Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. I rise in support of House Resolution 1460, recognizing the important role pollinators play in supporting the ecosystem and supporting the goals and ideals of National Pollinator Week. More than 32 State Governors designated the last week of June as Pollinator Week to bring awareness to the important role pollinators play in our food supply and ecosystem. In my home State of Oklahoma, Pollinator Week was celebrated with a variety of activities and exhibits across the State, including those at the Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa. On a national level, the Pollinator Partnership has launched a Web-based program to highlight specific actions that school groups, farmers, gardeners, and others can take to support pollinators. It is important that we bring awareness to the importance of pollinators, given the fact that most pollinating species are in a decline. Colony Collapse Disorder, commonly referred to as CCD, continues to plague honeybees and will be a major concern to beekeepers and agricultural communities. Over the past several years, the honeybee population has experienced a dramatic decline due to a variety of factors, including loss of habitat, introduction of diseases and pests, and migratory stress. All of these factors have contributed to higher operating costs for the pollinator industry as well as the agricultural producers who rely on a readily available supply of pollinator bees.…”