[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN SUPPORT OF BANNING THE TRANSPORT OF SILVER CARP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2007

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the addition 
of silver and largescale silver carp to the list of injurious species 
under the Lacey Act. The rule published in today's Federal Register by 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finally recognizes the threat that 
Asian Carp pose to our lakes and rivers. I applaud the Fish and 
Wildlife Service for responding to the pleas of the Great Lakes 
delegation and others in moving to ban the importation and interstate 
transport of silver carp.
  The Great Lakes are a national treasure. Representing 95 percent of 
the United States' surface freshwater and providing drinking water to 
more than 30 million Americans, the Great Lakes are vital to the 
commercial, educational, and recreational interests of millions of 
Americans and Canadians.
  Since my first day as a Congressman, I have been committed to 
restoring and protecting our Great Lakes. Invasive species have long 
been a serious threat and require a serious answer. We have seen the 
disastrous effect the zebra mussels have had on water quality and water 
treatment facilities in Chicago. The silver carp could be an even more 
severe threat to the Great Lakes, endangering fisheries, ecosystems, 
and even anglers.
  Silver carp are native to Asia, but were brought to the United States 
as a means to control algae in sewage lagoons and fishery ponds. These 
fish have escaped into surrounding waters creating an imbalance in 
their ecosystems and posing a threat of injury due to the carps' 
ability to propel itself out of the water and into boats.
  Today's decision to ban the importation of these two species is a 
breath of fresh air for the Great Lakes, and I will continue to work 
with my colleagues to make sure that other species of Asian Carp are 
included on the list. We cannot take the Great Lakes for granted, and 
we must remain vigilant in protecting them.

                          ____________________