Political Quotes

“I rise to note the April 20th release of the Preliminary Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. This comprehensive report, the first of its kind in 35 years, lays out an ocean blueprint for the 21st century for implementation by the Congress and the Administration. The Ocean Commission, led by former Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of Energy, Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.), is to be congratulated for its diligence and dedication to its mandate to make recommendations for a comprehensive and coordinated national ocean policy for the United States. The Commonwealth of Virginia has always had a strong connection to the ocean. From the arrival of settlers in Jamestown in the early 1600's, to the current day when the ports of Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News play a vital role in our Nation's economy and security, Virginia has always depended on the oceans. While the Commonwealth has long recognized the importance of the oceans, one of the most valuable contributions of the Ocean Commission's report is its finding that oceans and their resources are important to all States, and that we all have a role to play in their protection and management.”