Political Quotes

“I am pleased we have finally reached agreement on this legislation to reauthorize the Marine Mammal Protection Act and to create a permanent regime to govern commercial fisheries interactions with marine mammals. As I have said in earlier statements, this legislation is the culmination of over a year of work by Members of Congress, their staffs, the fishing industry, environmental groups, the Alaska Native community, the administration and other interested parties. The version of S. 1636 passed by the House today includes language worked out between the Senate and House to replace an earlier House provision that would have amended the definition of ``take'' in the MMPA to include the term ``harm.'' The compromise language clarifies the Secretary's general authority under the existing MMPA to protect habitat, and expands slightly a provision in the March 24, Senate-passed version of S. 1636 to allow the Regional Scientific Review Groups to make conservation and management recommendations in addition to identifying impacts on habitat.”