November 5, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 176 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S6386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                BAT WEEK

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, in the midst of fall celebrations such as 
Halloween or, for fans in Washington and Houston, the World Series, I 
want to take a moment to highlight another important annual celebration 
that occurred last week: Bat Week.
  It is fitting that last week, the Senate approved an appropriations 
bill to fund the Fish and Wildlife Service. At this time each year, we 
join our friends at the Fish and Wildlife Service, conservation groups 
around the world, and bat enthusiasts to recognize the irreplaceable 
role of bats and to highlight our urgent fight to protect them.
  Many do not know the profound impact that bats have on our 
environment and our economy. For an agricultural state like Vermont, 
bats are vital to both our ecosystem and our economy. They control 
pests, pollinate crops, and even spread seeds. Some farmers would 
consider bats among their best friends. For years, I have worked on the 
Appropriations Committee to prioritize funding for habitat conservation 
and to stop the spread of white-nose syndrome. I am proud that the 
fiscal year 2020 Interior bill once again responds to the call of the 
bat signal and provides more than $7 million to combat white-nose, a 
disease that has devastated bat communities across the country.
  So once again I hope Senators will join me in recognizing the 
importance of bat and keep the advocacy behind Bat Week going 
throughout the year.

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