It is probably not politically correct to say, but obviously this is a regional issue, because there is no one here from outside of our region.

I want to make sure that does not happen.

I do believe most of the boats you are talking about are home-ported in Kodiak, and they certainly could bring back their last catch without any problem.

I am opposed to entitlements in appropriations bills.

But I have two specific issues. One is very close to the heart of all of the people in the North Pacific.

We specifically included language, at the request of the Senators from Washington and myself, to give the Department the authority to purchase surplus salmon products.

I do not envision the program he mentioned to be an entitlement that is unlimited.

I hope that you will look at it and I hope you will recognize the deadline these people are under, which is the end of this month.

I would urge you to use your authority to remove that impediment to the purchase of salmon this year.

I hope that you will look at it and I hope you will recognize the deadline these people are under, which is the end of this month.

It is a very short statement. It was the Senate committee who vote that provision and those grants are to public broadcasting stations.