| June 19, 2006 By KTVZ.com news sources WASHINGTON - On Monday, the U.S. Senate approved the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act which includes two key provisions negotiated by Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) to help Oregon's salmon fishermen. With the new provisions, fishermen and those who depend on salmon fishing to make a living are made eligible for assistance, and the Secretary of Commerce is required to complete a recovery plan for Klamath River Coho salmon. "This is a breakthrough that brings us one step closer getting aid to our coast, but finding funding remains the greatest challenge," Smith said. "We have fisherman facing mortgage payments and ice plant operators needing to make payments on their leases. I am going to continue to press Congress to provide aid until the fishermen receive what they need." Smith, a co-sponsor of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (S. 2012), worked with the legislation's chief author, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) to add the two provisions. Smith spearheaded the bi-partisan effort which included consultation with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). As a result of Senator Smith's provisions, Senator Wyden along with Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) removed legislative holds on the bill allowing it to be considered by the full Senate with Smith's provisions included. The first provision will make salmon fishermen and impacted businesses eligible for aid. The provision was based on legislation that Senator Smith introduced in April 2006. The second provision Smith negotiated requires the Secretary of Commerce to issue a recovery plan for the Klamath River Coho salmon within six months of the legislation becoming law. The Secretary would also be required to report annually to Congress on the status of salmon populations, water conditions and the general health of Klamath River and its tributaries below the Iron Gate Dam. On Friday, June 23, 2006, Senator Smith is set to travel to North Bend, OR to meet with salmon fishermen and small business owners impacted by the restricted season. |