Lawler, Thompson, Vindman, Mcdonald Rivet Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Combat Invasive Spotted Lanternflies

Washington, D.C.- 10/2/25… Last week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) introduced the bipartisan If You See It, Squish It Act of 2025 to increase public awareness on the dangers of invasive, spotted lanternflies.

"The spotted lanternfly has quickly become one of the most destructive invasive species threatening agriculture and ecosystems in New York and across the country," Congressman Lawler said. "Vineyards, orchards, and family farms in the Hudson Valley are already feeling the impact, and the costs will only grow if we don't act. The If You See It, Squish It Act will launch a nationwide campaign to give the public the tools and information they need to help contain this pest."

"The spotted lanternfly is a relentless menace that continues to harm the agricultural sector, damaging trees, and destroying crop yields," Congressman Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. "This bill importantly allows USDA to spread awareness through Public Service Announcements so we can inform people about this harmful pest, prevent the spread, and eradicate the Spotted Lanternfly, which inflicts so much harm on our environment and economy. I fully support the If You See It, Squish It Act to stomp this bug out for good."

"As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I know these invasive swarms of spotted lanternflies need to be squished to best support our local farms and farmers," Congressman Vindman said. "The idea for this bipartisan legislation came from my constituent farmers who have lost crops to this invasive species. So, I have one message to my neighbors: if you see it, squish it!"

"Spotted lanternflies are attacking our local environment and farms," Congresswoman McDonald Rivet said. "We can all play our part in stomping this invasive species out of Michigan. Our message is simple: if you see one, squish it."

This bill would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a national campaign to increase public knowledge on the dangers of the invasive species known as spotted lanternflies. This campaign would include Public Service Announcements encouraging individuals to kill spotted lanternflies as they pose a serious threat to local agriculture.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Full bill text can be found HERE.