Marcy Kaptur: “I rise in support of the Schwarz amendment emphasizing the intent of Congress that full funding for the control of…”

“I rise in support of the Schwarz amendment emphasizing the intent of Congress that full funding for the control of Emerald Ash Borer must be provided. I had intended to offer an amendment emphasizing the need for emergency funding and thank Chairman Bonilla for his work with us on this issue, and with respect and appreciation knowing we still have much to work on will not extend floor debate today. It is vital that we take action as quickly as possible to deal with control and containment this year. USDA, at the order of the Office of Management and Budget, has not been able to fully respond to the requests for funds from Ohio and Michigan. Ohio recently requested an additional $10.1 million that is needed immediately. The Emerald Ash Borer was identified in Michigan in July, 2002. It has been in Michigan for perhaps five years, having come in packing material from Asia. Since then, several counties in southeastern Michigan and now counties in northwestern Ohio have been infected with this creature. Literally billions of ash trees are at risk unless this creature is stopped. Regrettably, there is no known way to eradicate the insect without starving it from new wood sources. So as trees by the thousands are being cut down in our region. As I said, the State of Ohio has recently asked the Department of Agriculture for an additional $10.1 million in emergency funding to control the spread of this insect.…”