Texas House Bill HCR120

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 3/18/09
• Refer: 3/23/09
• Report Pass: 4/14/09
• Refer: 5/21/09
• Report Pass: 5/23/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Memorializing the United States Congress to make eradication of the fever tick in South Texas a priority and provide appropriate funding and resources.

Impact

The resolution encapsulates the urgent need for sustained long-term funding and resources to combat the spread of fever ticks, particularly in South Texas, where past efforts have proven insufficient. It underlines the collaborative efforts of local agencies, including the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission, in addressing this ongoing issue. If unaddressed, the potential economic fallout from the spread of fever ticks could impose costs amounting to nearly $1 billion annually on the cattle industry, coupled with rising food prices for consumers across the country.

Summary

HCR120 is a concurrent resolution that calls on the United States Congress to prioritize the eradication of the fever tick in South Texas. This tick poses a significant threat to the beef industry due to its ability to carry and transmit parasites that can lead to cattle tick fever, resulting in severe losses for cattle farmers. The resolution highlights the historical context of the fever tick's impact, noting that it has previously led to losses estimated at over $1 billion in today's dollars. The need for focused attention and funding from Congress is emphasized as an essential step in combating this agricultural threat.

Contention

While HCR120 aims to unite federal and state efforts against the fever tick, there may be contention surrounding the allocation of federal resources and funding priorities. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector may push for immediate action and more robust measures, while Congress might be met with budget constraints and competing interests. The resolution serves as a call to action that seeks to raise awareness among lawmakers about the urgency of this health crisis affecting livestock and agriculture in Texas, stressing the need to prevent the tick's spread to other regions.