David Vitter: “this has to do with the fisheries component of the bill. Thanks to the leadership of the chairman of the committee, a…”

“this has to do with the fisheries component of the bill. Thanks to the leadership of the chairman of the committee, a fisheries component was included in this supplemental appropriations bill because the fisheries industry was truly devastated along the gulf coast. Before this general fisheries provision was added, I believe this is the first instance in U.S. history where an administration has made a declaration regarding fisheries losses but has not followed that declaration of loss with a request for funds. The chairman's committee action would, in a general sense, remedy that. My amendment No. 3648 would tweak the language--again, not add or increase any dollars--so that that money could be used in part for the repairing of vessels in situations where those repair costs go beyond insurance proceeds available and other available funds. This is a very large component of the need that exists in the fisheries of the gulf coast. Passing this fisheries aid package without making any of that money available under the proper circumstances for repairing vessels would leave a huge hole in our attempt to get that industry up and running once again. To reiterate, this is language that would not change or increase the spending level of the bill. I have explained my four pending amendments. I look forward to any further discussion on them as well as votes, hopefully tomorrow. I yield the floor.”