McCollum’s Asian Carp Strategy Included in Final Water Resources Conference Report

In response to the release of the conference committee report of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) released the following statement:

“When Congress passes WRRDA in the coming weeks, my language to create a multi-agency task force headed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be included. I am proud to be joined by bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators who have come together to recognize the importance of this issue and commit to finding solutions.

“By creating a multi-agency task force, headed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we can ensure that federal agencies are all working towards the same goal - combating the spread of Asian carp throughout the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River Valley. As we address this complex challenge, an efficient use of resources and close coordination will be critical.

“I look forward to the opportunity to cast my vote on final passage of this legislation in the near future, so that we may begin to tackle the serious challenge of slowing the spread of Asian carp without delay.”

Congresswoman McCollum’s language was supported by the entire Minnesota congressional delegation.

Congresswoman McCollum’s Strategic Response to Asian Carp Invasion Act (H.R. 358) was the basis for the language included in the final version of WRRDA. The bill had 26 bipartisan co-sponsors including the entire Minnesota congressional delegation.

The full text of the language offered by Congresswoman McCollum is attached.