Without the ability to effectively manage cormorant populations, the livelihood of our recreational and commercial fishing industries is threatened--which is critical to our local economies.

H.R. 4429, by Congressman Bergman of Michigan, directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule on double-crested cormorant depredation orders.

I completely understand the importance of fisheries that support aquatic life and the need to find a balance between competing interests.

I want to thank the Committee for holding the hearing today to consider my bill, H.R. 4429, the Cormorant Control Act.

You are asking us to fire before I have heard you aim.

I thank Congressman Smith for yielding. I am proud to be amongst my colleagues this evening. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the constituents of the First District of Michigan who are--I repeat--the voice for those who have no…

Not that I am putting words in anybody's mouth, but when you have the opportunity to experience a national monument, that is more of a didactic learning experience as opposed to when you can utilize a national park or even a wilderness…

we are going to stay on you until this thing is fixed, until you do right by our veterans.

The printed hearing record remains the official version.

So you are telling us we were lied to, right?

I want to thank you and Ranking Member Kuster for letting me join the Subcommittee this morning.

Thank you, Ranking Member Kuster.