[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 138 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. MARTIN OLAV SABO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday September 27, 1994

  Mr. SABO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 
4924, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act.
  Rhinos and tigers are rapidly disappearing in the wild and are coming 
perilously close to extinction because of illegal poaching to supply 
the high demand for traditional medicine products. If we hesitate to 
act aggressively to preserve these majestic animals, they may be lost 
forever. Many nations with tiger and rhino populations seek American 
expertise in endangered species education and law enforcement. With 
H.R. 4924, we can help them now, and we can save the rhinos and tigers 
for our future generations.
  In addition to Chairman Stubb's and Representative Jack Fields' 
efforts to enact H.R. 4924, I was able to include provisions in the 
fiscal year 1995 Interior appropriations conference report that 
encourage the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Smithsonian 
Institution to develop a voluntary donation program associated with the 
endangered species exhibits at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. H.R. 
4924 also authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Service to accept donations 
to support Federal efforts to protect endangered tigers and rhinos.
  With three million visitors each year, the National Zoo is a perfect 
environment to educate people about the plight of endangered species, 
and a voluntary donation campaign would provide concerned citizens with 
an immediate avenue to help those species most at-risk. I believe that 
the American people will welcome the creation of the Rhino and Tiger 
Conservation Fund, and that zoo-goers will gladly support the fund with 
voluntary contributions when they visit the National Zoo.
  The Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund represents an important 
step in ensuring the survival of these grand animals. I commend the 
fine work of Chairman Stubbs and Representative Fields in bringing H.R. 
4924 to the House floor. Endangered species advocates must also be 
congratulated for their persistent efforts to educate us all on the 
importance of preserving endangered species. I look forward to working 
with them. Our united efforts could mean the difference between 
survival and extinction for tigers, rhinos, and many other endangered 
species.

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