ALASKANS FOR DON YOUNG, INC

2504 Fairbanks Street
Anchorage, AK 99503

For Release: March 20, 2008
Contact: Michael Anderson 907-382-9177

Kodiak, Alaska - Alaskan Congressman Don Young took part in the annual ComFish 2008 fisheries debate this evening at the Kodiak High School auditorium on Kodiak Island. Rep. Young, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources where the majority of fisheries laws originate in the U.S. Congress, fell easily into place as he demonstrated his broad knowledge of and vast experience in local and national fisheries issues.

"I was happy to be a part of this debate with the other candidates," said Rep. Young. "Fishing is a tremendous part of Alaskan culture; always has been and always will be. The commercial fishing industry is the largest private sector employer in the entire State of Alaska. I have been on the Resources Committee since my first day in Congress, and have served in a leadership position (Chairman or Ranking Member) on the Committee since 1994. Our resources in Alaska are our foundation and since day one, I have fought tooth and nail for them and for this State.

"In my tenure in Congress, I have worked to establish a loan program for new entrants into the halibut fishery; I have worked to enact legislation to protect Alaska salmon on the high seas and worked internationally to force other countries to stop using large-scale driftnets; I have worked to add National Standards to the Magnuson-Stevens Act to require Councils to protect fishing communities and safety; quite honestly the list goes on and on. My seniority has allowed me to bring delegations of Congressmen to Alaska almost every year so that they can stop drawing conclusions about Alaska without ever seeing what it is like, because I believe education is the key to making informed decisions.

"Currently I'm working on things such as cosponsoring a bill to provide health care for fishermen and their families. I'm also looking at ways to protect Arctic fisheries from becoming unsustainable and preserving U.S. rights to new fisheries off our shores. These are among many other issues before me in the Committee on Natural Resources right now.

"Fishing issues in this State are vital and never-ending, and no one is better positioned to aid the industry than I am. I respect the other candidates and what they are trying to do. I thank them for being a part of this debate tonight, and for their thoughts on these matters. But at the end of the day, do you want the rookie or the seasoned professional to represent this industry and the decisions that affect it in the U.S. Congress? I know that I am the best man for the job because I have the passion, the desire, the background, and seniority to protect this industry.

"Thank you to the people and City of Kodiak for having me tonight, to Laine Welch for organizing this event, to John for moderating, to our media panelists Jason, Casey, Margie, and Ralph, and to the other candidates."