[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 93 (Wednesday, May 31, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     COMBATING SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw 
attention to an invasive species attacking Pennsylvania agriculture.
  The spotted lanternfly was first discovered in the Commonwealth in 
2014 and has since traveled to 51 out of our 67 counties. This spotted 
lanternfly can impact the grape, fruit tree, plant nursery, and timber 
industries, which contribute billions of dollars each year to 
Pennsylvania's economy.
  In efforts to prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly, 
Pennsylvania has established quarantine zones, but it takes collective 
and intentional efforts to slow the spread of this insect.
  Across the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture 
along with Penn State Extension provide education-based programs to the 
public. These programs are key resources for community members looking 
for information on how to combat and slow the spread of the spotted 
lanternfly.
  Mr. Speaker, with warmer weather comes spotted lanternfly hatching 
season, and residents are encouraged to squash the bug and their egg 
masses.
  It will take us all doing our part to prevent any further spread of 
this invasive insect, and I encourage all to utilize their local 
resources when combating invasive species.

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