01.13.17

Sullivan Named Chairman of Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries & Coast Guard

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today announced he has been selected to serve as chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard for the 115th Congress.

“I am honored to assume the chairmanship of this important subcommittee tasked with oversight of our nation’s fisheries, oceans, marine resources, and the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Senator Sullivan. “This committee is particularly relevant to Alaska, the largest producer and exporter of seafood in the nation, home to the largest Coast Guard base in the nation, and home to more ocean coastline than the rest of the United States combined. I look forward to continuing the bipartisan work of the committee, with particular focus on strengthening our Coast Guard, addressing the threat of marine debris to our coastal communities and ecosystems, and ensuring Alaska’s fisheries thrive for generations to come.”

“This is good news for fishermen in Alaska and the U.S.,” said Jerry McCune, president of United Fishermen of Alaska. “We are impressed that Senator Sullivan has come up to speed quickly on fisheries issues and has been effective at building coalitions to pass legislation addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries in the North Pacific. We look forward to continuing to work with him on issues that affect fisheries and our coastal communities and oceans.”

The Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Coast Guard and addressing matters that impact our oceans and coasts including: coastal zone management; marine fisheries and marine mammals; oceans, weather and atmospheric activities; marine and ocean navigation; ocean policy and NOAA.

In addition to his subcommittee chairmanship, Senator Sullivan will also serve on the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security; the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet; and the Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness.

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