“Today, Congress and the Country join Alaska in mourning the loss of a dedicated patriot and public servant: Congressman Don Young. “When he became Dean of the House in December 2017, Don said: ‘I love this body. I believe in this body. My heart is in the House.’ Indeed, his reverence and devotion to the House shone through in everything that he did. For five decades, he was an institution in the hallowed halls of Congress: a serious legislator always bringing people together to do the People’s work. The photographs of him with ten presidents of both parties who signed his bills into law that proudly cover the walls of his Rayburn office are a testament to his longevity and his legislative mastery. “When I became Speaker of the House in January 2019 and January 2021, it was a privilege to be sworn in by Don – who, as Dean, never failed to honor the special traditions of our treasured institution. His historic service brought luster to the Congress, and his many friends in the House will strive to live up to his towering legacy. May it be a comfort to Don’s wife Anne and his children Dawn and Joni that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.”
