Alaska Congressman Don Young voted in support of the FY 2022 Appropriations Omnibus on Wednesday night, legislation that funds the federal government until Sept. 30. The bill passed with the support of 29 Republicans who voted in favor of it. The bill now moves to the Senate stripped of the Covid-19 response funds that were holding up passage in the House.
The bill includes $13.6 billion in emergency funding to support Ukraine in the country’s defense against Russia President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. The bill reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act and implements a new provision based on Congressman Young’s successful tribal justice demonstration program. Congressman Young successfully secured numerous earmarks for Alaska.
Young released the following statement:
“One of Congress’ most fundamental constitutional duties is to appropriate money to keep the government open. Last night, I voted in support of the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Very frankly, this legislation was a long time coming. We are now over five months into Fiscal Year 2022. Because the House Democrat majority lacks strong, decisive leadership, we have been funding our federal obligations through a patchwork of band-aid fixes and continuing resolutions. We cannot continue kicking the can down the road. I have worked hard to break through the partisanship and set us on a path of longer-term stability. I am pleased that the omnibus we passed last night will keep our government open, do right by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, help our allies in Ukraine, reauthorize VAWA, and support vital projects across the great State of Alaska. Additionally, the omnibus provides the appropriations necessary to support the essential operations of the United States Coast Guard and fully funds the historic investments created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Finally, I am proud to have secured ten earmarks for specific projects in Alaska. These earmarks provide support for initiatives relating to the Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Lowell Creek Flood Diversion project, the Kodiak fire station, Covenant House’s Bridge to Success Program, and more. For too long, my colleagues and I have been unable to directly request funding for specific projects in our districts. Here is the truth: the decade-long ban on ‘earmarks’ served only to shift Congress’ rightful power to appropriate money to the Executive Branch while denying needed funds to local organizations. While earmarks have returned on a limited basis, I will continue to advocate for the full restoration of the Article I powers of Congress. This omnibus funds the government until September 30th, and it is crucially important that Congress steps up to govern on behalf of our constituents. Ahead of the next fiscal year, I will continue working hard to prevent government shutdowns and pass all individual appropriations bills through regular order. We owe it to the American people to provide fiscal certainty and get our nation on sound economic footing,” Young said.
Young’s office offered the highlights of the bill of interest to Alaska:
Community Project Funding Requests (Earmarks) Secured by Congressman Young:
· The Tongass Sewer Force Main Rehabilitation Phase II – Jefferson St to Pump Station 4: $1,250,000
· Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements: $800,000
· Lowell Creek Tunnel Flood Diversion, Army Corps of Engineers: $3,000,000
· Covenant House Bridge to Success Program: $500,000
· Village Within a City, North Pacific Rim Housing Authority and Chugach Heritage Foundation: $3,000,000
· Kiana Fire Emergency Response and Equipment Building: $3,350,000
· City of Kodiak’s Fire Station: $7,000,000
· University of Alaska Fairbanks – Kuskokwim Health Sciences Facility Health Facilities Construction and Equipment: $2,000,000
· Aleutians East Borough, Cold Bay Clinic Replacement Project: $2,000,000
· Salmon and People: Engaging Diverse Communities in Stewardship of Wild Salmon in Cook Inlet: $750,000
Denali Commission:
- The bill provides $15.1 million for the Denali Commission. When combined with the $75 million secured for the Denali Commission in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the total funding level for FY 2022 is $80.1 million.
Stevens Center:
- $10 Million for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies.
Alaska Native Provisions Secured by Congressman Young:
- Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Education Funding
- The omnibus includes $38 million for the Alaska Native Education Equity program, which is a $1.5 million increase from FY 2021.
- The omnibus includes $21.3 million for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, $2.3 million more than FY 2021.
- Native Housing Programs
- $1 billion for Native housing programs, an increase of $177 million from FY 2021, including:
- $772 million for the Native American Housing Block Grant.
- $150 million for the competitive Native American Housing Block Grant program.
- $3 million for the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee program, an increase of $1 million from FY 2021.
- Tribal Colleges and Universities Provisions
- Under the Higher Education Act, $44 million for Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, $6 million more than FY 2021.
- Under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- $5.5 million to Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, a $1 million increase from FY 2021.
- $4 million to Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions.
- $3.5 million for the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program.
- $21.5 million for the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Program.
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA):
- The bill includes $476.5 million, an increase of $78.7 million from FY 2021.
- The bill also includes language for Alaskan Records. NARA is expected to complete the required consultations and report to Congress with 90 days of enactment.
- The omnibus features language regarding the Sand Point NARA facility. NARA is directed to complete its digitization initiative and to post content currently stored at Sand Point online in an easy-to-find navigable and searchable platform, starting with the records identified as priorities in earlier consultations with Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal Organizations.
Fisheries:
• $187.5 million for fisheries data collections, surveys, and assessments, $13.8 million increase from FY 2021.
• $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund.
• $63.1 million for salmon management activities, $3.5 million increase from FY 2021.
• $142.8 million for marine mammals, sea turtles, and other species, $14.9 million increase from FY 2021.
United States Coast Guard Provisions:
- $11.5 billion for the Coast Guard, $515.0 million above the FY 2021.
- $2.0 billion for significant new investments in the Coast Guard’s air and marine fleet, and facilities, including:
- Fast Response Cutters – $150 million
- MH-60 helicopters – $200 million
- Polar Security Cutter – $80 million
National Defense Provisions:
- The omnibus provides a 2.7% military pay raise.
- $50,000,000 is included to enhance Arctic Communications.
- Congressman Young pushed for and secured an additional $3,000,000 invested for suicide prevention with a focus on rural, remote, and isolated locations.
- Language advancing the creation of an Ambassador‐at‐Large for the Arctic Region or a U.S. Coordinator for the Arctic Region was included in the final bill.
- Congressman Young advocated for and secured $90 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP).
Alaska Water Infrastructure:
- $39 million for grants to address drinking water and wastewater infrastructure needs of rural Alaska Native Villages.
- $800,000 earmark for the City and Borough of Juneau for Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements.
- $26.2 million to the Bureau of Land Management for Alaska conveyance.
- $22 million for Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance.
Ports and Harbors:
- Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grants (formerly TIGER & BUILD Grants) – the bill provides $775 million for the program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $1.5 billion for the RAISE program for a total of $2.275 billion for FY 2022.
- Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) – the bill provides $234 million for port infrastructure project. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $450 million for the PIPD program, for a record total of $684 million for FY 2022.
- Nationally Significant Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) Grants – the bill provides $1 billion for large infrastructure projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $3.2 billion in advanced appropriations for the program, resulting in a total of $1.64 billion for FY 2022.
Aviation:
- Essential Air Service – the bill provides $350 million for the program which is a $208 million increase over the FY 2021.
- Alaskan Aviation Safety – the bill provides $11.2 million for the FAA to assume ownership of Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) within the FAA Alaska region.
Housing:
- $3.3 billion for Community Development Block Grants.
- $177 million for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.
- $20 million for the Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program.
- $3.2 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants.
Can you now pay the 37 trillion dollar depth you and your lifetime oath breakers have given to us lady liberty and don’t forget so help me GOD you swore to. One day a democrat one day a republican all days an oath breaker shameless don, rob the bank as you all burn it down nope GOD is waiting for you dirty deed don. Oath breakers beware
How can Republicans support politicians like this? “Fully fund the Infrastructure Bill” What the heck? That obscene thing was funded at 1.8T dollars. How much can one Congress enslave future generations and be satisfied? Here’s a copy of the 2741 page Act……’https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20220307/BILLS-117HR2471SA-RCP-117-35.pdf
After reading it ask yourself does either party care about you the constituents? Or future constituents?
Its Time Alaska. Be Brave. Don’t settle for the Lesser of Two Evils.
Just because we get a cut of the shakedown on the taxpayers doesn’t mean it was right, appropriate, or fiscally smart. Alaskan have to help pay this crap.
Our federal representatives are as deep in the swamp as Sleepy Joe. All three of them need to go.
Yep. Other normal folks are out there but the media is highly reluctant to support candidates outside the two parties. In fact they are actively blocked from getting their message out for various reasons.
Sad when Liberty and Freedom are considered nasty.
Thank God there’s more money for the Coast Guard. Maybe they will be able to enforce our fishing zones , so that foreign vessels won’t continue to ruin our fishing as they have been able to the last few years. Salmon and king crab won’t be allowed to be poached by China and Russia. Funny how politicians get active near an election. Maybe we need to finance a study on this.
The only ” foreign ” poaching going on in Alaskan waters is from the Seattle based factory trawl fleet which has consistently exceeded their allowable bycatch of halibut, salmon, and king crab for years now thanks to their powerful Congressional delegation which has effectively captured the National Marine Fishery Service. If we had effective representation in Washington, DC they would put an end to this ongoing tragedy.
Sooooooweeeee!!! More Don Young pork!!!!
Yawn Dung. Still trying to buy Alaskan’s votes with taxpayer’s money. This old geezer has been playing the same game for 49 years. Nothing has changed. I’m voting for Nick Begich 3.
Why? Arliss, Upon arriving at DC this Don Young protege will dance to the tune of the republican elite and special interests not unlike his mentor Don Young. After all the Dean gave Baggage a 6 or 7 week right seat ride, allowing Baggage to follow him to all of his meetings and conferences, introducing him to the right “people”. You think any other Alaskan would have been given this opportunity? Ever try to get a hold of Don?
Do you really think Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy really care about Alaskans? I would argue they use the Alaskan Reps to bolster the passing of bills while blaming the Dems for reckless spending and then line up to get their cut of the pork. They are like crack dealers that use their own product, taxpayer funded product.
Me Too!
Wish $13.6 billion to Ukraine. Would be nice to add imagery money to my household budget.
This Alaskan American is feed up seeing Americans being passed over. While Illegals other countries given the golden egg while Americans pay for it. Three Stooges remember I vote you work for me.
We owe it to the American people to provide fiscal certainty and get our nation on sound economic footing,” Young said.
This young is a old fool, sound economic footing is not what was delivered in this bill. I see incredible waste and the spreading of the nations wealth. I have no idea what the economic plan is, but the plan is not transparent.
I will resist grousing at the multudinous moneys devoted to “native” people to help them get educated, housed, fed, etc. It is as if they have never received a hand up, or they are as a group completely incompetent – a rather insulting charity action by the govt.
READ the last line – 3.2 BILLION dollars for homeless grants. It is estimated we have about 1100 homeless in our fair city. But let’s round that to 2000 homeless people. Now, does anyone want to do the math?
$3,200,000,000 divided by 2000 = 1.6 million dollars a piece. I think that is enough for each to buy a rather nice house or 4plex, 2000 of them! But no, that simple charity won’t do. SOMEone will take on a noble job, hire a committee, buy a company car and office, and then do a study to disburse these funds so we can “solve” our homeless problem.
Do you really want to continue to trust govt to use your money to solve problems? Then keep voting in names that look familiar. Oh, and keep mailing in your money and trusting the same officials with your health decisions. They won’t thank you for it. But you know in their li’l hearts they are grateful for your obedience.
That 3.2 billion may just be for all of America. It can’t all be for Alaska, despite falling under Don’s credit in the article here. I’ll retract the amount I assumed, but certainly not my condemnation of the spending of my money like a drunken sailor (no offense to the more funded Coast Guard!).
The bill also includes “red flag” gun laws. Thanks, Don. I may not know who I am voting for in this next election, but it won’t be Young.
So glad to see Alaska natives coddled like children. They get their fuel paid for, ammo for hunting, food, housing, medical, trips to Anchorage for medical, in addition to 33 million dollar schools built in villages of less than 500 people. My aunt from Pt. Hope was ashamed of this largess. She once told me, “We used to be a proud, independent people who survived the ice age. Now look at us.”
Young Voted FOR Gun Control Hidden in Appropriation Bill. Passes House and Could Clear Senate ANY DAY!
‘https://www.gunowners.org/na03102022/
‘You Would Not Believe What Happened Last Night’:
This is how it played out:
‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=MVJ95WZjh0k&feature=youtu.be
As the Northwest Passage has been becoming more and more passable; Russia has been laying claim to mineral and waterway rights.
Diplomacy and negotiations are now secondary – the reactive and desperate attempt for the lack of proactive foresight.
Russua’s staking land claim and international waterway rights were done under this Administration’s leadership the first time this Administration ran America into the dirt.
Now, that dirt is Russia dirt.
There is so much attention on infighting, local strife and who is worse than who.
Take a look up and outward.
Americans and American leaders need to look beyond our internal b.s. infighting.
When Americans do not have a clue about what us happening on the global stage, how can American leaders think they have any credibility in serving even a single American citizen?
I demand more.
I demand better.
President Obama was asleep at the wheel, while Putin was and us having a great day every day using international marine laws to secure his Power..
Meanwhike, back in the United States, we have two prevailing and antiquated national political fundraising parties – the Republicans and Democrats – more concerned about beating each other that both parties forgot about American Citizens.
American Citizens are a way to their means.
That in itself is a failure and an opportunity for change!
I agree with your assessment with the exception of the blanket statement of Americans not having a clue. I have seen the corruption for years and have been trying to get people to notice and take action, as have many others. But, when you have a corrupt government collaborating with the media and Big Tech, who are censoring anything of substance and a populace that has become to concerned with their next purchase on Amazon rather than policing their government, you get what we currently have. The Government Public School System has dumbed down roughly 2-3 generations of Americans by not teaching them accurate world history and the atrocities that have come and go. Add to that the distortion and revision of American History and you have a recipe for disaster. Americans have become to trusting of their government and have not taught their children the importance of the American Constitution and that their rights come from God at birth, not from men. There is no other country on earth as great as America, we unfortunately have become selfish and self centered people who will vote for someone with a D or R next to their name instead of looking at the record and heart of the person they are voting for. We have become our own worst enemy and are literally destroying ourselves because we have lost our way. If we are to save this Republic, we better be prepared to sacrifice our time, money and talents to do so. We must also humbly kneel before a sovereign Lord and acknowledge our sins before him, ask for forgiveness and ask him to heal our land. These are the things our Fore-fathers did to create this nation and we must be willing to do it again or lose it forever. Every man and woman needs to look in the mirror and be honest with themselves. Can you look at your children and say, I stood up for liberty in order to give you a future. Most of us have lived the majority of our lives already. Are we willing to secure the future for our children so they can know what it is like to live in FREEDOM!
Was there any money appropriated to Florida billionaire developers? Might want to check on that and see if Don Young knows them. He usually does.
Yeah Don but why don’t you tell Alaskans about the gun control and the ATF overreach in that bill that you did not read. You disgust me. I would vote for a democrat before I would vote for you again
But nobody read the bloody thing, Don. Which is why you need to leave Washington DC. Cheers –
Well, Did Don get his 10%?
Bring home the pork Young. None of this is constitutional. So much for your oath of office.
I’m sorry but this ‘windbag’ gets far windier in an election year! I agree with earlier comments about his bringing projects home to Alaska is a part of what’s led the US to have a $37 Trillion deficit and much, much more than that if you were to count the unfunded liabilities.
Pork Barrel spending has got to stop! We can’t afford it in our personal lives and it’s quite obvious that the US can’t afford it as well.
I wish that Mustresdalaska would do a story about the upgrade $187,000,000 Alcan Border Crossing. It’s not seeing much daylight anywhere else!
Hey Don, here is the truth. One of Congresses’ most fundamental constitutional duties is to “Balance the Budget” and actually pass a fiscal budget plan for the congressional year that is responsible to the taxpayers. You guys are spending money faster than any generation could possibly keep up with it while at the same time throwing fuel on a burning dumpster of an economy Biden has created that currently has an inflation rate of 7.8% and that’s probably a conservative figure. You are irresponsible and not representing the American people or Alaskans. By the way, Ukraine is not an ally, it is however a corrupt politician slush fund where billions of dollars are whisked away to God knows where and for God knows what. Are you paying off the Azov-Battalion militia to destroy the evidence of the U.S. Bio-weapons Labs that Obama helped illegally build with our tax money? The Russians are invading because of the corrupt U.S. politicians that looked the other way as they signed bills to fund those labs! This invasion is on you Don, not Putin! You are a disgrace and should resign!
I guess it’s easy for the dems to bribe Young with money they
don’t have. Will someone please pass the pork along with
the corruption. He’s “PROUD” to have secured ten earmarks
for Alaska, vote him OUT!!
Brings home the bacon after he picks it out our pockets. Yeah, lets shake hands and have a big laugh over the cleverness of that one. Got a tip for Swamp Don. Vote Begich.
Don, do you even acknowledge the USA is around $31,500,000,000,000.00 in debt? We have some really stupid people representing us. When are you clowns going to start reducing the debt?
39 Republicans voted for gun control and was stuffed in the Ukraine Aid bill. Don Young was one of them
Comments are closed.