February 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 34 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E206-E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF THE SAVING AMERICA'S POLLINATORS ACT

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2019

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, the peer-reviewed journal Biological 
Conservation recently published a scientific analysis that paints a 
terrifying picture for the future of insects and our planet. This 
analysis concluded that largely because of intensive agriculture, and 
specifically heavy use of pesticides, over 40 percent of insect species 
are threatened with extinction. Furthermore, this analysis found that 
around 41 percent of all insect species have seen their populations 
decline over the last 10 years, and that 3.5 million of the United 
States honeybee colonies have been lost since 1947.
  These alarming statistics foretell a catastrophic collapse of 
nature's ecosystems. Already we are seeing the impacts of the climate 
crisis wreak havoc on our natural world, public health and, 
importantly, our food system. Pollinators and other insects are vital 
to our economy and our livelihoods. One of every three bites of food we 
eat is from a crop pollinated by bees. This analysis is a call to 
action to do all we can to protect these valuable insects, particularly 
in the face of climate change.
  That's why today I am introducing the Saving America's Pollinators 
Act. This legislation will suspend the use of certain insecticides 
until they are thoroughly assessed and determined to be safe for 
pollinators. Furthermore, it establishes a monitoring network for 
native bees, and clarifies the emergency exemption powers that this 
Administration is afforded under current law.
  This law is much needed, and my hope is that with this new and 
alarming information, Congress can finally act to adequately protect 
our future food supply and agricultural and ecological health before 
it's too late.

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