[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WILDLIFE GRANTS PROGRAM

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                          HON. CHARLES F. BASS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Mr. BASS. Mr. Speaker, today, Congress is failing to protect 
America's wildlife by shortchanging the State Wildlife Grants program. 
As many know, I am a strong and consistent supporter of this program, 
which works to preserve wildlife and save endangered species. Last 
year, I joined 57 colleagues in recommending $150 million in funding. 
Regrettably, the Fiscal Year 2003 omnibus legislation dramatically 
decreasing the spending level supported by the House last July.
  Restoration of previous funding levels for the State Wildlife Grants 
program, translates into greater protection of endangered species. In 
particular, 78 species in New Hampshire are threatened, endangered or 
classified as a ``species of concern.'' These include the Karner Blue 
butterfly, Piping Plover, and Blanding's turtle. Through the State 
Wildlife Grant program, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is 
able to monitor viability and health. States that monitor wildlife in a 
comprehensive manner are able to identify and heal declining species 
that, unchecked, would require ``emergency room'' care to avoid their 
extinction. Clearly, preventive measures save the wildlife and also 
taxpayer dollars eventually required for heroic measures.
  In 2000, when 315 of my House colleagues and I passed the 
Conservation and Reinvestment Act, we did not foresee the dramatic cuts 
to the State Wildlife Grants program. Today, we can and should commit 
more resources for national conservation efforts.

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