[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E403-E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HOUSE RESOURCES REPUBLICAN FORUM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2021

  Mr. YOUNG. Madam Speaker, it is a unique responsibility to be the 
sole Congressman for Alaska in the House of Representatives.
  It's easy for legislators to forget that life is different in Alaska, 
and it is my highest priority to ensure that Alaskans are not 
overlooked here in Washington, D.C.
  One of the principal lessons I have learned in my years of service 
are the check and balances between the three branches of government 
inscribed by our Founding Fathers in our Constitution.
  While the President of the United States governs the Executive 
Branch, Congress writes our laws and that's something we too often 
forget here.
  Article I of the Constitution states: ``All legislative Powers herein 
granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall 
consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.''
  That said the President can only enforce legislation that Congress 
has drafted and approved.
  The real power of this country lies within this Capitol building and 
we need to act like it.
  For over 48 years I have worked tirelessly to address the crucial 
infrastructure and energy needs throughout Alaska.
  Before being elected to public office, I saw firsthand Alaska's lack 
of traditional infrastructure while I was a tug and barge operator 
along the Yukon River.
  But I could also see the potential economic development that 
communities and rural villages could achieve if they were given the 
resources to put ideas into action.
  It is that driving knowledge that guides me as I work to support 
federal investment in Alaska's energy infrastructure.

[[Page E404]]

  Unfortunately, the Biden Administration is continuing Obama-era 
attacks against Alaska.
  By reviewing federal rules that support Alaska and by placing a 
moratorium on energy development in ANWR, President Biden seems intent 
to surrender to his party's environmental extremists.
  I want the President to know this: Alaskans have shown for decades 
that energy development and environmental protection can go hand in 
hand.
  The executive actions he has taken in his first days in office serve 
only to hinder our state's economy, stifle energy independence, and 
prevent the Alaska Native community of Kaktovik from responsibly using 
their lands.
  Tomorrow I will be proudly introducing Alaska's own Mathew Rexford, 
at the House Natural Resources Republican Forum titled, ``Where are the 
Jobs?''
  Mr. Rexford is the President of the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and 
a strong leader.
  The Alaska community of Kaktovik has long advocated for access to 
their lands and the opening of ANWR.
  Development in the 1002 Area of ANWR would create countless jobs, 
revenue streams, provide for infrastructure and improve the health and 
economic well-being of the indigenous people.
  While the United States should continue working to reduce emissions, 
doing so in a way that denies the opportunity for incremental 
improvements and technological innovations over time is unreasonable.
  Resource development in ANWR would be a major win for out nations 
energy independence and security for decades to come.
  I'm proud to stand with my friend Mathew Rexford to ensure that 
Kaktovik is heard on this issue.
  I hope that the administration will listen and engage with native 
leaders like Mathew Rexford and I look forward to our forum tomorrow.

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