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Collins accuses top Senate Dem of blocking protections for Maine lobstermen as Cruz vows action
Senator Susan Collins has accused fellow Senator Maria Cantwell of obstructing legislation that would extend a pause on new federal rules affecting Maine’s lobster industry. The dispute comes as Cantwell plans to meet lobstermen in Maine and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz says he will advance the bill when Congress returns in November.
The Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act would extend the existing pause through 2035, giving the industry more time before potentially costly restrictions intended to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale take effect. Cantwell says she supports the bill and the extension; Cruz has urged the Senate to pass it without changes. Maine’s senators say the industry supports about $2 billion in annual economic activity and more than 17,500 jobs.
In short
- Collins says Cantwell is blocking a lobster protections bill.
- Cantwell says she supports extending the regulatory pause through 2035.
- Cruz plans to advance the bill when the Senate returns.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Extending the pause through 2035 could give lobstermen more time to adapt and avoid costly restrictions that may threaten jobs and the economic activity the industry supports. Supporters can argue that a longer transition would protect Maine communities while Congress considers how to safeguard right whales without placing an abrupt burden on the fishery.
The case against
Those favouring timely protections can argue that delaying restrictions intended to protect an endangered whale risks prolonging threats to a vulnerable species. They may also contend that conservation measures should proceed unless there is convincing evidence that a further pause is safe, while giving lobstermen support to adapt.
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