DON YOUNG
CONGRESSMAN FOR ALL ALASKA

I was re-elected to the 111th Congress in 2008 to serve my 19th term as Alaska's only Representative to the United States House of Representatives. My tenure in office has been driven by my deep love for Alaska and the Nation, and my hope to provide all citizens the opportunity for a better life, not just today, but well into the future. I have an impassioned and sincere desire to continue serving Alaska in the United States Congress.

On March 6, 1973, against overwhelming odds, I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on a special election victory. Just hours after being sworn in, I found myself leading the historic battle in the House for the approval of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. I often say, “Next to statehood itself, the most historical passage of legislation that ever affected every Alaskan, then, now and in the future, was the passage of the pipeline legislation.”

That same year I was honored by my colleagues as ‘Freshman Congressman of the Year’. I went on to gain key appointments to the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and pushed through the critical 200 mile fishing limit. At the same time, I continued my vigorous fight against federal control of lands that Alaskans were rightfully entitled - a battle that continues almost 40 years later.

Today, I am the 2nd ranking Republican member and the 7th ranking overall member of the House of Representatives. I am a current member and former Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which is Congress' largest committee with 75 members. I am also a member of the House Resources Committee, a committee I chaired during the 104th, 105th, and 106th Congresses. Together, these committees have a direct and significant impact on all Alaskans. Teamed with Alaska's Senators, I continue to sponsor legislation and programs that will benefit Alaska and the Nation -- today and into the future.

My home is a stone's throw from Alaska's Yukon River in Fort Yukon, Alaska, a remote village of approximately 700 people located 7 miles above the Arctic Circle in Alaska's central interior region. It was in Fort Yukon that I met and married a young bookkeeper named Lu. Lu was always at my side and supported me throughout my public service career. Lu and I were married for 46 years, and were blessed with and raised two daughters, Joni and Dawn, and 14 grandchildren. Lu passed away on August 2, 2009 at the age of 67. I thank God for the many years we had together and I miss her every day.

I proudly serve as the “Congressman for All Alaska” and love my role as the only Alaskan Representative in Congress. Renewed by the challenges and goals of the 111th Congress and my committee positions, I will continue to champion legislation and funding for programs benefiting Alaska and the nation. My vision remains the same – to provide citizens with the opportunity for a better life not just for today, but also for tomorrow and the future.