Matt Gaetz: “Our great ally Australia has long been the leading voice in the world to end commercial whaling. I rise to let them know…”

“Our great ally Australia has long been the leading voice in the world to end commercial whaling. I rise to let them know that they are not alone and to announce the filing of bipartisan legislation to support an end to commercial whaling. Another of our valued allies, Japan, unfortunately continues this depraved practice. In fact, the Japanese whaling fleet has just returned home, having killed 333 Antarctic minke whales. Despite the global ban on commercial whaling, Japan continues the slaughter on the seas under a thinly veiled claim of research. Research into whales is important, but all available science shows that this research can be conducted with nonlethal testing and biopsies. The Japan whale hunt isn't about research. It is about whale meat. In 2012, a Japanese minister even commented that the minke whale offers great flavor and aroma as sashimi. I think that is disgusting. The Japanese whalers shoot the world's majestic mammals with exploding harpoons and electric lances. Death can often take hours. Commercial and fake research hunting of whales must end. I thank Australia for its leadership. I ask Japan to be honest with the world and end this barbaric practice. ____________________”