[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING THE INVASIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE PREVENTION ACT OF 2013

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                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2013

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to introduce the 
Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act. This legislation 
significantly strengthens the ability of federal regulators to make 
rapid, science-based decisions on whether non-native fish or wildlife 
species pose a risk to ecosystems within the United States and cause 
economic damage or threaten public health.
  Invasive species are a persistent and costly thorn in the side of the 
American taxpayer. In Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011, the federal budget 
allocated approximately $120 million to control the Asian carp. 
Meanwhile the U.S. is spending tens of millions more dollars to control 
other invaders, such as wetland-destroying nutria and two python 
species established in south Florida.
  Yet, federal regulators are frequently slow to respond to emerging 
threats. Invasive species are currently regulated by the Lacey Act, a 
112-year-old law that gives the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 
only limited power to declare non-native animals as ``injurious'' and 
prohibit their importation and interstate sales. In fact, it takes the 
FWS an average of four years to officially list a species as injurious 
and take appropriate action. Experts and interested parties repeatedly 
describe this regulatory approach as reactive and ineffective.
  Alternatively, the Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act would 
give the FWS streamlined authority to prevent invasions using modern 
scientific approaches. The bill also creates a category of ``Injurious 
II'' species, which are not suited as private pets or aquarium species, 
but can be held safely by qualified zoos, aquaria, research facilities 
and other institutions without any need for a Federal permit. This 
exemption is broader than current law, which requires a Federal permit 
for transactions in all listed species, a requirement that is becoming 
unworkable as more animals are listed.
  We must take critical steps now to prevent the next Asian carp, 
Burmese python, or red lionfish crisis. These destructive invaders will 
continue to come into our country via globalized trade until Congress 
steps in to make a difference.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
important legislation.

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