Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise on behalf of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. MacArthur). Prior to 2008, squid, octopus, and cuttlefish exports were permitted exclusively by the FDA as fish intended for human consumption. In 2008, the Fish and Wildlife Service also began regulating these species as protected species even though they are not. This allows them to charge excessive fees to seafood processors and to delay perishable shipments. This amendment will prohibit funding from going to the Fish and Wildlife Service to inspect squid, octopus, and cuttlefish. The FDA will still regulate these products for food safety, as they do other fishery products that are meant to be consumed as food. It is a simple amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, Fish and Wildlife inspections serve an important role for ensuring sustainability in regularly harvested species, which is essential to preserving the economic interests of the industry as well as the ocean ecosystems. The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee has been discussing the perishability of ecoderms for many years. Yet it has not had any other in-depth discussions about any other species.…”