Colleagues pay respects to late Rep. Don Young at US Capitol

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Congressional leaders on Tuesday hailed the late Republican Rep. Don Young, the only congressman Alaska has known for nearly the last half-century, as a gruff but pragmatic lawmaker who got things done for his constituents.

Our live feed of the arrival ceremony and congressional tribute has ended. You can watch the video in the player below.

Young was the longest-serving Republican in the history of the House. He died on a flight to Alaska earlier this month. He was 88. Former colleagues, including President Joe Biden, honored him Tuesday as he joined a select few chosen to lie in state at the Capitol.

“His absence will leave Congress less colorful and certainly less punctual but his legacy will live on,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who credited Young with sponsoring 123 bills that became law.

Young was first elected to the House in 1973. That year, he helped secure the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which transports crude oil from the North Slope of Alaska to the state’s southern coast and provides a critical source of funding for the state’s government and its residents. He also played a leading role in protecting Alaska’s fisheries from unregulated foreign fleets, dramatically extending U.S. jurisdiction to 200 nautical miles.

“He was as colorful as they came. He was tough, but he was loyal,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said.

A public memorial service for Young is planned for Wednesday in Virginia. A memorial service will be held in Anchorage on April 2.

A former state lawmaker and an orthopedic surgeon have each announced plans to run for Alaska’s U.S. House seat following the death of Young.

Republican former state Sen. John Coghill says he filed to run in the race to fill the remainder of Young’s term, which ends in January.

Al Gross’ campaign says the independent Gross will file later this week to run as a candidate to fill the remaining term and to seek a two-year term.

A special primary and special election will decide who completes the existing House term.

Candidates face a Friday deadline to file with the Division of Elections to run in the June 11 special primary.

Associated Press contributed to this story.

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