[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAMS IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 
                     SYSTEM CENTENNIAL ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2000

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I supported this bill when the 
House first considered it, but I did have some concerns about it.
  Now, as it comes back to us from the Senate, it is considerably 
improved and I will support it without the same reservations.
  The bill was prompted by the Resources Committee's oversight of the 
implementation of several important programs under which the federal 
government assists the state wildlife agencies.
  As a result of our committee's review, it became clear that we should 
revisit the underlying statutes. At the same time, though, it's clear 
that some of the charges about the actions of the current 
Administration were exaggerated and that some of the people making 
those charges failed to point out similar actions that occurred during 
prior Administrations.
  The programs of assistance to state wildlife agencies addressed by 
this bill are very valuable for Colorado and many other states. And I 
certainly agree with the bill's sponsors that it would be good to 
tighten the current law that allows the Interior Department an 
unusually large degree of discretion in the administration of these 
programs. However, as originally passed by the House, I was concerned 
that the bill went overboard in responding to the ways the Interior 
Department has used that discretion.
  I certainly understand the purpose of limiting the amount of money 
that can be spent on administration, because obviously what's spent 
that way won't be available for the substantive purposes of the 
programs. But we need to recognize that administration is necessary, 
and adequate administration is essential to avoid the risk of misuse of 
taxpayer funds, either by the Department of the Interior or by other 
parties.
  The Senate amendments would authorize more realistic funding levels 
for administration, and would allow some additional flexibility for 
unexpected administrative costs. I think those are definite 
improvements, and so are some other changes that reduce the extent to 
which the bill imposes micro-management requirements. Accountability is 
essential, but excessive paperwork for its own sake can eat up 
resources that could be put to more productive purposes.
  Also, as it comes before us today the bill includes a reauthorization 
for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, so that it can continue 
its very important work in support of conservation and sound 
management. And it also includes legislation to commemorate the 
centennial of the National Wildlife Refuge System that is similar to 
H.R. 4442, a bill that I cosponsored and that the House passed earlier 
this year.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to concur in the Senate amendments 
and send the bill to the President for signing into law.

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