it was all show for the incumbent, John Tierney. Facing a challenge from Republican Bill Hudak, Tierney initiated this “field hearing” in Gloucester to show that he is in touch with the folks back home.
The reality is that Tierney and Congress have been aware of the problems of the fishing industry in Gloucester since 2006 and have done nothing to ease the burden imposed upon the Gloucester fishermen by NOAA.
Millions of dollars in fines have been imposed on Gloucester’s fishermen, boats have been seized and many forced out of the fishing industry since 2006. Nothing substantial came of this meeting other than a media event for members of Congress who are feeling the heat from their constituents for congress’ inaction on this and other matters that are important to the American people.
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90 percent of NOAA’s law enforcement staff consists of criminal investigators instead of regulatory inspectors. NOAA agents often arrive on fishermen’s boats while at sea and on shore with guns displayed.
to Jones. “Do you feel that most fishermen are criminals?”
Those fishermen need the support of We the People...the congresscritter and the NOAA need their walkin’ papers