September, 2006            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Peter Kovar 202-225-9400

FRANK SEES DELAY IN FISHING LEGISLATION
AS OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT

          Congressman Barney Frank said today that the decision by a key Committee chairman to postpone until after the November elections a vote by the full House of Representatives on legislation to update the primary federal fishery management law may lead to improvements in the bill.  House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-CA), lead sponsor of legislation (H.R. 5018) to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, recently decided to delay further action on the bill to allow key negotiators to consider further modifications that will enhance the bill’s chances of passage. 

          The legislation, which Frank is cosponsoring, had been expected to be voted on by the full House this month, but it now appears that a vote is unlikely to occur until the Congressional “lame-duck” session that will take place between the November elections and the start of the new Congress in January.  The Senate earlier passed its Magnuson reauthorization measure, and if the House passes its own bill, a final compromise version would have to be worked out by negotiators from both chambers before the bill can be sent to the White House for the President’s signature.

           “I’m encouraged by the decision to hold off action on the bill for now, while discussions continue on possible refinements,” Frank said.  “While I think the bill in its present form calls for a number of positive changes in the way our fisheries are managed, additional improvements can clearly be made.  The added time gives me an opportunity to continue pushing for provisions that address health and safety in the fishing industry, and it also gives us a better chance to reach a consensus that more fully respects the goal of conserving our fisheries and our fishing communities.  I will continue doing all I can to push for the best possible Magnuson reauthorization bill in the time that remains before Congress adjourns for the year.”

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