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House Passes Moolenaar, Dingell Provision Supporting Great Lakes Fisheries Research

July 18, 2018

The House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan amendment by Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and John Moolenaar (MI-4) that supports the Great Lakes Science Center as a part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fisheries Program. The amendment was added to a federal government funding bill for the Department of the Interior.

"The Great Lakes are a vital part of Michigan's outdoor heritage and this funding will support smart conservation of our fisheries so Michiganders can enjoy fishing on the Great Lakes for years to come," said Moolenaar, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

"We need more research to protect important ecosystems, like the Great Lakes, from invasive species and better understand how to conserve and protect important fishery resources," said Dingell. "It is critical we maintain funding to continue USGS research and to enhance exploration in cutting-edge technologies to support fisheries management, native preyfish restoration, and invasive species control, as is being done at the Great Lakes Science Center."

Today, the whole House is continuing work on additional amendments to the Department of Interior funding bill. This legislation was previously passed by the House Appropriations Committee on June 6 and it includes full funding - $300 million - for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The final version of the bill will be voted on later this week.

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Issues:Great Lakes