shed no tears for his loss, and our world is a safer place without him. America’s military is strong and stands ready to defend our citizens, allies, and way of life against further aggression by the Iranian regime.
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| My 2020 Service Academy Nominations |
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It is my great honor to once again announce my nominations to our nation’s prestigious service academies. Serving in our Armed Forces in an incredibly noble calling, and I am confident that these students will make Alaska proud should they be selected to begin their military careers in the Class of 2024.
I wish them all the best in the appointment process, and I look forward to witnessing their continued contributions to Alaska and our nation. Click here for a full list of nominated Alaskans.
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| House Afterschool Caucus |
We recently re-launched the House Afterschool Caucus, and I am proud to serve as Co-Chair alongside my good friend, Congresswoman Nita Lowey. Did you see this from Jodi Grant, Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance?
“Afterschool programs, and the millions of students and families who rely on them, are fortunate to have Representatives Nita Lowey and Don Young co-chairing the House Afterschool Caucus this year.
Their skillful advocacy, vast experience and deep dedication to making afterschool programs available to all children and families make them highly effective champions. They are well positioned to build awareness about the vitally important role afterschool and summer learning programs play in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and giving working parents peace of mind that their children are safe, supervised and learning after the school days ends. As we face continuing threats to federal afterschool funding, the House Afterschool Caucus needs the kind of powerful leadership Reps. Lowey and Young bring, now more than ever."
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Remembering American Hero Alex Pinkham
(Congressman Young and Mr. Alex Pinkham during his October 2019 trip to Washington, D.C. with the Last Frontier Honor Flight.)
I’m saddened to hear that U.S. Navy veteran Alex Pinkham, Jr has passed away. Mr. Pinkham was the Nez Perce Tribe’s last surviving veteran of World War II, and with his passing, have lost a piece of both Alaskan and American history. His distinguished service took him across the world, and I am thankful for everything he did to protect our country and way of life.
It was my great honor to meet Mr. Pinkham in October as he traveled to Washington, D.C. with the The Last Frontier Honor Flight, Inc. Our state and nation are better for his service, and his sacrifices will never be forgotten. Please join me in keeping him and his family in your prayers.
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| Greater Access to the Fort Wainwright Commissary |
Did you know that as of January 1st, access to the Commissary and Exchange at Fort Wainwright was expanded to Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and registered caregivers of veterans?
This is a great change that makes fresh, affordable food available for our heroes living near Fort Wainwright, and I hope those who are eligible take advantage of it. As you can imagine, demand in light of this recent change is high. Please be patient as the Commissary works to stock groceries and other products. Click here to learn more.
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