"A bipartisan group of senators Wednesday unveiled a proposal aimed at addressing the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species they warn poses “a significant threat” to the U.S. agricultural economy.

“Spotted lanternflies ravage crops that are critical to Pennsylvania’s economy including grapevines, apples, peaches, hops, and more,” said Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who introduced the bill alongside Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

The legislation would designate the spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, according to a release from Fetterman’s office.

The insect species, native to China, was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been found in 13 other states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Julia Mueller reports for The Hill June 7, 2023. [2]