Political Quotes

“The United States Congress needs to get back to work. We need to start working on the issues that deal with our constituents. One of those that is of great concern in Tennessee is invasive Asian carp. They are a nuisance in too many of our Nation's waterways, preventing folks from fully enjoying our Nation's lakes, rivers, and streams, and destroying our ecosystem. Many in my district, including the residents of Tellico Village, have expressed legitimate concerns to folks at TVA and others over Asian carp and their potential spread into our local waters, and I have been proud to work with them to tackle this issue. Madam Speaker, to control the spread of these pests, I have worked to secure $25 million in funding in fiscal year 2021. If approved by the Senate, these resources, combined with language in the Water Resources Development Act, would allow researchers to study the reproductive habits of Asian carp in the Tennessee and Cumberland River basins so we are better equipped to battle these invaders. I thank both the Committees on Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure for working with my office on these requests. Problematic Asian carp harass boaters, fishermen, and swimmers across this country of ours. My constituents are passionate about getting the Asian carp population under control and keeping them out of our waters. Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with them further on this important local issue. ____________________”