[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE SMITHSONIAN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE 
                            ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2010

  Mr. BECERRA. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my fellow congressional 
Regents, Representatives Sam Johnson and Doris Matsui, and our 
colleague Representative Frank Wolf, to introduce the Smithsonian 
Conservation Biology Institute Enhancement Act, which authorizes 
funding for this institute's important work in conservation biology. 
Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators 
Patrick Leahy, Thad Cochran and Chris Dodd.
  While some 30 million individuals annually visit and enjoy the 
Smithsonian's 19 museums and National Zoo, the Smithsonian's nine 
research centers carry out important work that advances the 
Institution's mission of expanding and diffusing knowledge. As one of 
these centers, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, SCBI, is 
headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia, in Representative Wolf's 
district, at the facility previously known as the National Zoo's 
Conservation and Research Center. The SCBI launched in January of 2010 
as an umbrella for six Smithsonian units working in a global effort to 
conserve species and train future generations of conservationists.
  The Smithsonian Institution, SI, has a long history of creatively 
collaborating with strategic partners to advance the important goals of 
discovering and understanding biological diversity, advancing 
scientific solutions and conserving wildlife. Toward that end, the 
National Zoological Park, NZP, Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan 
completed in December 2008 includes plans to create a campus-like 
setting for the SCBI at the NZP facility in Front Royal, Virginia, NZP-
FR, with space capable of hosting multiple partners who share common 
goals and are willing to work with SI scientists and staff to advance 
efforts in conservation biology.
  To allow the Smithsonian to progress in its master plan, this bill 
authorizes the SI to invest $1 million for each of fiscal years 2010 
and 2011 and $3 million in aggregate for all succeeding fiscal years in 
order to plan, design and construct an education facility at its Front 
Royal site. The bill also authorizes the Smithsonian Board of Regents 
to enter into agreements for the provision of housing and other 
services related to the facility's programs at no cost to the SI. 
Finally, it authorizes the SI to use its non-federal funds to plan, 
design and construct animal holding and related program facilities on 
the property. The goal is to open the facilities by the Fall of 2012 
semester.
  The SCBI scientists' domestic and international biodiversity 
accomplishments span many decades. For example:
  Since 1972, SCBI scientists have studied the endangered golden lion 
tamarins and established one of the most successful reintroduction 
programs ever attempted. Thanks to their leadership, more than 1,500 
animals survive in Brazil's Atlantic coastal rain forest.
  Since 1978, SCBI scientists have conducted breeding and conservation 
research on captive and wild endangered clouded leopards. More than 70 
clouded leopards have been born at the SI's Conservation and Research 
Center in Front Royal, Virginia in the past 30 years, including two 
born in 2009. Working with Thai counterparts, the SCBI team developed a 
captive breeding program that has produced 40 cubs. These collaborative 
international projects serve as a model for conserving treasured 
species.
  Since 1985, SCBI scientists have led the way in developing breeding 
and management techniques resulting in the birth of nearly 600 
endangered black-footed ferrets at SCBI facilities in Front Royal, 
Virginia. More than 200 SCBI-produced ferrets and their descendents 
have been released in seven states.
  Madam Speaker, SCBI staff has conducted training courses for 
undergraduate, graduate and professional audiences in the United States 
and at more than 20 international locations--reaching more than 5,000 
individuals from over 85 countries. Supporting the Smithsonian 
Conservation Biology Institute's next phase of development will not 
only expand its notable record of providing educational classes, it 
will also help ensure that the next generation of conservation and 
scientific professionals has the necessary training to help sustain a 
biodiverse planet.
  I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this bipartisan 
legislation so that our Smithsonian scientists can continue to be 
recognized as global leaders in the field of biodiversity and so that 
our nation can continue to do its part in leaving the planet in the 
best possible condition for our children.