[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10491-S10498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PITTMAN-ROBERTSON WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT AND THE DINGELL-JOHNSON
SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACT
Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 945, H.R. 3671.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (H.R. 3671) to amend the Acts popularly known as the
Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-
Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to enhance the funds
available for grants to States for fish and wildlife
conservation projects and increase opportunities for
recreational hunting, bow hunting, trapping, archery, and
fishing, by eliminating opportunities for waste, fraud,
abuse, maladministration, and unauthorized expenditures for
administration and execution of those Acts, and for other
purposes.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill
which had been reported from the Committee on Environment and Public
Works with an amendment, as follows:
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic.]
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLES; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Titles.--
(1) This act.--This Act may be cited as the ``Wildlife and
Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000''.
(2) Pittman-robertson wildlife restoration act.--The Act of
September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.), is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 14. SHORT TITLE.
``This Act may be cited as the `Pittman-Robertson Wildlife
Restoration Act'.''.
(3) Dingell-johnson sport fish restoration act.--The Act of
August 9, 1950 (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq.), is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``SEC. 16. SHORT TITLE.
``This Act may be cited as the `Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish
Restoration Act'.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short titles; table of contents.
TITLE I--WILDLIFE RESTORATION
Sec. 101. Expenditures for administration.
Sec. 102. Firearm and bow hunter education and safety program grants.
Sec. 103. Multistate conservation grant program.
TITLE II--SPORT FISH RESTORATION
Sec. 201. Expenditures for administration.
Sec. 202. Multistate conservation grant program.
Sec. 203. Conforming amendment.
TITLE III--WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH RESTORATION PROGRAMS
Sec. 301. Designation of programs.
Sec. 302. Implementation report.
TITLE I--WILDLIFE RESTORATION
SEC. 101. EXPENDITURES FOR ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Set-Aside for Administrative Expenses.--Section 4 of
the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
669c) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(2) by striking ``Sec. 4.'' and all that follows through
the end of the first sentence of subsection (a) and inserting
the following:
``SEC. 4. ALLOCATION AND APPORTIONMENT OF AVAILABLE AMOUNTS.
``(a) Set-Aside for Administrative Expenses.--
[[Page S10492]]
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Set-aside.--For fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal year
thereafter, of the revenues (excluding interest accruing
under section 3(b)) covered into the fund for the fiscal
year, the Secretary of the Interior may use not more than the
available amount specified in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal
year for administrative expenses incurred in implementation
of this Act, in accordance with this subsection and section
9.
``(B) Available amounts.--The available amount referred to
in subparagraph (A) is--
``(i) for fiscal year 2001, $9,500,000; and
``(ii) for fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year
thereafter, the sum of--
``(I) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year;
and
``(II) the amount determined by multiplying--
``(aa) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year;
and
``(bb) the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year,
in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published
by the Department of Labor.
``(2) Period of availability; apportionment of unobligated
amounts.--
``(A) Period of availability.--For each fiscal year, the
available amount under paragraph (1) shall remain available
for obligation for use under that paragraph until the end of
the fiscal year.
``(B) Apportionment of unobligated amounts.--Not later than
60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Secretary of the
Interior shall apportion among the States any of the
available amount under paragraph (1) that remains unobligated
at the end of the fiscal year, on the same basis and in the
same manner as other amounts made available under this Act
are apportioned among the States for the fiscal year.
``(b) Apportionment to States.--''; and
(3) in subsection (b) (as designated by paragraph (2)), by
striking ``after making the aforesaid deduction, shall
apportion, except as provided in subsection (b) of this
section,'' and inserting ``after deducting the available
amount under subsection (a), the amount apportioned under
subsection (c), any amount apportioned under section 8A, and
amounts provided as grants under sections 10 and 11, shall
apportion''.
(b) Requirements and Restrictions Concerning Use of Amounts
for Administrative Expenses.--Section 9 of the Pittman-
Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669h) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 9. REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING USE OF
AMOUNTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
``(a) Authorized Administrative Costs.--Except as provided
in subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior may use
available amounts under section 4(a)(1) only for
administrative expenses that directly support the
implementation of this Act, consisting of--
``(1) personnel costs of employees who directly administer
this Act on a full-time basis;
``(2) personnel costs of employees who directly administer
this Act on a part-time basis for at least 20 hours each
week, not to exceed the portion of those costs incurred with
respect to the work hours of an employee during which the
employee directly administers this Act, as those hours are
certified by the supervisor of the employee;
``(3) support costs directly associated with personnel
costs authorized under paragraphs (1) and (2), excluding
costs associated with staffing and operation of regional
offices of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and
the Department of the Interior other than for the purposes of
this Act;
``(4) costs of determining under section 6(a) whether State
comprehensive plans and projects are substantial in character
and design;
``(5) overhead costs, including the costs of general
administrative services, that are directly attributable to
administration of this Act and are based on--
``(A) actual costs, as determined by a direct cost
allocation methodology approved by the Director of the Office
of Management and Budget for use by Federal agencies; and
``(B) in the case of costs that are not determinable under
subparagraph (A), an amount per full-time equivalent employee
authorized under paragraphs (1) and (2) that does not
exceed the amount charged or assessed for costs per full-
time equivalent employee for any other division or program
of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
``(6) costs incurred in auditing, every 5 years, the
wildlife and sport fish activities of each State fish and
game department and the use of funds under section 6 by each
State fish and game department;
``(7) costs of audits under subsection (d);
``(8) costs of necessary training of Federal and State
full-time personnel who administer this Act to improve
administration of this Act;
``(9) costs of travel to States, territories, and Canada by
personnel who--
``(A) administer this Act on a full-time basis for purposes
directly related to administration of State programs or
projects; or
``(B) administer grants under section 6, 10, or 11;
``(10) costs of travel by personnel outside the United
States (except travel to Canada) that relates directly to
administration of this Act and that is approved directly by
the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks;
``(11) relocation expenses for personnel who, after
relocation, will administer this Act on a full-time basis for
at least 1 year, as certified by the Director of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service at the time at which the
relocation expenses are incurred; and
``(12) costs to audit, evaluate, approve, disapprove, and
advise concerning grants under section 6, 10, or 11.
``(b) Reporting of Other Uses.--If the Secretary of the
Interior determines that available amounts under section
4(a)(1) should be used for an administrative expense other
than an administrative expense described in subsection (a),
the Secretary--
``(1) shall submit to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of
the House of Representatives a report describing the
administrative expense; and
``(2) may use any such available amounts for the
administrative expense only after the end of the 30-day
period beginning on the date of submission of the report
under paragraph (1).
``(c) Restriction on Use To Supplement General
Appropriations.--The Secretary of the Interior shall not use
available amounts under section 4(a)(1) to supplement the
funding of any function for which general appropriations are
made for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or any
other entity of the Department of the Interior.
``(d) Audit Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--The Inspector General of the Department
of the Interior shall procure the performance of biennial
audits, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, of expenditures and obligations of amounts used
by the Secretary of the Interior for administrative expenses
incurred in implementation of this Act.
``(2) Auditor.--
``(A) In general.--An audit under this subsection shall be
performed under a contract that is awarded under competitive
procedures (as defined in section 4 of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403)) by a person or entity
that is not associated in any way with the Department of the
Interior (except by way of a contract for the performance of
an audit).
``(B) Supervision of auditor.--The auditor selected under
subparagraph (A) shall report to, and be supervised by, the
Inspector General of the Department of the Interior, except
that the auditor shall submit a copy of the biennial audit
findings to the Secretary of the Interior at the time at
which the findings are submitted to the Inspector General of
the Department of the Interior.
``(3) Report to congress.--The Inspector General of the
Department of the Interior shall promptly report to the
Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate
on the results of each audit under this subsection.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 8(b) of the Pittman-
Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669g(b)) is
amended in the first sentence by striking ``section 4(b) of
this Act'' and inserting ``section 4(c)''.
SEC. 102. FIREARM AND BOW HUNTER EDUCATION AND SAFETY PROGRAM
GRANTS.
The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 10 (16 U.S.C. 669i) as section
12; and
(2) by inserting after section 9 (16 U.S.C. 669h) the
following:
``SEC. 10. FIREARM AND BOW HUNTER EDUCATION AND SAFETY
PROGRAM GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--Of the revenues covered into the fund
for a fiscal year, $7,500,000 shall be apportioned among the
States in the manner specified in section 4(b) by the
Secretary of the Interior and used to make grants to the
States to be used for--
``(1) the enhancement of hunter education programs, hunter
and sporting firearm safety programs, and hunter development
programs;
``(2) the enhancement of interstate coordination and
development of hunter education and shooting range programs;
``(3) the enhancement of bow hunter and archery education,
safety, and development programs; and
``(4) the enhancement of construction or development of
firearm shooting ranges and archery ranges, and the updating
of safety features of firearm shooting ranges and archery
ranges.
``(b) Cost Sharing.--The Federal share of the cost of any
activity carried out with a grant under this section shall
not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the activity.
``(c) Period of Availability; Reapportionment.--
``(1) Period of availability.--A grant under this section
shall remain available only for the fiscal year for which the
grant is made.
``(2) Reapportionment.--At the end of the period of
availability under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the
Interior shall apportion any grant funds that remain
available among the States in the manner specified in section
4(b) for use by the States in accordance with this
section.''.
SEC. 103. MULTISTATE CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (as amended
by section 102) is amended by inserting after section 10 the
following:
``SEC. 11. MULTISTATE CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Amount for grants.--Not more than $3,500,000 of the
revenues covered into the fund for a fiscal year shall be
available to the Secretary of the Interior for making
multistate conservation project grants in accordance with
this section.
``(2) Period of availability; apportionment.--
``(A) Period of availability.--A grant under this
subsection shall remain available only for the fiscal year
for which the grant is made and the following fiscal year.
``(B) Apportionment.--At the end of the period of
availability under subparagraph (A), the
[[Page S10493]]
Secretary of the Interior shall apportion any grant funds
that remain available among the States in the manner
specified in section 4(b) for use by the States in the same
manner as funds apportioned under section 4(b).
``(b) Selection of Projects.--
``(1) States or entities to be benefited.--A project shall
not be eligible for a grant under this section unless the
project will benefit--
``(A) at least 26 States;
``(B) a majority of the States in a region of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service; or
``(C) a regional association of State fish and game
departments.
``(2) Use of submitted priority list of projects.--The
Secretary of the Interior may award grants under this section
only for projects identified on a priority list of wildlife
restoration projects described in paragraph (3).
``(3) Priority list of projects.--A priority list referred
to in paragraph (2) is a priority list of projects that the
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies--
``(A) prepares through a committee comprised of the heads
of State fish and game departments (or their designees), in
consultation with--
``(i) nongovernmental organizations that represent
conservation organizations;
``(ii) sportsmen organizations; and
``(iii) industries that support or promote hunting,
trapping, recreational shooting, bow hunting, or archery;
``(B) approves by vote of a majority of the heads of State
fish and game departments (or their designees); and
``(C) not later than October 1 of each fiscal year, submits
to the Chief of the Division of Federal Aid.
``(4) Publication.--The Chief of the Division of Federal
Aid shall publish in the Federal Register each priority list
submitted under paragraph (3)(C).
``(c) Eligible Grantees.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior may make a
grant under this section only to--
``(A) a State or group of States;
``(B) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the
purpose of carrying out the National Survey of Fishing,
Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation; and
``(C) subject to paragraph (2), a nongovernmental
organization.
``(2) Nongovernmental organizations.--
``(A) In general.--Any nongovernmental organization that
applies for a grant under this section shall submit with the
application to the International Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies a certification that the organization--
``(i) does not promote or encourage opposition to the
regulated hunting or trapping of wildlife; and
``(ii) will use any funds awarded under this section in
compliance with subsection (d).
``(B) Penalties for certain activities.--Any
nongovernmental organization that is found to promote or
encourage opposition to the regulated hunting or trapping of
wildlife or that does not use funds in compliance with
subsection (d) shall return all funds received under this
section and be subject to any other penalties under law.
``(d) Use of Grants.--A grant under this section shall not
be used for an activity, project, or program that promotes or
encourages opposition to the regulated hunting or trapping of
wildlife.''.
TITLE II--SPORT FISH RESTORATION
SEC. 201. EXPENDITURES FOR ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Set-Aside for Administrative Expenses.--Section 4 of
the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
777c) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
following:
``(d) Set-Aside for Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Set-aside.--For fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal year
thereafter, of the balance of each such annual appropriation
remaining after the distribution and use under subsections
(a), (b), and (c) and section 14, the Secretary of the
Interior may use not more than the available amount specified
in subparagraph (B) for the fiscal year for administrative
expenses incurred in implementation of this Act, in
accordance with this subsection and section 9.
``(B) Available amounts.--The available amount referred to
in subparagraph (A) is--
``(i) for fiscal year 2001, $9,500,000; and
``(ii) for fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year
thereafter, the sum of--
``(I) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year;
and
``(II) the amount determined by multiplying--
``(aa) the available amount for the preceding fiscal year;
and
``(bb) the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year,
in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published
by the Department of Labor.
``(2) Period of availability; apportionment of unobligated
amounts.--
``(A) Period of availability.--For each fiscal year, the
available amount under paragraph (1) shall remain available
for obligation for use under that paragraph until the end of
the fiscal year.
``(B) Apportionment of unobligated amounts.--Not later than
60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Secretary of the
Interior shall apportion among the States any of the
available amount under paragraph (1) that remains unobligated
at the end of the fiscal year, on the same basis and in the
same manner as other amounts made available under this Act
are apportioned among the States under subsection (e) for the
fiscal year.''.
(b) Requirements and Restrictions Concerning Use of Amounts
for Administrative Expenses.--Section 9 of the Dingell-
Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777h) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 9. REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING USE OF
AMOUNTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
``(a) Authorized Administrative Costs.--Except as provided
in subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior may use
available amounts under section 4(d) only for administrative
expenses that directly support the implementation of this
Act, consisting of--
``(1) personnel costs of employees who directly administer
this Act on a full-time basis;
``(2) personnel costs of employees who directly administer
this Act on a part-time basis for at least 20 hours each
week, not to exceed the portion of those costs incurred with
respect to the work hours of an employee during which the
employee directly administers this Act, as those hours are
certified by the supervisor of the employee;
``(3) support costs directly associated with personnel
costs authorized under paragraphs (1) and (2), excluding
costs associated with staffing and operation of regional
offices of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and
the Department of the Interior other than for the purposes of
this Act;
``(4) costs of determining under section 6(a) whether State
comprehensive plans and projects are substantial in character
and design;
``(5) overhead costs, including the costs of general
administrative services, that are directly attributable to
administration of this Act and are based on--
``(A) actual costs, as determined by a direct cost
allocation methodology approved by the Director of the Office
of Management and Budget for use by Federal agencies; and
``(B) in the case of costs that are not determinable under
subparagraph (A), an amount per full-time equivalent employee
authorized under paragraphs (1) and (2) that does not exceed
the amount charged or assessed for costs per full-time
equivalent employee for any other division or program of the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
``(6) costs incurred in auditing, every 5 years, the
wildlife and sport fish activities of each State fish and
game department and the use of funds under section 6 by each
State fish and game department;
``(7) costs of audits under subsection (d);
``(8) costs of necessary training of Federal and State
full-time personnel who administer this Act to improve
administration of this Act;
``(9) costs of travel to States, territories, and Canada by
personnel who--
``(A) administer this Act on a full-time basis for purposes
directly related to administration of State programs or
projects; or
``(B) administer grants under section 6 or 14;
``(10) costs of travel by personnel outside the United
States (except travel to Canada) that relates directly to
administration of this Act and that is approved directly by
the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks;
``(11) relocation expenses for personnel who, after
relocation, will administer this Act on a full-time basis for
at least 1 year, as certified by the Director of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service at the time at which the
relocation expenses are incurred; and
``(12) costs to audit, evaluate, approve, disapprove, and
advise concerning grants under section 6 or 14.
``(b) Reporting of Other Uses.--If the Secretary of the
Interior determines that available amounts under section 4(d)
should be used for an administrative expense other than an
administrative expense described in subsection (a), the
Secretary--
``(1) shall submit to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of
the House of Representatives a report describing the
administrative expense; and
``(2) may use any such available amounts for the
administrative expense only after the end of the 30-day
period beginning on the date of submission of the report
under paragraph (1).
``(c) Restriction on Use To Supplement General
Appropriations.--The Secretary of the Interior shall not use
available amounts under section 4(d) to supplement the
funding of any function for which general appropriations are
made for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or any
other entity of the Department of the Interior.
``(d) Audit Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--The Inspector General of the Department
of the Interior shall procure the performance of biennial
audits, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, of expenditures and obligations of amounts used
by the Secretary of the Interior for administrative expenses
incurred in implementation of this Act.
``(2) Auditor.--
``(A) In general.--An audit under this subsection shall be
performed under a contract that is awarded under competitive
procedures (as defined in section 4 of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403)) by a person or entity
that is not associated in any way with the Department of the
Interior (except by way of a contract for the performance of
an audit).
``(B) Supervision of auditor.--The auditor selected under
subparagraph (A) shall report to, and be supervised by, the
Inspector General of the Department of the Interior, except
that the auditor shall submit a copy of the biennial audit
findings to the Secretary of the Interior at the time at
which the findings are submitted to the Inspector General of
the Department of the Interior.
``(3) Report to congress.--The Inspector General of the
Department of the Interior shall promptly report to the
Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate
on the results of each audit under this subsection.''.
[[Page S10494]]
SEC. 202. MULTISTATE CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment of Program.--The Dingell-Johnson Sport
Fish Restoration Act is amended by striking the section 13
relating to effective date (16 U.S.C. 777 note) and inserting
the following:
``SEC. 14. MULTISTATE CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Amount for grants.--Of the balance of each annual
appropriation made under section 3 remaining after the
distribution and use under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of
section 4 in a fiscal year, not more than $3,500,000 shall be
available to the Secretary of the Interior for making
multistate conservation project grants in accordance with
this section.
``(2) Period of availability; apportionment.--
``(A) Period of availability.--A grant under this
subsection shall remain available only for the fiscal year
for which the grant is made and the following fiscal year.
``(B) Apportionment.--At the end of the period of
availability under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the
Interior shall apportion any grant funds that remain
available among the States in the manner specified in section
4(e) for use by the States in the same manner as funds
apportioned under section 4(e).
``(b) Selection of Projects.--
``(1) States or entities to be benefited.--A project shall
not be eligible for a grant under this section unless the
project will benefit--
``(A) at least 26 States;
``(B) a majority of the States in a region of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service; or
``(C) a regional association of State fish and game
departments.
``(2) Use of submitted priority list of projects.--The
Secretary of the Interior may award grants under this section
only for projects identified on a priority list of sport fish
restoration projects described in paragraph (3).
``(3) Priority list of projects.--A priority list referred
to in paragraph (2) is a priority list of projects that the
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies--
``(A) prepares through a committee comprised of the heads
of State fish and game departments (or their designees), in
consultation with--
``(i) nongovernmental organizations that represent
conservation organizations;
``(ii) sportsmen organizations; and
``(iii) industries that fund the sport fish restoration
programs under this Act;
``(B) approves by vote of a majority of the heads of State
fish and game departments (or their designees); and
``(C) not later than October 1 of each fiscal year, submits
to the Chief of the Division of Federal Aid.
``(4) Publication.--The Chief of the Division of Federal
Aid shall publish in the Federal Register each priority list
submitted under paragraph (3)(C).
``(c) Eligible Grantees.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior may make a
grant under this section only to--
``(A) a State or group of States;
``(B) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the
purpose of carrying out the National Survey of Fishing,
Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation; and
``(C) subject to paragraph (2), a nongovernmental
organization.
``(2) Nongovernmental organizations.--
``(A) In general.--Any nongovernmental organization that
applies for a grant under this section shall submit with the
application to the International Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies a certification that the organization--
``(i) does not promote or encourage opposition to the
regulated taking of fish; and
``(ii) will use any funds awarded under this section in
compliance with subsection (d).
``(B) Penalties for certain activities.--Any
nongovernmental organization that is found to promote or
encourage opposition to the regulated taking of fish or that
does not use funds in compliance with subsection (d) shall
return all funds received under this section and be subject
to any other penalties under law.
``(d) Use of Grants.--A grant under this section shall not
be used for an activity, project, or program that promotes or
encourages opposition to the regulated taking of fish.
``(e) Funding for Other Activities.--Of the balance of each
annual appropriation made under section 3 remaining after the
distribution and use under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of
section 4 for each fiscal year and after deducting amounts
used for grants under subsection (a), $2,100,000 shall be
made available for--
``(1) the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission;
``(2) the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission;
``(3) the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission;
``(4) the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission;
``(5) the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council
established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
``(6) construction and renovation of pumpout stations and
waste reception facilities under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992
(33 U.S.C. 1322 note; subtitle F of title V of Public Law
102-587);
``(7) coastal wetlands conservation grants under section
305 of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and
Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 3954);
``(8) boating infrastructure grants under section 7404 of
the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C.
777g-1); and
``(9) the National Outreach and Communications Program
established under section 8(d).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 4(e) of the Dingell-
Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c(e)) is
amended in the first sentence by inserting ``and after
deducting amounts used for grants under section 14,'' after
``respectively,''.
SEC. 203. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
Section 9504(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by striking ``(as in effect on the date of the
enactment of the TEA 21 Restoration Act)'' and inserting
``(as in effect on the date of enactment of the Wildlife and
Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000)''.
TITLE III--WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH RESTORATION PROGRAMS
SEC. 301. DESIGNATION OF PROGRAMS.
The programs established under the Pittman-Robertson
Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.) and the
Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777 et
seq.) shall be known as the ``Federal Assistance Program for
State Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration''.
SEC. 302. IMPLEMENTATION REPORT.
(a) Timing.--At the time at which the President submits a
budget request for the Department of the Interior for the
third fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the
Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a
report on the steps that have been taken to comply with this
Act and the amendments made by this Act.
(b) Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall--
(1) describe--
(A) the extent to which compliance with this Act and the
amendments made by this Act has required a reduction in the
number of personnel assigned to administer, manage, and
oversee the Federal Assistance Program for State Wildlife and
Sport Fish Restoration;
(B) any revisions to this Act or the amendments made by
this Act that would be desirable in order for the Secretary
of the Interior to adequately administer the Programs and
ensure that funds provided to State agencies are properly
used; and
(C) any other information concerning the implementation of
this Act and the amendments made by this Act that the
Secretary of the Interior considers appropriate; and
(2) certify, with respect to the period beginning on the
date of enactment of this Act--
(A)(i) the amounts used under section 4(a)(1) of the
Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
669c(a)(1)) and section 4(d) of the Dingell-Johnson Sport
Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c(d)); and
(ii) a breakdown of the categories for which the amounts
were used;
(B) the amounts apportioned to States under section 4(a)(2)
of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
669c(a)(2)) and section 4(d)(2)(A) of the Dingell-Johnson
Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c(d)(2)(A));
(C) the results of the audits performed under section 9(d)
of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
669h(d) and section 9(d) of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish
Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777h(d));
(D) that all amounts used under section 4(a)(1) of the
Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
669c(a)(1)) and section 4(d) of the Dingell-Johnson Sport
Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c(d)) were necessary for
administrative expenses incurred in implementation of those
Acts;
(E) that all amounts used to administer those Acts by
agency headquarters and by regional offices of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service were used in accordance with
those Acts; and
(F) that the Secretary of the Interior, the Assistant
Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, the Director of
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Chief of
the Division of Federal Aid each properly discharged their
duties under those Acts.
(c) Limitation on Delegation.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall not delegate the responsibility for making a
certification under subsection (b)(2) to any person except
the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
(d) Publication of Certifications.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall promptly publish in the Federal Register each
certification under subsection (b)(2).
Amendment No. 4312
Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, Senator Smith of New Hampshire has an
amendment at the desk, and I ask for its consideration.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
The Senator from Alaska [Mr. Murkowski], for Mr. Smith of
New Hampshire, proposes an amendment numbered 4312.
(The text of the amendment is printed in today's Record under
``Amendments Submitted.'')
dog field trials
Mr. CRAPO. I would like to engage the distinguished Senator from New
Hampshire, Mr. Smith, in a colloquy regarding the Federal Aid bill and
concerns that have been raised with respect to the use of Pittman-
Robertson Act-acquired lands for dog field trials.
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I am delighted to accommodate my friend
from Idaho.
Mr. CRAPO. As the chairman of the Environment and Public Works
Committee knows, there is nothing that precludes the use Pittman-
Robertson
[[Page S10495]]
lands for dog field trials, and, that in fact, this is a legitimate use
of these lands, provided that the field trials are consistent with the
objectives of the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I agree that Pittman-Robertson lands can
certainly be used for field trials in a way that is consistent with the
act.
Mr. CRAPO. Concerns have been raised that Pittman-Robertson lands
should not be used for field trials. As the Senator from New Hampshire
knows, the sportsmen who pay this excise tax have varied interests--
they are hunters, field trialers, and shooting enthusiasts. The primary
goal of the Pittman-Robertson Act is wildlife conservation, but it is
also important that these lands support multiple uses.
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I agree with the chairman of the
Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water Subcommittee.
Mr. CRAPO. Multiple uses of public lands necessarily require the
balancing of occasionally competing interests and objectives. The most
appropriate parties to make decisions regarding wildlife habitat
development and other uses and activities are state wildlife managers
who are most familiar with site specific conditions, habitat needs, and
the impact of sporting activities.
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. I agree wholeheartedly with the Senator
from Idaho. It is those closest to the land who can help determine on a
case-by-case basis how to balance wildlife needs with users who engage
in various sporting activities, while remaining consistent with the
objectives of the Pittman-Robertson Act.
assistant director
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I want to make a point about one provision
of the amendment and ask the committee chairman, Senator Smith, whether
he agrees. Section 132 of the bill establishes a new position, in the
Fish and Wildlife Service, of Assistant Director for Wildlife and Sport
Fish Restoration Programs. The provision also specifies the Assistant
Director's responsibilities.
Although this provision is similar to section 302 of the version of
the bill that passed the House, it differs in one significant respect.
The House report said that ``individuals in the Regional offices who
are responsible for administering the Wildlife and Sport Fish
Restoration Programs will also report to the Assistant Director.'' We
considered and rejected this approach. The Fish and Wildlife Service
operates through a system of regional offices. Employees in the
regional offices report to the regional directors, and the regional
directors report to the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. In
light of this, it would be potentially disruptive to require that
individuals who are responsible for administering the federal aid
program to report directly to the Assistant Director, in Washington,
D.C., rather than to the regional director. We do not intend section
132 to mandate such a change. Does the chairman agree?
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Yes. By approving section 132, we intend
to elevate the role of the head of the Federal Aid program, as part of
our overall effort, in this bill, to give the program the full
attention that it deserves. We do not intend, however, to mandate a
change in the general Fish and Wildlife Service's administrative
structure. No case has been made for such a change, and it could
potentially be counterproductive.
Firearm and Bow Hunter Education and Safety Program
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, the manager's amendment amends the Firearm
and Bow Hunter Education and Safety Program that was included in the
bill as reported out of the Committee. It is my understanding that the
manager's amendment authorizes $7.5 million for fiscal year 2001 and
2002, and $8 million for fiscal year 2003 and every year thereafter.
The authorized funds would be provided to the States in the form of
direct grants. Would you please briefly explain how this new grant
program will impact the States, especially States like Montana and New
Hampshire that are spending a considerable amount on these type of
projects already?
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. As you know, under current law, States
are authorized to use one half of the revenue collected from taxes on
handguns and archery equipment for hunter education and the development
of target ranges. Under our provision, any State that is fully
utilizing the authorized amount for these purposes can spend the grant
money on any project that is authorized in the Pittman-Robertson Act.
States that are spending less than the authorized amount have to use
the grant funds for hunter education and range development until they
utilize the amount authorized by the Pittman-Robertson Act for those
purposes. The States can then spend any remaining funds above the
authorized level on hunter education, range development or any other
project that is authorized in Pittman-Robertson. For example, say New
Hampshire is authorized to use $270 thousand of Pittman-Robertson funds
on hunter education and range development but is only spending $266
thousand. New Hampshire would be then required to spend $4 thousand of
its grant money on hunter education and range development. After that
New Hampshire could use any remaining amount on any project that is
consistent with the purposes of the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Mr. BAUCUS. I think it is very important for us to recognize that the
vast majority of states spend a considerable sum of money, both
Pittman-Robertson and state funds, on hunter education and target range
development.
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to encourage
my colleagues to support final passage of H.R. 3671, the Fish and
Wildlife Programs Improvement Act. I believe that this bill will
enhance State wildlife conservation programs across the country. I am
proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation.
The Pittman-Robertson Act and the Wallop-Breaux Act created user-pay
benefit trust funds. Together, these programs are called the Sport Fish
and Wildlife Restoration Programs and are known more generally as the
Federal Aid Program. The States are primarily responsible for managing
the Federal Aid Program. They identify eligible projects and then pay
for the projects up front. The projects must be directly related to old
and sport fish restoration efforts. Projects that are eligible for
funding through the Pittman-Robertson and Wallop Breaux Programs
include: acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat; hunter
education; wildlife population surveys; construction of facilities to
improve public access; management of wildlife areas fish stocking,
boating and fishing access; and facility development and maintenance.
States are reimbursed for up to 75 percent of the total cost of each
project from the Federal Aid funds.
I am offering a manager's amendment in the nature of a substitute
that makes several important changes to the Federal Aid bill that
reported by the Committee on Environment and Public Works. I believe
that in adopting these changes, we will not only improve the bill, but
will also ensure that this important legislation is signed into law
this year. In addition, the manager's package includes the National
Fish and Wildlife Refuge System Centennial bill, and reauthorized the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This package has been negotiated
with the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Earlier this year, the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on
Fisheries, Wildlife and Water held a hearing on the Fish and Wildlife
Service's Administration of the Wallop-Breaux and Pittman-Robertson
Acts and what we discovered was shocking.
The Pittman-Robertson and Wallop-Breaux Restoration Funds were
created over 50 years ago. Congress intended to allow sportsmen to
contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the fields, streams
and great outdoors that they enjoy so much. These two programs together
authorize the collection of excise taxes from the manufacturers and
importers of hunting and fishing equipment. Congress entrusted the Fish
and Wildlife Service, through the Federal Aid Division, with the
responsibility of managing these programs and distributing the funds to
the States. Unfortunately, a report issued by the General Accounting
Office indicates that the Fish and Wildlife Service has violated that
trust.
These are significant wildlife programs, with substantial resources
to fund them. Last year alone, sportsmen contributed over $430 million
to the
[[Page S10496]]
programs. Every time a hunter buys a gun, or an angler buys a rod, they
know a portion of the cost is supposed to be given to the States to
fund conservation projects, such as fish stocking or habitat
restoration. I say ``supposed to'' because GAO recently found that not
all of the money the States are entitled to is, in fact, being given to
them. Both the Wallop-Breaux and Pittman-Robertson Acts allowed the
Fish and Wildlife Service to reserve a percentage of the mounts
received from the excise tax. However, the Acts also require that any
excess amounts not needed for administration of the programs be
distributed among the States. Unfortunately, for years, the Fish and
Wildlife Service just ignored that requirement and shortchanged the
States.
The problems that plague these programs are numerous. The Service
created several grant programs which they had, at best, questionable
authority to do. Initially, they failed to account for millions of
dollars. They ignored their own established guidelines for approving
travel. This is unacceptable behavior.
I believe that the manager's amendment will put an end to the
mismanagement that plagues the programs today. At the same time, it
will institute a more effective way in which to manage these programs
in the future. We address the problems that were identified in the GAO
report and in the hearing by making four fundamental changes to the
wildlife restoration and sport fish programs. These changes are
intended to enhance accountability within the Fish and Wildlife Service
with respect to the administration of the Federal Aid Program; to
provide further clarity regarding the use of administrative funds; to
encourage safe hunting through education; and to provide additional
flexibility to the States for regional conservation projects.
First, the manager's amendment authorizes $18 million in fiscal years
2001 and 2002, and $16.4 million in fiscal year 2003 and subsequent
years, with an increase relative to the Consumer Price Index for the
Secretary of the Interior to administer both the Pittman-Robertson and
Wallop-Breaux Programs. I felt that it was extremely important for the
Secretary to have enough resources to administer the program
effectively, but not so much money that there would be an incentive to
waste it needlessly. Although I am confident that the program can run
effectively on the authorized amount, it is extremely important to
revisit this issue in several years. This is particularly important
because the administration was unable to justify many of its costs. The
manager's amendment requires a biennial audit that will give the
Committee additional information on whether or not the authorized
amount needs to be adjusted.
Second, the manager's amendment enumerates legitimate administrative
costs and limits the use of Federal Aid funds to those expenses. The
General Accounting Office investigation found that the Fish and
Wildlife Service, among other things, failed to maintain adequate
controls over funds, expenditures, and grants, and used administrative
funds inconsistently among different FWS regional offices. By
specifically listing what constitutes appropriate administrative costs,
these problems should not arise in the future.
Third, the manager's amendment creates a new Firearm and Bow Hunter
Education and Safety Grant Program authorized at $7.5 million in fiscal
years 2001 and 2002, and $8 million in fiscal year 2003 and every year
thereafter. The authorized funds would be provided to the States in the
form of direct grants. Under current law, States are authorized to use
half of the revenue collected from taxes on handguns and archery
equipment for hunter education and the development of target ranges.
This new provision would allow any State that is fully utilizing the
authorized amount for these purposes to spend the grant money on any
project that is authorized in the Pittman-Robertson Act. States that
are spending less than the authorized amount would be required to use
the grant funds for hunter education and range development until they
utilize the amount authorized by the Pittman-Robertson Act for those
purposes. At that point, the States can spend any remaining funds above
the authorized level on hunter education, range development or any
other project that is authorized in Pittman-Robertson.
In my home State of New Hampshire, for example, the Department of
Fish and Game is authorized to use $270 thousand of Pittman-Robertson
funds on hunter education and range development, but is currently only
spending $266 thousand. Under this bill, New Hampshire would be
required to spend $4 thousand of its grant money on hunter education
and range development; after that, however, the State would have the
discretion to spend the remaining amount on any project that is
consistent with the purposes of the Pittman-Robertson Act. This strikes
a good balance between the interests of the hunting community that
wanted states to spend the 50 percent level authorized under the law,
and the States who want discretion to spend Pittman-Robertson funds to
meet their priorities, both education and conservation programs.
Finally, the manager's amendment authorizes a new Multistate
Conservation Grant Program at $6 million to allow for Federal Aid funds
to be used for regional projects. The Multistate Grant program requires
the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
International to submit a list to the Secretary of the Interior
recommending projects that should receive funding. The bill as reported
out of Committee prohibited the International from considering any
grant submitted by an organization that opposes hunting or fishing.
Shortly before the markup, we realized this approach raised First
Amendment concerns, and I promised to work with interested parties to
resolve this problem. The manager's amendment prohibits any grant funds
from supporting, in whole or in part, any activity that promotes
opposition to hunting and fishing. Any organization can apply for a
grant but it can't use these funds in any activity that targets the
individuals who pay the excise tax. This is a common sense solution
that protects the first amendment rights of all, without penalizing
sportsmen who help fund the programs.
This manager's amendment also reauthorizes the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act of 1984. The manager's amendment
makes important changes in the Foundation's charter, changes that I
believe will allow the Foundation to build on its fine record of
providing funding for the conservation of our nation's fish, wildlife
and plant resources.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation was established in 1984 to
bring together diverse groups to engage in conservation projects across
America and, in some cases, around the world. Since its inception, the
Foundation has made more than 3,400 grants totaling over $435 million.
This is an impressive record of accomplishment. The Foundation has
pioneered some notable conservation programs, including implementing
the North American Waterfowl Management plan, Partners in Flight for
neotropical birds, Bring Back the Natives Program, the Exxon Save the
Tiger Fund, and the establishment of the Conservation Plan for Sterling
Forest in New York and New Jersey, to name just a few.
The Foundation has funded these programs by raising private funds to
match federal appropriations on at least a 2 to 1 basis. During this
time of fiscal constraint, this is an impressive record of leveraging
federal dollars. Moreover, all of the Foundation's operating costs are
covered by separate private sources, which means that Federal and
private dollars given for conservation are spent only on conservation
projects.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has more than fulfilled the
hopes of its original sponsors. It has helped to implement solutions to
some difficult natural resource problems and is becoming widely
recognized for its innovative approach to solving environmental
problems. For example, when Atlantic salmon neared extinction in the
U.S. due to overharvest in Greenland, the Foundation and its partners
bought Greenland Salmon quotas. I, like many others in Congress, want
the Foundation to continue its important conservation efforts.
This legislation is quite simple. The manager's amendment would
expand the Foundation's governing Board of Directors from 15 members to
25 members. This will allow a greater number
[[Page S10497]]
of individuals with a strong interest in conservation to actively
participate in, and contribute to, the Foundation's activities. Also,
it would authorize appropriations to the Fish and Wildlife Service and
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through 2003.
Finally, the manager's amendment would authorize the ``National
Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Commemoration Act of 2000.'' This
landmark provision commemorates the centennial of the first national
wildlife refuge in the United States, established on March 14, 1903, by
a great man and conservationist, President Theodore Roosevelt. By
setting aside land at Indian River Lagoon on Pelican Island, Florida as
a haven for birds, President Roosevelt began a conservation legacy
known as the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Today, the National Wildlife Refuge System has evolved into the most
comprehensive system of lands devoted to wildlife protection and
management in the world--spanning nearly 93 million acres across the
United States and its territories. By placing special emphasis on
conservation, our nation's network of refuges ensures the continued
protection of our wildlife resources, including threatened and
endangered species, and land areas with significant wildlife-oriented
recreational, historical and cultural value.
Currently, there are more than 500 refuges in the United States and
its territories, providing important habitat for 700 bird species, 220
mammal species, 250 species of amphibians and reptiles, and over 200
fish species. The Refuge System also hosts some of our country's
premiere fisheries, and serves a vital role in the protection of
threatened and endangered species by preserving their critical
habitats.
Approximately 98 percent of the Refuge System land is open to the
public. Each year, the System attracts more than 34 million visitors to
participate in a variety of recreational activities that include
observing and photographing wildlife, fishing, hunting and taking part
in system-sponsored educational programs. By providing the public with
an opportunity to participate in these activities, refuges promote a
sense of appreciation for the natural wonders of this nation and
emphasize our important role as stewards of these lands.
The manager's amendment commemorates the Refuge System by creating a
Commission that will oversee the Centennial anniversary and promote
public awareness and understanding of the importance of refuges to our
nation. Additionally, the manger's amendment directs the Fish and
Wildlife Service to prepare a long-term plan for the Refuge System that
will enable the Service to look ahead and determine the future needs
and priorities of the system network.
Mr. President, I strongly urge my colleagues to support adoption of
this bill.
Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today in support of H.R. 3671, the
Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.
The bill we have before us today is the culmination of a bi-partisan,
bi-cameral effort. I want to thank Chairman Bob Smith, Ranking Member
Baucus, and Senator Boxer for their hard work and recognition of how
important it was to pass this bill this year. I also thank
Representative Don Young, Chairman of the House Resources Committee,
for his efforts and investigation into the program.
I think we have a bill that everyone can support. It will reduce
Government waste and prevent misuse of funds, while enhancing the
program. The federal aid program has been a conservation success story.
This bill will ensure that this success continues by restoring
accountability and responsibility to the program. Ultimately, this
legislation will restore trust in the program, without affecting the
effectiveness of the program.
Senator Craig and I introduced the Senate version of this bill
because there was a problem and America's hunters and fishermen needed
trust returned to the administration of the Wildlife and Sport Fish
Restoration Programs. The bill we have before us today restricts the
amount of money that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can spend on
administrative expenses, while clearly identifying authorized expenses.
The bill also improves the program by funding a multi-state grant
program, and ensuring that hunter education and shooting range programs
are funded at the level hunters and shooting enthusiasts expect and
deserve. These changes are good for the program, good for hunters,
fishermen, and shooting enthusiasts, and are simply good government.
Congressional investigations and a General Accounting Office audit of
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revealed that, contrary to existing
law, money had been routinely diverted to administrative slush funds,
withheld from states, and generally misused for purposes unrelated to
either fisheries or wildlife conservation. In addition, the GAO called
the Division of Federal Aid, ``if not the worst, one of the worst-
managed programs we have encountered.'' As an avid outsdoorsman, I was
particularly disturbed by this abuse. As a legislator, I am pleased to
have an opportunity to prevent such abuses in the future.
This bill reestablishes the trust between the hunters and anglers who
pay the excise taxes and the Federal Government. It is an opportunity
to repair a system that has been lauded as one of the nation's most
successful conservation efforts. I hope my colleagues will join me in
passing this bipartisan effort to restore accountability and
responsibility to the Federal Aid programs and the Fish and Wildlife
Service.
I thank the Chair.
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I support H.R. 3671, the Wildlife Sport
Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000, and the substitute
amendment proposed by the chairman of the Environment and Public Works
Committee, Senator Smith.
The Federal aid program, embodied in the Pittman-Robertson Act and
the Wallop-Breaux Act, uses the revenue derived from the excise taxes
on firearms and fishing equipment to support state efforts to promote
wildlife conservation, sport fish conservation, hunter education, and
related activities. It's a good program. It has provided more than $7
billion to support state wildlife conservation and sport fish projects.
To give you a more specific idea about the benefits of the program, in
1999 Montana received almost $5 million dollars under these programs,
for activities ranging from our hunter education program, to improving
habitat for white tail deer, waterfowl, and upland birds, to
acquisition of access rights to private land, to our program to reduce
conflicts between grizzly bears and people. A few years ago, the
program helped us complete the Gallatin land exchange.
Over the years, problems developed in the administration of the
program. In particular, the General Accounting Office and others found
that money that was set aside, by statute, for administration of the
program was being used for unrelated activities. There also were
considerable problems with budgeting and overall management.
The bill is designed to address these problems. It makes several
reforms. Among other things, it reduces the amount available for
administrative expenses, clarifies what constitutes a proper
administrative expense, and establishes a new multistate grant program,
in part, codifying a previous practice.
These reforms are important. They will assure that taxpayers' money
is well spent and that states receive the funds that they are entitled
to. In addition, both the bill reported by the Environment and Public
Works Committee and the substitute amendment improve on the version of
the bill that passed the House. The bill and amendment provide a level
of funding for administration that, while significantly lower than the
previous level, will fully fund the current activities of the federal
aid office of the Fish and Wildlife Service. They also provide the
Service with some limited flexibility in determining what is an
appropriate administrative expense and avoid prescribing the Service's
activities in such detail that we risk ``micromanaging.'' These changes
make a good bill even better.
I am pleased that the bill also includes two other important
provisions, one reauthorizing the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
and another establishing a program to recognize the upcoming centennial
of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Both have previously passed the
Senate.
[[Page S10498]]
I urge adoption of the amendment and passage of the bill.
multi-state conservation grant program
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, as you know H.R. 3671 establishes a new
Multi-State Conservation Grant program. This program requires the
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, representing
State fish and wildlife agencies, to submit a list to the Secretary of
the Interior of recommendation projects eligible for funding under this
program prior to October 1 of each year. It is my understanding that
the International submitted a list to the Secretary of the Interior
prior to October 1 of this year for consideration. Senator Smith, is it
your understanding that the list should be considered submitted in
accordance with the provisions of this bill?
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Yes, it is. I do not believe that the
grant recipients, many of whom are States, should be penalized because
we were unable to pass a bill prior to October 1.
Mr. BAUCUS. The multi-state grant program also requires the
International to consult with the various non-governmental
organizations and interests involved in this program in preparing this
list. It is my understanding that this provision should ensure that
these groups are involved both in preparing the request for grant
proposals and in evaluating them. Is this also the view of the
Chairman?
Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Yes, it is. This bill requires that the
various interests involved in the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration
programs be fully and meaningfully consulted in the process, as
indicated by the Senator. This should be carefully adhered to in the
development of future recommendations.
Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
amendment be agreed to, the committee amendment, as amended, be agreed
to, the bill, as amended, be read the third time and passed, the title
amendment be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the
table, and any statements relating to the bill be printed in the
Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The amendment (No. 4312) was agreed to.
The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amended,
was agreed to.
The bill (H.R. 3671), as amended, was read the third time and passed.
The title was amended so as to read:
An Act to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration
Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to
enhance the funds available for grants to States for fish and
wildlife conservation projects, to reauthorize and amend the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, to
commemorate the centennial of the establishment of the first
national wildlife refuge in the United States on March 14,
1903, and for other purposes.
____________________