The House of Representatives passed H.R. 443, a piece of legislation introduced by Alaskan Congressman Don Young yesterday. This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transfer three parcels of federal land in Kotzebue to the Maniilaq Association to expand and use for health and social services.

H.R. 443 passed the House by a vote of 407-4.

“My bill will do more than just transfer land,” said Rep. Young. “H.R. 443 is significant because by allowing the Maniilaq Association to expand, we are essentially improving the health and well being of all Alaska Natives that live in Northwestern Alaska. This is a win-win piece of legislation that promotes the expansion of a proven healthcare provider while steering clear of the bureaucratic mess that typically restrains such expansions. As Chairman of the Sub-committee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, this is exactly the sort of legislation that I want to see passed by the House and I look forward to working with my colleagues on future legislation like this.”

Maniilaq Association provides health, social and tribal services to the residents of 12 villages located in the Northwest Arctic Borough.

Source: Office of Representative Young