Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5103, the Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation, or the FISHES, Act. This legislation, sponsored by the gentleman from Florida, Congressman Byron Donalds, will protect States and fishing communities from unnecessary delays in the disaster recovery process. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, States and communities affected by fishery disasters can petition for funding to assist in response and recovery efforts. However, affected States and communities have experienced delays in obtaining the approvals needed to access these funds. H.R. 5103 requires the Secretary of Commerce to review disaster spending plans submitted by requesters within 10 days. Additionally, while the legislation allows the Office of Management and Budget to review spending plans, it makes it clear that they may not, and I repeat may not, delay the statutory timelines. This will ensure accountability and consistency in the fishery disaster response process, providing certainty to States and fishing communities in times of recovery. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.”