[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 95 (Wednesday, July 20, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1020
 
             FLORIDA EVERGLADES THREATENED BY NOXIOUS WEED

  (Mr. SHAW asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to address an issue that is 
destroying the Florida Everglades. As you know the Everglades is a 
fragile ecosystem. At the present time a noxious weed, melaleuca, is 
infesting the Everglades. It is turning the Everglades' wetlands into a 
melaleuca forest. This is an environmental disaster which we must and 
can stop. By this same time tomorrow, an additional 52 acres will be 
infested with this horrible pest. Federal assistance in funding a 
melaleuca quarantine facility is essential.
  Fortunately, the building of a melaleuca quarantine facility is well 
on its way. With the help of Congress, a $1 million appropriation for 
this facility was included in the fiscal year 1994 energy and water 
appropriations bill. However, this is not enough. This morning, I am 
joined by Mr. Deutsch and 20 other members of the Florida delegation in 
asking for an additional $3 million authorization and appropriation for 
this much needed facility. We are hoping that this legislation will be 
included in the Water Resources Development Act of 1994.
  Today, we are introducing legislation that would authorize and 
appropriate funds for the melaleuca quarantine facility. The time to 
act is now. This legislation is vital for the preservation of the 
Everglades. We urge your support.

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