[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 111 (Friday, June 27, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E631-E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE INVASIVE SPECIES RESPONSE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 27, 2025

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to a critical 
and escalating threat to our environment and economy, invasive species, 
and to ask for support of my proposed Invasive Species Response Act.
  Invasive species jeopardize the delicate balance of our ecosystems, 
as they can outcompete, prey on or introduce diseases to our native 
flora and fauna. The consequences of these disruptions are severe, 
leading to declines in biodiversity, diminishing the resilience of our 
ecosystems in the face of environmental change.
  Beyond ecological damage, invasive species impose billions in 
economic costs each year. They harm agriculture, forestry, fisheries 
and tourism by reducing crop yields, damaging forests, disrupting 
marine ecosystems and degrading natural landscapes that communities and 
industries rely on.
  In Hawaii, this threat is especially urgent. Hawaii's isolation has 
led to the evolution of many endemic species that are found nowhere 
else on Earth. Unfortunately, these native species often lack the 
defenses to compete with or resist the pressures of invasive plants and 
animals, which can rapidly alter ecosystems and displace local species. 
In Hawaii, invasive species have caused significant ecological damage, 
threatening the survival of native birds and plants. Protecting 
Hawaii's unique biodiversity is not just an environmental necessity; it 
is a cultural imperative that reflects the identity and heritage of the 
Hawaiian people.
  Invasive species are also not just a localized problem; they pose a 
significant threat to the integrity of our natural world. Addressing 
this crisis requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach, focusing 
on prevention, early detection and effective management strategies to 
safeguard our vulnerable ecosystems.
  In response to this urgent need, I am jointly introducing the 
Invasive Species Response Act with my colleague, Congressman Jim Moylan 
of Guam. This legislation will codify the existing Invasive Species 
Strike Teams program currently operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (FWS). These specialized teams play an essential role in 
managing emerging invasive species, employing strategies tailored to 
local conditions across the National Wildlife Refuge System. With 21 
teams strategically positioned in various FWS regions, they are on the 
front lines, addressing the unique challenges posed by invasive 
species.
  The Invasive Species Response Act signifies a transformative shift 
within the FWS, moving us from a reactive, species-by-species approach 
to a more strategic, system-wide framework for managing emerging 
invasive species. Key provisions of the bill include formally 
establishing the Invasive Species Strike Teams program, which will 
create a stable and legally supported framework to ensure consistent 
funding and enhance our management efforts. The act also mandates 
enhanced coordination and reporting through integrated systems and 
standardized procedures, ensuring transparency and enabling us to track 
progress with annual reports to Congress and the public. Furthermore, 
it authorizes $15 million annually from Fiscal Year 2025 through 2029, 
aligning with current FWS investment levels to support ongoing 
initiatives.
  This legislation is a crucial step forward in protecting our natural 
resources and enhancing our capacity to respond swiftly to the threats 
posed by invasive species.
  I urge my colleagues to lend their support to our Invasive Species 
Response Act. Together, we can ensure the preservation of our 
ecosystems and promote a resilient future for our environment.

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