[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 123 (Thursday, July 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



               E X T E N S I O N S   O F   R E M A R K S


[[Page E 1521]]


          KEEP THE GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LAB OPEN

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 1995
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, this House has long recognized that the work 
of NOAA benefits all Americans.
  NOAA's research on weather, atmosphere, oceans, and space continues 
to help us understand the environment which we all depend upon for 
survival--and has shown us ways to better manage the resources we all 
need to live.
  The Rogers Substitute restored important funding--not only for the 
vital research being done in the Gulf of Mexico--and the important work 
being conducted on coastal zone management--but for important research 
across America.
  Let me tell you quickly why this is so important to those of us who 
live in the Great Lakes region.
  The Great Lakes represent 95 percent of our nation's fresh water and 
they provide drinking water to 23 million people.
  But there's something going on today in the Great Lakes that we don't 
clearly understand.
  Researchers have found that mothers who ate fish from Lake Michigan 
during pregnancy and giving birth to infants who are developing slower.
  Animals who call the Great Lakes home are showing actual physical 
deformities.
  Worst of all, it was just 2 years ago that over 100 people died when 
Milwaukee experienced an outbreak of cryptosporidium in their drinking 
water.
  That's why the work of the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab is 
so important.
  Since the outbreak in Milwaukee, the Great Lakes lab began an intense 
study of the shoreline to help prevent future disasters.
  They're beginning to find answers--and coming up with new ways to 
keep our water safe.
  And I'm glad this Congress recognized the good work this lab is doing 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, NOAA and the programs it supports are making important 
strides for all Americans.
  The Rogers Substitute to the Mollohan Amendment to the Commerce-
State-Justice Appropriations Bill will ensure that their good work 
continues.


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