| 00:00:12 | LAKES. |
| 00:00:13 | THIS REPORT IS AN URGENT REMINDER THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE INTENSIFY OUR EFFORTS AND ACT IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT ARABANT CARP FROM ENTERING THE GREAT LAKES. |
| 00:00:24 | TODAY I ALONG WITH 15 OF MY COLLEAGUES FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE SENT A BIPARTISAN LETTER TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CALLING ATTENTION TO THIS STUDY AND URGING SWIFT ACTION ON THE THREAT OF THE ASIAN CARP TO THE GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENT. |
| 00:00:40 | KEEPING OUR WATERS HEALTHY AND FREE OF INVASIVE SPECIES IS A FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY. |
| 00:00:46 | IT'S TIME TO ACT AND ACT NOW. |
| 00:00:49 | I YIELD BACK THE BALANCE OF MY TIME. |
| 00:01:06 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE: DOES THE GENTLEMAN SEEK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO ADDRESS THE HOUSE? |
| 00:01:09 | MR. |
| 00:01:10 | DEFAZIO: CERTAINLY. |
| 00:01:11 | THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE: WITHOUT OBJECTION, THE |
Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, a recent report issued by American and Canadian scientists for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reveals alarming findings regarding the health of our Great Lakes.
The report warns that Asian carp are closer to entering the Great Lakes than we had anticipated. When introduction occurs, it will be irreversible and devastating to the ecology of the lakes and the economy of the region. This report is an urgent reminder that it is imperative that we intensify our efforts and act immediately to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Today, I, along with 15 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, sent a bipartisan letter to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers calling attention to this study, and urging swift action on the threat of the Asian carp to the Great Lakes environment.
Keeping our waters healthy and free of invasive species is a Federal responsibility. It's time to act--and to act now.
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