Brown Helps Block Provision to Weaken Protections against Invasive Species in Lake Erie

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today helped block a provision that sought to weaken protections that keep invasive species out of Lake Erie. The provision had been attached to legislation to reauthorize the Coast Guard, which Brown strongly supports. But Brown says the provision that would harm Lake Erie must be removed before the bill can pass into law – and today’s vote will make that possible.  

“This provision would make it easier for invasive species to enter our lakes, harm our drinking water and threaten local jobs that depend on boating and fishing in Lake Erie. It does not belong on the Coast Guard bill and it should be taken out, so Congress can move forward with passing this important bill without threatening Lake Erie and the jobs that depend on it,” Brown said.

With Brown’s help, the Senate blocked a procedural vote to move the bill forward today. This will force lawmakers to make additional changes to the bill and Brown will continue fighting to get the provision that would harm Lake Erie removed.

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