Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) today said he will continue his call for the federal government to review efforts aimed at controlling invasive species of snakes and insects that threaten Florida’s environment. Putnam made the pledge after the House Rules Committee, voting along party lines Wednesday night, refused to permit the House to consider amendments he wanted to offer to the Interior appropriations bill that would require the studies.

“We are in a losing battle against invasive species in Florida, especially in the Everglades,” said Putnam. “The Rules Committee’s decision is disappointing, but we have to find another way to get to the goal of better coordinated efforts among all the units of government in the effort to control invasive species in Florida.”

Putnam wants the Department of the Interior to study the economic and environmental impact of invasive species and to develop plans for their control and eradication. He also asked for the Comptroller General to review the efforts of the National Invasive Species Council. These studies would have provided needed answers and action plans on combating dangerous invasive species like the Burmese Python, which is rapidly growing in population in the Everglades and is becoming a threat to endangered species. Another invasive species, the redbay ambrosia beetle, is responsible for spreading a deadly plant disease among avocado and native trees in Florida’s wetlands.

“Protecting the environment -- especially national treasures like the Everglades -- should be a major priority for the Congress,” said Putnam.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties