Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I disagree with my colleague. I think that the National Ocean Policy is a vital tool that we have to help ensure that our coastal communities and their stakeholders work together and coordinate their ideas and make plans to achieve local goals. I think as a Congress we need to recognize the importance of our oceans and ocean planning. Unfortunately, each year, we come to the floor of this body on various appropriations bills to defend the vital work of the National Ocean Policy. We have debated over 15 riders on this issue in the past two Congresses. Instead, we ought to be talking about the progress that our local communities are making on ocean planning. In New England, we are actually making progress. And this year, we have the New England regional ocean plan to be proud of. No process is perfect, I will give you that, but at least we have begun the discussion. Fisherman, lobstermen, and other community leaders have been included in the development of these voluntary regional ocean plans. I urge my colleagues to oppose this misguided attempt to stop the National Ocean Policy and the important work it does. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”