Political Quotes

“Heavy new fines the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing could destroy New Hampshire's remaining fishermen who are carrying on a proud New England tradition. That is why I recently introduced legislation to stop the Federal agency from shifting its funding responsibility to our struggling Granite State fishermen. NOAA mandates that at-sea contractors monitor their daily catch, but will cease to pay for this government mandate in December, forcing fishermen to pick up the more than $700 per day tab. These small family businesses will be on the hook for thousands of dollars in new fees each month. That is a figure that would simply eradicate the industry in my home State. This is not a partisan issue. The New England Fisherman Preservation Act simply asks the Federal agency to continue paying for a program it has funded for years rather than forcing hardworking, middle-class families to pay for it. I am asking colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in support of this bill, so important to hardworking fishermen who put food on our tables so that they can continue with their task. ____________________”