Congressman Young E-Newsletter For May 22, 2015

Statement

Dear Friends,

As the 114th Congress moves forward, I remain committed to keeping you informed about and involved in the many decisions being made in Washington, D.C.

I'm proud to provide you with a brief update on the many steps being made in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance solution-based policies that build a stronger and safer America. The House remains committed and focused on moving a legislative agenda based on empowering individuals with opportunity, restoring freedom, standing up to job killing rules and regulations, and holding this Administration accountable.

For too long, the federal government has focused its efforts on moving top-down policies and regulations that ignore the needs of American families and small businesses. This "we know best" decision making -- to the detriment of the nation and the economy -- has gone on for too long.

Congressman Young Shares Memorial Day Message with Alaskans

Happy Memorial Day, Alaska!

Memorial Day is more than picnics, fishing, and time out on the water with friends and family, it's a time to remember our fallen heroes and those that have proudly served in the military.

As you celebrate Memorial Day, it's important to remember the many sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform ­-- those that fell during conflict and those that were wounded. We owe them a great big thank you!

I hope you and your families have a safe and wonderful time in each other's company, but please remember this celebration is about those that served in the military, those that sacrificed -- the ultimate sacrifice, those that fought to protect our freedoms.

God bless you and God bless our military men and women who have served this great nation in the past, in the present, and in the future.

Clear Air Force Station Selected as Location for Long Range Discrimination Radar

The Missile Defense Agency has announced it will position its Long Range Discrimination Radar at Clear Air Force Radar Station, in Anderson, Alaska. This is a big win for Alaska and the nation.

This decision underscores Alaska's unparalleled strategic location and helps solidify our role in strengthening America's missile defense shield. With growing threats from both North Korea and Iran, it's critical that this radar system be positioned in an area that covers both these nations; Clear Air Force Station offers that location.

I proudly worked with my colleagues in Congress to secure funding and authorization for this essential project, and look forward to seeing its completion in the coming years.

Coast Guard Authorization Passes House with Alaska Provisions

The House recently passed bipartisan legislation to advance a number of reforms and priorities to support the Coast Guard's critical mission of protecting our oceans and waterways.

In addition to giving the Coast Guard the resources, tools and reforms needed to fulfill their priorities, I was proud to see the inclusion of a number of provisions to reduce burdensome regulations placed upon our mariners and fishermen, and efforts to support the disposal of shuttered federal properties in Tok, AK.

East Anchorage High School Student Wins Congressional Art Competition for Alaska

Each year, I have the unique opportunity to sponsor a piece of artwork from an Alaskan high school student to be displayed in the halls of Congress as part of the Congressional Art Competition. Because we have so many talented young Alaskan artists, I have partnered with the Alaska Association of School Activities (AASA) to select our winner from the many beautiful pieces competing in the All-State Art Competition.

I recently announced the 2015 Congressional Art Competition winner for Alaska, East Anchorage High School student Laura Horton who was recognized for her piece titled "Celebrating the Generations."

She writes, "This drawing represents generations in Alaska. It depicts a tree, my father, and myself. The layout of the drawing lets the viewer see, in a less obvious way, the number 100, because it is the 100th anniversary of the city of Anchorage."

Laura's unique and creative art piece will represent Alaska well in the halls of Congress. Her infusion of Alaskan heritage and history will certainly captivate audiences, which will include heads of state and government, and countless Americans visiting the U.S. Capitol.

Young Works to Reauthorize the Magnuson-Steven Act

This Congress, I was selected by my colleagues to lead efforts to reauthorize and update the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), the primary law governing fisheries resources and fishing activities in the United States.

To ensure a proper balance between the biological needs of our fish stocks and the economic needs of our fishermen and coastal communities, I have introduced H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act.

This legislation provides a number of modest but necessary reforms to our fisheries management law, including efforts to: provide fisheries managers with increased flexibility and transparency; allow for improved data collection through the use of electronic monitoring; increase accountability for our federal agencies; and create predictability and certainty for coastal communities that depend on stable fishing

In many ways, the MSA continues to support Alaska fishermen and protect our fishery resource as envisioned. But as I've learned in Congress, our laws are not written in stone and we must constantly review them, listen to our constituents and make changes when necessary.

While I have missed teaming up with Senator Stevens during this process, as we did for the first time in 1976 and for the last time in 2006, I have remember him fondly as we have worked to update the law bearing his name.

Critical Alaska Provisions Pass in National Defense Authorization

The House recently passed the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, which makes a number of significant improvements and reforms to the military's acquisition process, workforce management, troop benefits and retirement.

Alaska fared very well through the inclusion of several important provisions, including those that fund the procurement of the F-35, missile defense, and a number of construction projects.

I was also pleased to see the inclusion of my amendments, which reaffirm the F-35 basing at Eielson Air Force Base, update the 8(a) Small Business Administration procurement process, and authorize a land transfer to Galena, AK.

Bicameral Legislation to Spur Future Development of Point Spencer Introduced

Senator Lisa Murkowski and I have introduced bicameral legislation to streamline development on Point Spencer by transferring 2,500 acres unused federal lands to state and local stakeholders.

There's no question that this region is in desperate need of development, particularly as activity in the region increases and ship traffic through the Bering Strait nearly doubled in recent years.

I believe this legislation, which is both equitable and sensible, is the best path forward to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are met when optimizing the use of this critically important land.

House and Senate Approve Congressional Review of Iran Nuclear Deal

The House and Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation to mandate Congressional approval of an Iran nuclear deal currently being negotiated by the Obama Administration. The passage of this important legislation proves that a majority of Americans believe negotiations with Iran must include the voice of Congress. I believe as the body that set these sanctions in place, Congress must play an integral role in removing them.

Any deal to lighten sanctions must stop Iran in their tracks and take them out of the driver's seat to developing, building or acquiring a nuclear weapon, which means the inclusion of stringent transparency measures, compliance reviews, and concrete and enforceable measures to dismantle Iran's nuclear weapons infrastructure.

The broad-based sanctions currently in place have brought Iran to the negotiating table, and now we must hold their feet to the fire and demand a long list of requirements before any relief can be put in place.

House Votes to Halt Administration's Massive Expansion of Waters of the United States

I'm pleased to report that the House has passed legislation to halt the Obama Administration's massive expansion of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA), which would significantly change federal policy relating to U.S. waters - including ponds, ditches, culverts, and other wet areas -- and significantly erode the states' statutory authority to regulate waters within their own boundaries.

This proposed rule making by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers would have dire consequences in Alaska (which is already classified as 40% wetlands) by requiring endless federal regulations and permitting for even the most reasonable activity.

Congressman Young Visits Last Frontier Honor Flight Veterans at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In late April, I had the great honor of joining 23 WWII and Korean War veterans for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

I was so humbled to meet this incredible group of veterans visiting our nation's capital as part of The Last Frontier Honor Flight, Inc. I hope every American has an opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery's solemn grounds to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform.

Alaska Congressional Delegation Hosts 2015 Federal Grants Symposium

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and I will be holding the 2015 Federal Grants Symposium at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet and visit with representatives from federal agencies offering grants and loans.

Additionally, The Foraker Group, Rasmuson Foundation, and Alaska Community Foundation will provide educational seminars highlighting information about federal grant and loan processes, along with tips to take advantage of potential funding opportunities.

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