Gerry Studds: “I frankly wish that we did not have to bring this bill before the Members today. For the past five years, the fishermen…”

“I frankly wish that we did not have to bring this bill before the Members today. For the past five years, the fishermen of this country have been operating under an exemption of the ``taking'' provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act [MMPA]. That exemption expires on April 1. Two nights ago, the House passed a reauthorization bill which would have established a new management program to preserve the fishermen's right to fish and saved marine mammals. The staff of both bodies then worked around the clock to reach a compromise that both House and Senate could support. Last night, the House passed what we thought was an agreed-to text. Unfortunately, events in the other body over the last 24 hours have changed the situation, and we will not be able to come to agreement before the April 1 deadline. This bill would extend the exemption period for another 30 days, during which time we will continue to work with our colleagues to pass legislation that is fair to everyone, and-- most importantly--meets the goal of this landmark law: to protect marine mammals for future generations.”