Congressman
Henry E. Brown, Jr.

Posted by: Henry E. Brown, Jr. (March 02, 2010, 03:15 PM)

Last week, I joined close to 200 fishermen from South Carolina and thousands of fishermen from all over the East Coast for the United We Fish Rally on Capitol Hill. We gathered to protest red snapper and shallow-water grouper fishing bans that are harming coastal communities. These bans were hastily implemented based on out-of-date research without considering alternative solutions. However, closing fisheries in coastal cities that rely on both the commercial and recreational fishing industry kills jobs throughout the community. In a state like South Carolina where unemployment is 12.6 percent, the economic impact of these bans must be considered and should not be taken lightly.

I was among many Members who spoke at the rally about what Congress can do to help reverse these harmful bans and prevent future closures. I specifically spoke about the legislation I introduced on Tuesday, the Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010, which instructs NOAA to report the economic impact of fishery closures, review alternatives to prevent overfishing without closing fisheries, and places restrictions on implementing future closures.  The fishing industry amounts to $600 million-per-year business for the state of South Carolina, so it is crucial that the regulators re-evaluate updated research before making additional decisions that could harm South Carolina’s economy and unemployment rates.

Our state is among the top five in the nation for unemployment, and these fishing bans have lead to even more job losses in an already suffering job market. It is important that regulators understand that the fishing industry is not the only facet of the economy that is harmed by the restrictions. If fishermen can’t come to South Carolina because of fishing bans, then restaurants, hotels and other small businesses will also miss out on valuable customers.

With people chanting “I Fish, I Vote” and holding colorful signs reading “Fishing Feeds Families” and “Fishing=Jobs” the rally certainly got people’s attention. The turnout itself is a testament to the fishermen’s dedication, both to their industry and to their livelihoods.

I was encouraged that so many from South Carolina made the trek to Washington to remind Congress of the importance of fishing to coastal industries and I’m glad Congress can help by passing the Transparency in Job Loss from Fishery Closures Act of 2010. I will continue to stand by South Carolina fishermen in protecting their careers and the careers of all those who earn their living on the water and along the coast.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (June 15, 2009, 04:29 PM)

Congressman Brown is an original cosponsor of H.RES.430, legislation which expresses condolences to the citizens of Italy and support for the Government of Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Following the passage of the resolution today, Brown, a member of the bicameral and bipartisan Italian American Congressional Delegation, made the following statement:

“As I represent an area that has many close personal ties to Italy, I was extremely saddened, back in April, at the news of this devastating earthquake.

Charleston is proud to be home to the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, an art festival and American counterpart of the Festival of Two Worlds held annually in Spoleto, Italy. Additionally, North Charleston enjoys the presence of Global Aeronautica LLC, a joint venture between Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Italy’s Alenia Aeronautica and Vought Aircraft Industries responsible for assembling the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Italy is a major political and commercial ally of the United States and we value our relationship with them greatly. I, along with all of my Congressional colleagues, send our sincerest condolences to the victims and families affected by this massive natural disaster and reinforce the notion that we remain in full support of the Italian Government during this trying time.”

Note: On April 6, 2009 the L'Aquila earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, killed at least 297 people and severely damaged the infrastructure of the central Italian region of Abruzzo.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife, Values | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (June 11, 2009, 03:09 PM)

I received the support of The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and more than 30 other organizations representing millions of American hunter conservationists when they sent a letter yesterday to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, urging them to support H.R. 1454, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Brown and previously championed by Jack Hanna, the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Read more of my release here.
Read the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation's release here.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife, In Case You Missed It | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (June 09, 2009, 01:28 PM)

Below is a letter I received from the President of the Civil War Preservation Trust. Civil War Preservation Trust Letter 052809

Posted in Environment and Wildlife, Tourism, Values | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (June 04, 2009, 11:01 AM)

As the representative for 75 percent of the South Carolina coast and many of my state’s recreational and commercial boaters, I spoke during today’s Transportation and Infrastructure Full Committee Markup in strong support of legislation which recognizes the numerous national contributions of the recreational boating community and the boating industry. 

I was proud to introduce H. Res. 410 along with Representative Kline and my other committee counterparts, Representatives Gene Taylor and Candice Miller, and I further encourage the rest of my colleagues on the Committee to support this resolution.

To read more on my efforts for the recreational boaters of South Carolina and the nation, read my original press release on H. Res. 410 here.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife, Transportation | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (May 06, 2009, 04:14 PM)

During this week’s Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife hearing, Congressman Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC), invited two of his constituents, Whit McMillan of the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston and Doc Antle, founder of TIGERS in Myrtle Beach, to testify in support of two pieces of legislation he drafted: the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009 and the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act, respectively.

Learn more about the hearing here.
Read articles from the Humane Society and Environment and Energy News commending the Congressman for his efforts.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (May 06, 2009, 12:43 PM)

Congressman Henry Brown will be part of a new task force focusing on issues facing rural America. 

“As someone who was born and raised on a farm in Cordesville, South Carolina, I look forward to working on these vital issues and joining my Congressional colleagues, from across the country, in formulating needed policies for rural America,” said Brown.

Formation of the Rural America Solutions Group was announced by U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio.

“Families, small businesses, and farmers in rural areas are struggling, and this group will work to provide positive solutions to help farming and agricultural communities across the nation hit hard by this recession,” said Boehner

The 15-member task force will be chaired by the ranking members of the House committees on Natural Resources, Small Business and House Agriculture Committee, Washington.

Members of the Rural America Solutions Group include:

    * Frank Lucas (R-OK) – Co-Chair
    * Doc Hastings (R-WA) – Co-Chair
    * Sam Graves (R-MO) – Co-Chair
    * Rob Bishop (R-UT
    * Henry Brown (R-SC
    * Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)
    * Mike Conaway (R-TX)
    * Steve King (R-IA)
    * Tom Latham (R-IA)
    * Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
    * Cynthia Lummis (R-WY
    * Tom McClintock (R-CA)
    * Adam Putnam (R-FL)
    * George Radonovich (R-CA)
    * Phil Roe (R-TN)
    * Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (May 01, 2009, 11:18 AM)

After learning of the catastrophic fire that would eventually damage or destroy over 1500 homes and 20,000 acres in Horry County, my only cause for relief was knowing that the people living in the path of the fire were safe. 

Now, we must focus on the next steps that must be taken to rebuild the area and provide for the members of the community who have lost their homes and property.

I was in Washington when I heard the news, and immediately made contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, both in DC and in Atlanta, and with Mayor Hatley. She and I both shared the sentiment that we were grateful that no lives were lost as it is far easier to replace the material things in life.

The Monday following the devastating fire, I visited the affected area to speak with the residents, homeowners and emergency personnel involved in this disaster. I applaud the diligence of these dedicated men and women and echo the sentiments of so many residents who witnessed their diligence and resolve in the face of imminent personal danger.   North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and all of the local and state officials, who acted in a cooperative spirit should be commended, as well.  

Many of our friends and neighbors are facing a daunting task in putting back the pieces of their lives and re-establishing a sense of normalcy for their families.  We should continue to remember them in our thoughts and prayers.  If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 843-445-6459 or toll free at 888-868-0737.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife, Horry County | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (April 28, 2009, 04:08 PM)

One of the largest fires in state history burned through nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 150 homes in Horry Country from last Wednesday to Sunday. However, had you visited that same spans of land just 20 years ago much of it was covered by pine plantations owned by timber and paper companies. These companies would maintain the land by regularly conducting controlled burns to rid the forests of the very same underbrush that fueled that massive fire on the edge of Myrtle Beach last week.

Many of the destroyed or damaged homes were built in forestlands that have not been burned with a controlled fire for years and the only effective way to prevent build-up of underbrush and debris in these vast woods is through controlled burns. Fueling the problem is some of the vegetation that grows in the underbrush — wax myrtle and holly. Both have waxy leaves that provide volatile, hot-burning fuel, kind of like gasoline.

I make this point, because I myself, am a patron of the forests and to preserve and maintain my own lands and the surrounding Francis Marion National Forest, I conduct controlled burns periodically on my property in Berkeley County. I do this to prevent wildfires that may uncontrollably burn any area that has not been cleared properly by controlled burning. This was exactly one of the factors that fueled the fire in North Myrtle Beach. Had that land been control burned, thousands of needless acres and millions of dollars of property may have been spared. More simply put, you must have good fires to prevent the bad fires. Hopefully, we can all learn from the devastation of this fire and become better stewards of the land in the future.

Read more from a Post & Courier & Sun News articles on the importance of controlled burning.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife, Horry County | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (April 03, 2009, 10:52 AM)

Last night the President's Budget passed the House and Senate with NO Republican votes in either chamber.
Read about my support of the alternative GOP budget plans that offered reasonable solutions for middle class families, focused directly on creating jobs, tax relief and empowering small businesses to survive and grow.

Posted in Defense, Economy, Energy, Environment and Wildlife, Health Care, Homeland Security, Retirement, Taxes | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (March 31, 2009, 12:34 PM)

Congressman Brown, the Ranking Republican on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Oceans and Wildlife, ranked #1 in the South Carolina delegation on Animal Protection Issues during the 110th Congress.

View the Congressman's score and the entire 110th Congress Humane Score Card to see how other members ranked.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (March 25, 2009, 02:01 PM)

Today, the House passed the Omnibus Lands Package, yet another far reaching Democrat bill, created by stacking more than 170 separate bills together into one 1,200 page, 10 billion dollar piece of legislation.

While the bill contained some worthwhile provisions, piling so many separate pieces of legislation into one bill, 100 of which have never been voted on in the House, unnecessarily creates extremely expensive and convoluted legislation.

One would think that recent experiences with TARP and the stimulus would have taught Congress that forcing such convoluted pieces of legislation through, without the necessary deliberations and revisions, may have large and negative consequences.

Democrats have passed up yet another opportunity to create effective legislation that could uphold our priorities and desires as Americans. My Republican colleagues and I continue to voice the opinion of the American people and look forward to sensible, straight forward legislation in the future.

Posted in Economy, Energy, Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting

Posted by: Brown Staff (March 05, 2009, 11:23 AM)

I am proud to announce that, this week, my colleagues and I approved legislation by voice vote that will protect sharks from the cruel practice of shark finning.

As the leading Republican on the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, I was proud to work with Subcommittee Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo on H.R. 81, the Shark Conservation Act, legislation that will expand current prohibitions on this practice and improve shark conservation by closing several loopholes that allow for the legal transshipment of shark fins without the corresponding carcasses.

In addition to my efforts on this legislation, during the 110th Congress, I was proud to have the highest rating by the Humane Society of any member in the South Carolina delegation. Learn more about my work on important animal and wildlife protection issues.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting

Posted by: Henry E. Brown (December 29, 2008, 04:58 PM)

A recent article in the Charleston Post & Courier highlights the work of the Sea Turtle Hospital at the South Carolina Aquarium.  The presence of this hospital at the Aquarium is a great resource for our region.  Not only is the South Carolina Aquarium one of Charleston’s top tourist attractions, it educates Charlestonians and the on-site Hospital ensures that stranded turtles from all over coastal South Carolina get on the road to recovery.  I have been proud to work with the South Carolina Aquarium to make sure that badly needed federal funding goes to support the Sea Turtle Hospital's work and research  that may one day help reduce strandings in coastal South Carolina and across the globe.

In support of their efforts, during 2008, I wrote and introduced legislation to expand our nation's commitment to marine turtles.  The Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2008 would assist in the conservation of marine turtles and help preserve their nesting habitats in foreign countries.  Additionally, I worked to increase funding for important sea turtle conservation programs ran through the Fish and Wildlife Service.  Next Congress, I look forward to getting my legislation enacted so that conservation efforts can be increased both in South Carolina and across the globe.

Posted in Environment and Wildlife | View Full Posting

Posted by: Henry E. Brown (July 17, 2008, 05:59 PM)

As home to Ft. Sumter, Morris Island, and many other Civil War sites, the 1st District holds a special place in our nation's history that must be preserved.  That's why I have been working so hard with my colleague Gary Miller from California to update and extend a program under the National Park Service that is designed to provide financial assistance to preserve and protect these nationally significant places in our history. 

Last week, I joined with my colleagues on the National Parks Subcommittee of the House Resources Committee during a hearing on Mr. Miller's legislation (H.R. 2933).  During the hearing, we heard from one of my constituents, Alex McMillan, a Trustee of the Civil War Preservation Trust and a former Member of Congress. 

Congressman McMillan talked about the important role that funding through the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program has played in protecting Civil War battlefields throughout the US. (link to McMillan testimony)

While funds from the CWBPP have yet to be used to preserve any land in South Carolina, there are 11 sites in the Palmetto State that would be eligible for preservation under H.R. 2933. These include sites such as Fort Sumter and Morris Island, which saw the heroic actions of the African-American 54th Massachusetts Infantry as depicted in the film Glory. 

This week, H.R. 2933 was sent to the House floor by the Natural Resources Committee.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill on the House floor schedule before the end of the 110th Congress.

Additional Information: 1-pager on legislation from the Civil War Battlefield Trust │Letter from Civil War Battlefield Trust │Article on legislation in the Charleston Post & Courier

Posted in Environment and Wildlife, Tourism | View Full Posting