The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bill H.R. 5103, known as "The Bipartisan Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act (FISHES) Act," through a voice vote. This legislation aims to improve the federal regulatory process for allocating fishery disaster relief, particularly following official fishery disaster declarations—a situation that Florida has encountered seven times since 2012.
Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), who sponsored the bill, stated, "Following Hurricane Ian, Southwest Florida’s seafood industry incurred catastrophic devastation and its impact still persists." He emphasized his commitment to supporting waterways, which are vital to the economy and community in Florida. Donalds expressed pride in receiving broad bipartisan support for this proposal and looks forward to its passage in the Senate.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) remarked on the importance of timely responses during natural disasters: "During a time of natural disaster, time can often be the difference between life and death." He noted that delays in disaster requests could lead to severe damage to fisheries and coastal communities. Westerman thanked Congressman Donalds for his leadership on this issue.
The bill is supported by 160 endorsing entities, including 107 organizations such as the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, American Sportfishing Association, and many others. It also has backing from fifty-two members of Congress and four Senators—Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), who sponsors the Senate companion bill, along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).