Invasive species are considered to be one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, inflicting both ecological and economic costs to our native ecosystems. Invasive species can push native species to extinction, inflict terrible damage on habitats and ecosystems, and harm a wide variety of industries, including fisheries and horticulture. Scientists estimate that about 7,000 invasive plant and animal species are now in the United States. Damage and control measures cost tens of billions of dollars each year.
 
UCS activists have generated thousands of letters to Congress asking members to pass the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (NAISA), the most complete bill proposed in the current Congress. Nearly 200 activists have also placed calls to key members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which will play an important role in passing the bill. If passed, NAISA would reauthorize and strengthen the National Invasive Species Act of 1996. It includes provisions to prevent invasive species introductions from ballast water and other pathways; support state management plans; screen live aquatic organisms entering the United States for the first time commercially; authorize rapid response funds; create education and outreach programs; conduct research on invasion pathways, and strengthen specific prevention efforts in the Great Lakes.
 
Meanwhile, several related bills have been introduced. A small, bipartisan group of legislators is intensely negotiating differences between NAISA and one of these now. UCS and our allies are working closely with this group to provide and review bill text. We want to ensure that any compromise bill is as strong as possible.