Don Young

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I am deeply disappointed in the lady from Connecticut. This is a program that has been in existence since 1994, and you voted for it every time. This is not an earmark. This is an existing program. And I've heard you rail all night about restoring money, which are all earmarks. You're dead wrong.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. By the way, 1,600,000 laws on the books today were never voted on by anybody. Not ever voted on. It costs $1.01 trillion a year to implement those regulations. You want to balance the budget? Eliminate those regulations and you can balance it in 13 years. We could have industry again. I'm just saying this is a good idea. Let's pass it. Federal policies and regulations stand in the way of economic progress and free enterprise for all Americans, but the problem is especially bad in Indian Country. Indian reservations have the highest rates of unemployment and poverty of any comparable areas in America. These statistics are astounding when you consider that tribes own an estimated ten percent of the Nation's energy potential. But so many tribal lands lie vacant and unused. The problem is that development of Indian land is based on outdated, paternalistic Federal laws and policies. Let me describe a few examples of these laws and policies. We have the Long-Term Leasing Act . . . a 56-year-old statute that restricts most Indians from leasing their property for more than 25 year terms. In some cases this has prevented tribes from constructing new homes. There is the National Environmental Policy Act, a law routinely used to delay and stop the use of lands reserved exclusively for tribes under solemn treaties with the United States. The Endangered Species Act has become the weapon choice by special interests seeking to harm tribal development. And then we have the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. One of the first acts of the Obama Administration was to have these agencies stop the Navajo Nation from building and operating a 1,500 megawatt power plant on its reservation. The project would have created thousands of good jobs on a reservation with 50 percent unemployment, generating $1.5 billion over 30 years for the tribe's treasury. Thanks to our government, the tribe is not allowed to create jobs for its citizens or produce power for millions of consumers. This is wrong. Tribes are caught in a Catch-22. They have over 50 million acres of land pursuant to treaties and Acts of Congress, but the catch is they can't use them without permission of Washington, DC. Tribes are suffering from 19th-century Indian policies, and the result is a continuing Great Depression across many reservations. Fortunately, a number of tribes have taken control of their resources from Washington, DC. They have proven to be outstanding stewards of their lands while providing huge energy resources needed by the country. The Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs is going to study the accomplishments of these tribes. We will consider changing outdated laws and policies that stand in the way of tribal economic development. I look forward to the Subcommittee making progress--on a bipartisan basis--to create more tribal opportunity, and more tribal freedom from outdated Federal laws. These sort of harmful regulations are not unique to Indian Country. For example, my Alaska fishermen are faced with similar crippling stupidity. EPA now requires fish processing vessels operating in the Bering Sea to take water samples which are then tested at such a high resolution level that the tests cannot be performed by any labs in Alaska. The samples have to be sent out of Alaska at great expense. To make matters worse, the test are required to be so precise and to such an unrealistic resolution level that if a technician has mercury amalgam fillings, his breath could alter the result. In another instance, EPA is requiring complex seafood processing permits and gear for Alaska's small freezer troll fleet. These folks only catch about 1,000 pounds of fish a day. They have 45-foot fishing boats and one or two deck hands--they fish with hook and line and clean their fish immediately. They toss fresh fish heads right back into the waters they came from--one at a time, and EPA wants them treated like a big factory ship. This is preposterous! Again, this Committee will examine these issues and take steps to remove these foolish regulations that are stopping the production of new wealth.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the gentleman. I have a prepared statement here and I'll probably use some of it. I can't help but answer the gentleman from Massachusetts, who has never supported at any time, has never supported in any way, any energy development in this country. He was against nuclear power many years ago. He is still against it. He was against solar power and then since it is wind power in his State. And he's against, very frankly, any fossil fuel development. And depending on his so-called make-believe wind power, make-believe solar power, in the meantime, we're buying oil from overseas. And you know that. The EPA, very frankly, is part of the problem. I am the chairman now of the American Indian and Alaska Natives and their lands can't be developed because of EPA. The Navajo Nation had a coal plant. They had the coal. They had the financing. And the Obama administration says, no, you can't do that through the EPA, through the Fish and Wildlife, et cetera, and they lost the financing for a coal project because they don't believe in coal. We have a trust relationship to the American Indians. And to have other agencies within the government say, ``No, you can't do it, you stay right where you are'' is wrong. They have the highest potential of energy of any land mass in this Nation and they're precluded from development because of regulations. EPA just came out--I mentioned this earlier today--with a new concept of a regulation for dairies. This is your government, the Obama administration. And, by the way, thank God for George Bush. They're still blaming him for everything. But if I remember correctly, Horizon was done under the Obama administration. If I remember correctly, it was his Minerals and Management agency that wasn't doing their job. There were enough regulations in place. They weren't doing their job. If I remember, that's correct. George Bush was out of office. But EPA now comes out with a new regulation under the oil spill liability where we develop oil that the moneys will be put aside for a cleanup, of which I support, but there are new regulations because they want to regulate the dairies of our Nation today. Mr. and Mrs. America, keep in mind, they want to regulate the dairies today because there's fat in the milk. Fat in the milk. And they want to have each cow be charged $600 per lifetime of that dairy, put aside in a fund to clean up spilt milk. That's your EPA and regulations. Remember, the term ``don't cry over spilled milk'' is going to cost you money now. That's the government regulations. I can go on and on what they've done to American Indians. They don't allow them to develop their resources. There's a paternalistic type of society they have today. And I'm saying here as chairman, we are going to develop those resources in the nations that they are. That's our responsibility as a Congress. And to preclude that because of actions of regulatory agencies is dead wrong. I am asking my colleagues to remember this. Every committee should be looking at every regulation. You want to balance this budget?

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. The second one, the newest one to come out is a regulation by EPA under the oil spill liability clause where the EPA is proposing a regulation to apply to dairies because milk has fat in it. They want to apply the oil spill liability regulation to a dairy. That means each cow costs $600 per life of the cow because they want to clean up milk. The saying ``don't cry over spilt milk'' is now going to cost you money, a regulation by an agency that makes no sense at all. Wake up, Mr. and Mrs. America. Let's eliminate these regulations that prohibit job creation in this country. That is what we ought to be talking about.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the good lady for yielding. Mr. and Mrs. America, our economic growth is being stifled by 165,000 pages of regulations; 1.4 million laws were never voted on by this body. They are the law of the land, passed by the bureaucracy. We are to blame for this ourselves. As you can see from the chart--I venture they will get it up here-- the number of environmental laws and executive orders affecting the construction industry has exploded since 1965. Just take a look at this. Here is where we are. Look at what they have to go through here. All these things have to be met by the construction company. This is why it takes 17 years to build a highway. I want to keep in mind now--you keep hearing about creating jobs. You do not create a job; you allow a job to be created, and regulations prohibit that. We see regulations every day that prohibit the growth of industry and jobs in this country. You mentioned, Mr. Ranking Member, who was chairman, we can't even mine coal because of regulations. So let's start thinking about the money. By the way, it costs $1,000,100,000,000 a year to implement these regulations that were never voted on. We can balance the budget in 13 years if we eliminate these regulations. The agencies keep going forth each day spending more money. Their idea of success is having another law that has never been voted on. It gives an untold power to the executive branch. This is the House of the people, and if we don't address this issue, shame on us. It is absolutely important. I just got a regulation proposed at Alaskan Airlines. They had to get a permit. By regulation, they are required to apply to the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration before they could fly it. You know what it was? It was whipped cream. You can't fly whipped cream without a permit. Another regulation from an agency. Who thought that up?

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 3910, the companion legislation to S. 1609. This is a very important bill to the State of Alaska and the State of Washington. I would like to compliment my friend, Mr. Larsen, for his work on this legislation. I was originally a cosponsor of this. This is a much-needed bill for the management of fish in Alaska as well as in the State of Washington, where most of my fishermen do come from. I would also like to thank Steny Hoyer, the majority leader, for bringing this bill to the floor and making sure it becomes a reality. This is a bill that was strongly supported by the whole delegations from the State of Washington and from the State of Alaska, Senators as well as House Members. There was no objection to this legislation. It is an example of how we can work together on an issue that affects both areas. It is really much sought for by the industry itself. And I want to compliment everybody that worked on this legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 6516. This bill does make several very minor technical changes to the recently enacted Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. This legislation was put together with the cooperation of Mr. Cummings, Mr. Oberstar, and with the assistance of the Office of Legislative Counsel. I urge all Members to support H.R. 6516. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, at the end of the 111th Congress, our distinguished colleague from Hanahan, South Carolina, the Honorable Henry E. Brown, Jr., will retire from this institution. Congressman Henry Brown has served the people of the 1st Congressional District, those living in South Carolina, and this nation with the highest distinction for the past twenty nine years. His distinguished career in public service began on the Hanahan Planning Commission and City Council in 1981. Four years later, he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives and he became the first Republican Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. In that capacity, just like President Ronald Reagan, he successfully led the fight for the largest tax cut in the history of the state. It has been his consistent view that the hardworking men and women of South Carolina deserve to keep more of their hard earned money and not the government. After serving fifteen years in the South Carolina legislature, Henry Brown was overwhelmingly elected by the voters of the 1st Congressional District and for the past decade has served on the House Committees on Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure and Veterans' Affairs. He has also served as the Co-Chairman of the Coastal Caucus, Congressional Friends of Canada Caucus, Congressional Shellfish Caucus and the Port Security Caucus. For the past two Congresses, he has served as the Ranking Republican on the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. By working in a bipartisan manner with the Chairwoman of that Subcommittee, the Honorable Madeleine Z. Bordallo of Guam, Henry Brown was successful in having at least two of his legislative proposals enacted into law. These include H.R. 3891, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Act Amendments of 2008 and H.R. 1454, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2010. Congressman Brown remains hopeful that prior to adjournment this year, the Senate will adopt his bill, H.R. 509, the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act which passed the House of Representatives last year. While these represent just a few of the legislative proposals he has championed, his tireless dedication and leadership in sponsoring H.R. 1454 is an excellent example of why the people of the 1st Congressional District in South Carolina have come to know their Representative as a ``workhorse'' and not a ``show horse''. Let me spend just a few minutes talking about H.R. 1454. This is a remarkable bill, which I was pleased to co-sponsor. At a time of record federal deficits, this proposal will raise a significant amount of money to save some of the most beloved and endangered iconic wildlife species on this planet without spending a single dime of taxpayer money. In addition, while the 111th Congress will be remembered for its highly partisan environment, this bill was co-sponsored by 86 Democrats and 68 Republicans. Even more remarkable, it has been endorsed by more than 40 different organizations including the Humane Society of the United States and Safari Club International, two groups that do not agree on many issues. Under this simple but innovative approach, the American people will be given the opportunity to voluntarily purchase U.S. postal stamps and certain proceeds from their sale will assist in saving African and Asian elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, Great Apes and marine turtles for future generations. This legislation is a tribute to Congressman Brown's perseverance and leadership. During his distinguished career in public service, the hard work of Congressman Henry Brown has not gone unnoticed. In fact, among the awards he has received are the College of Charleston's Founders Medal in 2005, the National Republican Legislator of the Year Award, the South Carolina Association of Realtors Legislator of the Year, the South Carolina Taxpayers Watchdog Award and the Order of the Palmetto in 2000. This award is the highest honor a civilian can receive from the State of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, at the end of this year, this outstanding representative of the people of the 1st Congressional District will return to his beloved farm in Berkeley County, South Carolina. I wish him and his entire family the very best in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I will not object, I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota, chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to explain the legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment the chairmen of the full committee and subcommittee on this legislation. It is vitally important to the State of Alaska and to the Coast Guard. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as they mark their National Day this October 10. Taiwan is our important ally in the Asia Pacific region and a key trading partner with Alaska. Due to the hard work of Taiwan's president, Dr. Ma Ying-jeou, the relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan remains strong. I hope that these relations will continue to flourish as trade, educational and cultural exchanges, security cooperation, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations increases. I would also like to recognize President Ma, who, in the last two years, has significantly improved the relations between Taiwan and Mainland China. There has been a considerable reduction of tension across the Taiwan Strait and there have been productive talks between the two sides on a number of important issues, including the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement on June 29 this year. In celebrating Taiwan's National Day, I hope that Taiwan will continue to have a strong relationship with United States, China and the rest of the global economy.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, and I shall not object, I want to thank the gentleman for bringing this resolution up. This is in recognition of Senator Ted Stevens, who yesterday we laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery, for his service to the United States of America; and the Air Force at that time, flying for the Flying Tigers; receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross; serving in the Senate for 40 years; and serving this Nation with great honor. This is just a small tribute to his service to the great State of Alaska by naming a mountain and actually a glacier field after Ted Stevens and the great efforts he did for the State of Alaska. It is an honor to have this done tonight, and I thank the gentleman for bringing this legislation up, and I thank the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the good lady for yielding. Just yesterday, the Alaska Dispatch chronicled the increased tourist and commercial vessel traffic in the Arctic and the challenges the Coast Guard is facing in ensuring safe navigation. For example, the Coast Guard recently announced that the Polar Sea icebreaker will be out of service until next year and the Polar Star icebreaker won't be fixed until 2013. As a result, there are no adequate icebreakers to patrol in the Arctic or come to the aid of anyone in need. Simply, safe navigation in the U.S. Arctic is in a precarious state. My bill would amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act to authorize much-needed funds for hydrographic surveys and coastal mapping of the Arctic regions. Sadly, we still have a long way to go before we finish the job on nautically charting critical navigation regions throughout this country. The Arctic region in particular has been ignored and lacks survey data. It is my understanding, as the good lady said, the last major hydro survey campaign in the Arctic was conducted following World War II, over 60 years ago. Currently, base hydrographic data in the Arctic is woefully inadequate and not sufficient to support current, let alone future, marine activity. With the reduction of sea ice, there's increased vessel traffic and opportunities for more drilling, and up-to-date nautical charts or coastal maps are critical for these activities. H.R. 2864 is an effort to move this process forward by directing NOAA to acquire additional hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services to the Arctic region. Alaska is the only Arctic State in this Nation. It makes this bill both critically important for my State and our Nation, and I urge Members to support this legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of H.D. ``Dill'' Mullis, a truly great Alaskan and a good friend. Dill Mullis was born on March 13, 1935 in Jacksonville, FL to H.D. and Sara A. Mullis. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and the University of Florida. Following his undergraduate education, Dill courageously joined the armed forces. He was an Air Force pilot and Vietnam veteran. His military decorations include: The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star; Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry and RVN Air medals. After his honorable and courageous service to his country, Dill joined the ITT Company in 1971, where he was assigned to Anchorage in the military contracts and commercial operations division. Subsequently, he was involved in the construction, operations, and maintenance in support of the exploratory drilling program in the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and various projects throughout Alaska. Dill was a quintessential Alaskan and he will be dearly missed. His courage, tenacity and independence helped to show everyone around him, and the rest of the Lower 48, what it really meant to be an Alaskan. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughters, Patricia Hopkins of Anchorage and Kathleen Matson of Eugene, Oregon; daughter in law, Cindie Mullis of Anchorage; sons, Stephen Mullis of Portage, Wisconsin, and Mark Mullis of Hong Kong, China. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the chairman and the ranking member. This is a resolution recognizing Lance Mackey. I know Lance personally. As the chairman mentioned, last March he made Alaskan history by being the first person to win four consecutive Iditarod races. My friends, that's a little over 4,450 miles across nearly 1,200 miles of Alaskan wilderness from Willow to Nome. His exceptional fast time this year makes him only one of two finishers to finish the race in less than 9 days. Remember, this is over a thousand miles in less than 9 days. Lance was also the only person to have won the Yukon Quest four times, a thousand mile dogsled race from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon. In 2007 and 2008, he won both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest in the same year within 2 weeks of one another, otherwise over 2,000 miles within 2 weeks. Lance Mackey was born and raised in Alaska and comes from a long line of successful mushers. His father, Dick, helped form the Iditarod race in 1973, and I have raced with Dick Mackey when he was there and I was a lot younger. His brother, Rick, along with his father, have each won the Iditarod race. Like both his father and mother, Lance won on his sixth day wearing lucky bib number 13. Mackey considers his dogs to be the true champions, and his team was guided this year by lead dogs Maple and Rev, who had big shoes to fill after the retirement of Larry, who led Lance's team during his first three Iditarod wins. In 2001, as it was mentioned, Lance Mackey was diagnosed with throat cancer. He continued to run in the 2002 Iditarod with a feeding tube in his stomach, but had to pull out of the race halfway through. After extensive surgery, radiation treatment, a yearlong break from racing, and the loss of an index finger, he is now fully recovered and cancer- free. Lance Mackey is married to his high school sweetheart, Tonya, who is also a musher. They have four children: Amanda; Brittney; Alanah; and Cain. Together they run the Comeback Kennel in Fox, Alaska. Lance Mackey is a real-life hero and an inspiration to thousands of Alaskan Americans who religiously follow the Iditarod. I want to commend Lance for the great achievement of winning the four straight Iditarods. This is a great Alaskan. Thank you, Lance.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, each year Congregation Beth Sholom of Anchorage selects a distinguished Alaskan to receive its annual ``Shining Lights'' award. The Shining Lights award has a dual purpose, in that it expresses appreciation for the honoree's contributions to the 49th State and its people, and also inspires others to emulate the honoree's good works, in the spirit of ``Tikkun Olam''--the repair of the world. This year, 2010, Congregation Beth Sholom has chosen former State Senator Arliss Sturgulewski to receive the Shining Lights Award. I proudly commend the selection of Arliss Sturgulewski as the recipient of the 2010 Shining Lights Award. I remember when Arliss was a state senator between 1978 and 1992, was the Republican candidate for Governor of Alaska in 1986 and 1990, and served as an elected member of the Anchorage Charter Commission and the Anchorage Assembly. In addition to her elective offices, Arliss has served on numerous boards and commissions, such as the Municipality of Anchorage's Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Examiners and Appeals. A parent herself, Arliss's interest in Alaska's youth has been made manifest by her leadership as a trustee for the Anchorage YMCA, and at the University of Alaska through her service as a member of the Advisory Council for the School of Fisheries and Ocean Services, the University of Alaska Foundation, and the Anchorage Chancellor's Council. A graduate of the University of Washington, Arliss was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. The immeasurable contributions of Arliss Sturgulewski are an inspiration to Alaskans in all regions and walks of life. In particular, it is certain that Arliss has inspired many Alaska women to either seek public office or to become otherwise involved as political, business and community leaders, to the great benefit of Alaskans everywhere. I would like to congratulate Arliss and Congregation Beth Sholom on the occasion of this well-deserved award.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, this is a rehash of 12 years ago. I want to compliment the Delegate from Puerto Rico for representing his people. The Governor supports this legislation, the Senate supports this legislation, and the House supports this legislation. Strongly, the Puerto Ricans that represent their people support this legislation. I think it's inappropriate for those that do not represent those people to speak out against this legislation. I think it's wrong not to recognize that this is long overdue. Mr. Chairman, 112 years ago, 112 years ago Puerto Rico became Puerto Rico. They were supposed to be a State. And I am the only Member of this House that has gone through the statehood battles. This is not a statehood bill. As the Delegate has said, this is an opportunity to make that decision. Puerto Rico is not a territory. They're a Commonwealth. We were a territory. There is a great deal of difference. We did make that decision with the help of Congress, and we became a State. And I am proud of that, and I was proud of this body. I am a little disappointed in some of the arguments that I hear against this bill: This is a statehood bill. This is a sneak attack. It was brought on us unexpectedly. This bill has been before this Congress for 18 months, and we have discussed this issue for 12 years and longer. My bill, as I call it, the Young bill, was a statehood bill. That is a bill I would have preferred, but this is not. But this is what the Governor wants, the Delegate wants, the Senate wants, the House wants, and the people of Puerto Rico want. I think that's what we have to consider in this House. We are not the body as a whole. We are the body of the individual that represents the people, and I've argued this for many years because I am one, as the Delegate is.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support this amendment. This is the same amendment we had 12 years ago. It does promote Spanish and it does promote English. This is nothing new. Right now in my State we are printing our ballots in my State in different languages within the State. This is an amendment everybody should accept, except if you are just adamantly opposed to the legislation, as some people are. I have spent some time in Puerto Rico, not as much time as some others, but I find an awful lot of Puerto Ricans who do use English. I think that is a blessing. I am one who thinks everybody should speak two or three languages if they can. This amendment is the right way to go, and all of the plebiscites will be in both languages, not one language, so those who speak English and Spanish and those who speak Spanish and English, both of them have a right to read and understand what they are voting on. It is the right bill. It is the right amendment. Let's vote on both things.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. It is time that we act on this legislation. Let it go forward. Let us do what is fair. And the arguments against this legislation, some of them are very frivolous. The English language. We were not required to have English when we became a State. We had many different languages, and we became a State. We do speak English, and we speak other languages within my State. That doesn't hold us back or make us any less. But the idea that we have 4 million people that have waited for an opportunity to become a State, an independent nation, or whatever they wish, a free association, it is time we give them that opportunity. To have a body that is supposed to represent all the people but individually represent an area, we should recognize that right, as we did when we became a State. I am proud that the Congress made us a State. We worked for that, and I think it's time we give an opportunity for the Puerto Ricans to make a decision as to whether they are a State again or whether they're a territory, or whatever they want to be, but to give them the opportunity. And again, when that bridge comes--and again, I can talk about bridges, ladies and gentlemen--when that bridge happens, we will cross it, as far as cost goes. But it's time we recognize the great people, the warriors of Puerto Rico as they serve this country, but yet they cannot vote for their Commander in Chief. It's time we pass this legislation. Mr. Chairman, as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2499, I am pleased that the House of Representatives is now considering this important legislation. I want to compliment the author of the bill, Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi and my good friend the Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuno for their tireless commitment on behalf of democracy in Puerto Rico. I have been involved in Puerto Rico democracy for most of my Congressional career. In fact, it was my bill, H.R. 856 that was approved by the House of Representatives on March 4, 1998. Prior to passage, I conducted two public hearings in Puerto Rico and literally heard from hundreds of Puerto Ricans who passionately love this country and thirst for the opportunity to determine their own political future. The Puerto Rican people are warm, hard-working, passionate and patriotic. In fact, only one state has proportionately sent more of their sons and daughters to fight for this nation than Puerto Rico. Yet, for over a century, we continue to deny these brave warriors, who proudly wear the uniform of this nation, the chance to vote for their Commander in Chief. This is fundamentally wrong and must be changed prior to our next Presidential election. As someone who arrived in Alaska 50 years ago, I can certainly relate to the pleas of those of my good friend former Governor and Resident Commissioner Carlos Romero Barcelo who reminds us that: ``We are now being ruled by the President and Congress without the consent of the people of Puerto Rico.'' I still vividly remember the words of our Former Territorial Governor and U.S. Senator, Ernest Gruening, who would shout to anyone who cared to listen that: ``Let us end American colonialism.'' While he was talking about Alaska, similar statements have been made by Puerto Rican elected officials for decades. H.R. 2499 may not be a perfect bill. It is, however, a fair bill which does not exclude or favor any status option. It is frankly hard to believe that it has been 12 years since the House last voted on a Puerto Rico status bill and 112 years since Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory. It is far past time to allow the 4 million people of Puerto Rico to vote in a federally sanctioned plebiscite and it would be appropriate if this the 111th Congress were to make that vote a reality. I urge an ``aye'' vote on H.R. 2499. We should no longer deny the people of Puerto Rico their right to determine their own political future.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize Patrick Gamble for his service to Alaska and our Nation. A decorated Vietnam fighter pilot and now retired Four-Star General, Pat served in the United States Air Force for 34 years and distinguished himself as a decisive and capable leader. His military service first brought him to live in Alaska in 1996 as the commander of Alaska's joint military command. Like so many of us who have moved into the State, he was enchanted by the Last Frontier and has remained under its spell. After retiring from the Air Force, he returned to Alaska as President and CEO of the Alaska Railroad, the Nation's only full service, year round scheduled passenger and freight railroad, and in my opinion, the most scenic railroad in the country. It stands as a pillar in Alaska's economy and will play a key role in the future of our great State. Through Pat's vision, the railroad has grown dramatically and promoted economic development throughout communities along the railbelt. Pat was recently selected to replace Mark Hamilton as the President of the University of Alaska, the State's 15-campus university system which provides for the educational needs of 32,000 students every year. This new position is a continuation of many years of educational leadership, including having served as the commandant of the U.S. Air Force Academy and on the boards of five schools. In addition to ensuring a quality education, he plans to focus his efforts as university president on gaining more public support for the University of Alaska, continuing the university's strong presence in research important to Alaskans, and engaging the university in broader State economic development opportunities. General Gamble has earned himself a reputation as a strong leader and a man of outstanding personal character. He is an excellent asset to our State, and I am proud to have this opportunity to commend his continued service to Alaska.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Arctic Man race, one of the most unique competitive events in winter sports. Combining downhill skiing, snowboarding, skijoring, and snowmachine racing, Arctic Man exemplifies Alaska's rugged outdoor spirit. Every year, 13,000 spectators ride their snowmachines up to a magnificent alpine setting between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, to watch this impressive spectacle. The race combines athleticism and horsepower as a two-man team, consisting of one downhill skier or snowboarder and one snowmachiner, navigate a perilous course at high speeds. With the firing of the starting pistol, athletes lunge down a 1,700 foot drop in less than two miles, without the aid of ski poles. As the skiers approach the bottom of the hill, they merge into a narrow canyon and grab a rope tethered to their partners' snowmachine to then be towed at speeds of up to 86 miles per hour for 2\1/4\ miles uphill. This difficult intersection can decide the race, as the snowmachine must perfectly match the skier's or boarder's speed and course while also effectively getting the pull rope into the athlete's hand. Once the team reaches the top of the mountain, the skier or snowboarder releases the tow rope and is slingshotted down another 1,200 foot descent to slip through the gates at the finish line. When these men and women mount the slopes, they exhibit an admirable model of aggressive athleticism and backcountry moxie to make this one of Alaska's most remarkable competitions. As this year's competitors prepare for the Arctic Man challenge, fine tuning their snowmachines, waxing their skis, and practicing their technique, I would like to wish them all good luck and a safe race! I would also like to commend Arctic Man founder Howard Thies, whose bold idea for a high speed race in the Hoodoo Mountains has become a twenty-five year Alaskan tradition. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the efforts of the many volunteers and organizers who have facilitated this race throughout the years. Without their hard work, this quintessential frontier gathering would not be possible. Having attended this event before, I can attest that it is one of the most exciting and exhilarating competitions which I have ever witnessed. I look forward to joining my fellow Alaskans at this year's Arctic Man to celebrate its 25th year of competition.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I have listened to this debate, and rarely do I come to the floor if it doesn't affect Alaska, but this also affects Alaska. I am one who believes in health reform, but if anyone can tell me from that side of the aisle, with 2,700 pages, and they say the new one is not quite that long, it is 2,000 pages, what is in the bill. They forget to say there are 160 new grant programs that never existed before. There are 110 new agencies, Mr. and Mrs. America, that can issue regulations. There are 13 health czars; we are making them legal under this bill. The big thing, there is about 1,200 pages of gobbledygook. I read one on the floor the other day, but this is page 1,181: ``(A) In General. Subject to the succeeding provisions of this subtitle, in the case of an affordable credit eligible individual enrolled in an Exchange-participating health benefits plan-- ``(1) the individual shall be eligible for, in accordance with this subtitle, affordability credits consisting of-- ``(A) an affordability premium credit under section 243 to be applied against the premium for the Exchange-participating health benefits plan in which the individual is enrolled; and ``(B) an affordability cost-sharing credit under section 244 to be applied as a reduction of the cost-sharing otherwise applicable to such plan; and ``(2) the Commissioner shall pay the QHBP offering entity that offers such plan from the Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund the aggregate amount of affordability credits for all affordable credit eligible individuals enrolled in such plan.'' Over a thousand pages of gobbledygook. I have an old saying: KISS; keep it simple, stupid. Keep it simple. I can tell you, go through this bill, Mr. and Mrs. America, and read it and tell me what you understand. I happen to have read this bill. I don't understand it. I suggest, respectfully, Mr. and Mrs. America, we should not pass this atrocity.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize the centennial anniversary of the Sitka National Historic Park, which is the oldest federally designated park in Alaska. The park was established in 1890 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka. All that remains of this last major conflict between Europeans and Alaska Natives is the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, located within this scenic 113-acre park. In 1808, following this series of battles between the Tlingit natives and Governor Alexandr Baranov, Sitka was established as the capitol of what was then called Russian-America. Following the sale of this land to the United States after the decline of the otter fur trade, Sitka continued to be the seat of government for territorial Alaska until 1906, when the capital was moved to Juneau. Unofficially called ``lover's lane'' or ``totem park'' by Sitka locals, the Sitka National Historic Park attracts nearly 300,000 visitors a year to its scenic coastal trails, beautiful temperate rainforest, and world-class collection of Northwest coast totem poles. These histories carved in cedar were donated by Native leaders from villages in Southeast Alaska, and were then brought to Sitka by Alaska's then District Governor John G. Brady in 1905. Many poles exhibited along the park's two miles of wooded pathways are replicas of the original totem poles. The park also boasts a visitor center which contains ethnographic exhibits and houses the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, where visitors can watch Native artists at work. Here, the park cares for more than 154,000 museum collection items. These include Tlingit ethnographic pieces, Russian American archeological and historical items, historical photos, archives and herbarium specimens. Highlights of the collection include totem poles, Chilkat weaving, Tlingit oral history recordings, 19th Century Russian furniture, Russian Orthodox icons and vestments, and two hundred original glass plate negatives by Sitkan photographer E.W. Merrill. Through these exhibits, visitors of the park get a rare peak into the unique cultures and lifestyles of Tlingit natives and Russian-American creoles. The experience continues at the Russian Bishop's House, one of the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. This original 1842 log structure conveys the legacy of Russian America through exhibits, refurbished living quarters and the Chapel of the Annunciation. This house was once the center of the Russian Orthodox Church authority in a diocese that stretched from California to Siberian Kamchatka, at a time when Russia was still the dominant power in the Pacific Northwest. Today, it is an artifact of the heritage of Russian Orthodoxy in Alaska, which maintains a strong presence to this day. Given this unique combination of natural beauty, cultural history, and rare artifacts, it is no wonder that the Park played a significant role in Sitka's recent designation as one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Tucked away behind the dormant volcano Mt. Edgcumbe, the Sitka National Historic Park remains one of Alaska's jewels. As the City of Sitka commemorates Sitka National Historic Park month, I would like to join Alaskans in recognizing the Park on its centennial celebration.