[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H3699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

  Mrs. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and 
was not able to cast a vote on H.R. 2160. If I would have been present, 
I would have voted ``yes.''
  This bill contains provisions that make changes to existing law and 
allows disaster assistance to be continued to be made available in the 
Pacific Northwest for salmon fishermen. As we know, the salmon industry 
has been devastated in the Northwest because of a variety of factors. 
In Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties, this once thriving industry has 
almost disappeared, causing severe economic dislocation. This disaster 
assistance made available in this bill will help mitigate the impact of 
the decline in the salmon industry in Washington State.
  Again, I would like to advocate my strong support for the Cooperative 
Fisheries Management Act. I appreciate the fine work of Chairman Saxton 
in bringing this important legislation to the floor.

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