Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released the following statement on the passing of Dean of the House and committee member, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska): 

"Don Young was a fierce advocate and public servant for all of Alaska. He was a widely respected Chairman and decades-long leader of both the House Committee on Natural Resources and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where we served together. Both in and out of committee, Don was a brilliant legislator, mentor and friend. 
 
Chairman Young’s leadership and expertise in the House Committee on Natural Resources has left an enduring legacy. He championed landmark legislation including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline Authorization Act and the America Needs Worthwhile Resources Act. He worked to better the lives of Alaska Natives and Native Americans across the United States with improvements to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, numerous land exchanges, and his Native American Energy Act. 
 
Don Young was a founding member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and an early champion of hunters’ and anglers’ issues. He was a passionate outdoorsman, and there was no greater hunter or conservationist in Congress. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to fish with Don in Alaska and enjoy beautiful days catching halibut on Resurrection Bay.
 
The legacy Don Young, the Dean of the House, leaves behind is unlike any other. Our country is a better place because of his hard work and dedication to the people of Alaska. His immense breadth of experience, and colorful stories, will be sorely missed. I ask you to join me in praying for his wife, Anne, as well as his family, friends, and staff."