Schatz Statement on AP Report

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement in response to a report from the Associated Press on labor abuses in the American fishing industry.

“I’m alarmed and disturbed by the conditions reported by the Associated Press. In addition to working on expeditiously and independently confirming the veracity of the reports, I have directed my staff to do a comprehensive review of what available tools the Coast Guard as well as the Departments of Justice, Labor, and Homeland Security have under current law to ensure the safety, human rights, and dignity of these crewmen.  The crew on these vessels need immediate protections, which is why we are working with the administration to develop a decisive, aggressive, and appropriate response in addition to researching legislative options.”