Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Asian carp found less than 9 miles from Great Lakes

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after a silver carp was caught in Illinois just 9 miles from the Great Lakes:

“Today’s report that an Asian carp was found a few miles from Great Lakes, past the electrical barrier network that was supposed to stop invasive species, is alarming and must prompt action. I continue to press the Trump Administration to take protecting the Great Lakes seriously, but have not been satisfied thus far.

“Six months after taking office, President Trump has failed to nominate a head of the Army Corps of Engineers, who is responsible for keeping Asian carp from the Great Lakes. Additionally, the Trump Administration has not released a report that reveals the best practices for protecting the Great Lakes from threats like Asian carp, despite repeated requests from Congress. Finally, his proposed budget eliminates the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative that helps protect the lakes from invasive species.

“The urgency is now; we cannot wait. I call on President Trump to protect the Great Lakes and take the real threats they face, like Asian carp, seriously. Protecting the Great Lakes has never been a partisan issue and everyone should be working together to protect these great economic and environmental assets. Anything less is simply unacceptable."

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