Chair Grijalva Statement on the Passing of Natural Resources Committee Chair Emeritus Don Young

Washington, D.C. – Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) today issued the following statement on the passing of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), a 49-year member of Congress, Dean of the House, and Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources from 1995 to 2001:

“Representative Young was a pillar of Alaska, leaving behind a legacy as immense as his state. He has been a leader and institution on the Committee and I’m grateful for the path he charted as Chair for six years. I am deeply saddened by Don’s loss and extend my sincerest condolences to his partner Anne, his family, friends, and staff.

Don and I didn’t always agree on policy, but I always admired how fiercely he championed Alaska Natives and kept his constituents’ best interests at heart. His dedication to moving our country forward through bipartisanship will continue to be a model for us all.

As Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the U.S. since 2011, Representative Young supported and empowered Indigenous Peoples in Alaska and across the country. He fought to combat the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, bolster tribal sovereignty, and expand economic opportunity and access to health care for tribal communities.

Don Young will forever be an indelible icon for Alaska, our Committee and Congress. He was a passionate, devoted, often obstinate, endearing bull moose of a man and colleague. And he will be sorely missed.”

Press Contact

Media Contact: Lindsay Gressard

(202) 225-6065 or (202) 740-4715 mobile

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