Freedom to Fish Act Passes House Unanimously

Press Release

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Freedom to Fish Act (S.982). Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill, which would ensure that the public can access tailwaters below dams for fishing on the Cumberland River.

"This is a magnificent recreational resource that has been unfairly harmed by proposed Corps actions," said Cooper. "We've heard from hundreds of fishermen across the country who agree: The waters are safe, the fishing is good. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

In 2012, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a plan to restrict access to certain waters for fishing along the Cumberland River. Rep. Cooper and his staff have met with Corps officials in Nashville and Washington numerous times, asking them to reconsider these restrictions. The Freedom to Fish Act bans the Corps from enacting these restrictions for two years.

Cooper spoke on the House floor this afternoon about his support for the bill.

The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent last week, and now heads to President Obama for his signature.Unknown

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