Political Quotes

“On a related matter of great importance to the Great Lakes, the Senate committee's bill appears to reduce the National Sea Grant appropriations for research into zebra mussels and non-indigenous species. The House bill provides $53.3 million for this program and directs that $2.8 million be spent on this research. The Senate committee's bill proposes $50.4 million and makes no mention of this research. My colleagues from other regions may not yet be able to appreciate the necessity and benefits of this research into the life-cycle, ecology and control methods of non-indigenous species. Those who live in or have visited the Great Lakes region appreciate it. Zebra mussels, sea lamprey, river ruffe, gobi, spiny water flea, are just a few of the invading species that have caused ecological and economic havoc in the Great Lakes. They are changing the way we live and use our waters. They infest lake water system intakes and hurt the $4 billion Great Lakes fishery. We need to understand how they work and how to stop them from spreading. My friends from other regions should be particularly supportive of our efforts to keep these species out of their areas.”