[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2358-H2359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CAPTAIN ACCURSIO ``GUS'' SANFILIPPO YOUNG FISHERMEN'S DEVELOPMENT ACT
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 3692) to reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Act,
as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3692
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Captain Accursio ``Gus''
Sanfilippo Young Fishermen's Development Act''.
SEC. 2. YOUNG FISHERMEN'S DEVELOPMENT ACT REAUTHORIZATION.
Section 5(a) of the Young Fishermen's Development Act (33
U.S.C. 1144(a)) is amended by striking ``2026'' and inserting
``2031''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
general leave
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on H.R. 3692, the bill now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arkansas?
There was no objection.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3692, the Captain Accursio
``Gus'' Sanfilippo Young Fishermen's Development Act, sponsored by
Representative Moulton from Massachusetts.
This bill is named after the captain of the Lily Jean, who tragically
lost his life, along with six others, when the fishing vessel sank off
the coast of Massachusetts in January.
Our thoughts are with his family and the families of those who lost
their lives in this terrible accident.
The Young Fishermen's national competitive grant program supports the
training and education of the Nation's next generation of commercial
fishermen. This legislation would reauthorize the program through
fiscal year 2031, supporting the education of America's future
fishermen and a competitive and sustainable American seafood economy.
Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 3692, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Ms. HOYLE of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman
from Massachusetts (Mr. Moulton).
Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of Gloucester,
Massachusetts, America's oldest seaport, I am proud to lead this
critical bill to reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Grant
Program for another 5 years.
[[Page H2359]]
This national competitive grant program supports the training and
education of the Nation's next generation of commercial fishermen.
Commercial fishing is at the heart of Massachusetts's identity and
economy, but this legacy will not endure if we don't help the next
generation get started.
These grants help the industry expand and evolve. I am proud that
this money will give new opportunities to young people who are
interested in working at sea and supplying our communities with fresh
seafood, so we don't buy it all from unregulated fisheries overseas.
This bill has been renamed the Captain Accursio ``Gus'' Sanfilippo
Young Fishermen's Development Act in honor of the captain of the
fishing vessel Lily Jean.
Under this program, young fishermen across New England have received
critical vocational training to enter the industry, develop into
competitive deckhands, and transition to the wheelhouse as captains
like Gus.
I thank Congressman Nicholas Begich from Alaska for partnering on
this effort and making this a strong bipartisan bill. I am proud to
lead the effort with him to keep this vital program funded every year.
I also thank Representatives Tokuda, Radewagen, and Golden for their
partnership.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say a few words about Gus. On January
30, 2026, the 72-foot fishing vessel Lily Jean sank roughly 25 miles
off Gloucester, Massachusetts. Tragically, all seven crewmembers,
including Captain Sanfilippo, were lost.
Gus hailed from a family of fishermen and first learned the ropes of
the industry from his father, Antonino, a Sicilian immigrant who owned
the St. George II. Under his father's guidance, he developed the values
of hard work and perseverance and a deep respect for the sea.
The lessons Antonino taught Gus remained with him throughout his
life. He later purchased his own fishing vessel, the Lily Jean, named
after his daughter, and carried forth his family's legacy as the next
generation of Sanfilippos to fish commercially.
With his beloved wife, Lorie, Gus had two children, Lily Jean and
Anthony. An adoring husband and father, he was also a father figure at
sea. Captain Sanfilippo mentored countless young men and women who
joined his crew. He enjoyed teaching them essential skills such as net
mending, electronics, navigation, and vessel maintenance. Most
importantly, he stressed the value of teamwork and looking out for one
another on the open ocean.
Captain Sanfilippo took young workers under his wing, showing them
not only how to succeed in the industry but how to carry themselves
with responsibility and courage. He ran a tight ship, valuing rules,
structure, and safety. He took great pride in his role as captain and
was, above all else, courageous and selfless.
Captain Sanfilippo is currently being considered posthumously for a
Mariner's Medal in recognition of his historic rescues of multiple
fishing vessels in distress.
As a father, he led by example with kindness, patience, steady
guidance, integrity, and a generous heart. As a captain, he shared the
same values with the young members of his crew.
Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to rename the Young Fishermen's
Development Act on behalf of Captain Accursio ``Gus'' Sanfilippo.
Ms. HOYLE of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3692 will reauthorize the Young Fishermen's
Development Act through fiscal year 2031, ensuring the next generation
of commercial fishermen has the support they need to enter and sustain
careers in this vital industry.
The Young Fishermen's Development Grant Program addresses challenges
by providing competitive grants of up to $200,000 to support training,
education, and technical assistance programs.
Since its implementation, the program has delivered nearly $2 million
in direct support to workforce training programs nationwide,
successfully lowering the barriers to entry and enabling practical
apprenticeship programs.
This bipartisan legislation maintains the $2 million annual
authorization and is supported by Democrats and Republicans in both
Chambers of Congress.
I have the honor to represent two-thirds of the Oregon coast.
Commercial fishing is a very important part of our community and our
traditions.
I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 3692 and investing
in the future of America's commercial fishing industry.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, again, this bill promotes continued investment in both
the next generation of American fishermen and the American seafood
industry as a whole. I commend my friend, Mr. Moulton, for bringing
this forward, and I support this bill, H.R. 3692.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3692, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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