April 8, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 60 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H3106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING APRIL AS INVASIVE SPECIES MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, April is Invasive Plant 
Pest and Disease Awareness Month. These species, commonly known as 
hungry pests, begin to emerge in the warmer months and can be spread 
easily by the public.
  They attack trees, plants, and agriculture products, and it costs the 
United States nearly $40 billion each year in damages and extermination 
efforts. The transfer of these invasive species hurts our American 
farmers and contributes to the destruction of forests and public lands.
  In Pennsylvania the spotted lanternfly is a threat to apples, grapes, 
peaches, stone fruits, and various tree species--specially hardwoods--
throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  Pests can be spread by human activities like moving into a new home, 
traveling in the U.S. or internationally, mailing plants and food, and 
moving untreated firewood. The USDA offers a free checklist for those 
moving into a new household that would help reduce the risk of 
spreading hungry pests into their new home.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important to be mindful of these risks and utilize 
the great resources available to reduce the spread of invasive species.

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