Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

By Mr. CARDIN:

S. 538. A bill to amend the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act to reauthorize the Act; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. This bill promotes long-term conservation, education, research, monitoring, and habitat protection for more than 350 species of neotropical migratory birds that breed in North America in the summer and spend our winters in tropical climates south of our border. Through its successful competitive, matching grant program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports public-private partnerships to countries mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Up to one quarter of the funds may be awarded for domestic projects.

This legislation aims to sustain healthy populations of migratory birds that are not only beautiful to look at but help our farmers by consuming billions of harmful insect pests each year. These vulnerable bird populations face many environmental factors such as pesticide pollution, deforestation, sprawl, and invasive species that threaten their habitat and, ultimately, their survival. As good indicators of a healthy ecosystem, it is troubling that, according to the National Audubon Society, at least 29 species of migratory birds are experiencing significant population declines. For example, populations of the Cerulean Warbler and Olive-Sided Flycatcher have declined as much as 70 percent since surveys began in the 1960s.

The Baltimore Oriole, the State bird of my home state of Maryland, has been experiencing a decline in population despite being protected by Federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the State of Maryland's Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Destruction of their domestic breeding habitat and tropical winter habitat, coupled with the toxic pesticides ingested by insects which are then eaten by the Oriole, has significantly contributed to this decline. It is essential that we invest in conservation efforts in our country as well as others along the migratory route of the wide range of migratory birds. This legislation accomplishes this goal.

The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has a proven track record of reversing habitat loss and advancing conservation strategies for the broad range of neotropical birds that populate the United States and the rest of the Western hemisphere. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, between 2002 and 2010, this program has successfully supported 333 projects, coordinated by groups in 48 U.S. State/territories and 36 countries. Additionally, it is a great value for taxpayers as it leverages over $4.00 for each Federal dollar spent. Since 2002, the U.S. has invested more than $25 million in 262 projects and leveraged an additional $112 million in partner funds to support these projects. It also helps to generate $2.7 billion annually for the U.S. economy through wildlife watching activities.

This legislation is cost-effective, budget-friendly, and has been a highly successful Federal program. This simple reauthorization bill will make sure that this good work continues.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

S. 538

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION OF NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION ACT.

Section 10 of the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 6109) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2017.

``(b) Use of Funds.--Of the amounts made available under subsection (a) for each fiscal year, not less than 75 percent shall be expended for projects carried out at a location outside of the United States.''.

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