[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 GREAT CATS AND RARE CANIDS ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1464, the Great 
Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2007.
  As an original cosponsor of this bill and co-chair of the 
International Conservation Caucus, I would like to thank my fellow 
Caucus co-chair, Representative Udall, for his leadership on this 
issue.
  Endangered species such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, and 
Ethiopian Wolves are not just remarkable creatures, but they play an 
important role in eco-tourism throughout Africa, bringing in much 
needed revenue to very poor countries.
  Unfortunately, many of these endangered animals are losing their race 
for survival, as habitats become compromised and poachers decimate 
populations. This bill will be an important tool for reversing these 
trends.
  Importantly, this bill provides assistance for programs to preserve 
and protect these remarkable animals. Multinational species funds, such 
as this one, have enjoyed tremendous success and have played a vital 
role in the protection of wildlife. On average, private donors have 
matched 3-1 every U.S. government dollar contributed to conservation 
programs.
  In other words, when the United States leads in conservation, others 
follow. As the mission of the international Conservation Caucus states, 
the U.S. has the opportunity to advance the protection of the worldwide 
environment. This bill is true to that mission.

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