WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Essential Forecasting Act of 2021.

"This bipartisan bill fosters the federal governments' resources in tackling the environmental and economic challenges brought on by HABs in Southwest Florida and throughout America. Over the last 60 years, these events have increased substantially, impacting local economies, our nation's ecosystems, and the American people's health."

Safeguarding the American people's health and our coastal ecosystems requires the vital collaboration of the federal, state, and local governments. This necessary legislation guarantees the federal government's role in this mission."

The bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to ensure that during a lapse in appropriations, essential services relating to HABs receive critical federal funding.

Original cosponsors include: Reps. Crist, Gaetz, Gonzalez (OH), Posey, Steube, and Tlaib.

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