releases: http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398785
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| http://donyoung.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398785 | Youngs Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act Passes Committee | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | AK | Don Young | Y000033 | donyoung.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources approved H.R. 2387, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act, introduced by Alaska Congressman Don Young – Chairman of the Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee. The bill, which passed by voice vote, provides equitable treatment of Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans under the Native Allotment Act of 1906, allowing veterans to be eligible for land benefits from the federal government. While serving overseas in the Vietnam War, many Alaska Native Veterans were unable to apply for land allotments promised by the federal government before the process ended. In 1998, Congress opened an application period for these veterans, but unfortunately only those who served from 1969–1971 were allowed to apply. H.R. 2387 expands the military service dates to coincide with the entire conflict, which officially lasted from 1964-1975. “It’s absolutely wrong to punish these Alaska Native veterans, who proudly served their country during time of conflict, by denying them their allotment,” said Congressman Young. “Congress must once and for all rectify this inequity and fulfill its promise to these Native veterans. This is not the first time I’ve introduced this legislation, but I certainly hope it will be the last. I look forward to the day that this matter is closed.” “This piece of legislation will bring justice and parity for Alaska Natives who honorably served our nation in the Vietnam War,” House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) said. “I am pleased to see this important bill advance. I thank Congressman Young for his effort in allowing our servicemen and women an equal opportunity to obtain what is rightfully theirs.” Congressman Young’s bill also increases available land for selection by Alaska Native Veterans and reduces previous restrictions and occupancy requirements that prevented many veterans from receiving their allotment during the prior open season. On June 10, 2015, Congressman Young chaired a legislative hearing on H.R. 2387, which included testimony from Nelson Angapak – Senior Vice President for the Alaska Federation of Natives and a veteran himself. “It is with urgency that we are asking Congress to pass this bill during the [114th] Congress so that there will be equitable treatment of our veterans who served during the whole Vietnam era,” Angapak said. “Again, it is with urgency. Our veterans are dying off. Some of our friends are no longer with us and some are dying, that is why we have the urgent request that you pass this bill." Nelson Angapak testifying in favor of H.R. 2387, the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act on June 15, 2015 (click here to watch). “These veterans deserve that land, that’s the whole intent of this bill...," said Congressman Young. “Why is the Department of Interior so intent in not allowing these veterans to have their land? What’s the big hang up? If it stays in trust, mineral deposits stay in your ownership; this is their cultural land, why can’t you let them have their land?” Congressman Don Young Discussing the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act in June, 2015 (click here to watch). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |