[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORT THE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2003

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 342, the 
Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act. This is a particularly 
important issue in my state of Illinois and for my district, both of 
which have been disproportionately impacted by West Nile Virus--more so 
than almost any other part of the country.
  The latest survey shows that Illinois is suffering the highest 
numbers of human cases of West Nile in the country, 877 cases and 62 
deaths. Over 630 cases of these cases were in Suburban Cook County and 
the Greater Chicago area, leading to 37 deaths. Compared with 
nationwide data, these numbers reveal an uncommonly high outbreak ratio 
in the Chicago Metro region.
  H.R. 342, the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act will help 
Illinois and other states across the nation prevent any more outbreaks 
from occurring. Among other things, the act will provide grants to 
states to help them coordinate mosquito control programs to prevent and 
control mosquito-borne diseases. The bill also directs the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services to provide training and technical assistance 
to states and localities for the planning, development, and operation 
of assessments and plans regarding control programs. We cannot afford 
to lose more lives to West Nile Virus. I urge my colleagues to support 
H.R. 342.

                          ____________________