Patty Murray: “the appropriation measure before us includes $363 million for the National Marine Fisheries Service. In addition, the…”

“the appropriation measure before us includes $363 million for the National Marine Fisheries Service. In addition, the Committee recommendation allows for the administration's proposed increased of 58 full-time equivalents [FTE's] for the National Marine Fisheries Service [NMFS]. The Committee directs the NMFS to use as many available FTE's as are needed to ensure the full and timely implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Magnuson-Stevens Act was reauthorized in the 104th Congress after a long and difficult process of negotiation and compromise. It includes many new provisions to improve the conservation and management of this Nation's fishery resources. I appreciate the tremendous task the NMFS faces in fully implementing all of the new provisions and requirements we placed on the NMFS and share the committee's desire to see adequate FTE's allocated to this important task. I am also concerned, however, about the very real need for FTE's to implement the requirements of the Endangered Species Act [ESA], particularly in the Pacific Northwest.”