Heidi Alexander: “today I am introducing legislation along with Senator McConnell, Senator Paul, and Senator Corker, to prevent the U.S.…”

“today I am introducing legislation along with Senator McConnell, Senator Paul, and Senator Corker, to prevent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from restricting fishing rights in some of the best fishing areas in the States of Tennessee and Kentucky below 10 dams along the Cumberland River. I have talked with the Corps several times about this. They have told me the only solution is legislation. I am hoping there is some other solution by reasonable compromise. But I am taking the Corps's advice. On Tuesday, Congressman Ed Whitfield, of Kentucky, introduced legislation on this matter, and so I am introducing similar legislation today. I have also drafted language that could be included in an appropriations bill that would prevent the Corps of Engineers from using any funds to restrict fishing in what is called the tailwaters below these 10 Corps of Engineers dams on the Cumberland River. Today I spoke with the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh. I urged him to have the Corps give Congress enough time to consider this matter, perhaps to work out something with the Corps by compromise or, if not, to pass legislation. On Monday, I am meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Jo- Ellen Darcy, who is in charge of the Corps of Engineers, to ask that the Corps stop taking any further action to build physical barriers along the Cumberland River. Earlier, I met with James DeLapp, the colonel who is the commander of the Nashville District.…”