The publication is reproduced in full below:
HOUSE RESOURCES REPUBLICAN FORUM
______
HON. DON YOUNG
of alaska
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Mr. YOUNG. Madam Speaker, it is a unique responsibility to be the sole Congressman for Alaska in the House of Representatives.
It's easy for legislators to forget that life is different in Alaska, and it is my highest priority to ensure that Alaskans are not overlooked here in Washington, D.C.
One of the principal lessons I have learned in my years of service are the check and balances between the three branches of government inscribed by our Founding Fathers in our Constitution.
While the President of the United States governs the Executive Branch, Congress writes our laws and that's something we too often forget here.
Article I of the Constitution states: ``All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.''
That said the President can only enforce legislation that Congress has drafted and approved.
The real power of this country lies within this Capitol building and we need to act like it.
For over 48 years I have worked tirelessly to address the crucial infrastructure and energy needs throughout Alaska.
Before being elected to public office, I saw firsthand Alaska's lack of traditional infrastructure while I was a tug and barge operator along the Yukon River.
But I could also see the potential economic development that communities and rural villages could achieve if they were given the resources to put ideas into action.
It is that driving knowledge that guides me as I work to support federal investment in Alaska's energy infrastructure.
Unfortunately, the Biden Administration is continuing Obama-era attacks against Alaska.
By reviewing federal rules that support Alaska and by placing a moratorium on energy development in ANWR, President Biden seems intent to surrender to his party's environmental extremists.
I want the President to know this: Alaskans have shown for decades that energy development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
The executive actions he has taken in his first days in office serve only to hinder our state's economy, stifle energy independence, and prevent the Alaska Native community of Kaktovik from responsibly using their lands.
Tomorrow I will be proudly introducing Alaska's own Mathew Rexford, at the House Natural Resources Republican Forum titled, ``Where are the Jobs?''
Mr. Rexford is the President of the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and a strong leader.
The Alaska community of Kaktovik has long advocated for access to their lands and the opening of ANWR.
Development in the 1002 Area of ANWR would create countless jobs, revenue streams, provide for infrastructure and improve the health and economic well-being of the indigenous people.
While the United States should continue working to reduce emissions, doing so in a way that denies the opportunity for incremental improvements and technological innovations over time is unreasonable.
Resource development in ANWR would be a major win for out nations energy independence and security for decades to come.
I'm proud to stand with my friend Mathew Rexford to ensure that Kaktovik is heard on this issue.
I hope that the administration will listen and engage with native leaders like Mathew Rexford and I look forward to our forum tomorrow.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 65
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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