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Interior Cancels $26 Million Fishing Grant After Senate DOGE Review
The United States Department of the Interior has canceled a multi-year grant to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) worth over $26 million. The decision comes after Senate DOGE leadership brought forth concerns regarding the foundation’s spending practices.
According to Fox News Digital, more than $14 million in funding had already been allocated towards the grant. Since 2012, the RBFF has received a total of $164 million from the government. The organization claims that their “Take Me Fishing” campaign, which aims to promote fishing and boating activities, has generated over $230 billion in economic impact since its inception in 1998.
However, a report by DOGE highlighted high salaries and advertising spending within the RBFF’s budget. The Interior Department stated that they have determined this grant did not demonstrate sufficient alignment with program goals or responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
The Senate DOGE Caucus commended the decision, praising Interior’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and accountability. Chairwoman Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, expressed her pride in exposing “bloated overhead costs” and working with Secretary Burgum to ensure tax dollars are not diverted into the pockets of consultants based in Washington D.C.
In response to the grant cancellation, the RBFF claimed they have devised a plan that aligns with the administration’s goals. However, this effort does not meet the Interior Department’s standards for responsible spending practices.
The organization is critical of the decision, stating it will have a severe impact on the recreational fishing industry and potentially lead to the loss of thousands of jobs. Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, expressed disappointment with the Interior Department’s choice, citing RBFF’s role in improving state agency processes and marketing efforts.
Another group, the American Sportfishing Association, has also voiced their opposition to the grant cancellation. Their CEO, Glenn Hughes, emphasized that his organization’s members have agreed to self-impose a tax on fishing rods for the sole purpose of reinvesting into the industry.
Source: www.foxnews.com
