Trent Lott: “I rise in support of the amendment offered by Senators Exon and Danforth. Public display and scientific research…”

“I rise in support of the amendment offered by Senators Exon and Danforth. Public display and scientific research institutions in Mississippi and throughout the United States play an essential role in marine mammal conservation. Over 100 million people annually visit such institutions and learn about the conservation of these magnificent creatures. The Marine Mammal Protection Act creates a special, favorable category for these activities, and it provides for simplified, nonburdensome procedures for them. It is essential that permits continue to be granted for these beneficial purposes, and that they be granted on a timely and nonburdensome basis. This amendment accomplishes two important goals. First, it reaffirms the role of public display in increasing public awareness and understanding about marine mammals. Second, it simplified and clarifies the public display permitting process. Madam President, I am pleased to cosponsor this amendment. It represents a carefully crafted compromise that has bipartisan support. It is identical to language added to companion legislation in the House of Representatives by the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee.”