US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey on Wednesday joined a growing chorus of voices calling "for the immediate release of federal guidance" for how fishery participants can access $300 million (€276.6 million) in emergency funds promised through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).

In their letter to US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, the Massachusetts lawmakers, both Democrats, stated "bureaucratic inefficiencies" are behind the failure to distribute the funds.

“The Commerce Department needs to issue guidance as soon as possible so that fisheries aid can reach those who desperately need it," the letter reads.

Since Congress passed the funding measure on March 25, the Commerce Department has made only one public statement on the assistance to fisheries participants.

"Nearly five weeks later, the lack of any further public announcements relating to CARES Act relief is simply unacceptable," the lawmakers write.

Read the full letter.