North Texas Invasive Species Barrier Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4032, the North Texas Invasive Species Barrier Act of 2014. This bill is a prime example of how both sides of the aisle can work together for the good of our citizens.

As we know, water is our most vital resource and one of our primary needs, and I am grateful for Congressmen Sam Johnson and Pete Sessions for their sponsorship of this bill to enhance water resources for the people of north Texas. I also would like to thank Chairman Hastings of the Natural Resources Committee and committee staff for their work on this measure and for bringing this bill to the floor today, and I thank the gentleman from Alaska.

Many lakes across America have been infested with various invasive species. In the State of Texas, our lakes have been infested with zebra mussels. I am sure many of you have seen these in your States. They started in New York and have worked their way down to Texas lakes.

In December 2012, the House and Senate were successful in passing the North Texas Zebra Mussel Barrier Act, which became public law. This law permits the North Texas Municipal Water District and the Greater Texoma Utility Authority to pump water from Lake Texoma into the Wylie, Texas, water treatment plant, where the water will be cleaned of zebra mussels without being in violation of the Lacey Act.

It is safe to say that wherever zebra mussels are found, their partner in crime--quagga mussels--are more than likely to be found as well. Today's bill, H.R. 4032, expands the exemption from zebra mussels to all aquatic invasive species and plants, and will enable the North Texas Municipal Water District to do its job. It does not encourage extra pumping that would harm Lake Texoma's current low water levels. Such action will better serve more than 1.5 million north Texans in a manner that provides safe water and much-needed jobs.

I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation that provides safe and clean water to north Texans.

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