Today, H.R. 4245 sponsored by Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) passed on suspension by voice vote. H.R. 4245 exempts sea urchins, sea cucumbers and other seafood exports from duplicative federal requirements imposed on buyers and sellers of related products by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

“This is a big win for Maine jobs,” Rep. Poliquin said. “Our State’s sea urchin and sea cucumber industry employs more than 650 hardworking Mainers and is a critical component of our coastal economy. These men and women take on an extremely dangerous job in diving for their catches in treacherous conditions. There is no reason for bureaucrats in Washington to get in the way of their livelihoods by imposing unnecessary and harmful rules that directly threaten their businesses.”

“This bill is great news for the seafood industry in Maine and across the country. I applaud Rep. Poliquin’s hard work to move this commonsense piece of legislation forward and helping U.S. seafood markets become more competitive with international markets,” Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) said.

Click here to learn more about H.R. 4245.