Washington honors late Rep. Don Young, Alaska's fiery and tireless defender
Congressional leaders on Tuesday hailed the late Republican Rep. Don Young, the only congressman Alaska has known for nearly the last half-century, as a gruff but pragmatic lawmaker who got things done for his constituents.
Young was first elected to the House in 1973. That year, he helped secure the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which transports crude oil from the North Slope of Alaska to the state’s southern coast and provides a critical source of revenue for the state’s government and its residents. He also played a leading role in protecting Alaska’s fisheries from unregulated foreign fleets, dramatically extending U.S. jurisdiction to 200 nautical miles.
Attendance at Tuesday’s ceremony was limited to provide for social distancing. But colleagues and congressional aides lined up in the hours afterward to pay their respects one-by-one, pausing briefly to face the flag-draped coffin and reflect. President Biden did so as well in the early afternoon. He gently placed his hands on the casket for a moment before executing a crisp salute.
Young had some close races, but many were landslides. He won his latest reelection bid with 54.4% of the vote and was intent on winning reelection this November to a 26th term. He also worked to steer as many federal dollars as he could to the state. On that front, he was one of the few Republicans in the House to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure plan last year that called for $550 billion in new spending on roads, bridges, airports and rail over five years.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Democrats, Republicans will honor Rep. Don Young during Lying in State ceremonyFriends, family, and former colleagues will say goodbye to the late “Dean of the House”, with tributes beginning on Capitol Hill with a Lying in State ceremony this week.
Read more »
Democrats, Republicans will honor Rep. Don Young during Lying in State ceremonyAlaska’s longtime Representative Don Young is being honored this week in Washington after passing away at the age of 88.
Read more »
Rep. Don Young lying in state at US CapitolLive: Arrival ceremony and congressional tribute in Statuary Hall of the US Capitol for late Rep. Don Young
Read more »
Colleagues pay respects to late Rep. Don Young at US CapitolCongressional leaders on Tuesday honored the late Republican Rep. Don Young, the only congressman Alaska has known for nearly the last half-century.
Read more »