News Archive

U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Resources
Washington, DC 20515

July 20, 2001

The Honorable Frank R. Wolf
Chairman
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary
Committee on Appropriations
H309 Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Wolf:

I understand there may be an attempt to add language to the Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002 legislation, either during the Senate consideration or during the conference, to permanently ban the use of spotter planes in the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery.

While similar language was included in the Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 legislation, as the new Chairman of the Committee on Resources, I am concerned about this attempt to include this authorization issue on an appropriations bill.

As you are probably aware, this provision generated a significant amount of controversy last year and continues to be controversial. You may also be aware that this issue was the subject of court challenges in the recent past.

I believe this is an issue better dealt with in the authorizing committee, where all parties to this dispute can have adequate opportunity to express their views.

As the Chairman of the committee of jurisdiction over fishery conservation and management issues, I would appreciate it if you would oppose any efforts to add such language to any appropriations bills during consideration by the Senate or during any conferences on appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2002.

Thank you for your consideration to this matter.

Sincerely,

James V. Hansen
Chairman