Congressman Michael Cloud voted today in favor of H.R. 200, a bipartisan bill which includes the “Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017” and passed by a margin of 222-193.

H.R. 200 reauthorized our nation’s primary marine fisheries law and included – for the first time in history – the priorities of the recreational fisheries sector and saltwater anglers.

The Act modernizes fishery management methods by:

• Reducing one-size-fits-all federal authority over fisheries
• Allowing regional councils, such as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, the flexibility to incorporate modern management tools and take a science-based approach to fishery stock rebuilding
• Requiring greater transparency and more public input in Fishery Management Plans
• Affording recreational anglers reasonable access to public marine resources

The issue is of particular importance to Rep. Cloud’s 27th Congressional District, given the widespread popularity of recreational fishing in the region.

“This is a truly historic day for anglers in this country as the priorities of recreational fishing are finally being recognized in our nation’s marine fisheries laws,” said Mark Ray, chairman of CCA Texas. “The provisions of the Modern Fish Act contained in H.R. 200 will provide both for the continued conservation of our marine resources and for the ability of Texas’ saltwater anglers to access those healthy resources. We greatly appreciate the support of Rep. Cloud on this vital fisheries management reform and we now look forward to working with our senators to ensure that the Modern Fish Act takes the next step and becomes law.”

On his first full day in office, Rep. Cloud also met with several fellow congressmen and with a group of District 27 residents, as well as working toward hiring staff for his congressional office.