Don Young
The Public Record
Don Young is a Republican politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Alaska's at-large congressional district from 1973 until his passing in 2022. He was the longest-serving member of Congress in Alaska's history and was known for his strong advocacy for Alaskan interests, particularly in areas such as resource development and indigenous rights. Young was a prominent figure in various legislative efforts, including those related to transportation and infrastructure in Alaska. Throughout his tenure, he was recognized for his direct and often colorful communication style, which resonated with many constituents.
Oct 16, 2011
You guys got to support my new bill, Mr. Chairman. I am going to eliminate all regulations from every Agency from '91 to 2011 until they can justify it.
Oct 16, 2011
Oh, boy. Does that sound like our great government? I am going to ask that question, too.
Oct 16, 2011
Let the darn Navy come out and try to take you down, or NMFS, because that is right, what you said the history of the Aleuts has been one of a tragedy.
Oct 16, 2011
Congressman Young, you understand the importance of heating fuel prices in Alaska.
Oct 16, 2011
I want to thank the panel. This is my 40th year on marine mammal and fisheries, and this issue is over actually 20 years old.
Oct 16, 2011
I could take this panel of four here--I do not agree with Dr. Ragen, that is OK, but he has got to be on this side anyway--and probably interpret the science.
Oct 16, 2011
How would we correct that, because this is what I am asking. NMFS is an agency that has no real qualification for anything, and they are maintaining their brown envelope jobs.
Oct 16, 2011
How much did NOAA spend in hiring that person? This is the question I am going to ask you, and I want it in writing.
Oct 16, 2011
I go back to Mr. Lang. In scat examples taken, I believe, by the State, 94 percent of the scat from sea lions shows no cod evidence.
Oct 16, 2011
I have been in this business 40 years, and I have negotiated with NMFS and NOAA and they seem to ignore the paying customers.
Oct 16, 2011
Well, those restrictions were put in in 2000, and the pups are increasing significantly, yet you shut that area down. What grounds? Where is the science behind that?
Oct 16, 2011
You know, Mr. Tsukada notes that the Western DPS since 2000 has increased 14 percent, yet your opinion relies on a theory that birth rate is declining.
Oct 16, 2011
You have done something from the top down with no consultation, no understanding, and no science.
Oct 16, 2011
So, if you review those, do you have another formal consultation, or are will you threaten them if they come in with their peer review?
Oct 16, 2011
The fact is there are probably more sea lions now in that area than there ever has been.
Oct 16, 2011
But, again, that, by the way, if I can say so has been refuted. There is an increase of population, not a decrease in population.
Oct 16, 2011
We have spent $150 million in sea lion research since the Fiscal Year of, I believe it is 2001. And we still do not have any scientific information.
Oct 16, 2011
I have watched the Administration come down time again, dance around an answer better than anybody I have ever seen.
Oct 16, 2011
This NMFS doesn't have the best available science or even complete science, and, as a result, our fishermen and communities will suffer.
Oct 16, 2011
The Agency cannot say with any certainty what is causing the population decline, but fishermen and again paying the price.
Oct 16, 2011
Most shocking, significant taxpayer dollars have been directed toward research on the Steller sea lion. The National Marine Fisheries Service, NMFS, still cannot answer basic questions, and is making decisions that impact the economies of…
Politicians like Don Young
