Political Quotes

“I rise as well in very strong opposition to this amendment that prohibits funding for the National Ocean Policy. The purpose of this policy is to improve our Nation's ocean management effort, protect and create jobs, and grow our economy by ensuring all the multiple uses of the ocean are coordinated in a more seamless manner. Far from a heavy-handed directive, as it's being described, the National Ocean Policy will actually streamline government programs and regulations. It will reduce bureaucratic red tape. And perhaps most importantly, it enlists local stakeholders in the decision-making process. And it shouldn't be a partisan issue. The National Ocean Policy was a cornerstone recommendation of both the independent Pew Oceans Commission, which was chaired by current Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, and by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, appointed by George W. Bush. Both commissions called for harmonizing the responsibilities of the 27 different Federal agencies with jurisdiction over some aspect of ocean management. As my colleagues can imagine, the current arrangement has led to ineffective management of resources, inefficient use of taxpayer dollars, and increased conflicts among a growing number of ocean users. Strategic planning maximizes organizational efficiency and use of public resources.…”