WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing today on The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s FY 2011 Budget Request and Fisheries Enforcement Programs and Operations.

Witness List:

Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator

Mr. Todd Zinser, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Commerce

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing:

“Powerful investments in atmospheric and ocean science, education, and technology are enormously important to keeping this country competitive. They grow new industries, spark innovation, and provide products that support our economy. NOAA is one of the nation’s premiere science agencies, and we must put it on track to double its budget.”

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

“Unfortunately, the information provided to this subcommittee has raised far more questions than it has answered. When tens-of-millions of taxpayer dollars are at stake, taxpayers should never have to hear that the federal government didn’t do its homework and due diligence. That is why I am asking the Department of Commerce Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive formal audit of the Marine Operations Center – Pacific (MOC-P) lease acquisition process. Taxpayers deserve better, and I intend to make sure that NOAA, the Department of Commerce, and the federal government are held to a higher standard.”

Senator Maria Cantwell, Chairwoman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard

“NOAA’s FY 2011 Budget Request reflects the commitment of the President and the Secretary to public safety, a healthy environment, sound science underpinning decision making, and job creation. These resources are critical to the future success of meeting our needs in climate, fisheries, coasts, and oceans.”

Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator

“NOAA is entrusted with broad statutory enforcement powers to promote compliance and deter violations within the commercial fishing industry. This calls for the highest degree of oversight by NOAA leadership to ensure fairness and consistency in enforcement activities and sanctions, promote program integrity and accountability, and avoid even the appearance of abuse of authority.”

Mr. Todd Zinser, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Commerce

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