[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE ILLEGAL EXTRACTION OF 
                     MADAGASCAR'S NATURAL RESOURCES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution to 
comdemn the illegal extraction of Madagascar's unique and invaluable 
natural resources. I am joined in this effort by Donald Payne, Chair of 
the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, and Eni Faleomavaega, 
Chair of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global 
Environment.
  Madagascar hosts some of this planet's greatest diversity. Larger 
than California, this island nation hosts over 150,000 species found 
nowhere else. The people of Madagascar depend on these incredible and 
unique resources for survival. Yet, political turmoil is putting the 
honest livelihoods of many, as well as one of our planet's greatest 
treasures, in extreme peril.
  Reports from Madagascar are dire and detail rampant illegal logging, 
mining, and resource degradation. This resolution condemns this ongoing 
tragedy and calls for the restoration of rule of law. It is my hope 
that calling attention to this issue will spur change.

                          ____________________