I understand that the Commerce, Justice, State Subcommittee was unable, under the current allocations, to provide funding for these administration requests. Unfortunately, this puts our region in a very difficult position for trying to comply with the federal law. 

In March, the National Marine Fisheries Service listed the salmon and steelhead populations whose habitat encompasses nearly the entire west coast. In the Puget Sound region, which I represent, we are working to respond to these listings. The listings threaten to completely halt all routine activities in the area such as development, operations of ports, and basic transportation projects. 

Our state has responded positively, with both the state and local government taking a proactive approach to dealing with these problems, but federal funds are critical. Currently, we are working with the National Marine Fisheries Services to develop locally-driven, scientifically credible recovery strategies to restore these populations but we cannot do this alone. I ask that we find the federal funding to help address this situation. 

In addition, I am extremely please about the recently announced agreement between the U.S. and Canada on the Pacific Salmon Treaty which sets harvest and conservation measures for the multi-jurisdictional salmon populations. This agreement solves a number of long-standing disputes and is an incredibly important step for saving the salmon in the Northwest region. Now, to ensure that the necessary conservation and restoration goals are met, the White House has asked Congress to create an endowment fund for both the Northern and Southern boundary areas. I strongly support Congress finding the funding to ensure implementation of this historic agreement.