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McConnell Secures Freedom to Fish in Final Conference Report

McConnell’s legislation permanently blocks the Administration from restricting access to fishing on the Cumberland River

May 16, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was successful in securing his Freedom to Fish language in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA) Conference Report, the final version of the bill, released yesterday. Senator McConnell’s provision continues a “permanent ban” on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ability to enforce any attempt to restrict public access to fish the tailwaters of the Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams in Kentucky – some of the most popular fishing areas in the state. The House of Representatives is expected to consider the WRRDA Conference Report next week followed by the Senate.

Senator McConnell’s provision will permanently prevent the Army Corps from enforcing any attempt to restrict fishing access by giving states the ability to determine how best to regulate public access to these areas. The language also prohibits the Army Corps from ever constructing physical barriers to these public areas or even attempting to implement any kind of a restricted area using signs in the Cumberland River basin for four years following enactment of WRRDA.

“This is great news for fishing enthusiasts and business owners in Kentucky,” Senator McConnell said. “For decades, Kentuckians and anglers from far away have enjoyed the pleasure of fishing the tailwaters of these dams on the Cumberland River. For many in this area, it’s become a rite of passage. So you can imagine the outrage when the Obama Administration attempted to end this proud tradition in the name of big-government. By including my language in the final version of this bill, we are sending the Obama Administration a message that it cannot keep Kentuckians from fishing these prized waters.”

“Many Kentuckians are struggling in this economy and the last thing they need is the nanny state shutting down a critical local resource. Many in our state have depended on these waters for years and it’s outrageous for the federal government to propose such action with complete disregard for the people affected most directly by the policy. Blocking fishing access to the tailwaters of Lake Barkley and Wolf Creek would have not only robbed fishermen of a beloved pastime, but it would have also impaired tourism in the area and negatively affected Kentucky’s economy,” Senator McConnell added.

Lyon County Judge Executive Wade White praised Senator McConnell’s efforts on helping the community. “This is great news for the many who joined this grass roots effort to protect our freedom to fish below our 10 dams.  It shows we can accomplish a great deal when we join together.  I’m so excited that it is this much closer to final passage and I appreciate Sen. McConnell making this such a high priority,” said CJE White.

Background:

On March 19, 2013, McConnell met with Lt. Col. Jim DeLapp, former Nashville Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to discuss the Army Corps’ attempt to barricade these waters. In the meeting, McConnell reiterated his opposition to the Army Corps’ plan and said he would continue to work to prevent the installation of the barricades. On February 12, 2013, McConnell sent a letter to the head of the Army Corps, Jo-Ellen Darcy, voicing his opposition to the administration’s plan.

On Feb. 28, 2013, Senators McConnell, Rand Paul, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker introduced the Freedom to Fish Act to prevent the Army Corps from blocking fishing access to the tailwaters of the Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams. Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) introduced the House companion bill.

On April 13, 2013, Senator McConnell met with local elected officials, anglers and local residents at Lake Barkley to hear firsthand their concerns regarding the Army Corps’ plan and was told that the proposal to block access to these waters would have a major detrimental impact on the communities near these dams. 

On May 15, 2013, the Senate passed its initial version of the Water Resources and Development Act, which included the McConnell Freedom to Fish provision.

On May 16, 2013, the Senate passed a separate bill introduced by McConnell to delay, for two-years, the Army Corps’ ability to restrict public access to these areas, allowing time for the Conference Committee to produce a final WRRDA bill. Senator McConnell’s delay measure was signed into law by the President on June 3, 2013.

On August 28, 2013, Senator McConnell—along with Senator Paul—wrote House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster requesting that he include the permanent Freedom to Fish language in his committee’s bill and in the final WRRDA Conference Report.

By Stifling Debate and Amendments, Senate Democrats Have Put a Gag Order on the American People

May 15, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Senate Democrats’ efforts to stifle debate and prohibit lawmakers from offering amendments:

“The American people need to know what’s happening to their Senate.  This body exists to ensure that the citizens of this country have a say in what their government does.

“It’s the citadel of our Democracy — the place where we guarantee that no one in this country is cut out of the legislative process. The whole purpose of this body is to make sure that nobody’s left out or left behind.

“Yet today, we have a Democratic Majority that’s turned this body right on its head. Instead of preserving the Senate’s prerogatives, they’ve systemically weakened or destroyed them. They’ve turned the Senate into a graveyard of good ideas, and open, Democratic debate.

“It’s a gag order on the people we were sent to represent. Instead of robust, free-wheeling debates about the important issues of the day, we get bizarre monologues about the Democrats’ latest villain.

“We get silly, shameful attacks on private citizens. So in one sense it’s fitting the Majority Leader announced today that he wants to rewrite the Constitution. I mean, you at least have to give them marks for consistency. They’re already muzzling our constituents by blocking amendments.  Now they want to muzzle them even more by changing the Bill of Rights. This is completely out of control.

“Even if the Democratic Majority doesn’t like our ideas or those of our constituents, the answer isn’t to take away their constitutionally guaranteed right to speak their minds. The answer isn’t to shut down their representatives’ ability to influence legislation through amendments. The answer is to come up with better amendments. The answer is to actually convince people in a free and open marketplace of ideas that you’re right.

“Why are Washington Democrats so afraid of a free and open exchange of ideas? Do they have that little faith in the judgment of the people we represent?

“Over the past few weeks we’ve seen just how scared Democrats are of an open debate. Big majorities want to repeal Obamacare’s medical device tax. They won’t allow a vote on it.

“The American people want to see the Keystone pipeline built. Most senators say they want it, too. Democrats here in the Senate won’t allow a vote on it.

“We’ve got a tax bill here that members on both sides want to improve. Democrats won’t allow it. We should have certainty in our tax code instead of these endless expirations that only make it harder for people to prepare and for businesses to plan and compete. Democrats don’t want to do that either. 

“They’re completely allergic to anything constructive. They’re muzzling the people of this country — a gag order on the people we were sent here to represent -- all to protect their power. And it’s a scandal.

“The American people need to know what’s happening here, because this is bigger than any one bill. It’s about protecting the right of the American people to have a say in what goes on in Washington. It’s about protecting the one institution that guarantees they’re heard. It’s about a party that’s become so afraid of losing its hold on power that they’re willing to do just about anything to hold onto it — even if it means rewriting the Bill of Rights, even if it means destroying this body, because that’s exactly what they’re doing.”

Senate Passes McConnell-Paul Resolution Honoring Kentucky Bourbon Industry

‘Bourbon production in Kentucky has grown strong and thrived over the last half century, and I am sure it will continue to do the same for the next 50 years. I want to thank and congratulate all the hard-working Kentuckians who have contributed to building our State’s vibrant Bourbon industry.’

May 15, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made remarks on the Senate floor honoring the 50th anniversary of the original Congressional declaration of Bourbon whiskey as a distinctive product of the United States. Senator McConnell introduced the McConnell-Paul Senate Resolution to recognize the 50th anniversary of this original Declaration of Independence for Bourbon, which the Senate unanimously agreed to.

Senator McConnell’s remarks follow:

“Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the spirit of Kentucky—literally. This month marks the 50th anniversary since the United States Congress passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 19, which recognized Bourbon whiskey as a distinctive product of the United States and unlike any other type of distilled spirit, whether foreign or domestic.

“On May 4, 1964, Congress declared that Bourbon whiskey had achieved recognition and acceptance throughout the world as a distinctive product of the United States, and expressed the Sense of Congress that the United States should prohibit the importation of any other whiskey purporting to call itself Bourbon.

“This resolution helped to promote the thriving Bourbon distillery industry that we can be thankful is located in the United States today.

“Kentucky is, of course, the birthplace of Bourbon. The drink itself is named for Bourbon County, Kentucky, in the heart of the Bluegrass State, where the product first emerged. Kentucky produces 95 percent of the world’s Bourbon supply, and Kentucky’s iconic Bourbon brands ship more than 30 million gallons of the spirit to 126 countries, making Bourbon the largest export category among all United States distilled spirits.

“Not only is Kentucky the overwhelming producer of the world’s Bourbon, Bourbon gives much back to Kentucky. It is a vital part of the state’s tourism and economy. The industry generates close to 9,000 jobs and contributed almost $2 billion to Kentucky’s economy in 2010. Production of Bourbon in Kentucky has increased by more than 120 percent since 1999.

“And not to go unnoticed, the Bourbon industry has taken an active role in promoting the responsible and moderate use of its product by all.

“Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 was originally introduced 50 years ago by Kentucky Senator Thruston Morton, and a companion measure was introduced in the House by Representative John C. Watts. They recognized that just as Scotch whisky is a distinctive product of Scotland, Canadian whiskey a distinctive product of Canada, and cognac a distinctive product of the Cognac region of France, all with official government recognition, Bourbon deserved the distinction that comes with official recognition as well.

“However, the International Federation of Manufacturing Industries and Wholesale Trades in Wines, Spirits, and Liqueurs could only enforce the protection of the Bourbon appellation if Congress passed a resolution declaring such. Therefore, on May 4, 1964, Congress adopted the original Bourbon resolution.

“Fifty years later, I rise to introduce, along with my friend and colleague Senator Paul, a new Senate Resolution to recognize the 50th anniversary of this original Declaration of Independence for Bourbon.

“Kentucky is celebrating this 50th anniversary in appropriate fashion through various exhibits, events, and tastings. Perhaps the most exciting of these events is the display of the original Bourbon Resolution, which has been released from the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C.—for the first time since its adoption—to be exhibited in Louisville at the Frazier History Museum.

“I was proud to be able to work with my friend and fellow Kentuckian Representative Andy Barr to assist in bringing the original resolution to Kentucky. And I want to thank the Kentucky Distillers Association and the Frazier History Museum for their efforts to honor the anniversary of the Bourbon Resolution.

“And I am also proud today to follow in the footsteps of Kentucky leaders from the past in honoring and recognizing the original Bourbon Resolution with this 50th anniversary resolution.

“Bourbon production in Kentucky has grown strong and thrived over the last half century, and I am sure it will continue to do the same for the next 50 years. I want to thank and congratulate all the hard-working Kentuckians who have contributed to building our State’s vibrant Bourbon industry.

“I urge my U.S. Senate colleagues to support this resolution, and I look forward to its swift adoption.”

NOTE: Following the passage of the Bourbon Resolution by the U.S. Senate, the President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Eric Gregory, said, “We are extremely grateful to Senator McConnell for recognizing the growing global importance of Bourbon today and its tremendous economic and tourism impact in Kentucky. This is a significant milestone and it's only fitting that the Senate Leader from Kentucky is the sponsor. We deeply appreciate his support of our legendary industry and his commitment to protecting the future of or signature spirit.”

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