The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5103, known as the “Bipartisan Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles Post Emergency Situation Act” (FISHES Act), by voice vote. The legislation, sponsored by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), aims to expedite federal disaster relief for fisheries following official disaster declarations.
The FISHES Act seeks to enhance the federal regulatory process associated with allocating fishery disaster relief. Specifically, it addresses delays in distributing federal aid after disasters—a critical issue for states like Florida, which has requested fishery disaster declarations seven times since 2012.
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds’ Bipartisan Bill To Streamline Government Operations Passes House
“Following Hurricane Ian, Southwest Florida’s seafood industry incurred catastrophic devastation and its impact still persists,” said Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL). “Waterways are the lifeblood of our economy and our community. It has always been my commitment to advocate for the vitality of water—which ultimately benefits countless families, businesses, and the overall development of the Sunshine State.”
H.R. 5103 marks the 26th piece of legislation sponsored by Congressman Donalds to pass the House during the 118th Congress. The bill has garnered extensive support from both sides of the aisle, with 52 members of the House and Senate endorsing the legislation, including 48 bipartisan House co-sponsors and four Senate supporters.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) praised the bill’s passage, stating, “During a time of natural disaster, time can often be the difference between life and death. For our nation’s fisheries, delays in disaster requests can cause catastrophic destruction to these vital resources and coastal communities. Today, we passed Congressman Donalds’ FISHES Act, which will create timelines for disaster requests to ensure our fisheries can be supported when natural disasters strike.”
READ: DOGE Gains Bipartisan Backing As Florida Rep. Moskowitz Joins Push For Efficiency
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is sponsoring the Senate companion bill. Other Senate supporters include Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The bipartisan nature of the bill underscores the national importance of supporting fisheries and coastal economies affected by natural disasters.
Widespread Endorsements from Organizations
The FISHES Act has received endorsements from 107 organizations, ranging from environmental groups to industry associations. Supporters include:
- Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
- American Sportfishing Association
- National Audubon Society
- Captains for Clean Water
- Coastal Conservation Association
- The Nature Conservancy
- National Marine Manufacturers Association
- Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
- Seafood Harvesters of America
These organizations recognize the critical need for timely disaster relief to support the fishing industry and preserve the economic vitality of coastal communities.
READ: Declining Enrollment Threatens Colleges, Sparking Closures And Economic Fallout
With the House’s approval, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Given the strong bipartisan support, proponents are optimistic about its chances of becoming law.
“I am proud to receive the broad, bipartisan support of my colleagues on this critical proposal and look forward to its successful passage on the floor of the United States Senate,” Congressman Donalds added.
The FISHES Act aims to:
- Streamline the federal regulatory process for allocating fishery disaster relief.
- Expedite the distribution of federal disaster relief following official fishery disaster declarations.
- Support the economic recovery of fisheries impacted by natural disasters, ensuring the sustainability of coastal economies.
Importance to Coastal Communities
Fisheries are a vital part of the U.S. economy, particularly for coastal states prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Delays in federal assistance can exacerbate the economic impact on communities dependent on fishing and related industries.
READ: Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Throws Down With CNBC Host Over Trump Rally At Madison Square Garden
By addressing regulatory hurdles and improving the timeliness of disaster relief, the FISHES Act aims to provide much-needed support to fishermen, processors, and businesses that rely on healthy and operational fisheries.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.