Legislature(1999 - 2000)
05/03/1999 05:10 PM House FSH
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HJR 39 - SURPLUS SALMON TO AID BALKANS CHAIRMAN HUDSON announced that the first order of business was House Joint Resolution No. 39, urging the United States government to purchase surplus pink salmon for aid packages to the Balkans. REPRESENTATIVE ALAN AUSTERMAN, Sponsor, Alaska State Legislature, stated that the conflict in the Balkans between the Serbian and Albanian people has left many Albanians homeless as they flee their homeland of Kosovo. He pointed out that the United States is taking part in a massive relief effort to shelter, feed and clothe the refugees. He indicated that Alaska has a surplus of pink salmon and it is fitting for the United States government to provide them with surplus salmon during this time of relief operations. Number 1242 REPRESENTATIVE WHITAKER stated that he thinks it is a good idea and looks forward to moving it along. REPRESENTATIVE AUSTERMAN acknowledged Mike Milligan and said that he brought forward the concept of HJR 39 and he sent forward both resolutions from the Kodiak City and Borough to the federal government as well. CHAIRMAN HUDSON wondered if the committee needed to adopt the amendment to add "Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture" to HJR 39. REPRESENTATIVE AUSTERMAN replied yes. Number 1328 REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS made a motion to adopt Amendment 1, which read: Page 2, line 10, following "States;": Insert "and to Dan Glickman, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture;" CHAIRMAN HUDSON asked whether there was any objection. There being none, Amendment 1 was adopted. Number 1396 MIKE MILLIGAN, Former Assembly Member, City of Kodiak, testified via teleconference from Kodiak. He thanked Representative Austerman for introducing HJR 39. He said that they had tried to get pink salmon into an aid package following Senator Stevens speech a couple of years ago on his trip to North Korea. When the Kosovo issue came up they tried to put something together that would try to deal with the humanitarian aspects and not address the political issues of whether or not the United States should be fighting over there. He stated that it is important to understand that Alaska does produce a very suitable food, because it is already cooked and the people of that area are familiar with it. He pointed out that salmon is also a contributor to the general fund; therefore, if there is a possibility of selling salmon the entire state benefits. It also sends a message to the world that Alaska cares about humanitarian efforts. Number 1525 REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS made a motion to move HJR 39 as amended with individual recommendation. There being no objection, HJR 39 was move from the House Special Committee on Fisheries.
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