Gary Peters

I think it's important to use--like using Magnuson and its conservation science-based management to work with flexibility instead of the flexibility working around that.

Several folks have called for more flexibility in fisheries management, which we've heard over and over again.

We need to ensure adequate forage fish population?

I certainly appreciate all the comments of all of you that folks who enjoy fishing are also great conservationists.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thanks to our witnesses for being here this afternoon for a third in a series of hearings to discuss the important issue of reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, or MSA.

We need to ensure that our fishing communities thrive.

We cannot solve this problem unless we are doing this together.

How does that compare to other places? What is the range that you have seen?

We are a bunch of smart folks here in the United States of America. We can figure this out.

I think I am as frustrated as everybody in this country with the partisan bickering and entrenchment that we see on both sides.

In this great country of ours that everybody, no matter who you are and no matter where you live, should have access to quality, affordable health care.

Diligent and continuous efforts to improve the integrity of the Lifeline program will ensure that the funds collected from providers and consumers are administered appropriately.

We share your goal of reducing waste and fraud in the administration of Federal programs.

Why is it important for the FCC to develop a consistent enforcement strategy for Lifeline providers in violation of the rules?

So following the release of that report, I wrote a letter to the FCC as well as the USAC...

I was certainly troubled, though, when the GAO report came out, as I think everybody was, very troubled...

The way to look at this and this effort that we are undertaking here is similar to the electrification of our country.

In this digital economy, if you don't have access to these services, you are at a significant disadvantage.

The original 1976 Act helped reduce exploitative fishing by foreign fleets in U.S.

It's my hope that as part of this important MSA reauthorization process, we might have some cross-pollination of ideas and approaches to conservation and management between Great Lakes fisheries and Federal saltwater fisheries.

The need to determine what is working, what needs improvement, and ways to improve fishery management is why we are all here today.

We have come to understand the importance of sustainably managing our fisheries and preserving these incredibly important natural resources.

The original 1976 Act helped reduce exploitive fishing by foreign fleets in U.S. waters and protect our country's important fishery resources.

We request your leadership to ensure it is updated to advance a big picture approach, which will better protect our natural resources.

If confirmed, I will look forward to working closely with you to make sure that the public is heard.