U.S. Representative Chris Smith spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today in support of an amendment that assists New Jersey fishing communities hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. Excerpts of Congressman Smith's remarks are as follows: 

    "Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the amendment offered by my good friend and colleague Mr. Runyan, to ensure that the funding in this bill is targeted to those fishery disasters resulting from Superstorm Sandy. 

    "Recreational angling contributes more than $125 billion annually to the American economy in addition to creating and sustaining over one million jobs.  New Jersey has a long tradition of fishing along our 130 mile shore line—recreational and commercial fishing generate over $1.3 billion in New Jersey economic activity, and recreational fishing alone supports approximately 8,500 New Jersey jobs.

    "This vital industry not only creates and sustains jobs, but boosts fishery conservation efforts, tourism, and contributes significantly to the economy in coastal communities.

    "The disaster declaration on November 16 and the funding provided in the pending legislation will help rebuild the necessary infrastructure so that this industry can recover and return to pre-storm levels.  I urge all members to support this amendment."