OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Invasive Species Summit

Floor Speech

Date: May 25, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Animals and Wildlife

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Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, my district is home to many ecological wonders, from the mighty Adirondacks to the Saint Lawrence River. The environment is truly our lifeblood in the North Country. Sadly, invasive species threaten the health and beauty of these natural ecosystems.

Given our unique position as both the gateway to the Great Lakes and as the center of international shipping trade, our State has the unfortunate distinction of being a principal point of entry for many invasive species.

Today I am introducing two pieces of bipartisan legislation to help combat and raise awareness about the threat that invasive species pose to our ecosystems. Nationwide, an estimated 50,000 nonnative invasive animal and plant species have been introduced, resulting in more than $100 billion in economic losses annually.

Every State and U.S. territory has at least some form of invasive species. Therefore, I hope my colleagues will cosponsor these vital bills so we may prevent the spread and introduction of these harmful invasive species.

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