WASHINGTON: June 1, 2015 — The House Monday evening approved of a bill to reauthorize the nation’s principle marine fisheries management legislation, with Democrats and Republicans clashing over proposed changes to the 40-year-old law.
Republicans, who hold the majority, proposed amending the Magnuson-Stevens Act to give fisheries managers needed flexibility to maintain a healthy fish population while also taking into account the economic impact on fishing communities.
“The status quo is not working. Those in the industry recognize a need for change,” said Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee.
Democrats, who opposed the measure, argued that it would create loopholes in the law that could harm rebuilding efforts and included provisions that would undermine other environmental laws including the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, Antiquities Act and Endangered Species Act.
The bill was approved, 225 to 152, with only five Democrats in favor. The Senate has yet to consider legislation to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, had cleared the House Natural Resources Committee last month on a party-line vote. The Senate has yet to consider legislation to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
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