[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 11, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H5313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF ASIAN CARP

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the bipartisan action 
that Congress has taken recently to stop invasive species like Asian 
carp from jeopardizing Minnesota's ecological and economic health.
  The invasive Asian carp is more than a nuisance. It is a danger to 
over 158 different species of fish and is threatening Minnesota's 
thriving tourism industry, an industry that generates $11 billion in 
annual sales and supports thousands of jobs.
  In addition to the economic impact, continued expansion of the Asian 
carp into our waterways will mean less recreational opportunities to 
enjoy Minnesota's beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterways.
  Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, Congress took action to help stop the spread 
of this invasive fish by passing legislation requiring the closure of 
the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, helping prevent Asian carp 
from swimming upstream into Minnesota's northern waterways.
  While more can be done, Mr. Speaker, to solve our problems with 
invasive species, this provision is an important step in preserving our 
aquatic ecosystems. I would like to thank my colleagues in the 
Minnesota delegation for coming together on this issue.

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