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Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President Trump’s Cuts to Great Lakes Funding

February 12, 2018

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump released his Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget, which cuts funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative by 90 percent:

"I strongly oppose President Trump's reckless cuts to the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative helps to combat invasive species like Asian Carp and protects our freshwater lakes from pollution. These investments have bipartisan support because protecting our Great Lakes is not a partisan issue.

"Cutting Great Lakes investments by 90 percent—essentially eliminating the program—threatens the health of our lakes and jeopardizes Michigan's economy. The Great Lakes help to generate billions of dollars in economic activity and support 1.5 million good-paying jobs in the tourism, boating and fishing industries.

"In Congress, both Republicans and Democrats have rejected President Trump's previous attempts to cut Great Lakes funding. I will fight these draconian cuts in every way that I can."