WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment that would provide more funding to research the long-term effects of red tide and other harmful algae blooms.
By a 401-23 vote on Thursday, the House overwhelmingly approved Rep. Vern Buchanan’s measure to study the impact of red tide on human health. The amendment instructs the National Institutes of Health to designate $6.25 million to research.
“Scientists and researchers still do not know the full extent of red tide’s harmful effects on our health,” Buchanan said. “That has to change and my measure seeks to advance this important research.”
Buchanan, R-Florida, submitted his amendment as part of a larger government funding bill entitled House Resolution 2740.
HR 2740 is expected to pass the House next week, according to spokesperson Anthony Cruz. It would then go before the U.S. Senate.
Cruz said the measure has full support from Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Rick Scott and from Florida’s members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Last year, Florida had one of the worst bouts of red tide in the state’s history.
Red tide – Karenia brevis – is a microscopic, single-celled organism found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and can cause respiratory issues in humans. The large breakout of the organism along Florida's Gulf Coast last year caused massive fish and marine life kills and is often blamed for damaging local tourism.
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