Mike Levin: “I am pleased that S. 1427 acknowledges the problem posed by the emerald ash borer. To date, tens of thousands of Ash…”

“I am pleased that S. 1427 acknowledges the problem posed by the emerald ash borer. To date, tens of thousands of Ash trees in my home State of Michigan have died due ``to infestations of the emerald ash borer,'' and I am glad that this bill provides $1 million for efforts to remove Ash trees that have been claimed by this invasive species. I appreciate the efforts made by the Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee to acknowledge and address the devastation caused by the emerald ash borer in Michigan, Ohio and Ontario, Canada, and which is threatening to spread. The provision of funds contained in this legislation will assist local communities in removing trees that have been killed by this invasive species. It is also my understanding that USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service--APHIS--provided $14.8 million in fiscal year 2003 funds to assist with efforts to contain and eradicate the emerald ash borer. Michigan's Governor, Jennifer Granholm, has requested that USDA provide $33 million in fiscal year 2004 funds for further efforts to combat this pest. These funds are vitally needed; however, efforts to combat the emerald ash borer should not be dependent upon the provision of emergency funds each new fiscal year. USDA must develop a multi-year plan for eradicating the ash borer.”