WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement on the Pollinator Health Task Force’s release of the National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators: “This week the Pollinator Task Force released its National Strategy to Promote the Health of the Honey Bees and Other Pollinators. The plan, which is a culmination of a comprehensive and collaborative effort across 14 agencies and the private sector, outlines ways to improve pollinator health. It sets the goals of reducing honey bee colony losses during winter to no more than 15 percent within 10 years, and to restoring or enhancing 7 million acres of land for pollinators over the next 5 years. “As Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Pollinator Protection Caucus, the goal of which is to find solutions to the issues facing pollinators nationwide, we applaud the efforts of the Task Force. This strategy could not have come at a more critical time for pollinators, as a recently released study revealed that in a 12-month period ending in April, more than 40 percent of U.S. honeybee colonies died. “Pollinators are vital to our nation’s agriculture, economy, and ecosystem. With 75 percent of flowering plants relying on pollinators, and pollinators contributing nearly $15 billion to the nation’s economy, improving their health and strengthening their population is critically important. We are pleased that the issues facing pollinators are receiving the attention needed and will continue to work toward improving pollinator health nationwide.” Congressman Jeff Denham serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture committees. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as a Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chair of the Florida Delegation.