Issue Position: Fishing

Issue Position

Where I Stand

Fishing is a pillar of Eastern North Carolina's heritage and key component of our regional economy. Federal policy ought to reflect the importance of this industry to job creation and economic growth, but sadly that is not the case. Instead, federal law and federal regulators have crippled this once vibrant industry.

Defending fishermen is one of my top priorities in Congress. I have been active, and in many cases, a national leader on a wide variety of fishing issues. These include leading the fight against catch share programs that fishermen do not want, and leading the effort to secure flexibility in rebuilding fisheries.

As long as I have the privilege to serve, I will do everything in my power to make sure that fishermen are treated fairly by the federal government.

Legislative Action in the 112th Congress

Sponsored and Cosponsored Bills

H.Amdt.152 to H.R. 1 -- Amendment prohibited use of funds for expansion of catch shares programs in fisheries along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico.

H.R. 2753 -- Fishery Management Transparency and Accountability Act -- To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to provide Internet access to Regional Fishery Management

H.R. 1646 -- American Angler Preservation Act -- To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to preserve jobs and coastal communities through transparency and accountability in fishery management

H.R. 2772 -- Saving Fishing Jobs Act -- To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to permit eligible fishermen to approve certain limited access privilege programs

H.R. 3061 -- Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act -- To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to extend the authorized time period for rebuilding of certain overfished fisheries

H.R. 2610 -- Asset Forfeiture Fund Reform and Distribution Act -- To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to reform procedures for the payment of funds from the asset forfeiture fund

H.R. 574 -- To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce from authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone except in accordance with a law authorizing such action

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