Gordon Smith Fails Coastal Communities

Bush Denies Emergency Funding for Salmon Fishery Closures

Late Friday, the Bush Administration announced the decision to deny emergency aid to Oregon coastal communities that are suffering from closures of the salmon fishery. The news comes on the heels of George Bush's refusal to reauthorize timber payments for rural Oregon.

Despite voting with George Bush 90 percent of the time, Smith is unable to influence George Bush when it matters most to rural Oregon.

"Once again Gordon Smith has failed to deliver for rural Oregon," said House Speaker Jeff Merkley. "Smith loves to brag about working with Democrats, but he carries no weight with his own party. George Bush and Gordon Smith are ignoring Oregon families and communities facing economic trouble. We need a U.S. Senator who can right the wrong of George Bush and Republicans in Washington D.C."

The Bush Administration tried to bury the news late on Friday so no one in Oregon would notice. In a letter to Governor Kulongoski, the head of FEMA wrote that "the effect of the fishery conservation measures is not of the severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration." A request for $170 million in direct cash payments to those who make their livings fishing for salmon on the coast is still pending. That request has been approved by Congress but still awaits President Bush's signature.

Posted July 14, 2008
Press