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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2002

Rep. Jim Hansen (R-Utah), chairman of the House panel with jurisdiction over Indian issues, on Tuesday announced his resignation from Congress at the end of the year.

Hansen gave various reasons, including health and family concerns. A potential weakening of his voter base as a result of the redrawing of the state's districts was seen as a factor.

Hansen is currently chairman of the House Resources Committee. He took no strong views on Indian issues but was a vehement foe of environmental limits and Clinton administration policies on federal lands.

Hansen's committee will hold an oversight hearing on the trust fund on February 6.

Were the current rankings on the committee to remain intact and control of the House to remain in the hands of Republicans, Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), a friend to Alaska Natives, would be the new chair. The ranking Democrat is Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), an advocate for Indian Country.

Get the Story:
Hansen to Quit After 21 Years (The Salt Lake Tribune 1/9)
No Shortage of Candidates for Wide Open Race (The Salt Lake Tribune 1/9)
Hansen Quotes (The Salt Lake Tribune 1/9)
Rep. Hansen Is Retiring; Environmentalists Cheer (The Washington Post 1/9)
Utah Congressman Jim Hansen said he will retire at the end of the year (AP 1/8)
RETIREMENT STATEMENT: CONGRESSMAN JAMES V. HANSEN (Hansen 1/8)

Relevant Links:
House Resources Committee - http://resourcescommittee.house.gov