WASHINGTON –June 26, 2013 — Congressman John Tierney released the following statement on the Senate’s confirmation of Penny Pritzker to be Secretary of Commerce.
“As the fishing communities in Gloucester and throughout New England struggle to survive, I urge Secretary Pritzker to take immediate action to bring relief to the industry. Despite bipartisan efforts to provide financial assistance, our fishing community is still waiting for the disaster assistance it deserves, and to see real reform to the system that will allow for the flexibility essential to the industry’s survival. While we continue to press our colleagues in Congress for change, I hope new leadership at the Department of Commerce will allow for stronger administrative action and stronger joint efforts to achieve the reform needed.”
“In the coming days, I plan to invite Secretary Pritzker to Gloucester, the nation’s oldest seaport. It is critical that Secretary Pritzker meet with and hear from fishermen in my district so she fully understands their challenges,” Congressman Tierney said.