[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL 
                            POLLINATOR WEEK

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution honoring National Pollinator Week, which takes place from 
June 21 to 27, 2010. It is my pleasure to announce that with the 
leadership of the Pollinator Partnership, a majority of States as well 
as a number of federal agencies, including the Department of 
Agriculture, have officially recognized the occasion to reflect upon 
the importance of and challenges facing these species vital to our 
ecosystem and agriculture.
  Responsible for almost $20 billion worth of products in the United 
States alone, an estimated one-third of all food and beverages is 
derived from pollinators. With 75 percent of all flowering plant 
species relying on animals like birds, bees, bats, and butterflies as 
the vehicle for transferring pollen for fertilization, there is no 
escaping the fact that pollinators are essential not just for plants, 
but for the sustainability and security of our food supply.
  Because new threats are emerging against these animals all the time, 
we should use National Pollinator Week to learn about how to help 
protect and encourage pollinators' growth and survival. There are many 
things we can do. For example, we can plant a garden with native 
flowering plants supplying pollinators with nectar, pollen and homes as 
well as work to minimize pollution and use of chemicals that 
contaminate their habitats. We can also educate our friends on the 
importance of pollinators and can learn even more from the Pollinator 
Partnership's Web site, which can be found at www.pollinator.org.
 Madam Speaker, National Pollinator Week provides us an opportunity to 
recognize how important pollinators are to the sustainability of our 
environment. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals 
and ideals of National Pollinator Week.

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