[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 184 (Monday, November 18, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            BAT CONSERVATION

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recently, I had the 
pleasure of joining the Pennsylvania Game Commission for a briefing to 
highlight the importance of bats and voluntary conservation. I was also 
joined there by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  The U.S. bat population plays an important role in Pennsylvania's 
ecosystem and agricultural industry. They also help producers with 
insect control, pollination, and seed dispersal.
  This is a good thing for our environment, too, and for the health of 
our agricultural yields, because when the bat populations can eat 
thousands of insects a night, that means fewer pesticides.
  These creatures are truly amazing. Several years ago, it was that 
vampire bat saliva could be used to create anti-stroke medication. With 
more than 1,300 different species, the potential for lifesaving 
medication, innovative agricultural practices, and any number of new 
discoveries is limitless.
  That is why I introduced H. Res. 663, to establish October 24 to 
October 31 as Bat Week. Whether we realize it or not, bats play a role 
in our everyday lives, and they deserve our commitment to conservation.

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