Don Young

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2372, the Private Property Rights Implementation Act. I must say I just listened to the previous speaker and I have read this bill and I cannot find where it says what he says it does in that bill. It is the most amazing thing I have ever heard. Mr. Chairman, I am not a lawyer, thank God for that, but I do not read it that way. What I am hearing, as a Committee on Resources chairman, frankly, is to help protect the fifth amendment of the United States Constitution. The taking of private property, unfortunately, all too often the various governmental bureaucrats involved in land use decisions use their regulatory authority to take private property, and then blame other levels of government for their actions. I think maybe this is what the gentleman was speaking about. The Federal bureaucrats, through their efforts, will take private property and then blame someone else. As a result, I support H.R. 2372, because it will ensure that landowners, landowners, little landowners, yes, big landowners, but mostly little landowners, the largest percentage of takings by this government is from little landowners, will get a fair chance to have their cases heard in Federal court, no matter which government bureaucracy is involved. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2372 will also ensure that land dispute cases are heard expeditiously in order to resolve these disputes very promptly. As a result of the expeditious court proceedings, taxpayers', as well as the private property owners', legal costs will be reduced. These prompt court proceedings will give even the poorest of our citizens the ability to defend their land. Finally, H.R. 2372 will level the playing field between private property owners and the government. Landowners who wish to protect their legal and civil rights will now be able to afford court proceedings, and the government will no longer be able to pressure landholders into taking their land. I want to stress this, that right now the bureaucrats take their time, slow it down, use undue pressure, and finally get the land away from the private property owners. Let us ensure that the smallest and the poorest landowners can have the same rights as the biggest corporations and the environmental groups. I urge support of H.R. 2372 and oppose any amendments to this legislation, because this is the Constitution. The basis of our society is private land, not government land. When we have private land, we have something to do with our government. When it is owned by the government, we have nothing to do with the government. I urge Members to pass this legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for the conference report on AIR-21. This conference agreement is a product of hard fought negotiations by the conferees and it deserves our support. The needs of our aviation system are great and last summer's delays were an obvious reminder of how bad things will get as the number of people traveling by air increases. AIR-21 addresses these needs by authorizing record levels of funding and by returning the aviation tax dollars to the aviation system. Through these investments air travel will be safer, competition between airlines will be improved and the level of confidence in the management of the FAA will be raised. As a conferee, I supported the provisions which allow exemptions to the current perimeter rule at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. However, I want to make it clear that these limited exemptions must benefit citizens throughout the West. It should be clear that this very limited number of exemptions must not be awarded solely or disproportionately to one carrier or one airport. I expect that the DOT will ensure that the maximum number of cities benefit from these 12 slots. Closer to home in Alaska, AIR-21 will provide great benefits. With over eleven hundred airports, seaplane bases and aircraft landing areas, Alaska has the largest number of general aviation airports in the U.S. Because Alaska does not have a comprehensive road system, Alaskans must use air travel for tasks we take for granted, such as grocery shopping and medical care. The passage of AIR-21 will make flying in Alaska safer. For the first time general aviation airports will have a dedicated funding source that complements the airport improvement program to improve runways, install much needed lighting and enhance communications. I appreciate the opportunity to speak today and commend Chairman Shuster for his leadership and dedication to improving air travel. AIR- 21 is a good bill and one that I encourage all members to support.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, first, let me say that I have jurisdiction over the Marianas. We have reviewed this. We requested a GAO report and most of the accusations made, in fact all of the accusations made, by the Interior Department have been proven false. In fact, the Marianas improved the well-being of their people. I have been there. It has worked well, and we have made an independent nation out of the Marianas. To have this motion to recommit and enforce this I say undue burden upon the Marianas would be wrong to those people there. This Congress said they shall be independent. This would take their independence away from them. I rise in strong opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate and honor a young Alaska student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in his community. Chavis Newman-Keane of Anchorage, Alaska has just been named one of my state's top honorees in The 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Mr. Chavis Newman-Keane is being recognized for his hard work and dedication in implementing an entertainment program called ``Musical Smiles'' to cheer up elderly residents of two-assisted living facilities. He has volunteered his time by conducting a piano recital every week and has recruited other musicians to join in his program. In light of numerous statistics that indicate Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it's vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contribution this young citizen has made. People of all ages need to think more about how we, as individual citizens, can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our towns and neighborhoods. Young volunteers like Mr. Newman-Keane are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought this young role model to our attention, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, was created by the Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. In only five years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, with nearly 75,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Mr. Newman-Keane should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Mr. Newman-Keane for his initiative in seeking to make his community a better place to live, and for the positive impact he has had on the lives of others. He has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. His actions show that young Americans can, and do, play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I want my colleagues to be aware of a revealing report issued last month by the General Accounting Office on the economy of the Northern Mariana Islands. The report's findings confirm the development of a healthy and diversified economy in our newest American territory in the Western Pacific that is not a drain on the U.S. taxpayer. However, these findings are contrary to past information by the Administration on which Congress has relied in considering changes in federal law [GAO's February 2000 report to Congressional Committees: ``Northern Mariana Islands: Garment and Tourist Industries Play a Dominant Role in the Commonwealth's Economy'' (GAO/RCED/GGD-00-79)]. This GAO report sheds new light on the economy of the Northern Marianas and the flaws of prior reports by the Administration. The findings reinforce the need for the federal government to affirmatively support, and not hinder or undermine, efforts of the public and private sectors of the Northern Marianas to improve and maintain economic self- sufficiency, and at the same time, enforce federal labor, safety, and equal employment opportunity laws. Since I became Chairman of the Committee on Resources in January 1995, we have conducted extensive oversight investigations and hearings on worker conditions, the violation and enforcement of federal laws, and the Administration's agenda for the islands. I will continue to press for maximum public awareness of the real conditions in the Marianas public and private sectors and efforts of the federal and local governments. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has been constituted under federal law as a local constitutional government for the primary benefit of the people of the Marianas as well as the United States as an example of democratic self-governance. There is, therefore, a careful balance that must be maintained between the respect of the wishes of the local government and enforcement of the civil and human rights that Americans hold as sacrosanct. Those decisions should be based on sound information, not subjective political agendas of the government or some private entity. For that reason, one of the most difficult aspects of Congressional oversight over these very important and often sensitive civil and human rights- related matters, has been the lack of credible information by the very executive branch agencies tasked with the responsibility for enforcement of federal laws. Throughout those oversight efforts, the Administration has given the Committee voluminous testimony and information about the Marianas. Fortunately, the GAO has now completed this independent report as mandated by the 1999 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The two main industries in the Northern Marianas are the tourist and garment industries. The Department of Interior has questioned the benefits of the Islands' garment industry. Interior has issued several studies concluding that the local garment industry--and foreign labor-- has an adverse fiscal impact on the Northern Marianas, findings hotly contested by the Northern Marianas' government and business sectors. Both sides have testified before my Committee to present their points of view, but for the first time an independent and unbiased government agency has looked into the Northern Marianas economy. The GAO looked specifically at the economic impact of the two dominant industries-- garment and tourist; tax contributions by the local garment industry; and local government revenues as compared to other territories. GAO found ``the garment and tourist industries are the driving forces of the CNMI economy.'' The two sectors account for a about 85 percent of the Commonwealth's total economic activity and represent--directly and indirectly--four out of every five jobs in the Northern Marianas. Critically important to the debate is the GAO's finding that ``the local resident population * * * has benefited, economically, in the form of higher incomes and better employment opportunities, from the growth in the garment and tourist industries, and from the presence of foreign workers.'' GAO concluded that without the garment and tourist industries ``the CNMI economy could not have grown to its current size and complexity.'' Significant number of foreign workers are brought into the Northern Marianas to supplement the existing workforce. The Department of Interior and several Members have criticized the use of these foreign workers, stating that the foreign workers have taken employment opportunities from local residents. Yet GAO concluded that there was no support for Interior's claim. GAO determined that the ``garment and tourist industries are dependent on foreign workers for much of their workforce because the labor pool of local residents, even including those currently unemployed, is insufficient to support an economy the size and scope that exists in the CNMI.'' Changes in the Northern Marianas ability to use foreign labor to supplement its current labor pool or legislation that would adversely impact either of these industries could have severe impacts on the Northern Marianas' economy, ``causing job losses among local residents and revenue losses to the CNMI government,'' the report stated. Several legislative proposals exist that would do just that, and I am opposed to them. The GAO also criticizes a 1999 Interior Department study that found that the garment industry had a net negative impact. ``[T]he Interior study is methodologically flawed because it understates the contributions made by the garment and tourist industries to the CNMI economy and overstates the impact of these industries and their workers on the need for government services and infrastructure.'' The GAO determined, however, that the Northern Marianas is more self-sufficient fiscally than other territories. It also found that the Northern Marianas generates more of its government revenues locally--about 87 percent--than all other U.S. territories and all levels of government in the U.S., a remarkable fact. Finally, the study showed that the garment industry contributes significantly to the local economy, directly contributing about $52 million, or 22 percent, of the government's $234 million budget in 1998. It determined that the Northern Marianas garment industry proportionally pays more in taxes and fees that the U.S. garment industry. That is, the garment industry in the Northern Marianas taxes and fees represented about 5 percent of their gross receipts between 1993 and 1998, whereas the U.S. garment industry overall paid only 3.3 percent of their gross receipts in taxes and fees. During a hearing last September, my Committee heard reasoned warnings from business and government leaders about the potential impact of certain legislative initiatives to eliminate local control of immigration, to remove duty-free access, or to increase the minimum wage on the ``vulnerable'' economy of he Northern Marianas. GAO's study underscores those warnings and this body should consider carefully the potential adverse impact of any legislation on the frail economy of the Northern Marianas--or the economies of any of our territories. I will continue to insist on full compliance with federal laws, advocate heightened federal-territorial mutual cooperation in multiple areas, and support local and private sector initiatives to manage the economy and advance self-sufficiency. I strongly encourage my colleagues to review the GAO report, ``Northern Mariana Islands: Garment and Tourist Industries Play a Dominant Role in the Commonwealth's Economy'' (GAO/RCED/GGD-00-79) which is available to the public through the Government Printing Office and also the world wide web: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/r200079.pdf.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate and honor a young Alaska student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Rebecca Dickison of Anchorage, Alaska has just been named one of my state's top honorees in The 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Ms. Dickison is being recognized for her hard work and dedication in collecting new and used books and organizing a reading corner for children at the Intermission Crisis Nursery. She has volunteered her time to bring happiness and joy to those in need. In light of numerous statistics that indicate Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it's vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contribution this young citizen has made. People of all ages need to think more about how we, as individual citizens, can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our towns and neighborhoods. Young volunteers like Ms. Dickison are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought this young role model to our attention, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, was created by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. In only five years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, with nearly 75,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Ms. Dickison should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Ms. Dickison for her initiative in seeking to make her community a better place to live, and for the positive impact she has had on the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. Her actions show that young Americans can, and do, play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate and honor a young Alaska student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in his community. Jason Redmond of Soldotna, Alaska has just been named one of my state's top honorees in The 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Mr. Redmond is being recognized for his hard work and dedication in organizing a free public bicycle system for residents of his town who do not drive or own their own bicycles. He has volunteered his time by getting out into his community and making a difference in people's lives. In light of numerous statistics that indicate Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it's vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contribution this young citizen has made. People of all ages need to think more about how we, as individual citizens, can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our towns and neighborhoods. Young volunteers like Mr. Redmond are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought this young role model to our attention, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, was created by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. In only five years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, with nearly 75,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Mr. Redmond should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Mr. Redmond for his initiative in seeking to make his community a better place to live, and for the positive impact he has had on the lives of others. He has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. His actions show that young Americans can, and do, play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate and honor a young Alaska student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Tanya Ewing of Juneau, Alaska has just been named one of my state's top honorees in The 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Ms. Tanya Ewing is being recognized for her hard work and dedication in implementing Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) program. She has volunteered over four years of her time in educating young people on the dangers of smoking and helping to reduce the rate of teen smoking in Alaska. In light of numerous statistics that indicate Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it's vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contribution this young citizen has made. People of all ages need to think more about how we, as individual citizens, can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our towns and neighborhoods. Young volunteers like Ms. Ewing are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought this young role model to our attention, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, was created by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. In only five years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, with nearly 75,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Ms. Ewing should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Ms. Ewing for her initiative in seeking to make her community a better place to live, and for the positive impact she has had on the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. Her actions show that young Americans can, and do, play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the benefit of the Members a copy of the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 2484, a bill to provide that land which is owned by the Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota but which is not held in trust by the United States for the Community may be leased or transferred by the Community without further approval by the United States. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on February 29, 2000 by voice vote. Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Congress, Washington, DC, February 29, 2000. Hon. Don Young, Chairman, Committee on Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 2484, a bill to provide that land which is owned by the Lower Sioux Indian Community in the state of Minnesota but which is not held in trust by the United States for the community may be leased or transferred by the community without further approval by the United States. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contacts are Lanette Keith (for federal costs), who can be reached at 226-2860, and Marjorie Miller (for the impact on state, local, and tribal governments), who can be reached at 225-3220. Sincerely, Barry B. Anderson, (For Dan L. Crippen, Director). Enclosure.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the benefit of the Members a copy of the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 1749, a bill to designate Wilson Creek in Avery and Caldwell Counties, North Carolina, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, February 29, 2000. Hon. Don Young, Chairman, Committee on Resources, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1749, a bill to designate Wilson Creek in Avery and Caldwell counties, North Carolina, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Deborah Reis. Sincerely, Dan L. Crippen, Director. Enclosure. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate--H.R. 1749 H.R. 1749 would designate a 23-mile segment of Wilson Creek in North Carolina as a component of the Wild and Scenic River System, to be administered by the U.S. Forest Service. Based on information provided by the Forest Service, administering the Wilson Creek segment would have no significant impact on federal spending. The river segment would remain undeveloped. Because H.R. 1749 would not affect direct spending or receipts, pay-as-you-go procedures would not apply. The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. The CBO staff contact is Deborah Reis, who can be reached at 226-2860. This estimate was approved by Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, today, I filed the bill report for H.R. 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999. This bill represented an agreement fashioned after five days of Resource Committee hearings and months of Member negotiations. On November 10, 1999, the Resources Committee ordered this historic measure out of Committee by a bipartisan vote of 37-12. This legislation is the most comprehensive conservation and recreation legislation the Congress has considered in decades and provides permanent funding for valuable conservation and recreational opportunities that will benefit the lives of all Americans. Title I provides $1 billion each year to create a revenue sharing and coastal conservation fund for coastal states and eligible local governments to mitigate the various impacts of OCS activities and provide funds for the conservation of coastal ecosystems. Several provisions ensure that the valuable funding provided by this title does not prove to be an incentive for additional oil and gas drilling, especially in areas subject to pre-leasing, leasing, or development moratorium. The intent of this legislation is to provide for conservation and recreational opportunities, and the authors and supporters deliver on that pledge. Title II provides $900 million to guarantee stable and annual funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at its authorized level. This dedicated funding would provide for both the state and federal programs included in the LWCF, while protecting the rights of private property owners. Even with the protections won during our negotiations, some feel this bill does not adequately address property rights. While not eliminating land acquisition nor the Land and Water Conservation Fund, H.R. 701 creates a Federal land acquisition process and provides safeguards to private land owners that dramatically improve the status quo. Title III provides $350 million for wildlife conservation and education. This title, crafted by Congressman Dingell and myself, uses the successful mechanism within the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (commonly known as Pittman-Robertson). The new source of funding will nearly double the historic contribution made by sportsmen through Federal funds available by Pittman-Robertson and the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Act (commonly known as Dingell-Johnson). Since 1937, these programs have contributed more than $5 billion, matched by the states, to benefit wildlife and fish. Title IV provides $125 million to be used for matching grants for local governments to rehabilitate recreation areas and facilities, and provide for the development of improved recreation programs, sites and facilities. Title V provides $100 million for the programs within the Historic Preservation Act, including grants to the States, maintaining the National Register of Historic Places, and administering numerous historic preservation programs, including support for Congressionally authorized Heritage areas and corridors. Title VI provides $200 million for a coordinated program on Federal and Indian lands to restore degraded lands, protect resources that are threatened with degradation, and protect public health and safety. Title VII provides $150 million for annual and dedicated funding for conservation easements and funding for landowner incentives to aid in the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Since oil and gas royalty payments are not deposited into the federal Treasury as an end-of-year lump sum, revenue held within the ``CARA Fund'' accrues interest. Up to $200 million of this annual interest will match, dollar for dollar, the amount appropriated during the annual Congressional Appropriations process for the Payment In-Lieu of Taxes and Refuge Revenue Sharing programs. This provision is intended to fully fund these two programs. Because of the breath of this measure, H.R. 701 enjoys the support of 294 Members of Congress. These supporters range from the most southern areas of Florida to my most Northern home of Alaska. Countless governors, county commissioners, and mayors have rallied around this initiative. I hope that the Congressional Leadership joins with us to pass this historic bill into Law this year.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000, which I have introduced with several of my Colleagues, amends the Pittman-Robertson Act and the Dingell Johnson Act regarding the use of funds to administer those Acts. This bill will maintain the integrity of the two Acts by ensuring that funds used for ``true administration'' will be used responsibly and that funds not used for ``true administration'' will pass to the States for restoration projects that benefit fish and wildlife as required under the law. it will ensure that the millions of excise tax dollars from guns, ammo, archery equipment, and fishing equipment paid by sportsmen and sportswomen will go to the States for wildlife and sport fish restoration projects. During three Congressional oversight hearings in 1999, the House Committee on Resources uncovered numerous spending improprieties involving wildlife and sport fish administrative funds by the Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Federal Aid. As much as one-half of the ``administration'' money may have been improperly used. This was the first time since Pittman-Robertson was passed in 1937, and since Dingell-Johnson was passed in 1950, that the administration of these Acts has been examined by Congress. Officials testifying from the non- partisan General Accounting Office were critical of the management of administrative funds by the Division of Federal Aid, stating that ``the combined experience of the audit team that did this work represents about 160 years worth of audit experience. To our knowledge, this is, if not the worst, one of the worst managed programs we have encountered.'' The trust has been broken between the sportsmen and sportswomen who fund the Acts through excise taxes and the Fish and Wildlife Service who were responsible for administering the Acts. At each of these hearings we learned that administrative funds were used for expenses unrelated to the administration of the Acts. We learned that administrative funds that were used for administration of the Acts were not used responsibly. We learned that if the administration of these Acts is not properly implemented, the State wildlife and sport fish restoration suffers. Some internal changes have already been made by the Fish and Wildlife Service in the Division of Federal Aid to address the abuses of administrative funds and we are encouraged that steps are being taken toward fixing the problems. But these are only steps, they are not permanent. Legislation is needed to clearly explain how administrative funds can and cannot be spent. In addition to taking initiative to make changes in the Division of Federal Aid, I am pleased that the Administration has been involved in working with us on this bill. The millions of dollars sportsmen and sportswomen have paid in excise taxes have to be protected. This bill offers them that much needed protection. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this measure and I intend on taking deliberate action to move this bill in my committee in March.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Representative Bono for her follow through on the KATY issue. It was three or four years ago when her late husband, our colleague Sonny Bono, began to tackle the problem of keeping a small radio antenna on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest for an important local radio broadcaster. With the introduction of this bill, Mrs. Bono begins the last chapter to settle an important issue for her constituents. The station is KATY-FM, and it is the only radio link for emergency broadcasting that covers a large sector of the San Bernardino valley. An elderly couple, the Gills, owned the station. Mr. Gill passed away recently, so it is an important tribute to him that this bill is being introduced today. We will get right to work on it in my committee, the Committee on Resources, this year. I offer thanks to the Forest Service for working hard to settle this issue, and for protecting the public by ensuring that fair market value will be paid for the small parcel by KATY-FM. While we hoped to help the Forest Service move two unrelated administrative provisions in this bill, it could not be done before introduction. However, I will make every effort to accommodate the needs of the Service on the two unrelated matters, working with the other committee with joint jurisdiction over those provisions, as the bill moves through the Committee and the House. I appreciate the Service's good faith work on these matters, and we will work in the same manner. Congratulations again, Mrs. Bono. Your follow through is commendable.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in regards to yesterday's crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261. In all, an estimated 88 people lost their lives off the southern coast of California at 4:36 p.m. Unfortunately, it is too early to know the cause of this devastating crash. Our prayers go out to all the family and friends of those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Among Alaska Airlines Flight 261 were an estimated five Alaskans. Included were Malcolm Branson and his fiance, Janice Stokes, both of Ketchikan. Also onboard the airplane was Morris Thompson, age 61, his wife Thelma and daughter Sheryl. The Thompson's were returning to Alaska after a family vacation in Mexico. Morris Thompson, Thelma, Lu and I have been friends for more than 40 years. Thelma, an experienced dog musher and Morris were married a year after Lu and I were married. Morris and I followed each other on similar paths to public office. Oftentimes we spent time together in Juneau, Alaska, when I served in the State Legislature and later in Washington, DC where I served as Congressman and Morris served as commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. After his public service, Morris became president and chief executive officer of Doyon, Ltd., a Native Corporation formed in 1971 as part of the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act. At Doyon, Morris turned an operating loss of $28 million into $70.9 million in revenues and the largest private landowning corporation in America. Morris Thompson retired in January and was considered a great Native leader, businessman, and friend. I had a conversation with Morris just last month and he was describing to me the cabin he planned to build on the Yukon River and his optimism for the future. Morris Thompson, his wife Thelma and daughter Sheryl spent a great deal of time with me and my family. In fact, we rang in the New Millennium with Sheryl. Sheryl Thompson grew up with our daughters and became so close to our family that we considered her part of the family. Morris is survived by two young daughters named Nicole and Allison and two grandsons Christopher and Warren. I will always have fond memories of the Thompson family. Such as Morris and I duck hunting on the Yukon River, Thelma mushing her dog's, and Sheryl managing the extreme skiing association in Valdez. God Bless the memories we have. Morris was a good father, leader and friend, as well as being one of the great leaders among the Native community. Lu, and I are in shock over this tragic loss. Our prayers go out to the Alaska Airlines employees and their families, and the families and relatives of the 88 passengers that were lost.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide additional explanatory information regarding the provisions in H.R. 3090. At the time of passage of H.R. 3090 by the Committee on Resources, the Committee Members on both sides of the aisle agreed that there were likely to be additional changes to this bill prior to its being taken to the floor of the House. Such changes were ones that the Committee anticipated would be developed between the Department of Interior and Elim as well as with the concurrence of the majority and the minority of the Committee. Those changes were worked out. A number of improvements were made to the bill in addition to some reorganization of the sections to assist in providing clarity to the bill. What follows is a brief explanation and a section-by-section analysis of the bill as it is brought before the House. As I had indicated in my earlier remarks, this legislation is long overdue. It is a matter of equity and fairness that, in furtherance of the underlying goals of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), replacement lands should be conveyed to the Elim Native Corporation under Section 19 of ANCSA. The Committee's intent is that such conveyances authorized in this legislation be treated as other conveyances to Elim were treated in the past with respect to other applicable sections of ANCSA, except that the conveyances under the bill will additionally have certain covenants, reservations, terms, and conditions that are applicable. It is recognized that the watersheds that are likely to be selected under this provision (Clear Creek, Tubutulik River, and the Qwik River) are ones which provide a vital source of food in the form of fish as well as sustenance for wildlife and plants on which the people of Elim are, in part, dependent. The Committee considered utilizing the lands on the eastern edge of the original Norton Bay Reservation as replacement lands to Elim for the 50,000 acres which were deleted in 1929. However, because--(1) there have been a number of acres of those lands (in particular along the coastline) which had been conveyed to the Village of Koyuk or which were subject to allotments; (2) of the sensitivity of that area to Koyuk; (3) with the knowledge today that, the rivers to the north of the original Norton Bay Reservation are of substantial significance to the long-term viability of the Elim Native Corporation in to the future, the Committee concluded that the area to the north of the current of boundary of Elim land holdings was a more appropriate place from which Elim should select replacement lands than the original area deleted in 1929. In addition, provisions were negotiated with Elim which represent a good faith effort by all sides to remedy the injustice to Elim from many years past as well as to protect the resources of this area with several unique natural features. As a result of those negotiations, Elim will have full access to the use of the timber on the lands to be conveyed for building of homes, cabins, lodges, firewood, and other domestic uses on Elim lands, but agreed not to cut or remove Merchantable Timber for sale. This will permit Elim to make beneficial, developmental, and economic use of lands while conserving most of the forested lands for their wildlife habitat benefits. As a part of the balancing of interests, the Committee agreed to language that would provide a 300 foot buffer area around Clear Creek and the Tubutulik River should they be selected by and conveyed to Elim. In that area, there would be no support structures or development or activities permitted unless they would not or are not likely to cause erosion or siltation that would significantly adversely impact the water quality or fish habitat of these two water courses. The Committee believes that the bill as reported along with the amendments as brought before the House represents a reasonable and responsible approach to dealing with and resolving this issue. It will remedy an injustice to Elim of many years and do so in a way that is appropriate given the circumstances as they are in 1999. Provisions of the legislature are further explained in the section- by-section analysis that follows: Section-by-Section Analysis Section 1. Elim Native Corporation Land Restoration. This section amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by amending Section 19 by adding a new subsection (c). Subsection (c)(1) sets out findings regarding the background and need for the legislation. Subsection (c)(2) describes the lands to be withdrawn (``Withdrawal Area'') by reference to a map dated October 19, 1999, and withdraws the lands from all forms of appropriation or disposition under the public land laws for a two-year period. Subsection (c)(3) authorizes Elim to select and ultimately receive title to 50,000 acres of lands from the lands inside the Withdrawal Area. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to convey to Elim the fee to the surface and subsurface estate in 50,000 acres of valid selections, subject to the convenants, reservations, terms and conditions in subsection (c). Subsection (c)(3)(A) provides two years after the date of enactment for Elim to make its selections. To ensure that it receives the 50,000 acres, under this subparagraph Elim may select up to 60,000 acres and must prioritize its selections at the time it makes the selections. Elim may not revoke or change its priorities. Elim must select a single tract of land adjacent to U.S. Survey No. 2548, Alaska, that is reasonably compact, contiguous, and in whole sections except for two situations. The withdrawn lands remain withdrawn until the Department has conveyed all the lands that Elim Native Corporation is entitled to under subsection (c). Subsection (c)(3)(B) provides that, in addition to being subject to valid existing rights, Elim's selections may not supercede prior selections by the State of Alaska or other Native corporations, or valid entries by private individuals unless the State, Native Corporation, or individual relinquishes the selection entry prior to conveyance to Elim. Subsection (c)(3)(C) provides that, on receipt of the Conveyance Lands, Elim will have all the legal rights and benefits as landowner of land conveyed under this Act subject to the covenants, reservations, terms and conditions in subsection (c). All other provisions of this Act that were applicable to conveyances under subsection (b) are applicable to conveyances under subsection (c). Subsection (c)(3)(D) makes clear that selection by and conveyance to Elim Native Corporation of these lands is in full satisfaction of any claim by Elim Native Corporation of entitlement to lands under section 19 of this Act. Subsection (c)(4) provides that the covenants, terms and conditions in this paragraph and in paragraphs (5) and (6) will run with the land and be incorporated into any interim conveyance or patent conveying the lands to Elim. Subsection (c)(4)(A) provides that Elim has all the rights of landowner to, and to utilize, the timber resources of the Conveyance Lands including construction of homes, cabins, for firewood and other domestic uses on any Elim lands, except for cutting and removing Merchantable Timber for sale and constructing roads and related infrastructure for the support of such cutting and removing timber for sale. Subsection (c)(4)(B) modifies P.L.O. 5563 to permit selection by Elim of lands encompassing prior withdrawals of hot or medicinal springs subject to the applicable covenants, reservations, terms and conditions in paragraphs (5) and (6). Subsection (c)(4)(C) provides that if Elim receives conveyance to lands encompassing the Tubutulik River of Clear Creek, or both, Elim will not allow activities in the bed or within 300 feet of these water courses which would cause or would likely cause erosion or siltation so as to significantly adversely impact water quality or fish habitat. Subsection (c)(5)(A) sets forth the first of a series of rights to be retained by the United States in the conveyances in paragraph (3). Subparagraph (A) is a retained right to enter the conveyance lands for purposes outlined after providing notice to Elim and an opportunity to have a representative present. Subsection (c)(5)(B) provides for retaining rights and remedies against persons who cut or remove Merchantable Timber. Subsection (c)(5)(C) provides for the retention of the right to reforest if Merchantable Timber is destroyed by fire, insects, disease or other man-made or natural occurrence, except for such occurrences that occur from Elim's exercise of its rights to use the conveyance lands as landowner. Subsection (c)(5)(D) provides for the retention of the right of ingress and egress to the public under section 17(b) of ANCSA to allow the public to visit, for non-commercial purposes, the hot springs located on the conveyance lands and to use any part of the hot springs that is not commercially developed. Subsection (c)(5)(E) provides for retaining the right to the United States to enter the conveyance lands containing hot springs in order to conduct scientific research. It also ensures that such research can be conducted and that the results of such research can be used without any compensation to Elim. This subparagraph also provides an equal right to Elim to conduct such research on the hot springs and to use the results of the research without compensation to the United States. Subsection (c)(5)(F) provides for the retention of a covenant that restricts commercial development of the hot springs by Elim to a maximum of 15% of the hot springs and 15% of the land within \1/4\ mile of the hot springs. This subparagraph also provides that any commercial development of those hot springs will not alter the natural hydrologic or thermal system associated with the hot springs. The provision makes clear that at least 85% of the lands within \1/4\ mile of the hot springs should be left in their natural state. Subsection (c)(5)(G) provides that retaining the right to exercise prosecutorial discretion in the enforcement of any covenant, reservation, term or condition does not waive the right to enforce such covenant, reservation, term or condition. Subsection (c)(6)(A) provides for the Secretary and Elim, acting in good faith, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement Subsection (c). The subparagraph requires that the MOU include reasonable measures to protect plants and animals in the hot springs and within \1/4\ mile of the hot springs. This subparagraph requires that the parties agree to meet periodically to review the MOU and to amend/replace are extended. Subsection (c)(6)(B) provides for Elim to incorporate the covenants, reservations, terms and conditions set forth in subsection (c) in any deed or other instrument by which Elim divests itself of any interest in all or portion of the Conveyance Lands. Subsection (c)(6)(C) requires that the BLM, in consultation with Elim, will reserve easements under subsection 17(b) of this Act. Subsection (c)(6)(D) provides for the retention of other easements by the BLM, in consultation with Elim, including the right of the public to enter upon and travel along the Tubutulik River and Clear Creek within the Conveyance Lands. This subparagraph provides that the easements shall include trails confined to foot travel along each bank of the Tubutulik River and Clear Creek. This subparagraph requires also that trails be twenty-five feet wide and upland of the ordinary high water mark. It also provides for including one- acre sites along the two water courses referenced, that the sites be selected in consultation with Elim and that they be utilized for launching and taking out water craft as well as for short term (twenty-four hours) camping, unless Elim consents to a longer period. Subsection (c)(6)(E) provides that the inholders within the boundaries of the Conveyance Lands have rights of ingress and egress. It provides also that the inholder may not exercise these rights in a manner that might result in substantial damage to the surface of the lands and may not make any permanent improvements to the conveyance lands without the consent of Elim. Subsection (c)(6)(F) provides that the Bureau of Land Management may reserve an easement for the Iditarod National Historic Trail in the land conveyance to Elim. Subsection (c)(7) authorizes appropriations as may be necessary to implement subsection (c). Section two. Common Stock to Adopted-Out Descendants. Section 7(h) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act sets forth the general rules pertaining to the issuance and transfer of common stock in an Alaska Native Corporation, which stock is referred to as Settlement Common Stock. Generally, the holder of Settlement Common Stock is not permitted to sell, pledge or otherwise alienate this stock. However, Section 7(h)(1)(C) of ANCSA provides certain exceptions to the general prohibition on the alienation of Settlement Common Stock. Under Section 7(h)(1)(C)(iii), the holder of Settlement Common Stock may transfer some or all of the Settlement Common Stock to a close family member by inter vivos gift. Gifts of Settlement Common Stock are permitted to, among others, a child, grandchild or great-grandchild. Alaska state law has been interpreted to sever, for all purposes, the relationship between a family and a child who has been adopted out, or for whom parental rights have been relinquished or terminated. Thus, under existing law, a holder of Settlement Common Stock may not inter vivos gift transfer Settlement Common Stock to a child who has been adopted by another family. The proposed amendment in Section 2 will permit the biological family of an Alaska Native child to make an inter vivos gift to that child of Settlement Common Stock, regardless of the child's adoption into a non- Native family, or the relinquishment or termination of parental rights. The enactment of the provisions of Section 2 will resolve the problem currently faced by some Alaska Native children who are unable to receive shares in an Alaska Native Corporation because the relationship with their biological family has been legally severed under Alaska State law. Section three. Definition of Settlement Trust. Congress enacted the settlement trust option in ANCSA to allow Alaska Native Corporations to establish trusts to hold assets for the benefit of Alaska Native Shareholders. As the law currently stands, these trusts may only benefit holders of Settlement Common Stock. The amendments contained in Section three will permit Native Corporation shareholders, by the vote of a majority of shares, to extend this benefit of ANCSA to all of the Native people in their community, including the children and grandchildren of the original stockholders, regardless of whether they yet own stock in the Native Corporation. This amendment redefines ``settlement trust'' to permit Native Corporations to establish settlement trusts in which potential beneficiaries include shareholders, Natives and descendants of Natives. Because ANCSA was enacted to benefit all Natives, this amendment is in keeping with the original intent of that legislation. At the same time, the interests of Alaska Native Corporation shareholders are protected because this option is available only to those Corporations whose shareholders vote, by a majority of all outstanding voting shares, to benefit non-shareholders

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have until publication of the last edition of the Congressional Record authorized for the first session by the Joint Committee on Printing to revise and extend their remarks and to include brief, related extraneous material on any matter occurring before the adjournment of the first session sine die.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, last month the House passed H.R. 795, the Rocky Boy's Water Rights Settlement Act. Today we have before us S. 438, a companion bill to H.R. 795. The only difference between these bills is a small change regarding the treatment of tribal water rights off reservation. This change has been agreed upon by all parties involved in the legislation. The Rocky Boy's Water Rights Settlement Act process has been important for a number of reasons. I congratulate the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Hill). In the State of Montana, the tribe has spent a good deal of time working on the issues in a constructive fashion, taking steps to minimize the impact on other affected water users. Furthermore, there has been minimal emphasis on some of the outmoded basis that calculate in Federal reserve Indian water right claims. This process has allowed the parties to look to newer, more flexible negotiations that find the solutions which provide tribes with real opportunities without making demands that may destroy the economic livelihood of existing water users. In addition, this process has brought new solutions, introduced private sector expertise into the tribe's efforts to utilize the water supplies once the settlement is authorized. By approaching these water rights settlements in more creative ways, Congress and the Federal Government can narrow the divergent expectations of the parties as they enter negotiations and attempt to correct problems that have existed for decades. It is important for Congress to modernize the process and basis for settling these claims. It is taking far too long to arrive at a settlement. Often tribes receive water and money under circumstances that do not ultimately help them realize the benefits of a broader economy. It is the intention of this settlement to help the tribe reach this goal of self-determination, and I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate bill (S. 438) to provide for the settlement of the water rights claims of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that until the day the House convenes for the second session of the 106th Congress, and notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, the Speaker, the majority leader, and the minority leader be authorized to accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or by the House.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3090.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3090) to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to restore certain lands to the Elim Native Corporation, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3090 is a bill that I introduced in consultation with the Alaska Federation of Natives and ongoing negotiations and redrafts with the Department of the Interior and the Elim Native Corporation. Considerable time has been spent to resolve the Elim land provision, and I want to especially thank Cindy Alona, Marilyn Heiman, Paul Kirton, Kim Harb, and Chip Markell of the Department of the Interior, Roy Jones and Jeff Petrich, minority chief counsel and committee staff, for their commitment to resolve this important land issue for the Elim Native Corporation. H.R. 3090 will authorize the Elim Native Corporation, a village corporation established under section 19(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, to select and have conveyed to it 50,000 acres of Federal land in an area north of the former Norton Bay Reservation. This acreage will replace 50,000 acres deleted from the reservation in 1929 by executive order from the reservation established for the benefit and use of the people whose descendents are today the shareholders of the Native Village Corporation. This bill would also amend ANCSA to permit shareholder common stock to be transferred to adopted-out native children and descendents. The last provision of the bill would amend the definition of ``settlement trust'' under ANCSA to permit Native Corporations to establish settlement trusts in which potential beneficiaries include shareholders, Natives and the descendants of Natives. Because ANCSA was enacted to benefit all Natives, this amendment is in keeping with that original intent of that legislation. At the same time, the interests of the Alaska Native Corporation shareholders are protected because this option is available only to those corporations whose shareholders vote, by a majority of all outstanding voting shares, to benefit nonshareholders. Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to voice the support of the State of Alaska for this bill. The State of Alaska could not submit anything in writing; however, have verbally supported this important bill for the people of Alaska. The Coastal Coalition, a conservation group in Alaska, and Donald C. Mitchell, a noted ANCSA attorney, have both submitted letters in support of the bill. As my colleagues can see, we have a wide range of support for passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that the Committee on Resources bids farewell to Marcia Stewart, Legislative Assistant to the Chief Counsel of the Committee. Marcia has been not only the right hand of the Chief Council's office, but often the heart, head and both feet. Marcia Stewart is one of those staffers often seen but seldom heard. Her job was not a glamorous one, but one which was integral to the efficient and effective operation of the Committee on Resources. With her help, the Resources Committee has been one of the most productive in the House and she had a hand in every bill we moved (and we have moved hundreds so far). Her presence in markups, in hearings and on the Floor ensured that all would go well. In fact, her very first time staffing a bill on the Floor, the vote was unanimous, probably because no one could bear to disappoint her. Marcia came to the Committee from the former Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, where she served as a staff assistant. Even then, her extraordinary skills were apparent, and she was a clear choice for the demanding duties of the Chief Counsel's office when I became Chairman of the Resources Committee in the 104th Congress. Her expertise and organizational skills have kept our legislative and oversight trains running on time. That is why I am not surprised that Marcia Stewart is known as the ``Martha Stewart of legislation.'' Not bad for a woman who was a toddler when I began my career in Congress. Marcia and her two-year-old daughter, Abigail, will be joining Marcia's husband Tim Stewart in Salt Lake City, where they will be giving up the white columns of the Capitol for the wide open spaces of the West. All I can say is Congressman Jim Hansen district's gain is our loss. We will miss you, Marcia Stewart, and wish you and your family a wonderful life in Utah. I thank you for your service to me, to the Committee on Resources, to the Congress and to America.