ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A gruff, no-nonsense Alaska lawmaker who once called the lieutenant governor “Captain Zero” and told a female colleague she didn’t know what she was talking about is now in charge of ensuring civility in the U.S. House.
U.S. Rep. Don Young was honored on the House floor Wednesday for becoming the dean, a largely ceremonial post that goes to the longest-serving member of the body. The only official duty is to swear in the House speaker after elections, but unofficially the person is responsible for keeping civility intact and holding members accountable for their actions.
Young is in his 23rd term.
Young was forced to apologize a few years ago after using a racial epithet to refer to Hispanic migrant workers.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.