Amata Congratulates Rep. Don Young, Now the Longest Serving Republican in the History of Congress
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata congratulated Rep. Don Young of Alaska, the Dean of the House, and now the longest serving Republican in the history of the Congress.
"Congressman Young has been a good friend to American Samoa, and we've often cosponsored legislation together that benefits the Pacific region," said Aumua Amata. "He's a dear friend, who loves to fish and always enjoys a good laugh, and has a treasure of knowledge about the U.S. House of Representatives."
Congressman Young surpasses former Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon, who served 46 years, to become the longest serving Republican in history.
"Remarkably, Congressman Young has served in Congress since 1973, the same year my family added my daughter Erika Leatavalavala," continued Congresswoman Amata. "He's served during nine different President's administrations."
Last year, Rep. Young also became the longest serving current Member of the entire House of Representatives, making him the Dean of the House.
"American Samoa and Alaska share a number of the same legislative priorities based on the Pacific region, the fishing industry, our great geographic distance from the 48 contiguous states, and having remote areas far from services," concluded Amata.
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