Naples Standard

Congressman Byron Donalds, who has been serving in the U.S. Congress representing Florida’s 19th district since 2021, shared a series of tweets on December 4, 2024, discussing his legislative efforts related to fishery disaster relief. The tweets highlight the introduction and progress of the FISHES Act (H.R. 5103), which aims to expedite the allocation of federal fishery disaster relief funds.

In a tweet posted on December 4, Congressman Donalds outlined the key components of the FISHES Act: "The FISHES Act is simple: 1 – Expedite allocation of federal fishery disaster relief by requiring OMB to review State spend plans concurrently with NOAA; 2 – Require distribution of fishery disaster relief funds to grantees within 90 days after a complete spend plan is received."

Another tweet from December 4 emphasized the challenges faced by Florida in obtaining timely fishery disaster relief: "Florida alone has requested fishery disaster relief on 7 different occasions since 2012. Each time, OVER 2 YEARS lapsed from time of approval to when fishery disaster relief funds were ultimately allocated. This is UNACCEPTABLE. We need CHANGE. This is why I introduced HR 5103."

Congressman Donalds also highlighted the national scope and bipartisan support for his bill in another tweet on December 4: "When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. This isn't just a Florida issue. This is a nationwide issue. My bill, H.R. 5103 – 'The FISHES Act' has PASSED the House with broad, BIPARTISAN support, to expedite the disbursement of federal disaster relief to communities in need."