Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the committee. It is an excellent example of how we can work together.

I want to rise in support of the conference report for WRRDA.

This report includes language to address the presence of invasive carp in the upper Mississippi River. It contains language to close the Upper Saint Anthony Falls lock and dam in Minneapolis--my hometown.

This would stop the spread of invasive carp which causes harm. Invasive carp decimates the fishing industry, invasive carp wipes out native fish species, and when a 60-pound silver carp jumps out of the water, needless to say, it limits recreational opportunities and causes injury to the people. This is a real picture--fish jumping all out. It is not a good thing.

The language provides for a proactive approach. It protects our vital fishing and recreational industry. It preserves tourism jobs in northern Minnesota. It prevents us from spending government dollars to manage carp if these fish invade northern Minnesota waters.

I want to thank the members of the Minnesota delegation who worked with me on a bipartisan basis to make sure the language was passed. I would also like to thank a staff member Anne Christianson--and you know who you are. You were tireless, you never gave up, and I am very grateful to you.

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