Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., in a colloquy with Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran, R-Miss., on Thursday, affirmed Cochran's support after the salmon disaster funding request was rejected by the Senate parliamentarian on Wednesday.

The formal affirmation of the colloquy could lead to future Senate action on the salmon disaster.

“The funding provided in my amendment would help fishermen and supporting businesses in Oregon weather what will certainly be a very trying year,” according to the written record of Smith's comments in the Congressional Record. “However, because this crisis is the result of a regulatory action rather than a natural disaster, I have been told that my amendment is not germane to the bill that is before us now. This parliamentary hair-splitting is lost on my constituents.

“I would like to engage the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in a brief colloquy. I realize that we are facing tight budgetary times and numerous disasters, many of which receive assistance under the current bill. Will you agree to work with me to secure funding or reprogram funds to address the pending crisis on the Oregon coast?”

“The Senator is certainly right that these are very difficult budgetary times,” Cochran said in response. “Funds for nondefense discretionary programs are particularly constrained, while the demand for those funds has not slackened one bit. Having said that, I appreciate the Senator acquainting me with the challenges facing fishing communities on the Oregon Coast, and I will work with him and subcommittee Chairman (Richard C.) Shelby, R-Ala., and try to identify an appropriate federal response for affected communities.”

- Susan Chambers, staff writer