[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 36 (Thursday, March 10, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1548-S1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CARDIN:
  S. 538. A bill to amend the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation 
Act to reauthorize the Act; to the

[[Page S1549]]

Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Neotropical 
Migratory Bird Conservation Act. This bill promotes long-term 
conservation, education, research, monitoring, and habitat protection 
for more than 350 species of neotropical migratory birds that breed in 
North America in the summer and spend our winters in tropical climates 
south of our border. Through its successful competitive, matching grant 
program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports public-private 
partnerships to countries mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Up 
to one quarter of the funds may be awarded for domestic projects.
  This legislation aims to sustain healthy populations of migratory 
birds that are not only beautiful to look at but help our farmers by 
consuming billions of harmful insect pests each year. These vulnerable 
bird populations face many environmental factors such as pesticide 
pollution, deforestation, sprawl, and invasive species that threaten 
their habitat and, ultimately, their survival. As good indicators of a 
healthy ecosystem, it is troubling that, according to the National 
Audubon Society, at least 29 species of migratory birds are 
experiencing significant population declines. For example, populations 
of the Cerulean Warbler and Olive-Sided Flycatcher have declined as 
much as 70 percent since surveys began in the 1960s.
  The Baltimore Oriole, the State bird of my home state of Maryland, 
has been experiencing a decline in population despite being protected 
by Federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the 
State of Maryland's Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. 
Destruction of their domestic breeding habitat and tropical winter 
habitat, coupled with the toxic pesticides ingested by insects which 
are then eaten by the Oriole, has significantly contributed to this 
decline. It is essential that we invest in conservation efforts in our 
country as well as others along the migratory route of the wide range 
of migratory birds. This legislation accomplishes this goal.
  The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has a proven track 
record of reversing habitat loss and advancing conservation strategies 
for the broad range of neotropical birds that populate the United 
States and the rest of the Western hemisphere. According to the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, between 2002 and 2010, this program has 
successfully supported 333 projects, coordinated by groups in 48 U.S. 
State/territories and 36 countries. Additionally, it is a great value 
for taxpayers as it leverages over $4.00 for each Federal dollar spent. 
Since 2002, the U.S. has invested more than $25 million in 262 projects 
and leveraged an additional $112 million in partner funds to support 
these projects. It also helps to generate $2.7 billion annually for the 
U.S. economy through wildlife watching activities.
  This legislation is cost-effective, budget-friendly, and has been a 
highly successful Federal program. This simple reauthorization bill 
will make sure that this good work continues.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 538

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. REAUTHORIZATION OF NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD 
                   CONSERVATION ACT.

       Section 10 of the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 6109) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this Act such sums as are necessary for each of 
     fiscal years 2012 through 2017.
       ``(b) Use of Funds.--Of the amounts made available under 
     subsection (a) for each fiscal year, not less than 75 percent 
     shall be expended for projects carried out at a location 
     outside of the United States.''.
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