Political Quotes

“I plan to withdraw this amendment, but I would like the opportunity to briefly explain. The Saltonstall-Kennedy Act of 1954 imposed a special duty on fish and fish products imported into the United States and required that 30 percent of the money collected by NOAA would go toward supporting fisheries and research and development on the industry's long-term sustainability. However, NOAA has not been properly paying into its regional fishing grant programs and is using these tariffs as part of its operational expenses. To ensure a thriving fishing industry, we must invest in initiatives that increase the stock of our Nation's fisheries by providing grants to research and monitor them as well as management programs. During my first term, I introduced legislation that would ensure that key programs critical to sustainably managing ocean fish populations and the fishermen and communities that depend on them would receive increased and sustained funding. I sincerely thank Chairman Culberson for considering my appropriations letter and including the transfer of $130 million in existing funds to be used exclusively on Saltonstall-Kennedy fishing activity, particularly the S-K regional fisheries investment grant program. This transfer of funds will directly provide grants to regional fishery management councils that would work with area fishermen to identify investment priorities.…”