Elizabeth Furse: “in my first Congress I served on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. Chairman Studds demonstrated that under…”

“in my first Congress I served on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. Chairman Studds demonstrated that under his leadership it was possible to legislate in a manner that puts the public interest first, rather than the personal interest. That is a rare talent, indeed. His quick wit and humor are far too rare in this body and will be sorely missed. His ability to craft bipartisan compromise is something we should all learn. But most of all, Gerry has become a very dear friend to me. He has greatly brightened my years in this Congress, and I will miss him sorely. Unfortunately, I must also today rise in reluctant opposition to this bill. When we considered the House version a year ago, I was an enthusiastic supporter of the legislation, but, unfortunately, because of the Senate's failure to act on this issue until this final hour, we are forced to accept an inferior bill. There are a number of provisions which I find objectionable, but I will list just two. First, the Senate bill removes the safeguards for coastal communities, and those small coastal communities that are up and down my district are often economically dependent on the bounty of the fishery resource. They must be taken into account when fishery regulations are developed. I do not think this bill does that. Second, the Senate bill attempts to limit public participation in council proceedings.”