Facebook Twitter Email
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2002

A leading Republican lawmaker on Wednesday threatened to cut off funding to the Department of Interior for what he characterized as its "old fashioned" attitude towards Alaska Natives.

Visibly upset that the Bush administration opposes legislation he introduced, Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) lashed out at a department official who bore the unfortunate task of bringing the bad news to the House Resources Committee. The testimony, which was submitted late, represented the Interior's "dragging of the feet" and "delaying tactics," he charged.

"One of these days I'm going to get mad enough to say you guys can kiss my (r)ear," Young told the Interior's representative.

Paul Hoffman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, tried to respond to the criticism and said the testimony was subject to a "difficult" internal review process. But Young didn't accept the apology and said it highlighted the department's "arrogance."

"Difficult to vet my (r)ear," Young shot back. "I'm getting tired of you passing the buck . . . This is not the way to run the ship."

Hoffman appeared to take the barrage personally. "We're not perfect but we're certainly trying," he said as he began to raise the tone of his response to Young.

"I'll just lower my voice at that point, sir," he concluded.

The testy exchange came at a hearing to discuss legislation Young drafted to benefit Alaska Natives. One bill would expand Alaska Native tribal contracting and hiring while another would allow Alaska Native veterans of the Vietnam War to apply for 160-acre allotments, an opportunity they missed while serving overseas. A third less controversial one involves a long-delayed land exchange with a Native corporation.

The Bush administration raised objections to the contracting and hiring package, despite a law passed decades ago to guarantee Native involvement in federal lands management. "It's 31 years later and it hasn't happened," Young said.

Young disputed Hoffman's testimony that the Interior has contracted with Native tribes and corporations and has hired a "significant" number of Alaska Natives. "How many," he demanded.

When the specifics desired weren't immediately provided, Young threatened to stop the flow of funds. "Let me cut your money off," he said. "That's the only way I can get your attention."

The department also opposes the allotment bill, saying it discriminates against non-Native veterans and Native veterans who didn't serve in Vietnam. Hoffman, however, declined to orally state the administration's opposition.

"You're lucky," said Young.

Hoffman wasn't the only one who felt the fire. Jack Hession of the Sierra Club's Alaska office testified against the two bills, bringing more criticism from Young.

Young also promised to take his fight for the veterans bill to the House floor. "I'm going to challenge people who vote against this legislation," he said. "I'm going to find out if they support military personnel or not.

"I am dead serious about this."

Young is vice-chairman of the House Resources Committee and was formerly the chairman. He heads the powerful House Transportation Committee and is the 5th-ranking GOP member of the House.

Written Witness Testimony (6/5)

Relevant Links:
Rep. Don Young - http://www.house.gov/donyoung

Get the Bills:
H.R.3048, A bill to resolve the claims of Cook Inlet Region, Inc., to lands adjacent to the Russian River in the State of Alaska; H.R.3148, A bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide equitable treatment of Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans; H.R.4734, A bill to expand Alaska Native contracting of Federal land management functions and activities and to promote hiring of Alaska Natives by the Federal Government within the State of Alaska, and for other purposes.

Related Stories:
House to hear Alaska Native bills (6/5)
Alaska Native allotment bill filed (5/29)
Native allotment bill awaits signature (12/22)
Native Vets bill passes House (10/13)