NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) Members of Connecticut's and New York's congressional delegation are hoping to stop the federal government from selling Plum Island in Long Island Sound.

The contingent is calling on House and Senate appropriations committee leaders to repeal a law compelling the sale.

Connecticut Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Joe Courtney and New York Rep. Tim Bishop sent a letter asking for repeal of the language, which they call shortsighted. The letter is in addition to a bill offered last year by Blumenthal.

The island has been home to the country's only laboratory that studies infectious animal diseases. A new facility is being opened in Kansas to replace it.