House Natural Resources Committee Passes Two Of Rep. Young's Bills

Press Release

The House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 443 and H.R. 991, which are both sponsored by Alaska Congressman Don Young. H.R. 443 would transfer roughly 14.6 acres of federal land in the Kotzebue area to the Maniilaq Association for health and social service facilities operated by the Association. H.R. 991 would amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow for the importation of polar bear trophies that were hunted in Canada before the polar bear was listed as "threatened" in 2008.

"I thank the Committee for passing my two bills today," said Rep. Young. "I am especially pleased that H.R. 443 was moved out of committee. This bill is very important for the residents of Northwest Alaska because it makes it easier for Maniilaq to expand and improve the delivery of their services.

"There is simply no conservation value in a dead polar bear. The polar bears that H.R. 991 addresses were hunted and harvested legally and should be allowed to be brought back to the United States. My bill has bipartisan support and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure its passage by the full House."

Approximately 41 hunters had successfully hunted a polar bear from an approved population in Canada prior to the bears being listing as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. These polar bear trophies are currently being stored in Canada.

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