“This industry needs transparency and flexibility, and local communities – not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. – should be the key decision makers.“

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, which reauthorizes and updates the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This bill ensures the conservation and growth of U.S. fishery resources and supports the 381,000 U.S. jobs that rely on the seafood industry.

“The fishing industry brings economic vitality to communities across America and is particularly important to the Pacific Northwest – yet too often the Federal Government gets in the way. This industry needs transparency and flexibility, and local communities – not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. – should be the key decision makers. This common-sense solution reforms arbitrary and outdated mandates so that job creation and economic growth can flourish. I applaud this solution that will allow an integral U.S. industry to grow from the ground up.”