The House debated H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, which extends from 2028 to 2035 the deadline for new federal rules requiring lobster and crab fisheries to use gear that reduces the risk of North Atlantic right whale entanglements. Supporters, including Republican leaders and two Democrats from Maine, said Maine lobstermen have already made gear changes with only one attributed whale death in years, that current rules are working, and that rushing rules based on outdated data could cost some 17,500 jobs while safer technologies such as ropeless gear are not yet ready. Opponents said fishing gear entanglements have killed or seriously injured 31 right whales since 2022, that the species has too few reproductive females to survive a longer delay, and that existing deadlines should be met. A motion to send the bill back to committee, citing fuel costs and trade issues facing fishermen, was discussed and opposed by the bill’s supporters.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1499, I call up the bill (H.R. 9436) to amend the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to extend the time period for which certain regulations concerning the North Atlantic right whale are effective, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House. The Clerk read the title of the bill.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1499, I call up the bill (H.R. 9436) to amend the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to extend the time period for which certain regulations concerning the North Atlantic right whale are effective, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House. The Clerk read the title of the bill.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It delays new fishing rules until 2035 so lobstermen have more time to study how to protect right whales without losing their jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, which will protect one of the world’s most iconic fisheries and the American jobs, communities, and families that depend on it. In Maine, lobster accounts for 75 percent of the total value of the State’s commercial fisheries, supporting an estimated $2 billion in economic activity and 17,500 jobs. While critical to the State’s economy, a robust lobster industry isn’t just about dollars and cents. It is about individuals, families, and communities whose stories and traditions are directly tied to this industry that has operated for more than 70 years. However, Maine lobstermen have faced tremendous adversity over the past several decades. The American lobster fishery has been under attack from radical groups determined to end this way of life. These serial litigants have pushed for a regulatory regime that could shut down the entire fishery. For nearly 30 years, the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team has overseen the Maine lobster and Jonah crab fisheries. They have implemented and updated a take reduction plan with extensive regulatory requirements designed to minimize the fishery’s impact on North Atlantic right whales. What they are doing is working. For decades, the industry has led conservation efforts to reduce right whale entanglements in their gear. Despite the American lobster fishery virtually eliminating its impact on right whales, the take reduction plan has faced repeated litigation, leaving the industry subject to regulatory whiplash. The American lobster fishery has been subject to four different biological opinions between 2010 and 2021, with ever more draconian restrictions. When the National Marine Fisheries Service issued its most recent biological opinion in 2021, unsurprisingly, the radical groups remained dissatisfied and continued to litigate. At the same time, Maine’s Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, and the lobster industry argued that NOAA failed to utilize the best available science. Facing new regulations that threatened to shut down the entire fishery, the Maine delegation worked on a bipartisan basis in December 2022 to enact a regulatory pause for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries. This pause provided ESA and MMPA coverage for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries through 2028, providing the State and the industry more time to develop new gear innovations, prudent conservation measures, and conduct more research on the fishery’s interactions with right whales. Since then, the State of Maine, the industry, and other scientific and research bodies have made progress, investing more than $90 million in research. However, it is clear that more time is needed to gather the necessary data and incorporate it into final regulations. Representative Lawler’s bill would provide MMPA and ESA coverage for these fisheries through 2035, providing the necessary time to get these regulations right without the threat of more frivolous litigation. I thank Representative Lawler for carrying this legislation, and also I recognize the gentleman from Maine, Representative Jared Golden, for his tireless leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, which will protect one of the world’s most iconic fisheries and the American jobs, communities, and families that depend on it. In Maine, lobster accounts for 75 percent of the total value of the State’s commercial fisheries, supporting an estimated $2 billion in economic activity and 17,500 jobs. While critical to the State’s economy, a robust lobster industry isn’t just about dollars and cents. It is about individuals, families, and communities whose stories and traditions are directly tied to this industry that has operated for more than 70 years. However, Maine lobstermen have faced tremendous adversity over the past several decades. The American lobster fishery has been under attack from radical groups determined to end this way of life. These serial litigants have pushed for a regulatory regime that could shut down the entire fishery. For nearly 30 years, the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team has overseen the Maine lobster and Jonah crab fisheries. They have implemented and updated a take reduction plan with extensive regulatory requirements designed to minimize the fishery’s impact on North Atlantic right whales. What they are doing is working. For decades, the industry has led conservation efforts to reduce right whale entanglements in their gear. Despite the American lobster fishery virtually eliminating its impact on right whales, the take reduction plan has faced repeated litigation, leaving the industry subject to regulatory whiplash. The American lobster fishery has been subject to four different biological opinions between 2010 and 2021, with ever more draconian restrictions. When the National Marine Fisheries Service issued its most recent biological opinion in 2021, unsurprisingly, the radical groups remained dissatisfied and continued to litigate. At the same time, Maine’s Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, and the lobster industry argued that NOAA failed to utilize the best available science. Facing new regulations that threatened to shut down the entire fishery, the Maine delegation worked on a bipartisan basis in December 2022 to enact a regulatory pause for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries. This pause provided ESA and MMPA coverage for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries through 2028, providing the State and the industry more time to develop new gear innovations, prudent conservation measures, and conduct more research on the fishery’s interactions with right whales. Since then, the State of Maine, the industry, and other scientific and research bodies have made progress, investing more than $90 million in research. However, it is clear that more time is needed to gather the necessary data and incorporate it into final regulations. Representative Lawler’s bill would provide MMPA and ESA coverage for these fisheries through 2035, providing the necessary time to get these regulations right without the threat of more frivolous litigation. I thank Representative Lawler for carrying this legislation, and also I recognize the gentleman from Maine, Representative Jared Golden, for his tireless leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
“I support this bill. It delays new fishing rules until 2035. This protects fishing jobs and gives scientists more time to find ways to protect whales without hurting fishermen.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. I want to thank Chairman Westerman for working with me to bring this bill to the floor, as well as my colleague from Maine who has fought tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, Jared Golden. In Maine alone, the lobster industry generates approximately $2 billion in economic activity each year and supports more than 17,500 jobs. Local industries like this one are a lifeline for families and communities that have been in business for generations. In New York, the fishing industry generates more than $2 billion in economic activity and supports over 10,000 jobs. For decades, the Northeast lobster and commercial fishing industries have faced growing regulatory pressure as Federal efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale have unintentionally impacted fisheries. In 2022, this important industry faced the prospect of even more regulations that would have had devastating consequences on fishermen’s livelihoods and their local communities that depend on them. Congress responded by temporarily pausing the regulations and providing funding to improve North Atlantic whale research. That research is already producing better data, but more work remains. My bill would simply extend the current regulatory pause through 2035, giving the scientific community more than enough additional time to develop durable science-driven solutions that protect the North Atlantic right whale while ensuring American fishermen can continue to do their jobs. The Northeast lobster fishery is an important part of our coastal economy, supporting not only fishermen but also the processors, restaurants, and local businesses. Fishermen have spent years adapting to changing conservation requirements and implementing measures to reduce the risk of whale entanglements. They deserve regulatory stability and certainty rather than constantly shifting requirements that threaten their ability to operate and plan for the future. This legislation is about giving American fishermen the certainty they need to keep their businesses operating while also giving scientists and the industry the time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. We all have industries back home that shape our communities. I am not from Maine, but I know the importance of local economies and the individual people who work hard for their families. I will always fight for small businesses and for the New Yorkers back home who show up every day to keep them going. This is a perfect example of bipartisanship and the willingness to work together for our constituents, for our communities, and to support commonsense legislation that protects the very people we were sent here to represent. I will also say that I refuse to be intimidated by the activists and organizations, like the NRDC, which is threatening to spend millions of dollars in political spending right now--”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. I want to thank Chairman Westerman for working with me to bring this bill to the floor, as well as my colleague from Maine who has fought tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, Jared Golden. In Maine alone, the lobster industry generates approximately $2 billion in economic activity each year and supports more than 17,500 jobs. Local industries like this one are a lifeline for families and communities that have been in business for generations. In New York, the fishing industry generates more than $2 billion in economic activity and supports over 10,000 jobs. For decades, the Northeast lobster and commercial fishing industries have faced growing regulatory pressure as Federal efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale have unintentionally impacted fisheries. In 2022, this important industry faced the prospect of even more regulations that would have had devastating consequences on fishermen’s livelihoods and their local communities that depend on them. Congress responded by temporarily pausing the regulations and providing funding to improve North Atlantic whale research. That research is already producing better data, but more work remains. My bill would simply extend the current regulatory pause through 2035, giving the scientific community more than enough additional time to develop durable science-driven solutions that protect the North Atlantic right whale while ensuring American fishermen can continue to do their jobs. The Northeast lobster fishery is an important part of our coastal economy, supporting not only fishermen but also the processors, restaurants, and local businesses. Fishermen have spent years adapting to changing conservation requirements and implementing measures to reduce the risk of whale entanglements. They deserve regulatory stability and certainty rather than constantly shifting requirements that threaten their ability to operate and plan for the future. This legislation is about giving American fishermen the certainty they need to keep their businesses operating while also giving scientists and the industry the time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. We all have industries back home that shape our communities. I am not from Maine, but I know the importance of local economies and the individual people who work hard for their families. I will always fight for small businesses and for the New Yorkers back home who show up every day to keep them going. This is a perfect example of bipartisanship and the willingness to work together for our constituents, for our communities, and to support commonsense legislation that protects the very people we were sent here to represent. I will also say that I refuse to be intimidated by the activists and organizations, like the NRDC, which is threatening to spend millions of dollars in political spending right now--
“I want everyone to vote for this bill. It protects jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York. Mr. LAWLER.--attacking me for standing up and working to protect jobs and support commonsense, bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York. Mr. LAWLER.--attacking me for standing up and working to protect jobs and support commonsense, bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
“I support Maine's lobstermen. The whale population is growing, and Maine fishing gear has caused only one whale death in over twenty years. Current rules are already working to protect whales and save jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a link to letters of support from the State of Maine Department of Marine Resources, the National Fisheries Institute, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association, New Hampshire Commercial Fishermen’s Association, and the Lobster Advisory Council: Https:// naturalresources.house.gov/uploadedfiles/binder1. pdf Mr. Speaker, I will say that what is happening in Maine is working. We should be celebrating this. We have seen a slight 2.1-percent increase in the population of right whales over the past 4 years. There has been one right whale death in the last, I think, 20 to 25 years attributed to Maine fishing gear. This is an example of how government and industry can work together to protect the fishery, plus continue this economic activity. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), the chair for the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a link to letters of support from the State of Maine Department of Marine Resources, the National Fisheries Institute, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association, New Hampshire Commercial Fishermen’s Association, and the Lobster Advisory Council: Https:// naturalresources.house.gov/uploadedfiles/binder1. pdf Mr. Speaker, I will say that what is happening in Maine is working. We should be celebrating this. We have seen a slight 2.1-percent increase in the population of right whales over the past 4 years. There has been one right whale death in the last, I think, 20 to 25 years attributed to Maine fishing gear. This is an example of how government and industry can work together to protect the fishery, plus continue this economic activity. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), the chair for the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It delays new fishing rules meant to protect whales. This delay gives scientists more time to study the data and helps lobster and crab businesses stay open.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. This legislation will help to safeguard some of the United States’ most iconic fisheries, American lobster and Jonah crab. In Maine, the lobster industry has been subject to regulatory whiplash and operational uncertainty due to pending burdensome regulations and activist litigation. In 2022, NOAA was poised to finalize regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale, a move that risked shutting down this fishery entirely. Leaders in the industry argue that those regulations were developed with flawed, inaccurate data. To combat this, in 2022 Congress enacted a 6-year pause on the enactment of new regulations, which gave the State regulators and the industry more time to gather more up-to-date science and data to inform new regulations. While that work is ongoing and has been productive, it has been made clear that more time is needed to incorporate the latest data into final regulations. H.R. 9436 does just that, ensuring that final regulatory decisions are made in a thoughtful, deliberate manner. Most importantly, this bill advances the goals and objectives laid out in President Trump’s executive order, ``Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.’’ By allowing adequate time to incorporate the latest science and data into regulations, we can ensure that one of the country’s most vital fisheries can continue to operate while safeguarding endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. This bill also allows for the ability to further study the impact of offshore wind farms on our aquatic resources, including the North Atlantic right whale. Anyone who claims to care about our whale and fishery populations would surely support such investigations to ensure data-driven and science-based decisionmaking. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Lawler for his leadership on this bill and his work to protect our fishermen, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this important bill.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. This legislation will help to safeguard some of the United States’ most iconic fisheries, American lobster and Jonah crab. In Maine, the lobster industry has been subject to regulatory whiplash and operational uncertainty due to pending burdensome regulations and activist litigation. In 2022, NOAA was poised to finalize regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale, a move that risked shutting down this fishery entirely. Leaders in the industry argue that those regulations were developed with flawed, inaccurate data. To combat this, in 2022 Congress enacted a 6-year pause on the enactment of new regulations, which gave the State regulators and the industry more time to gather more up-to-date science and data to inform new regulations. While that work is ongoing and has been productive, it has been made clear that more time is needed to incorporate the latest data into final regulations. H.R. 9436 does just that, ensuring that final regulatory decisions are made in a thoughtful, deliberate manner. Most importantly, this bill advances the goals and objectives laid out in President Trump’s executive order, ``Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.’’ By allowing adequate time to incorporate the latest science and data into regulations, we can ensure that one of the country’s most vital fisheries can continue to operate while safeguarding endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. This bill also allows for the ability to further study the impact of offshore wind farms on our aquatic resources, including the North Atlantic right whale. Anyone who claims to care about our whale and fishery populations would surely support such investigations to ensure data-driven and science-based decisionmaking. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Lawler for his leadership on this bill and his work to protect our fishermen, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes’’ on this important bill.
“I want the House to pass this bill to give us more time. New technology to protect whales is close, but it is not ready yet. Forcing lobstermen to use it right now is dangerous.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, NOAA is in the process of building out an acoustic network that can provide near real-time whale locations along the entire East Coast. Meanwhile, NOAA has contracted with a private company to evaluate 11 technologies that have real potential to reduce threats to whales and identify their locations in real time. While several of these are fully mature, many promising technologies are close but need more time. My colleagues across the aisle would have you believe that the only solution is immediate deployment of ropeless gear, which creates unnecessary safety risks for lobstermen. We can protect America’s lobstermen and the right whale. This bill strikes the right balance. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, NOAA is in the process of building out an acoustic network that can provide near real-time whale locations along the entire East Coast. Meanwhile, NOAA has contracted with a private company to evaluate 11 technologies that have real potential to reduce threats to whales and identify their locations in real time. While several of these are fully mature, many promising technologies are close but need more time. My colleagues across the aisle would have you believe that the only solution is immediate deployment of ropeless gear, which creates unnecessary safety risks for lobstermen. We can protect America’s lobstermen and the right whale. This bill strikes the right balance. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).
“I want the House to pass this bill. It delays new fishing rules meant to protect right whales until 2035. Putting the rules in place too fast by 2028 will hurt Maine lobster fishermen and the New England economy. We need more time to make rules that protect whales without ruining local businesses.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, introduced by my good friends, Representative Lawler and Representative Golden of Maine. Each and every day, onerous regulations negatively impact our constituents along with the local economies and local communities that we represent. Too often, here in Washington, these onerous regulations are put in place without a full understanding of the impact that they will have on the ground. These regulations often set unreasonable standards or are set to go into effect on unreasonable timelines. The regulations on the North Atlantic right whale, which are currently mandated to be implemented by the end of 2028, are an example of these unreasonable timelines that will have a negative impact on local and regional economies across New England and will have an outsized impact on the Maine lobstermen. This bipartisan legislation before us today does not weaken protections for the North Atlantic right whale. The legislation simply delays implementation of these new regulations so we can get it right. This legislation will allow adequate time to seek input from affected industries and communities, ensuring we have fit-for-purpose regulations that will protect the North Atlantic right whale. Failure to do this the right way and allow time for the right regulations to be developed could devastate the local economy and our fisheries across New England. Mr. Speaker, I commend my good friend Representative Golden for standing up for his constituents and for working with Representative Lawler to bring this legislation forward. Representative Golden is from Maine. He wants this for his constituents and the lobster fishermen from Maine. I think that we ought to listen to Representative Golden, who, in my humble opinion, has been one of the most effective Democrats on the Natural Resources Committee. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 9436.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, introduced by my good friends, Representative Lawler and Representative Golden of Maine. Each and every day, onerous regulations negatively impact our constituents along with the local economies and local communities that we represent. Too often, here in Washington, these onerous regulations are put in place without a full understanding of the impact that they will have on the ground. These regulations often set unreasonable standards or are set to go into effect on unreasonable timelines. The regulations on the North Atlantic right whale, which are currently mandated to be implemented by the end of 2028, are an example of these unreasonable timelines that will have a negative impact on local and regional economies across New England and will have an outsized impact on the Maine lobstermen. This bipartisan legislation before us today does not weaken protections for the North Atlantic right whale. The legislation simply delays implementation of these new regulations so we can get it right. This legislation will allow adequate time to seek input from affected industries and communities, ensuring we have fit-for-purpose regulations that will protect the North Atlantic right whale. Failure to do this the right way and allow time for the right regulations to be developed could devastate the local economy and our fisheries across New England. Mr. Speaker, I commend my good friend Representative Golden for standing up for his constituents and for working with Representative Lawler to bring this legislation forward. Representative Golden is from Maine. He wants this for his constituents and the lobster fishermen from Maine. I think that we ought to listen to Representative Golden, who, in my humble opinion, has been one of the most effective Democrats on the Natural Resources Committee. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 9436.
“I support this bill. It gives officials until 2035 to use better science before creating new fishing rules to protect whales. Rushing rules based on old data could destroy thousands of lobster fishing jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. This bill is fundamentally about getting the science right. It gives the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, or NOAA, the State of Maine, and the lobster industry until 2035 to incorporate the most current, complete data available before implementing sweeping new gear, closure, and speed restrictions under the MMPA, restrictions that, based on outdated information, could devastate a $2 billion industry and 17,500 jobs. Mr. Speaker, Alaska knows the cost of regulating with stale data. As the State with America’s largest and most valuable commercial fishing industry, we have seen Federal agencies default to rigid one-size-fits- all mandates instead of investing in the modern surveys, monitoring, and technology needed to actually understand what is happening on the water. That approach does not serve the resource and it doesn’t serve the people who depend on it, whether they are lobstermen in Maine or fishermen in Alaska Native communities back home. Good regulation has to keep pace with good science. H.R. 9436 does not weaken the MMPA or abandon right whale conservation. It gives regulators the runway to use better science and better tools to protect both the whales and the fishery. This committee endorsed that approach on a bipartisan 22-13 vote, and the Trump administration has backed it, as well. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. This bill is fundamentally about getting the science right. It gives the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, or NOAA, the State of Maine, and the lobster industry until 2035 to incorporate the most current, complete data available before implementing sweeping new gear, closure, and speed restrictions under the MMPA, restrictions that, based on outdated information, could devastate a $2 billion industry and 17,500 jobs. Mr. Speaker, Alaska knows the cost of regulating with stale data. As the State with America’s largest and most valuable commercial fishing industry, we have seen Federal agencies default to rigid one-size-fits- all mandates instead of investing in the modern surveys, monitoring, and technology needed to actually understand what is happening on the water. That approach does not serve the resource and it doesn’t serve the people who depend on it, whether they are lobstermen in Maine or fishermen in Alaska Native communities back home. Good regulation has to keep pace with good science. H.R. 9436 does not weaken the MMPA or abandon right whale conservation. It gives regulators the runway to use better science and better tools to protect both the whales and the fishery. This committee endorsed that approach on a bipartisan 22-13 vote, and the Trump administration has backed it, as well. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.
“I want to pass this bill to protect our seafood industry. Stopping this work will cost 17,500 American jobs, hurt Maine's economy, and force us to buy more seafood from other countries.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am confused by arguments coming from the left. They started off today talking about high prices and the cost of food. What is their solution? They want to shut down another U.S. industry. They want to shut down seafood production. We are already 80 percent dependent on foreign imports. Their solution is to reduce penalties on Canada and other countries that are our seafood suppliers, shut down 17,500 American jobs, shut down a $2 billion industry in the State of Maine, and ship more of our money overseas to other countries and let them supply our seafood. They don’t have near the protections that we have for our other species. There is a lot of flawed logic in the argument that they are trying to make. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden), who understands Maine lobster fisheries more than anybody else probably in this town.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am confused by arguments coming from the left. They started off today talking about high prices and the cost of food. What is their solution? They want to shut down another U.S. industry. They want to shut down seafood production. We are already 80 percent dependent on foreign imports. Their solution is to reduce penalties on Canada and other countries that are our seafood suppliers, shut down 17,500 American jobs, shut down a $2 billion industry in the State of Maine, and ship more of our money overseas to other countries and let them supply our seafood. They don’t have near the protections that we have for our other species. There is a lot of flawed logic in the argument that they are trying to make. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden), who understands Maine lobster fisheries more than anybody else probably in this town.
“I do not want more regulations on Maine lobstermen. Over 17,000 jobs depend on them, and extra rules will hurt them when current practices are already working.”
“Mr. Speaker, the argument for the motion to recommit reminds me of what President Reagan said--this is the Democrat philosophy--if it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops, then subsidize it. Unfortunately, if it stops, who we are going to be subsidizing are foreign countries that we are importing seafood from. To correct the record, it is not 1,700 jobs in Maine; it is 17,000 jobs in Maine--over 17,000 jobs. We are talking about a serious economic impact, and we are also talking about the fact that what is happening right now is working. Why continue to regulate it? Why put more burdens on Maine lobstermen who are in a tough situation, as fishermen are, around the world? So the solution is to regulate them more? It is like, hey, we see you are having a hard time, so let’s put some more regulations on you. That doesn’t work. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden).”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, the argument for the motion to recommit reminds me of what President Reagan said--this is the Democrat philosophy--if it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops, then subsidize it. Unfortunately, if it stops, who we are going to be subsidizing are foreign countries that we are importing seafood from. To correct the record, it is not 1,700 jobs in Maine; it is 17,000 jobs in Maine--over 17,000 jobs. We are talking about a serious economic impact, and we are also talking about the fact that what is happening right now is working. Why continue to regulate it? Why put more burdens on Maine lobstermen who are in a tough situation, as fishermen are, around the world? So the solution is to regulate them more? It is like, hey, we see you are having a hard time, so let’s put some more regulations on you. That doesn’t work. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden).
“I want the House to pass this bill. It gives federal regulators more time to write rules that protect whales without hurting the Maine lobster and crab fishing industries.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today would provide much- needed certainty to one of the United States’ most important and iconic commercial fisheries, Maine lobster. When I visited that beautiful State, I loved what they call it there, lobstah. When you think of lobster, you think of something that is woven into the fabric of the history, the ambiance, the beauty of Maine. When people from other States think of Maine, a lot of times what comes to their mind is lobster. Passing this legislation will give NOAA more time to craft regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale and will ensure that these regulations are based on the best available science and ensure long-term operational certainty for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries. The legislation before us helps to advance the goals laid out in President Trump’s executive order, ``Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.’’ The Trump administration has issued a Statement of Administration Policy expressing support for identical legislation, which I include in the Record. H.R. 8509--Amending the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to Extend the Time Period for which Certain Regulations Concerning the North”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today would provide much- needed certainty to one of the United States’ most important and iconic commercial fisheries, Maine lobster. When I visited that beautiful State, I loved what they call it there, lobstah. When you think of lobster, you think of something that is woven into the fabric of the history, the ambiance, the beauty of Maine. When people from other States think of Maine, a lot of times what comes to their mind is lobster. Passing this legislation will give NOAA more time to craft regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale and will ensure that these regulations are based on the best available science and ensure long-term operational certainty for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries. The legislation before us helps to advance the goals laid out in President Trump’s executive order, ``Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.’’ The Trump administration has issued a Statement of Administration Policy expressing support for identical legislation, which I include in the Record. H.R. 8509--Amending the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to Extend the Time Period for which Certain Regulations Concerning the North
“I want my colleagues to vote for this bill to protect the lobster industry.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Lawler for his leadership on this issue and recognize Representative Golden of Maine for his tireless advocacy for this critical industry on behalf of his constituents and his State that he loves. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Lawler for his leadership on this issue and recognize Representative Golden of Maine for his tireless advocacy for this critical industry on behalf of his constituents and his State that he loves. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
