Legislation that permanently bans the US Army Corps of Engineers from chipping away the freedom of thousands has passed the US House and Senate, and is awaiting President Barack Obama’s signature.
Only a few months have passed since Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White and a leader of Livingston County, Chris Lasher, locked arms. Although winning wasn’t expected, the county leaders were at the forefront of an army of fisherman fighting for their right to fish below Corps Dams.
Congressman Ed Whitfield, Sen. Lamar Alexander, Sen. Mitch McConnell, Sen. Rand Paul, and Congressman Jim Cooper joined the battle and a bill was passed that literally stopped the Corps in their tracks.
Although a great victory for ‘Freedom to Fish Act’ supporters, the bill would expire after two years, and allow the Army Corps to continue as planned... installing the barricades.
Supporters say they uncovered an underlying message in the threat that gained the bipartisan support of national lawmakers. It wasn’t about fishing, it was really about freedom.
Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White says he’s talked to several people about the victory and it’s had a positive effect.
“I’ve heard many of you say that this battle and victory has renewed your belief that government can be responsive to the people,” White said. “That when major harm will result from a government agency's action, we still have the power to stop or change it.”
Just like freedom can disappear one step at a time, White says, “so too can government of the people, by the people, and for the people be restored one step at a time.”
President Obama has yet to sign the bill.
