On the recordSeptember 7, 2017
so far this year, the Secretary of Commerce has declared nine disasters for fisheries, and another disaster assistance request is pending in Southern Oregon and in Northern California. When these fisheries close, our fishermen and their families are in deep trouble. Their expenses don't disappear--the mortgages on their vessels, their mooring fees, their maintenance. Of course, they have to continue to be able to pay their basic living expenses. So when they are told they have to stay in port because a fishery is closed because of a fishing disaster, then, it is an enormous challenge to which we need to help to respond. It is not just for the fishermen themselves, but for the entire community--the recreational anglers, as well as the commercial fishermen, the processors, the gear stores, the boat repair facilities, and the tourism. All of it is impacted. So let us not forget that we have nine declared disasters for fisheries, and we should make sure we respond and assist these communities. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Vermont. Cloture Motion
