WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today praised Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration to help protect the state from the highly destructive New World screwworm (NWS) as it continues to migrate north toward the United States from Mexico:

“Governor Abbott’s disaster declaration is good news for Texas agriculture and ranching communities who deserve protection from the destructive New World screwworm,” said Sen. Cornyn. “As the screwworm moves north, I will continue to work alongside Secretary Rollins and state and local leaders to ensure necessary safeguards and resources are in place to combat this parasite.”

Background:

Senator Cornyn has led the fight in Washington to combat the growing NWS threat to protect the Texas agriculture industry and cattle production nationwide, including:

• Introducing legislation to authorize funds for and direct the USDA to begin construction on a new sterile fly production facility;
• Calling attention on the Senate floor to the growing NWS threat and passing an amendment as a part of the Senate appropriations package to bolster the federal government’s response;
• And working with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Rollins and stakeholders to propose solutions to halt the growth of this destructive parasite.

Last year, the USDA announced nearly $1 billion in federal investment supported by the Senator, including $750 million for a new sterile fly production facility in Texas, to combat the NWS.