[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 33 (Thursday, February 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E271-E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            GREAT LAKES DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2008

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise to welcome all of the 
advocates that have come to Washington today for Great Lakes Day. Their 
goal is to advocate on behalf

[[Page E272]]

of the long-term health of our magnificent Great Lakes--a cause that 
has been a primary advocacy of mine throughout my career in public 
service.
  The people who have come here today on behalf of the Lakes have 
dedicated themselves to ensuring that America's greatest natural 
resource is able to be enjoyed for generations to come--a cause near 
and dear to the heart of every Michiganian--and I commend them for 
their selfless service.
  I am proud to be from the Great Lakes state of Michigan and prouder 
still that we have been able to do some significant work to improve 
conditions in these magical waters together.
  Last year, Congress finally passed the Water Resources Development 
Act, or WRDA. WRDA authorized important projects aimed at improving the 
Lakes, including $20 million to implement the Lake St. Clair/St. Clair 
River Management Plan and the construction of an electronic barrier to 
keep Asian carp out of the Lakes.
  These are projects that I strongly support because of the benefits 
they will have on the health of the Great Lakes water.
  While these projects are significant, much more needs to be done here 
in Congress to address the significant challenges facing this vital 
resource.
  The Great Lakes are at historically low water levels which is 
effecting trade, tourism, and travel for everyone that uses the waters.
  We are dealing with numerous invasive species--including phragmites 
and zebra mussels--which are having a terrible effect on the ecosystem 
of the lakes and the shoreline.
  In fact, a new invasive species is being identified in the Great 
Lakes nearly every 8 months. This startling fact should prompt us all 
to act immediately to stop the spread of invasive species and the havoc 
they cause in our precious waters.
  One other issue of concern is the algal blooms which we have recently 
seen flaring up in and around the Great Lakes. These blooms negatively 
impact fisheries, boating, tourism, and property values. The blooms may 
produce toxins which can be fatal to humans in certain cases. They are 
also causing botulism, which is creating a tremendous number of bird 
deaths. In the water, these blooms can produce ``dead zones,'' 
resulting in the demise of aquatic life. Algal blooms are particular 
problem on the Saginaw Bay, Lake St. Clair and the western shore of 
Lake Erie.
  Since the Great Lakes are a national treasure they deserve the full 
attention of the United States Congress. The federal government must be 
a partner with state and local governments, as well as the Lake 
advocates that have invested their time and talents in improving 
conditions and the overall outlook of the Great Lakes.

  We must work together to protect and preserve them for the future.
  I was very energized last week when it was announced that the House 
would be considering the Coast Guard Re-authorization bill which 
includes tough new standards for the discharge of ballast water in the 
Great Lakes which will help reduce the number of invasive species 
entering the lakes.
  I was then very disappointed to see that bill pull from the agenda 
because of other issues.
  This House must pass this ballast water legislation as soon as 
possible and help to stop invasive species from permanently damaging 
the fragile ecosystem in what remains wholly one-fifth of the world's 
surface fresh water supply.
  The people of the Great Lakes States are demanding action and the 
time to act is now.
  There is much more that we can do in addition to support the health 
of the Great Lakes. I will be honored to work closely with my 
colleagues to ensure that this national treasure is protected and 
preserved.
  So I wish Happy Great Lakes Day to my colleagues, to those who have 
come to our Nation's Capitol to advocate on their behalf and everyone 
who shares my commitment to protecting and preserving our magnificent 
Great Lakes.

                          ____________________