Becerra- Authored Smithsonian Conservation and Education Bill Passes in the House

Press Release

Today the House of Representatives passed the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Enhancement Act (H.R. 5717) by unanimous voice vote. The bill was authored by Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

"The Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute is on the cutting edge of our nation's effort to leave behind a cleaner and healthier world for our children and grandchildren," Rep. Becerra said following passage of his bill. "Today we are asking the Institute to build on their success in preserving endangered species around the globe by constructing a world class education facility that will train America's next generation of conservation scientists."

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is a research center housing six units that are leading a global effort to conserve species and train future generations of conservationists. SCBI staff has conducted training courses for undergraduate, graduate and professional audiences in the United States and from over 85 countries. To allow the Smithsonian to move forward in its master plan and its work training conservationists, the bill authorizes the Smithsonian Institution (SI) to construct and operate an education facility at its Front Royal, VA site where the SCBI is headquartered.

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