[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 137 (Tuesday, September 27, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 27, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION ACT OF 1994

  Mr. STUDDS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on Merchant Marine and Fisheries be discharged from further 
consideration of the bill (H.R. 4924) to assist in the conservation of 
rhinoceros and tigers by supporting and providing financial resources 
for the conservation programs of nations whose activities directly or 
indirectly affect rhinoceros and tiger populations, and of the CITES 
Secretariat, and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, this 
is an extremely important piece of legislation, and I rise in support 
of H.R. 4924, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994. I am 
pleased to have been joined by Chairman Studds and my good friend, Tony 
Beilenson, in introducing this bill.
  I was prompted to introduce this legislation because the populations 
of rhinos and tigers continue to plummet despite their protected status 
under the Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of 
Wild Flora and Fauna [CITES]. For example, approximately 1 million 
rhinos existed at the turn of the century. In 1991, the population had 
dwindled to 11,000, or half of the number that experts consider 
necessary for the species to survive. The status of tigers is not any 
better. At the beginning of this century, there may have been as many 
as 100,000 tigers in the wild; today, the total is probably fewer than 
6,000.
  Habitat destruction is partially responsible for the decline, but the 
predominant cause is the senseless slaughter of the animals by 
unscrupulous international poachers. Although agricultural activities 
and commercial logging are destroying large blocks of tiger habitat, 
poaching is by far having the most dramatic impact. Tigers are killed 
for their fur and certain body parts are used in medicines. In China, 
Korea, and Taiwan, rhino horn is used as a fever-reducing agent, and in 
Yemen it is used to make decorative handles for ceremonial daggers. The 
trade in rhino and tiger parts is so lucrative that outlaws will go to 
extraordinary lengths to kill the animals.
  It has also been brought to my attention that one reason for the 
sharp decline in the population of the black rhino in Africa is due in 
principal measure to unlawful cross-border commercial poaching. In a 
large number of instances, poaching has been carried out by nationals 
of Zambia who cross into Zimbabwe to kill rhinos. The Zambian 
authorities have consistently declined to provide meaningful 
cooperation with Zimbabwe's antipoaching units stationed along the 
border. Thus, Zambian poachers units stationed along the border. Thus, 
Zambian poachers who kill rhinos escape back into their country and 
remain free because their government authorities choose not to 
extradite them.

  Unless immediate steps are taken, these magnificent animals will 
cease to exist throughout most, if not all, of their range. That would 
be a monumental tragedy.
  I am encouraged by President Clinton's announcement on April 11, that 
for the first time in history, trade sanctions under the Pelly 
amendment would be imposed on wildlife products from Taiwan. This 
action should send a clear message to Taiwan and other nations that the 
United States will not tolerate the wanton annihilation of these 
species.
  While the People's Republic of China [PRC] was also certified under 
the Pelly amendment, I am pleased that the administration did not place 
any sanctions on that country. I am aware that they are continuing to 
make significant progress to stop any illegal trade of rhino and tiger 
products. I am sure this will be factored into any further 
certification actions.
  Part of the problem in the conservation of these species is that 
range states do not have sufficient money or manpower to stop poachers. 
In recognition of this problem, our bill authorizes $10 million per 
year for a Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund. The Secretary of the 
Interior would be tasked with administering the fund and providing 
financial assistance for rhino and tiger conservation projects. The 
committee amendment provides the Administrator of the Agency for 
International Development an opportunity to comment on project 
proposals.
  Based on the experiences of the African Elephant Conservation Fund, 
it is clear that these funds can be extremely helpful in assisting 
nations to obtain accurate species population data, to enhance 
antipoaching efforts, and to implement conservation programs.
  While H.R. 4924 does not contain mandatory sanctions, I want to make 
it clear to representatives of consumer countries that the deletion of 
these provisions should not be viewed as a step back in our leadership 
position.
  Mr. Speaker, you have appointed Chairman Studds and myself as members 
of the U.S. delegation for the upcoming CITES meeting in Fort 
Lauderdale, FL. The conservation of rhinos and tigers continues to be 
one of the highest priorities for the United States and I will do 
everything within my power to assist in this effort.
  Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence if we are to save these 
endangered wildlife species. I urge my colleagues to support this 
important legislation.
  (Mr. FIELDS of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STUDDS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.
  (Mr. STUDDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. STUDDS. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4924, was introduced by Representatives 
Fields of Texas, Beilenson, and myself out of concern over the 
senseless slaughter of these magnificent creatures by poachers to 
satisfy the demand for rhino and tiger parts in oriental medicines. 
This needless killing has resulted in the near extinction of both 
species: less than 11,000 rhinos and 6,000 tigers are believed to exist 
in the wild.
  Last fall, the administration certified that China and Taiwan were 
diminishing the effectiveness of the Convention on International Trade 
in Endangered Species. As a result, President Clinton imposed trade 
sanctions on wildlife products from Taiwan for that nation's failure to 
implement measures to end the illegal trade in these animals. Although 
sanctions were not placed on China, President Clinton indicated that 
the administration would continue to monitor China's progress.
  H.R. 4924 will assist efforts to save these critters by establishing 
the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund. It authorizes $10 million 
per year for 5 years, starting in fiscal year 1996, for projects to 
conserve rhinoceros and tigers. The bill also addresses concerns raised 
by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, by giving the Administrator of 
the Agency for International Development an opportunity to review and 
consult with the Secretary of the Interior on final project proposals. 
Included with my statement is an exchange of letters between Chairman 
Hamilton of the Foreign Affairs Committee and me on this point.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge Members to support this effort to 
conserve these awesome beasts and their place in the wild and not 
consign them to a future that only exists in zoos.
                                     Committee on Foreign Affairs,


                                     House of Representatives,

                               Washington, DC, September 27, 1994.
     Hon. Gerry Studds,
     Chairman, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 
         Washington DC.
       Dear Gerry: I write regarding H.R. 4924, the Rhinoceros and 
     Tiger Conservation Act of 1994.
       First, let me thank you for your willingness to address my 
     concerns about the bill. I am pleased that we could reach an 
     agreement that preserves the important purpose of H.R. 4924, 
     while ensuring that the program is managed, and resources 
     are, used effectively.
       With the understanding that amendments agreed to by our two 
     committees are included in the version of H.R. 4924 taken to 
     the Floor, I will not seek sequential referral of the bill, 
     without prejudice to the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Foreign Affairs.
       I look forward to continuing to work with you on this and 
     other issues of mutual concern to our committees.
       With best regards,
           Sincerely,
                                                  Lee H. Hamilton,
                                                         Chairman.
                                                      Committee on


                                Merchant Marine and Fisheries,

                               Washington, DC, September 27, 1994.
     Hon. Lee H. Hamilton,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter of today on 
     H.R. 4924, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994.
       I would thank you for your cooperation on this legislation. 
     The amendments to the bill agreed to by our two committees 
     have been incorporated in an amendment in the nature of a 
     substitute that I will offer in the motion to suspend the 
     rules. I believe that the bill will be on the Suspension 
     Calendar later today.
       With these amendments, it is my understanding that the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs is satisfied that its concerns 
     have been addressed and that you will not seek a sequential 
     referral of the bill, without prejudice to the jurisdiction 
     of your committee.
       I am pleased that we have been able to address the issues 
     that you have raised and that we will be able to proceed to 
     the floor today. I will attach a copy of our exchange of 
     letters to my floor statement on H.R. 4924.
       With kind regards.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Gerry E. Studds,
                                                         Chairman.
  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of 
objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the bill, as follows:

                               H.R. 4924

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Rhinoceros and Tiger 
     Conservation Act of 1994''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds the following:
       (1) The world's rhinoceros population is declining at an 
     alarming rate, a 90 percent decline since 1970.
       (2) All 5 subspecies of tiger are currently threatened with 
     extinction in the wild, with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 
     tigers remaining worldwide.
       (3) All rhinoceros species have been listed on Appendix I 
     of CITES since 1977.
       (4) All tiger subspecies have been listed on Appendix I of 
     CITES since 1987.
       (5) The tiger and all rhinoceros species, except the 
     southern subspecies of white rhinoceros, are listed as 
     endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
     (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
       (6) In 1987, the parties to CITES adopted a resolution that 
     urged all parties to establish a moratorium on the sale and 
     trade in rhinoceros products (other than legally taken 
     trophies), to destroy government stockpiles of rhinoceros 
     horn, and to exert pressure on countries continuing to allow 
     trade in rhinoceros products.
       (7) On September 7, 1993, under section 8 of the 
     Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1978) the 
     Secretary certified that the People's Republic of China and 
     Taiwan were engaged in trade of rhinoceros parts and tiger 
     parts that diminished the effectiveness of an international 
     conservation program for that endangered species.
       (8) On September 9, 1993, the Standing Committee of CITES, 
     in debating the continuing problem of trade in rhinoceros 
     horn and tiger parts, adopted a resolution urging parties to 
     CITES to implement stricter domestic measures, up to and 
     including an immediate prohibition in trade in wildlife 
     species.
       (9) On November 8, 1993, under section 8 of the Fisherman's 
     Protection Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1978), the President 
     announced that the United States would impose trade sanctions 
     against China and Taiwan unless substantial progress was made 
     by March 1994 towards ending trade in rhinoceros and tiger 
     products.
       (10) On April 11, 1994, under section 8 of the Fisherman's 
     Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1978), the President--
       (A) directed that imports of wildlife specimens and 
     products from Taiwan be prohibited, in response to Taiwan's 
     failure to undertake sufficient actions to stop illegal 
     rhinoceros and tiger trade; and
       (B) indicated that the certification of China would remain 
     in effect and directed that additional monitoring of China's 
     progress be undertaken.

     SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are the following:
       (1) To assist in the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers 
     by supporting the conservation programs of nations whose 
     activities directly or indirectly affect rhinoceros and tiger 
     populations, and the CITES Secretariat.
       (2) To provide financial resources for those programs.

     SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act--
       (1) ``CITES'' means the Convention on International Trade 
     in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed on 
     March 3, 1973, and its appendices;
       (2) ``conservation'' means the use of all methods and 
     procedures necessary to bring rhinoceros and tigers to the 
     point at which there are sufficient populations to ensure 
     that those species do not become extinct, including all 
     activities associated with scientific resource management, 
     such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat 
     protection, acquisition, and management, propagation, live 
     trapping, and transportation;
       (3) ``Fund'' means the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation 
     Fund established under section 6(a); and
       (4) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.

     SEC. 5. RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary, subject to the availability 
     of appropriations, shall use amounts in the Fund to provide 
     financial assistance for projects for the conservation of 
     rhinoceros and tigers.
       (b) Project Proposal.--A country whose activities directly 
     or indirectly affect rhinoceros or tiger populations, the 
     CITES Secretariat, or any other person may submit to the 
     Secretary a project proposal under this section. Each 
     proposal shall--
       (1) name the individual responsible for conducting the 
     project;
       (2) state the purposes of the project succinctly;
       (3) describe the qualifications of the individuals who will 
     conduct the project;
       (4) estimate the funds and time required to complete the 
     project;
       (5) provide evidence of support of the project by 
     appropriate governmental entities of countries in which the 
     project will be conducted, if the Secretary determines that 
     the support is required for the success of the project; and
       (6) provide any other information the Secretary considers 
     to be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project 
     for funding under this Act.
       (c) Project Review and Approval.--The Secretary shall 
     review each project proposal to determine if meets the 
     criterion set forth in subsection (d). Not late than 6 months 
     after receiving a final project proposal, and subject to the 
     availability of funds, the Secretary shall approve or 
     disapprove the proposal and provide written notification to 
     the person who submitted the proposal and to each country 
     within which the project is to be conducted.
       (d) Criterion for Approval.--The Secretary may approve a 
     project under this section if the project will enhance 
     programs for conservation of rhinoceros or tigers by--
       (1) assisting efforts--
       (A) to implement conservation programs; and
       (B) to enhance compliance with provisions of CITES and laws 
     of the United States or a foreign country that prohibit or 
     regulate the taking or trade of rhinoceros or tigers or the 
     use of rhinoceros or tiger habitat; or
       (2) developing sound scientific information on that 
     species' habitat condition and carrying capacity, total 
     numbers and population trends, or annual reproduction and 
     mortality.
       (e) Project Reporting.--Each person that receives 
     assistance under this section for a project shall provide 
     periodic reports to the Secretary as the Secretary considers 
     necessary. Each report shall include all information 
     requested by the Secretary for evaluating the progress and 
     success of the project.

     SEC. 6. RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION FUND.

       (a) Establishement.--There is established in the general 
     fund of the Treasury a separate account to be known as the 
     ``Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund'', which shall 
     consist of amounts deposited into the Fund by the Secretary 
     of the Treasury under subsection (b).
       (b) Deposits Into the Fund.--The Secretary of the Treasury 
     shall deposit into the Fund--
       (1) all amounts received by the Secretary in the form of 
     donations under subsection (d); and
       (2) other amounts appropriated to the Fund.
       (c) Use.--
       (1) In General.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
     may use amounts in the Fund without further appropriation to 
     provide assistance under section 5.
       (2) Administration.--Of amounts in the Fund available for 
     each fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than 3 
     percent to administer the Fund.
       (d) Accetance and Use of Donations.--The Secretary may 
     accept and use donations to provide assistance under section 
     5. Amounts received by the Secretary in the form of donations 
     shall be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury for 
     deposit into the Fund.

     SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund 
     $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 
     and 2000 to carry out this Act, to remain available until 
     expended.


     amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by mr. studds

  Mr. STUDDS. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. 
     Studds: Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert 
     in lieu thereof the following:

                               H.R. 4924

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Rhinoceros and Tiger 
     Conservation Act of 1994''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds the following:
       (1) The world's rhinoceros population is declining at an 
     alarming rate, a 90 percent decline since 1970.
       (2) All 5 subspecies of tiger are currently threatened with 
     extinction in the wild, with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 
     tigers remaining worldwide.
       (3) All rhinoceros species have been listed on Appendix I 
     of CITES since 1977.
       (4) All tiger subspecies have been listed on Appendix I of 
     CITES since 1987.
       (5) The tiger and all rhinoceros species, except the 
     southern subspecies of white rhinoceros, are listed as 
     endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
     (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
       (6) In 1987, the parties of CITES adopted a resolution that 
     urged all parties to establish a moratorium on the sale and 
     trade in rhinoceros products (other than legally taken 
     trophies), to destroy government stockpiles of rhinoceros 
     horn, and to exert pressure on countries continuing to allow 
     trade in rhinoceros products.
       (7) On September 7, 1993, under section 8 of the 
     Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1978) the 
     Secretary certified that the People's Republic of China and 
     Taiwan were engaged in trade of rhinoceros parts and tiger 
     parts that diminished the effectiveness of an international 
     conservation program for that endangered species.
       (8) On September 9, 1993, the Standing Committee of CITES, 
     in debating the continuing problem of trade in rhinoceros 
     horn and tiger parts, adopted a resolution urging parties to 
     CITES to implement stricter domestic measures, up to and 
     including an immediate prohibition in trade in wildlife 
     species.
       (9) On November 8, 1993, under section 8 of the Fisherman's 
     Protection Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1978), the President 
     announced that the United States would impose trade sanctions 
     against China and Taiwan unless substantial progress was made 
     by March 1994 towards ending trade in rhinoceros and tiger 
     products.
       (10) On April 11, 1994, under section 8 of the Fisherman's 
     Protective Act of 1967 (22 U.S.C. 1978), the President--
       (A) directed that imports of wildlife specimens and 
     products from Taiwan be prohibited, in response to Taiwan's 
     failure to undertake sufficient actions to stop illegal 
     rhinoceros and tiger trade; and
       (B) indicated that the certification of China would remain 
     in effect and directed that additional monitoring of China's 
     progress be undertaken.

     SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are the following:
       (1) To assist in the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers 
     by supporting the conservation programs of nations whose 
     activities directly or indirectly affect rhinoceros and tiger 
     populations, and the CITES Secretariat.
       (2) To provide financial resources for those programs.

     SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act--
       (1) ``CITES'' means the Convention on International Trade 
     in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed on 
     March 3, 1973, and its appendices;
       (2) ``conservation'' means the use of all methods and 
     procedures necessary to bring rhinoceros and tigers to the 
     point at which there are sufficient populations to ensure 
     that those species do not become extinct, including all 
     activities associated with scientific resource management, 
     such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat 
     protection, acquisition, and management, propagation, live 
     trapping, and transportation;
       (3) ``Fund'' means the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation 
     Fund established under section 6(a);
       (4) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior; and
       (5) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Agency 
     for International Development.

     SEC. 5. RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary, subject to the availability 
     of appropriations and in consultation with the Administrator, 
     shall use amounts in the Fund to provide financial assistance 
     for projects for the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers.
       (b) Project Proposal.--A country whose activities directly 
     or indirectly affect rhinoceros or tiger populations, the 
     CITES Secretariat, or any other person may submit to the 
     Secretary a project proposal under this section. Each 
     proposal shall--
       (1) name the individual responsible for conducting the 
     project;
       (2) state the purposes of the project succinctly;
       (3) describe the qualifications of the individuals who will 
     conduct the project;
       (4) estimate the funds and time required to complete the 
     project;
       (5) provide evidence of support of the project by 
     appropriate governmental entities of countries in which the 
     project will be conducted, if the Secretary determines that 
     the support is required for the success of the project; and
       (6) provide any other information the Secretary considers 
     to be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project 
     for funding under this Act.
       (c) Project Review and Approval.--Within 30 days of 
     receiving a final project proposal, the Secretary shall 
     provide a copy of the proposal to the Administrator. The 
     Secretary shall review each final project proposal to 
     determine if it meets the criteria set forth in subsection 
     (d). Not later than 6 months after receiving a final project 
     proposal, and subject to the availability of funds, the 
     Secretary, after consulting with the Administrator, shall 
     approve or disapprove the proposal and provide written 
     notification to the person who submitted the proposal, to the 
     Administrator, and to each country within which the project 
     is to be conducted.
       (d) Criteria for Approval.--The Secretary may approve a 
     project under this section if the project will enhance 
     programs for conservation of rhinoceros or tigers by 
     assisting efforts to--
       (1) implement conservation programs;
       (2) enhance compliance with provisions of CITES and laws of 
     the United States or a foreign country that prohibit or 
     regulate the taking or trade of rhinoceros or tigers or the 
     use of rhinoceros or tiger habitat; or
       (3) develop sound scientific information on that species' 
     habitat condition and carrying capacity, total numbers and 
     population trends, or annual reproduction and mortality.
       (e) Project Sustainability.--To the maximum extent 
     practical, the Secretary should give consideration to 
     projects which will enhance sustainable development programs 
     to ensure effective, long-term conservation of rhinoceros and 
     tigers.
       (f) Project Reporting.--Each person that receives 
     assistance under this section for a project shall provide 
     periodic reports, as the Secretary considers necessary, to 
     the Secretary and the Administrator. Each report shall 
     include all information requested by the Secretary, after 
     consulting with the Administrator, for evaluating the 
     progress and success of the project.

     SEC. 6. RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION FUND.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established in the general 
     fund of the Treasury a separate account to be known as the 
     ``Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund'', which shall 
     consist of amounts deposited into the Fund by the Secretary 
     of the Treasury under subsection (b).
       (b) Deposits Into the Fund.--The Secretary of the Treasury 
     shall deposit into the Fund--
       (1) all amounts received by the Secretary in the form of 
     donations under subsection (d); and
       (2) other amounts appropriated to the Fund.
       (c) Use.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
     may use amounts in the Fund without further appropriation to 
     provide assistance under section 5.
       (2) Administration.--Of amounts in the Fund available for 
     each fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than 3 
     percent to administer the Fund.
       (d) Acceptance and Use of Donations.--The Secretary may 
     accept and use donations to provide assistance under section 
     5. Amounts received by the Secretary in the form of donations 
     shall be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury for 
     deposit into the Fund.

     SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund 
     $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 
     and 2000 to carry out this Act, to remain available until 
     expended.

  Mr. STUDDS (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that the amendment in the nature of a substitute be considered as read 
and printed in the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the amendment in the 
nature of a substitute offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. 
Studds].
  The amendment in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
  Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Rhinoceros and 
Tiger Conservation Act, a measure which may be our only hope for saving 
from extinction two of the world's most venerated creatures.
  I want to commend the gentleman from Massachusetts, [Mr. Studds], and 
the gentleman from Texas, [Mr. Fields], for their leadership on this 
issue. They deserve our gratitude and appreciation for the difficult 
work they have been doing to save the world's endangered animals, 
including the two which are the subject of this bill.
  There are, sadly, fewer than 11,000 rhinos and 5,000 tigers left in 
the wild today. Their numbers have declined rapidly in recent decades 
because of the demand for their parts and the poachers who supply that 
demand.
  Although all tiger subspecies and all rhinoceros species have been 
listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species [CITES] for many years, the prohibition on trade of 
those animals has not been well enforced in some Asian countries, where 
their parts are believed by many to have medicinal value. Because of 
the strong cultural belief in the rhino's and tiger's curative powers, 
it has been a far more difficult and complex task to eliminate trade in 
these species than to save similarly situated animals, such as 
elephants, whose products are simply a luxury item.
  As the plight of the tiger and rhino has grown increasingly serious, 
so too has our response. In April, President Clinton imposed trade 
sanctions on wildlife products from Taiwan, which was the first time 
the United States has ever imposed such sanctions for trade in 
endangered species. This action followed the recommendation of the 
standing committee of CITES, which last September recommended that 
CITES parties prohibit trade in wildlife species from China and Taiwan 
for failing to control the illegal trade in rhinoceros horn and tiger 
parts, but later noted that China was making progress in implementing 
agreed-upon actions.
  The imposition of sanctions against countries which are not 
adequately enforcing CITES is a critically important tool in arresting 
the rapid decline of species, and we are encouraged that President 
Clinton is using it. But we also know from our successful experience in 
slowing the decline of the African elephant that a carrot as well as 
stick is needed. In addition to imposing or threatening to impose 
sanctions, we need to help others countries conserve populations of 
rhinos and tigers--and that is what this legislation provides for.
  This bill authorizes $10 million per year for 5 years for a 
Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund under the Department of 
Interior. Under the program, grants would be provided to foreign 
governments and nonprofit groups that develop rhinoceros and tiger 
conservation projects. Private donations could be accepted and used for 
approved projects.
  The bill intentionally defines conservation broadly in order to allow 
the Secretary of Interior to consider a wide range of methods and 
procedures necessary to bring rhinoceros and tigers to the point at 
which there are sufficient populations to ensure the long-term survival 
of the species, and to select projects that are best able to promote 
recovery of these animals.
  As an example, with the rhinoceros, there has been some success in 
efforts to form new herds from scattered individual rhinos and 
remaining members of herds that have been decimated. If they are 
brought together in suitable habitat with greatly increased security, 
in time group bonds form and a new herd can be established. 
Unfortunately, rhinos are all located in developing nations which 
simply do not have the resources to undertake this kind of preservation 
effort on a sufficiently large scale to ensure the recovery of the 
species.
  The conservation program in this bill is modeled on the successful 
program establish by the African Elephant Conservation Act of 1988. 
Under that program, with a relatively modest amount of funding--less 
than $1.2 million the United States is currently helping to fund 34 
conservation projects in 13 African countries. And, our efforts have 
served as a catalyst in generating major contribution and technical 
assistance from other donor nations and from nongovernmental 
organizations.
  In this case, too, our leadership in helping other nations conserve 
the remaining populations of tiger and rhinoceros will inspire other 
nations to join this important effort.
  Mr. Speaker, it would be unspeakably tragic, in my opinion, if two of 
the most wondrous creatures on earth--creatures we have always thought 
of as a part of our world--were no longer in existence. It is 
absolutely incumbent upon us to do what we can to ensure that that 
never happens. I urge my colleagues to support this modest, but 
extremely important, legislation.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4924, as 
amended, to assist in the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers by 
supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation 
programs of nations whose activities directly or indirectly affect 
rhinoceros and tiger populations, and of the CITES Secretariat.
  At the outset, I would like to commend the chief sponsors of the 
bill, Mr. Fields and Mr. Studds of the Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries, and Mr. Beilenson for their leadership on this conservation 
measure to protect rhinos and tigers.
  The bill establishes a fund, subject to appropriations from the 
Department of the Interior, of up to $10 million per year for 5 years 
to protect rhino and tiger species. Project financing will be reviewed 
and approved by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the Agency for International Development [AID]. AID's 
participation will ensure that these projects are consistent with our 
sustainable development objectives, and are coordinated with other U.S. 
programs overseas.
  H.R. 4924 is an important complement to on-going efforts now underway 
by AID. AID takes an integrated approach to conservation of rhinos and 
tigers, as with other biodiversity activities. Its comprehensive 
approach involves local communities, and helps develop their capacity 
to manage and protect these and other species over the long-term. Local 
participation is crucial for sustainable development. AID's funding of 
rhino and tiger conservation projects over the past 5 years has been at 
least $108 million.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of H.R. 4924, as amended.
  The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read 
the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the 
table.

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