[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E663-E664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PRIORITIZING COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER RESEARCH

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
``Pollinator Protection Act.'' This legislation reflects my deep 
concern for the future of agriculture in this country by authorizing 
funding to confront the drastic decline of North American pollinators.
  Madam Speaker, an alarming number of honey bee colonies have 
experienced irregular die offs throughout the United States in recent 
years. This phenomenon has been recently termed ``Colony Collapse 
Disorder'' because of its lack of recognizable underlying cause. This 
legislation that I introduce today will prioritize addressing Colony 
Collapse Disorder to protect the viability of American farmers.
  This legislation is crucial because the security of food production 
is in jeopardy when there is a threat to the lives of honey bees. These 
little pollinators are a keystone species in their responsibility for 
the pollination of one-third of the crops that we consume. More 
specifically, pollination by honey bees promotes

[[Page E664]]

healthy growth and adds over $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. 
crops.
  Madam Speaker, the number of honey bee colonies throughout North 
America has gradually declined in recent decades due to parasites, 
pathogens, toxins and a host of other environmental factors. However, 
this rate of decline has increased significantly with the emergence of 
Colony Collapse Disorder. If the current rate of decline continues, the 
United States will be forced to rely more heavily on imported foods. 
This destabilization of American food security would have adverse 
effects on the availability, price, and quality of the many fruits, 
vegetables, and other products that depend on animal pollination.
  I am proud of the vibrant variety of produce and citrus my district 
contributes to our Nation's food supply. However, this is an issue that 
not only impacts Floridians, but all citizens throughout this Nation. 
This is why I am honored that the Florida Department of Agriculture has 
contributed significantly to addressing Colony Collapse Disorder 
through the work of Jerry Hayes, Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Plant 
and Apiary Inspection. Mr. Hayes has contributed significantly to the 
Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group and I commend his effort along 
with those of his colleagues at the Pennsylvania State University, the 
United States Department of Agriculture--Agricultural Research Service, 
Bee Alert Technology, Inc., North Carolina State University, and the 
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
  Madam Speaker, it is necessary to provide funding to sustain the 
vital research of the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group and the 
United States Department of Agriculture. As a former member of the 
Committee on Science and a graduate of Fisk University with an 
undergraduate degree in Zoology, I understand the value of their 
critical research. More specifically, this legislation will authorize 
immediate funding for laboratories conducting agricultural research at 
United States Department of Agriculture facilities as well as a reserve 
of $10,000,000 for cooperative state research, education, and extension 
service grants to conduct relevant research to protect American 
agriculture. This legislation also authorizes $5,250,000 over five 
years to conduct research specifically on Colony Collapse Disorder in 
the many affected States.
  Madam Speaker, it is vital that this Congress takes on the task of 
supporting the work of the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group. I 
would like to commend my colleague Chairman Cardoza of the Subcommittee 
on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture for taking up this charge by 
calling for a hearing on ``Honey Bee Decline'' this upcoming Thursday, 
March 29, 2007. I hope that the Pollinator Protection Act that I 
introduce today will aid in this cause and urge this Congress to 
prioritize this effort. I look forward to working with Chairman Cardoza 
on this issue and offer my utmost support for restoring stability to 
honey bee pollinated agriculture in this great Nation.

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