House Republicans Reject New England Fishermen Aid

    The U.S. House of Representatives has shut out Northeast fishermen from any emergency aid in its pending disaster relief bill.

    The Republican-led House advanced its Superstorm Sandy relief bill Monday without voting on amendments that would have inserted between $116 million and $150 million in fishing industry funding.

    Massachusetts Rep. John Tierney called the decision ``callous and outrageous.''

    Northeast fishermen became eligible for federal aid last year after a national fishery disaster was declared in the region, due to the slow recovery of fish stocks.    

    The Senate version of the bill, passed in the last Congress, included $150 million for fishermen in the Northeast, Gulf Coast and Alaska. The House bill didn't include significant money. 

    The Senate still has a say after the House bill passes, but prospects are uncertain. (Associated Press)