Political Quotes

“I rise today I strong support of H.R. 342, the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act. This legislation is an important step towards a comprehensive plan for reducing the threat of West Nile virus. Just yesterday news stations were reporting that not only was West Nile virus likely to spread to all 48 contiguous states--making it a truly national problem--but also that other mosquito-borne illnesses are potentially likely to follow. This sort of public health threat should not go unchecked. Many localities are smaller or rural, or are dealing with this serious public health threat for the first time. This legislation can help them all. I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee agreed to increase West Nile research funding at the CDC almost 30 percent, and that NIH research into vaccines and treatment for West Nile also nearly doubled. I thank both Chairman Regula and the Members who supported increasing these funds for their successful efforts. However, I know that these measures are just a start to truly ending this health problem. I commend my Louisiana colleagues for their work on this bill, commit my future support to this endeavor, and strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote for this important legislation.”