Seattle Times – Sen. Maria Cantwell is absolutely right. The Canadian salmon-virus debacle requires direct action and candor. Washington, D.C., and Ottawa need to talk.
The two federal governments need to make sure that scientists share information about threats and hazards to the biological health of a lucrative industry when risks do not respect international boundaries.
Talking about better communications is easier than establishing a solid, trusting relationship, but trade-based reticence must not trump candor about potential risks.
Federal, state and tribal scientists on this side of the border were already in rapid-response mode to collect and test salmon after a Canadian discovery in October of a salmon virus in two juvenile wild sockeye taken from Rivers Inlet in northern British Columbia. Independent tests were inconclusive.
As one of the most beautiful states in the union–and one of the richest in natural resources–Washington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the state’s conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washington’s business community – because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, she’s led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough times–and tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
