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“The Great Lakes are a unique resource for Illinois residents
who enjoy the outdoors, providing recreation and freshwater, and
supporting our economy,” said Congressman LaHood. “As a Dad who
regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, I am proud
that our bill will help fish and wildlife restoration in the
Great Lakes, expand economic opportunities in Illinois, and
improve conservation efforts.
“Protecting the Great Lakes and its diverse species is personal
to me and so many who call Michigan home,” said Congresswoman
Dingell. “Our Great Lakes are a way of life– providing fresh
water and fish and wildlife habitat, as well as countless
economic and recreation opportunities– and they must be
preserved for generations to come. I am proud that this
bipartisan legislation passed with overwhelming support in the
House, and I urge my friends in the Senate to take up this bill
and send it to President Biden’s desk. We simply can’t wait to
reauthorize this program and protect our Great Lakes and the
wildlife that call it home.”
“Some of my fondest memories from growing up are connected to
the Great Lakes,” said Congressman Joyce. “Our commonsense
legislation is critical to protecting the fish and wildlife of
the Great Lakes so that both current and future generations have
the chance to make similar memories of their own. Congresswoman
Dingell, Congressman LaHood, Congressman Tonko, and I are proud
that the House passed our bill in an overwhelmingly bipartisan
vote and urge our colleagues in the Senate to act on this
legislation quickly so that we can continue to preserve the
Great Lakes, their natural beauty, and the critical role they
play in our economy.”
“Our Great Lakes benefit our New York communities in so many
ways, providing clean drinking water, supporting healthy
environments and ecosystems, and serving as powerful economic
drivers,” said Congressman Tonko. “Without federal action to
protect our Great Lakes, we could lose these vital resources.
Today, the House took that strong action by advancing the
bipartisan Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration
Reauthorization Act. I’m proud to have introduced this
legislation alongside my friend and colleague Congresswoman
Dingell, and I urge the Senate to move quickly to advance our
bill that will strengthen our waterways and ensure they can be
enjoyed for years to come.”
Background:
Since 1998, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act
has provided federal funding to 148 research and restoration
projects in the Great Lakes Basin – from restoring habitat for
the Kirtland Warbler, an endangered species, to detecting the
successful reproduction of Lake Trout in southern Michigan.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie
Stabenow (D-MI), and Todd Young (R-IN).
[Darin LaHood]
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