Tony Thurmond: “when the President signs the International Dolphin Conservation Program Act, the United States will have joined the rest…”

“when the President signs the International Dolphin Conservation Program Act, the United States will have joined the rest of the tuna-fishing nations in the Eastern Pacific in pledging that, in the future, no dolphins will be killed in the harvesting of tuna. Further, the transition to better fishing methods will result in a significant reduction in by-catch waste in that portion of the ocean. This is a remarkable achievement. My colleagues from Alaska and Louisiana, Senators Stevens and Breaux, have pressed on for 2 years to see that this agreement is ratified. Their perseverance should be recognized and appreciated. Finally, this bill would likely have never become law had the subcommittee chairman, Senator Snowe, not gathered the various parties to work out a compromise that would assure passage of this implementing legislation. She is to be commended for her skill and stamina in seeing this measure to its successful conclusion. I yield the floor.”