Political Quotes

“Today, I voted in support of H.R. 2083, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act. This was a difficult decision. I voted for this bill because I strongly support the recovery of wild native fish populations in the Columbia River and its tributaries. There is an immediate, serious risk to native steelhead, among other fish, that this bill seeks to reduce. I, however, do not view this bill as a wise long-term strategy for salmon and steelhead recovery in the Columbia River Basin. While the detrimental impacts of sea lions need to be addressed, human-caused factors are the primary driver in the declining salmon and steelhead populations. Instead of focusing on sea lions--another protected species with an important role in our ecosystem--let's actually confront the damage that we ourselves have caused. Pitting one treasured species against another does nothing to address the damage and obstacles that humans have forced upon this vital Pacific Northwest ecosystem. This will not be easy. The impediments are many--the impacts from dams, habitat degradation, unprecedented climate disruption, and more. Regional partners have been working for years to address these issues, and thankfully our native fish are strikingly resilient. But we must do much, much more. Let's have a real conversation about the actual causes of salmon and steelhead decline and what we can do to meaningfully contribute to their recovery.…”