[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H8943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            THE GREAT LAKES

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes represents the largest 
source of freshwater on this planet. They support more than 1.5 million 
jobs. They provide those who live near them with countless 
opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and recreation.
  My community of western New York considers its proximity to Lake Erie 
as one of its greatest assets. We must strive to guard the Great Lakes 
against imminent and future threats, and this week the House did just 
that.
  Today we introduce the Guarding the Great Lakes Act, which will 
continue to help protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp and other 
invasive species. The act will also take necessary steps to focus on 
permanent solutions by beginning work on water quality and flood 
mitigation projects.
  Yesterday the House passed the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative 
Act, providing $300 million in Federal funding annually to support 
projects related to the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes 
for each of the next 5 years. These are two excellent steps forward as 
we continue to protect these great bodies of water.

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