Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement upon the passing of Congressman Don Young of Alaska, the Dean of the House.

(Wikipedia says the dean of the United States House of Representatives is the longest continuously serving member of the House.)

 “When I first came to Congress, I asked to be placed on the House Natural Resources Committee, which has legislative jurisdiction regarding the territories.  I had the good fortune to be asked to serve as vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs, which at the time was being chaired by Congressman Don Young. 

“He has since become Dean of the House for several years, but even then, he already was the most senior Republican in the House and had the distinction of having produced more legislation than anyone else.  Don took me under his wing and I learned so much from him in very short order. I could not have had a better mentor.  He will be deeply missed by all of us on both sides of the aisle.

“Congressman Young served the people of Alaska for many years. He never forgot that he worked for the people. He was my friend, and a good friend to American Samoa. I might well have cosponsored more bills with him than I have with any other Member of Congress.

“Though he represented the geographically largest state, it includes remote coasts and islands and the fishing industry, so his issues and legislation often lined up with American Samoa. In fact, I had the memorable opportunity to go fishing with him. It was a blessing to serve with him, and my prayers and thoughts are with his wife Anne, their family, and the people of Alaska.”