The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) commends Congress for passing and the President for signing the 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act which includes much-needed assistance to help fisheries and recreational fishing-dependent businesses survive the fallout from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil leak disaster. The act, which provides funding for the BP disaster response, the nation's military efforts and other programs, was signed into law by President Obama on July 29, 2010.

ASA worked with Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), to include a key amendment in the bill that provides $15 million for fishery-dependent businesses harmed by the spill. The amendment also includes $10 million for an expanded stock assessment of the Gulf of Mexico fisheries, and $1 million for a National Academy of Sciences study of the long-term impacts of the oil spill on the Gulf's ecosystem. The sportfishing community also recognizes the assistance and leadership of Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD). In the House, ASA worked with Chairman Alan Mollohan (D-WV) to assure this critical language was included in that chamber. ASA and the sportfishing community are grateful to these Congressional leaders and all members of Congress who supported this important amendment to the supplemental.