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Congress Approves Bill to Prevent Asia Carp from Invading the Great Lakes
On October 15, Congress gave final approval to the annual funding bill for the Corps of Engineers and Department of Energy [H.R. 3183]. The measure includes additional funds for the two electronic barriers that prevent the invasive Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. The carp were originally used in fish farm operations, but some escaped during the 1990s. Since then, these non-native fish – which can weigh up to 100 pounds – have overrun the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The electronic barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal are the only things preventing the carp from invading the Great Lakes and causing irreparable damage, but there is a new concern that the carp might be able to get around the barriers if the nearby Des Plaines River ever flooded. In the Energy and Water funding bill, Congress gave the Army Corps of Engineers authority to take action to prevent the carp from bypassing the electronic barriers.
To learn more about the Asian carp and the threat they pose to the Great Lakes, click here. (Note, though, that the electronic barriers have been substantially completed since this EPA fact sheet was written in 2004).
Lower Winter Heating Costs Predicted
On October 6, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its annual Winter Fuels Outlook report, which predicts lower home heating costs for American consumers this winter. EIA expects the average home heating bill to be 8% lower this winter than last. The EIA forecast principally reflects lower fuel prices, although expected milder weather will also contribute to lower fuel use in some areas. According to the EIA forecast, consumers who heat their homes with natural gas could save even more due to falling natural gas prices. For more information, click here.
New Report Raises Concern Over China’s Human Rights Policies
On October 16, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China published its 2009 Annual Report on October 14. The Commission was created by Congress in 2000 to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China.
In a joint statement, the two co-chairs of the Commission, Senator Byron Dorgan and Rep Levin, said: “We are deeply concerned about continued human rights abuses and stalled rule of law reform documented in the Commission’s 2009 Annual Report. Many Chinese government policies designed to address social unrest and bolster the Communist Party’s authority are resulting in a period of declining human rights for Chinese citizens.... Chinese government policies and practices continue to violate the rights of Chinese citizens and fall far short of meeting international standards.” For more information, click here.
The Week Ahead
The House of Representatives is expected to approve legislation [H.R. 3792] to renew the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Act. The House will also debate the Solar Technology Roadmap Act [H.R. 3585] and the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act [H.R. 3619].
Download a Printable Copy of the Congressional Connector
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