This week, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., introduced a bill to “improve the federal regulatory process associated with the allocation of fishery disaster relief.”
Donalds brought out the “Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act (FISHES Act)” which “seeks to expedite the distribution of federal disaster relief following official fishery disaster declarations—which the state of Florida has requested six times since 2012.” The bill also “seeks to improve the federal regulatory processes associated with fishery disaster relief funding within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)” and “cuts red tape by enacting a 30-day decision requirement for OMB to deny/approve the state’s spending plan, which will ultimately expedite the federal fishery disaster relief funding process overall.”
A dozen co-sponsors lined up behind the bill led by U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska. Other backers include U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla, Neal Dunn, R-Fla., Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., Brian Mast, R-Fla., Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Dan Webster, R-Fla.
“The devastation incurred by the U.S. seafood industry in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian was catastrophic, and the impact still persists. Our waterways are the lifeblood of our economy and the community, and it’s always been my commitment to advocate for water’s vitality—which ultimately benefits countless families, businesses, and the overall development of Florida’s 19th Congressional District. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan FISHES Act, and I thank every member supporting this effort,” said Donalds.
The American Conservation Coalition Action, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida & Tampa Bay, the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO) and the National Audubon Society are all backing the bill.
“Rep. Donalds’ legislation is extremely important for the state of Florida which has unfortunately had to request six different fishery disaster declarations in the last ten years. Setting a deadline for OMB to approve fishery disaster spend plans is critical to provide timely financial support to the fishermen, processors, and our communities after being affected by a natural disaster,” said Roger Young, the executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
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