[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 24, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H5140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 KEEPING OUR WATERS HEALTHY AND FREE OF INVASIVE SPECIES IS A FEDERAL 
                             RESPONSIBILITY

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, a recent report issued by American and 
Canadian scientists for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reveals 
alarming findings regarding the health of our Great Lakes.
  The report warns that Asian carp are closer to entering the Great 
Lakes than we had anticipated. When introduction occurs, it will be 
irreversible and devastating to the ecology of the lakes and the 
economy of the region. This report is an urgent reminder that it is 
imperative that we intensify our efforts and act immediately to prevent 
Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
  Today, I, along with 15 of my colleagues from both sides of the 
aisle, sent a bipartisan letter to the Environmental Protection Agency 
and the Army Corps of Engineers calling attention to this study, and 
urging swift action on the threat of the Asian carp to the Great Lakes 
environment.
  Keeping our waters healthy and free of invasive species is a Federal 
responsibility. It's time to act--and to act now.

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