On the recordSeptember 7, 2017
We just heard a very interesting argument that said that we should not support or fund the National Ocean Policy because, instead of by executive action, it should have been done through congressional legislation. But I would remind everyone watching this that, prior to the beginning of the National Ocean Policy by the previous administration, over the 4 years before that, four bills were introduced. Each one--two by a Republican leader, two by Democratic leaders--did what was just asked of us: to introduce it by the Congress. It was never taken up by the Congress in the administration prior to President Obama. What was called the Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act was never heard. That is why it was done through executive action. That is why we need to continue this. Without having coordinated ocean policy, we will have tremendous problems as we move forward, as I pointed out, both in terms of economic opportunity, national security, and also environmental protection. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
