Political Quotes

“I would like to thank my colleague and friend from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating) for the time, and for all the work that he has done, along with Mr. Lynch, on behalf of our Commonwealth's fishing communities. I rise in strong support of this amendment, which clarifies the uses of NOAA's asset forfeiture fund so we can make smart investments in scientific research and preserve an economically viable fishing industry. This amendment will provide our fishermen, shoreside businesses, and fishing communities with the assurance that the money in NOAA's asset forfeiture fund will go towards improving the science behind sustainable fishery management practices. Additionally, the amendment offers fisheries councils the resources they need to better serve our fisheries and fishing communities. At the end of the day, both the fishermen and the environmentalists want the same thing: healthy and sustainable fisheries. I believe that the amendment will help achieve this objective through meaningful and targeted uses of NOAA's asset forfeiture fund. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.”