On the recordOctober 23, 2013
I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in strong support of our bipartisan amendment to require GAO to study the impacts of aquatic invasive species, and I thank the committee leadership for including it in the en bloc agreement. Aquatic invasives impose a challenge across our great country. Just to take one example, aquatic mussels such as quagga and zebra mussels have cost more than $5 billion since their introduction in the 1980s. Unfortunately, too often this important problem only receives attention after it is too late. This amendment would be proactive. It would require a timely report to find gaps in current efforts and minimize duplication of activities. Invasive species are a national problem with significant and expensive local implications. More than ever, we need knowledge and guidance on this issue.
