Nick Rahall: “earlier during general debate I noted we are not unmindful of the need to address the issues raised by the bill, but in…”

“earlier during general debate I noted we are not unmindful of the need to address the issues raised by the bill, but in our view, we would do so in a more prudent and responsible manner. And do so without incorporating the poison pill judicial review provision in H.R. 1904. That is the purpose of the pending amendment. For instance, the issue of insect and disease infestation is one of importance to me and to West Virginia's hardwood forests. Exotic insects, in particular, pose a serious threat to America's forests. For example, the hemlock woolly adelgid is already widespread from North Carolina to New England and in parts of the West. The McInnis bill, however, only authorizes $5 million--an amount far short of what the agency needs to research and address this problem. The bill also specifies certain insects for study. Yet, several other species have also been detected. Again, as I noted, there are issues in H.R. 1904 which should be addressed and that is the purpose of our amendment.”