Meek Moves to Ban Import and Trade of Dangerous Foreign Pythons: Bill Clears Judiciary Committee

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Legislation Takes Common Sense Measures to Ban Further Import and Trade of Invasive Species That Have Devastated Florida'’s Ecosystem

After Tragic Death of Two-Year-Old Girl by a Pet Burmese Python, Inaction is No Longer an Option

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Kendrick B. Meek's legislation banning the import and trade of two types of dangerous foreign species, Burmese and African Rock Pythons, passed the full House Judiciary Committee today. The legislation comes at the heels of the tragic death of a two-year-old girl in Sumter County by a pet albino Burmese python and the continued threat of invasive snake species to Florida’s ecosystem, particularly the Everglades. Florida Senator Bill Nelson is the lead sponsor of companion legislation in the Senate, which provides exemptions for zoological, educational, or medical purposes.

The full House is expected to vote on the Meek bill in September after the summer recess. 

"This is a sensible environmental and public safety measure," said Meek. "Invasive snakes, particularly Burmese Pythons, have devastated Florida’s delicate ecosystem and represent a major public safety threat. Banning the import of these dangerous foreign species moves us one step closer to eliminating this danger once and for all."

As a former Florida State Trooper, Representative Meek understands first-hand the importance of taking common-sense public safety measures to keep our communities safe. Additionally, he has long been a strong advocate for the Everglades, most notably by helping secure $135 million for Everglades restoration in a recent energy-and-water bill. On a tour of Everglades National Park in May, Rep. Meek witnessed the devastating effects of Burmese Pythons on the local ecosystem, which prompted him to seek a federal ban on importing the species.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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