[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 86 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6253-S6254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD ACT

  Mr. L. CHAFEE. Mr. President, yesterday, the Senate approved S. 148, 
the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. I would like to thank 
Senator Abraham and Senator Smith for their work on this important 
environmental issue, and also offer my family's appreciation for 
Senator Abraham's kind words regarding my father. Senator John Chafee 
was a strong proponent of this legislation, and I am proud to follow 
his lead in cosponsoring this bill.
  Now, what is a neotropical migratory bird? Simply put, it's a bird 
that breeds in North America, and migrates each year to tropical 
habitats in Central and South America. While the name sounds technical 
and complicated, many of these birds are well-known and well-loved by 
Americans. Plovers, sandpipers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, orioles, 
blackbirds, and many species of raptor and songbird are all neotropical 
migratory birds. Some of these birds, such as the Ruby-throated 
Hummingbird and the Killdeer, cover amazing distances as they travel 
between their summer and winter habitats.
  In Rhode Island, we are fortunate to be visited by many neotropical 
migrants including one species of hummingbird, over ten species of 
raptor,

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over 30 species of shorebirds, eight species of flycatcher, six species 
of thrush, and 35 species of warblers. Rhode Island's location makes it 
a key stopover spot for many neotropical migrants to refuel and 
rehydrate.
  In addition to an excellent location, Rhode Island has important 
habitat for migratory birds. Its combination of fruit-bearing shrubs 
and forest provide ample cover and food for these birds to take a break 
during their migration. The many wetlands found in the state also 
provide excellent areas to rehydrate, one of the most important needs 
on a bird's trip north or south.
  Even with high quality habitat still available in parts of the United 
States, tragically, many of these species are in real danger. The 
greatest human threat to neotropical migratory birds is the loss of 
habitat, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America. Many 
neotropical migratory birds stop to rest and feed at several relatively 
small patches of habitat along their long migrations between 
continents. Destruction of these stopover areas can have a devastating 
impact on a species. In addition, overharvesting of timber, loss of 
wetlands and heavy use of pesticides exact a heavy toll on the habitats 
on which neotropical migrants depend. As noted in the Committee Report, 
90 species of migratory birds are listed as threatened or endangered 
under the Endangered Species Act, and approximately 210 species in the 
United States are in serious decline.
  The challenge of protecting migratory birds is complicated by the 
reality that many of the most effective conservation measures must be 
implemented overseas. Migratory birds cross oceans, time zones, and 
national boundaries. Preservation of these species must involve close 
partnerships and cooperation with our Caribbean and South American 
neighbors.
  Senator Abraham's bill will help address the multitude of threats 
facing migratory birds by encouraging partnerships between private and 
public entities and across international boundaries to help protect and 
restore habitat of neotropical migrants. Importantly, there are ongoing 
efforts aimed at stopping the decline in migratory bird species; 
however, these efforts could be enhanced through better coordination 
and increased funding. S. 148 furthers both goals. Under the bill, the 
Secretary of the Interior is directed to facilitate the exchange of 
information among the various groups, and to coordinate existing 
conservation efforts. The bill also authorizes $25 million over five 
years in grants for projects to conserve neotropical migratory bird 
populations. Three-quarters of this funding must be used for projects 
in other countries to ensure that scarce resources will be focused 
where they are needed most.
  In closing, I would like to relate a story that my father used to 
tell about a family friend traveling in China. This fellow noticed that 
his surroundings there were strangely silent. Upon reflection, he 
attributed the ominous quiet to the total lack of birds in the 
environment. Apparently, in parts of China the destruction of habitat 
and the commercial bird market have resulted in the virtual elimination 
of songbirds. What a terrible loss. We must work together to prevent 
such tragedy from occurring in the Western Hemisphere. And, Senator 
Abraham's bill is a good step in the right direction. I applaud my 
colleagues for supporting this measure to help prevent the further 
decline in our neotropical migratory birds. And, I hope the President 
will act swiftly to enact the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation 
Act.

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