Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

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Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment.

My amendment instructs the National Institutes of Health to designate $6.25 million to research the long-term effects of red tide and other harmful algal blooms on human health.

As you may know, last year, Florida suffered from one of the longest and most devastating bouts of red tide in our State's history. I witnessed firsthand as thousands of tons of dead marine life washed ashore our local beaches, causing significant hardship on both our local residents and county governments.

While some of the short-term health impacts of red tide are well documented, as swimmers and beach goers often suffer from severe respiratory issues, skin irritation, and rashes, the long-term health effects of exposure to red tide are largely unknown. That is why my amendment will devote critical resources to help us better understand the lasting health impacts on people exposed to red tide.

I urge the amendment's adoption, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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