Alaskans,
It was another busy couple of weeks in Alaska and Washington, D.C.! I am back home in our incredible state and have appreciated the opportunity to meet with so many constituents. Although the House is currently in a state work period, I continue working on your behalf in support of legislation to benefit Alaska. My newsletters are a great way to keep Alaskans informed on my work as their voice in the House of Representatives. I hope you’ll take a moment to read my updates and share this newsletter with your friends and family. As always, if you have any concerns about legislation or need assistance with a federal agency, do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
Standing with the Postal Service and USPS Employees
(Click here or on the image above to watch my speech from the House Floor in support of the Postal Service Reform Act.)
This month, it was my honor to help pass the Postal Service Reform Act.
I have always been a strong supporter of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and its mission. Given our size, Alaska relies on USPS more than any other state. Their services are crucial, and if you don't think so, try living in areas in Alaska off the road system!
The longtime requirement that USPS pre-fund retiree health benefits is an unfair burden. Virtually no other agency - public or private - is required to do this. The Postal Service Reform Act takes needed action to empower USPS to continue funding benefits without impacting services.
Whether it's medication, packages, or any other mail, USPS services are a vital lifeline to Alaskans. In Congress, I'll keep fighting so that USPS can deliver for my constituents for years to come.
I spoke on the House Floor in support of this bill. Click here or on the image above for my full speech.
Supporting Injured Veterans through Access to Service Dogs
It was my honor to meet with the Alaska Chapter of Paws for Purple Hearts in Anchorage. Too many of our veterans are impacted by PTS, traumatic brain injury, mobility issues, and other trauma-related conditions. Paws for Purple Hearts has made it their mission to help our wounded warriors heal and to raise awareness about the unique challenges veterans face.
These dedicated advocates and their hardworking four-legged friends deserve our support – I’m grateful for the work they do. Thank you to Paws for Purple Hearts Alaska for hosting me!
Supporting North Slope Borough Mayor Harry Brower, Jr as he Spoke Before the Natural Resources Committee
(Click here or on the image above for video of this week's Natural Resources Committee hearing with Mayor Brower.)
This week, at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing, I raised the point that we cannot pick and choose which voices to listen to when it comes to the federal government and Tribal consultation.
Those on the fringes of the environmental movement continue their push to lock up Alaska forever. Although these extremists insist that they want Alaska Native voices to be heard, they regularly ignore Alaska Native communities that support responsible resource development.
It was my honor to invite North Slope Borough Mayor Harry Brower, Jr to testify at the virtual committee hearing. He is a respected Alaska Native leader whose perspective is crucially important in any debate over development. Harry has witnessed how resource development and conservation can go hand-in-hand to benefit schools, public services, and local economies.
I want to thank Harry for being up early with us and testifying before my colleagues. I am grateful to everyone who helped make our hearing possible, and I hope they enjoyed seeing my year-round Christmas tree in the background. To watch this critical portion of the hearing, click here.
Recognizing Community Advocates and Supporting Alaskans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
For over 50 years, Hope Community Resources has provided needed support to hundreds of Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and other mental health challenges. Their mission is an important one and it is very close to my heart. Last weekend, it was my great honor to attend their 26th Annual Hope Auction, which raises funds to positively impact our communities and improve the lives of some of our state’s most vulnerable.
This year’s event honored my friend, Frank Forpahl, and the Willow Ranch. Frank’s work and the growing success of the Willow Ranch have been a blessing to the lives of those fortunate enough to take part in that program and learn the many valuable life skills taught there. I have had the privilege of witnessing the success of this operation first-hand, and congratulate them on their well-earned recognition.
It was great to see so many familiar faces and to meet new friends as well — I’m already looking forward to next year’s auction!
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of an Alaskan Civil Rights Leader
February 16th marked Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. On this official state holiday, we honor the life and legacy of Alaska’s “fighter in the velvet gloves.” Her steadfast commitment to standing up to bigotry led to Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 — the first state or territorial anti-discrimination law in the United States. Elizabeth was a trailblazer, and her work made Alaska and our nation a better place. I have no doubt that her work will continue to inspire Alaskans for generations to come. Click here read more about this remarkable Alaskan.
Empowering Students Experiencing the Foster Care System and Homelessness to Succeed
Too many young people in Alaska and across our nation experience homelessness or time in the foster care system. We should be doing all we can to expand opportunity and upward mobility for this vulnerable population. Higher education can help open the doors to success, but too often, unique barriers prevent these kids from pursuing education beyond high school.
This month, I helped introduce the bipartisan Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act, which would improve student access to financial aid, housing, and other vital college resources by ensuring these students aren’t buried under mountains of bureaucratic paperwork. This commonsense approach can support and empower the next generation to reach their full potential. Click here to read more.
Sitting Down with the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC)
ASRC is a major contributor to our state's economy and an important example of the great success of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. I recently met with ASRC President and CEO Rex Rock, Sr and Board Chair Crawford Patkotak to receive an update on ASRC's operations and the vital services they offer their shareholders. We had a wide-ranging discussion on topics such as resource development, whaling, and ensuring Alaska Native voices are heard loud and clear in D.C. I'm proud of everything our Alaska Native Corporations have accomplished on behalf of their communities, and I'll continue standing up for them in Congress. Thank you to ASRC for hosting me!
Defending Alaska’s Kelp Farmers and Harvesters
Alaska's kelp industry provides good paying jobs and is a valuable source of food and manufacturing material. This week, at a Natural Resources Committee markup, I voted YEA on an amendment offered by my friend, Congressman Cliff Bentz, to remove anti-kelp harvesting provisions supported by Democrats.
Kelp farming could be a game changer when it comes to renewable resources. My Democratic colleagues have long opposed petroleum-based goods; Kelp is renewable, and is used in cosmetics, disposable packaging, biofuels, and more. Why would my colleagues on the left oppose these Alaska-grown renewables?
Unfortunately, our pro-kelp amendment was not supported by my Democratic committee colleagues, and I strongly condemn passage of legislation with provisions harmful to Alaska.
I voted NO on the overall bill and will continue working to ensure it does not become law.
In the meantime, I encourage you to learn more about Alaska’s kelp harvesters and their impressive operations by clicking here.
