Political Quotes

“I must oppose his amendment, though, because the Gilchrest bill implements the Panama Declaration, as discussed in general debate, which locks into place binding conservation management measures for dolphin and other marine life. This bill is supported, as has been said before, by five environmental organizations, the American Tunaboat Owners, the National Fisheries Institute, the Seafarers' International Union, the California Federation of Labor, the United Industrial Workers, the American Sportfishing Association, and the Clinton administration, although that gives me some reservation. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2823 recognizes the international voluntary compliance with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's dolphin conservation program, which has been in place for the past 4 years. This bill incorporates provisions into U.S. law to continue the international cooperation and compliance. Over the last couple of months, Mr. Gilchrest has worked to address the concerns of the opponents to H.R. 2823. However, the definition of dolphin-safe has kept the two sides from reaching an agreement.”