REPS. THOMPSON AND BENISHEK LAUNCH THE 114TH CONGRESS INVASIVE SPECIES CAUCUS

Washington, D.C. – In recognition of National Invasive Species Week, U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-5) and Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today announced the formation of the Congressional Invasive Species Caucus for the 114^th Congress. This bipartisan caucus works to raise awareness of the impact of invasive species around the country, supports local communities who are bearing the brunt of this problem, and promotes efforts to prevent and control the spread of invasive species. The caucus provides members of Congress with educational opportunities about the economic and environmental damage of invasive species, while developing policy solutions to the environmental challenges that result from their spread. Additionally, the Caucus will provide opportunities for Members of Congress to meet with other policy makers, organizations and industry leaders that are working to prevent the spread of invasive species. This caucus was first founded by Thompson and Benishek in the 113^th Congress.

"Invasive species pose a costly challenge to infrastructure, agriculture and the environment," said Thompson. "In our district, Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma and Lake Berryessa are all rated at the highest possible risk for quagga invasion. Our caucus will bring together experts and industry leaders, so we can come up with plans to protect our communities from invasive species before they become a major problem."

"I've fished the lakes of Northern Michigan my whole life, and I've seen the damage done by invasive species, especially invasive phragmites and zebra mussels. Now we are working to try and prevent the spread of Asian Carp. The importance of protecting both the Great Lakes and inland lakes from these species cannot be overstated. These invasive species do real damage to both the environment and the economy. I'm working with my colleagues in the Caucus to come up with an aggressive strategy to combat these environmental challenges," said Benishek.

Invasive species threaten communities by devastating native habitat, damaging crops, clogging water pipes, infecting plants and animals with dangerous diseases, or outcompeting native species. These impacts can lower crop yields, pose health hazards, irreparably damage natural environments, and take a severe toll on local, state, and federal budgets.

Last Congress, Thompson had legislation signed into law requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the impacts of aquatic invasive species on federal assets and current federal spending on aquatic invasive species prevention. Aquatic invasive species pose a costly challenge to water infrastructure, fisheries, and the environment in local communities across the United States. However, this problem often only receives attention after an invasive species has become established in a new area and has begun clogging water pipes, infecting plants and animals with dangerous diseases, and outcompeting native species. These impacts can damage fisheries, pose health hazards, irreparably damage natural environments, and take a severe toll on local, state, and federal budgets. For example, aquatic mussels such as quagga and zebra mussels have cost U.S. communities more than $5 billion since their introduction in the 1980's.

In the 5th Congressional District, Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma and Lake Berryessa are all rated at the highest possible risk level for quagga invasion. Currently none of these lakes have been invaded by quagga mussels. However, if quaggas invade one of these lakes, control and treatment would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and negatively impact the water supply for residents of Sonoma, Lake, and Solano Counties. If quagga mussels invade the state water infrastructure it could cost millions every year to keep the pipes clear. The Congressional Invasive Species Caucus will work to develop plans to combat the spread of invasive species like the quaggas.

The Caucus plans to begin holding meetings and developing their legislative agenda in the coming months.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5^th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.

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