July 30, 2015
By Florida Sportsman
Press Release GCLC
Monday, July 27th the United States House of Representatives took a stand against foreign illegal fishermen who poach fish in our sovereign waters - many of whom are often engaged in other transnational crimes such as drug running and human trafficking.
The House of Representatives made it abundantly clear they support coastal business and understand the plight of the American fishermen. Ending foreign illegal fishing is critical to supporting the coastal economy as well as protecting our well managed fishing populations.
Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX-14), one of the earliest cosponsors of this legislation stated, “H.R. 774 is a common-sense solution that will strengthen enforcement by providing the necessary tools and resources to protect local fishermen and coastal businesses from the detrimental economic impacts caused by foreign illegal fishing.”
Congressman David Jolly (R-FL-13), another early cosponsor added, “Illegal fishing from foreign vessels is a direct threat to the livelihood of thousands of hardworking Americans along the Gulf coast as well as the quality of life throughout our Bay area communities. This bill will strengthen enforcement mechanisms against those who illegally fish our waters and will protect this important resource for our recreational, commercial, and charter boat fisherman.”
It is important the United States Senate take up action on H.R. 774 in order to help keep suspected foreign illegal fishermen and illegally caught fish out of U.S. ports, and protect domestic fishermen and coastal businesses from the detrimental economic impacts caused by foreign illegal fishing.
The House did its job. It is time for the Senate to finish it.
GCLC would like to especially thank Congressional House Members from the Gulf Coast who recognized this growing problem and served as co-sponsors of H.R. 774: Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL-5), Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL-1), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Rep. Curt Clawson (R-FL-19), Rep. John Culberson (R-TX-7), Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL-26), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25), Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX-27), Rep. David W. Jolly (R-FL-13), Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX-10), Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX-
2), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-27), Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX-21), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX-14), and Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX-25).
