[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S3566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. JOHNSON (for himself, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Tester, and Mr. 
        Thune):
  S. 655. A bill to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration 
Act to ensure adequate funding for conservation and restoration of 
wildlife, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works.
  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I introduced legislation, along 
with Senators Stabenow and Tester, that establishes a first-of-its-kind 
program to dedicate funds to advance important state wildlife recovery 
and restoration programs.
  For many years, Congress has authorized a portion of the fees hunters 
and anglers pay on fishing and hunting gear to go to the States to 
support hunting and fishing. This program is a success and is part of 
the reason why we continue to have such a strong sportsman tradition in 
our country.
  However, a critical need has gone unmet; a need that this bill will 
fill. The Teaming With Wildlife Act of 2009 leverages a share of the 
fees that oil and gas companies pay to the Federal government for the 
right to drill for oil and gas on federal land, to fund programs 
administrated by the States to conserve the habitats of nongame 
species. This bill is a partnership between the States and Federal 
Government. Each State and territory developed a wildlife action plan 
that guides how the funds authorized under this act will be spent. The 
plans ensure that State wildlife agencies take a comprehensive approach 
to conservation, focusing on efforts to support nongame species that 
are not threatened or endangered. States will match the Federal funds, 
leveraging the success of these on-the-ground conservation projects.
  A rich and diverse environment is important to support our strong 
outdoor and sportsman tradition. All species are linked together. A 
successful pheasant hunt or landing a trophy walleye is connected to 
how we enhance the habitat of many other species. Enacting the Teaming 
With Wildlife Act will build on the tremendously successful programs of 
the 20th century and move us forward in broadening how we enhance all 
wildlife resources.
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