The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“COMBATING SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the in the House section section on page H2667 on May 31.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
COMBATING SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES
(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, I rise today to draw attention to an invasive species attacking Pennsylvania agriculture.
The spotted lanternfly was first discovered in the Commonwealth in 2014 and has since traveled to 51 out of our 67 counties. This spotted lanternfly can impact the grape, fruit tree, plant nursery, and timber industries, which contribute billions of dollars each year to Pennsylvania's economy.
In efforts to prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly, Pennsylvania has established quarantine zones, but it takes collective and intentional efforts to slow the spread of this insect.
Across the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture along with Penn State Extension provide education-based programs to the public. These programs are key resources for community members looking for information on how to combat and slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly.
Mr. Speaker, with warmer weather comes spotted lanternfly hatching season, and residents are encouraged to squash the bug and their egg masses.
It will take us all doing our part to prevent any further spread of this invasive insect, and I encourage all to utilize their local resources when combating invasive species.
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