Collins Accuses Senate Democrat of Blocking Lobster Industry Protections
Senator Ted Cruz vows to advance legislation to protect Maine's lobstermen as Sen. Susan Collins criticizes a Democratic colleague over regulatory relief.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has accused a Democratic colleague of obstructing efforts to protect Maine's lobster industry from federal regulations, while Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has pledged to advance the relevant legislation in the Senate.
Collins stated that Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., has been blocking a bill that would extend a regulatory pause for the lobster industry. "In 2022, Sen. Cantwell worked against the Maine delegation's effort to halt the Biden regulations that threatened lobstermen's livelihoods, and this year she has been blocking the bill to extend the regulatory pause that we secured in 2022," Collins told Fox News Digital.
Cantwell is scheduled to visit Maine to engage with lobstermen, following her previous opposition to extending regulatory relief. Collins expressed hope that Cantwell would listen to the industry's concerns.
The legislation, known as the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, was introduced by Reps. Jared Golden, D-Maine, and Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. It passed the House in September and aims to extend a pause on new federal regulations intended to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale. The bill seeks to extend this pause through 2035, providing additional time for the Maine lobster industry before potentially costly restrictions are implemented.
Sen. Cruz announced his commitment to advancing the bill when Congress reconvenes in November. "I hope we can move this bill without changes or further delay to put on President Trump's desk as soon as possible," Cruz stated.
Collins and Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, previously sent a letter in September urging the Senate Commerce Committee to advance the legislation. They highlighted the economic significance of the lobster industry to Maine, noting it supports an estimated $2 billion in annual economic activity and more than 17,500 jobs, according to the Maine Lobstermen's Association.
Cruz credited Collins' leadership for her instrumental role in protecting Maine lobstermen from what he described as "burdensome regulations."
Cantwell and Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson are expected to attend a listening session with Maine lobstermen, hosted by the Maine Lobster Union. Collins and Cruz have accused Cantwell of opposing past efforts to provide long-term relief for the state's lobster industry.
Requests for comment from Cantwell and Jackson were not immediately returned.