The Senate has passed the Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act (FISHES Act), a bipartisan effort led by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).
The legislation, designed to improve the federal regulatory process for fishery disaster relief, will now head to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.
The FISHES Act aims to address longstanding inefficiencies in the allocation and distribution of federal relief following official fishery disaster declarations—a process that has posed challenges for states like Florida, which has made seven such requests since 2012.
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The legislation passed the House of Representatives earlier this year, led by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and co-led by Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska).
The bill had strong bipartisan support, with co-sponsors including Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), among others.
“Floridians know better than anyone that when disaster strikes, families and small businesses can’t be left wondering whether the federal government is going to show up,” said Senator Rick Scott. “I’m proud that the FISHES Act has passed the Senate and is heading to the president’s desk so we can ensure our fishing industry in Florida and across the country has a reliable partner in Washington.”
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“For years, fishery disaster determinations across our nation have been left pending due to bureaucratic inaction,” said Congressman Byron Donalds. “This includes the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida. This national issue needed change, which is why I introduced the FISHES Act alongside Senator Rick Scott. With this legislation advancing to the president’s desk, we’re prioritizing coastal communities across our nation and ensuring relief reaches those in need.”
Key Provisions of the FISHES Act
- Improved Regulatory Processes: Streamlines the allocation of fishery disaster relief funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
- Expedited Relief: Establishes a 90-day deadline for NOAA, in coordination with OMB, to approve or deny a state’s spending plan, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays.
This legislation is expected to benefit coastal and fishing communities across the United States by ensuring faster access to disaster relief funding and cutting red tape.
Senator Scott emphasized the importance of the legislation for Florida and the broader U.S. fishing industry, noting that the FISHES Act represents a crucial step in providing reliable federal support during crises.
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