[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 95 (Thursday, July 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1317]]



      MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING AND CONSERVATION STAMP PROMOTION ACT

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                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 1998

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Migratory 
Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Promotion Act. I am proud to be 
joined by my fellow Sportsmen's Caucus co-chairman Representative John 
Tanner and the distinguished members of the Migratory Bird Conservation 
Committee, Representative John Dingell and Representative Curt Weldon. 
This legislation will enable the Federal Duck Stamp office to use the 
Migratory Bird Conservation Funds (MBCF) to create a promotional 
program that will increase the sales of the duck stamps, just as the 
Postal Service uses its postage revenues to promote stamp sales and 
stamp collecting.
  Since the Federal Duck Stamp was created on March 16, 1934, it has 
been one of America's most successful conservation initiatives. Since 
1934, more than $500 million has been raised through the purchase of 
Federal Duck Stamps. Indeed, 98 percent of the program's revenue has 
been dedicated to the purchase of prime wildlife habitat. It has made 
possible the purchase of more than 500 million acres of wildlife 
habitat benefiting waterfowl, other migratory birds, and wildlife in 
general.
  Unfortunately, duck stamp sales have leveled off in recent years due 
to the absence of additional markets for the duck stamp. This act will 
permit a broader promotion of the stamp, increasing stamp revenues, 
that will allow more habitat to be purchased and protected.
  This legislation is supported by the U.S. Federal Wildlife Service 
and the Federal Duck Stamp Office. I encourage all of my colleagues to 
join me by cosponsoring this legislation.

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