[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H6785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN SUPPORT OF MOSQUITO ABATEMENT FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT (MASH)

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, my brother Fay Boozman, the director of 
Arkansas's Department of Health, recently testified before a 
congressional committee that it is very possible more Arkansans will be 
infected with the West Nile virus this year. Arkansas has seen six 
human cases of the virus so far, including one death. This time last 
year, Louisiana had only seen one human case. This year Louisiana has 
documented more than 260 cases.
  States like Arkansas cannot afford to dip into their emergency funds 
to combat the spread of West Nile every year. This bill will help 
States and localities fight this virus by authorizing matching grants 
by up to $100,000 for the mosquito abatement programs.
  I commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), chairman, and 
the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. John) for their leadership in this 
area and for producing and introducing this bill in the House. I 
encourage my colleagues to pass this bill and provide much-needed 
relief to our State and local governments who are on the frontlines of 
this fight.

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