Political Quotes

“Across the country, an invasive beetle known as the emerald ash borer has been wreaking havoc on ash trees. It was first discovered in 2002 in Michigan, but since then, it has spread to 33 States, killing millions of trees, inflicting severe harm on the forest products industry, and costing municipalities and property owners millions of dollars. {time} 2245 Ash trees infested with the emerald ash borer suffer nearly 100 percent fatality rates over a 3- to 5-year period. At this point, there is no known effective treatment. Earlier this year, the emerald ash borer was discovered in Vermont. While the discovery was not a surprise, the news is devastating. Forests are a central part of our economy, our landscape, and our way of life. It is going to be difficult to eradicate the pest, but there are steps we can take to contain its spread. Mr. Chairman, I thank the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Carter, and Ms. McCollum for acknowledging the threat this invasive species poses. The report language accompanying the bill recommends a $19.5 million increase to forest health management under the State and private forestry account for addressing high-priority invasive species, pests, and diseases, including the emerald ash borer. I support that increase. My amendment specifies that, of this amendment, at least $5 million should be used to help mitigate the spread of and eradicate the emerald ash borer.…”