On the recordSeptember 24, 1996
Mr. Speaker, this broadly supported bipartisan legislation, and I stress, broadly supported and bipartisan legislation, was introduced and championed by Mr. LaTourette. It builds upon the 1990 act that addressed zebra mussels and other invasive species in the Great Lakes. H.R. 3217 is national in scope, extending a voluntary incentive-based approach to all coasts and regions at risk. Whether you call them invasive, exotic or nonindigenous, these species of plants, animals and invertebrates can wreak havoc on infrastructure, on commerce, on recreation and tourism, and the environment. H.R. 3217 coordinates agencies, research institutions and others to prevent and control the introduction and spread of invasive species primarily through voluntary ballast water exchange and management education and research.
Source
govinfo.gov
