August 22, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 149 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H4256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONTROLLING INVASIVE ASIAN CARP

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, the United States Congress needs to get 
back to work. We need to start working on the issues that deal with our 
constituents.
  One of those that is of great concern in Tennessee is invasive Asian 
carp. They are a nuisance in too many of our Nation's waterways, 
preventing folks from fully enjoying our Nation's lakes, rivers, and 
streams, and destroying our ecosystem.
  Many in my district, including the residents of Tellico Village, have 
expressed legitimate concerns to folks at TVA and others over Asian 
carp and their potential spread into our local waters, and I have been 
proud to work with them to tackle this issue.
  Madam Speaker, to control the spread of these pests, I have worked to 
secure $25 million in funding in fiscal year 2021. If approved by the 
Senate, these resources, combined with language in the Water Resources 
Development Act, would allow researchers to study the reproductive 
habits of Asian carp in the Tennessee and Cumberland River basins so we 
are better equipped to battle these invaders.
  I thank both the Committees on Appropriations and Transportation and 
Infrastructure for working with my office on these requests. 
Problematic Asian carp harass boaters, fishermen, and swimmers across 
this country of ours. My constituents are passionate about getting the 
Asian carp population under control and keeping them out of our waters.
  Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with them further on this 
important local issue.

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