[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3571-S3572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CARDIN:
  S. 969. A bill to amend the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation 
Act to reauthorize the Act; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today, in honor of the 20th anniversary of 
International Migratory Bird Day on May 11, I am introducing the 
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. More than half of the bird 
species found in the U.S. migrate across our borders

[[Page S3572]]

and many of these spend our winter in Central and South America. This 
bill promotes international cooperation for long-term conservation, 
education, research, monitoring, and habitat protection for more than 
350 species of neotropical migratory birds. Through its successful 
competitive, matching grant program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
supports public-private partnerships in 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 and rodent pests each year, 
providing pollination services, and dispersing seeds. Migratory birds 
face threats from pesticide pollution, deforestation, sprawl, and 
invasive species that degrade their habitats in addition to the natural 
risks of their extended flights. Birds are excellent indicators of the 
health of an ecosystem. As such, it is troubling that, according to the 
National Audubon Society, half of all coastally migrating shorebirds, 
like the Common Tern and Piping Plover, are experiencing dramatic 
population declines.
  The Baltimore Oriole, the State bird of Maryland and one whose song 
brightens all of the Northeastern U.S., has steadily declined 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. Likewise, the iconic Red Knot 
bird, whose legendary 9,000 mile migration centers on a stopover in the 
Mid-Atlantic states, is decreasing in population quickly. Threats to 
these beloved Maryland birds are mainly due to habitat destruction and 
deforestation, particularly in the Central and South American countries 
where the birds winter. In addition, international use of toxic 
pesticides ingested by insects, which are then eaten by the birds, has 
significantly contributed to this decline. Conservation efforts in our 
country are essential, but investment in programs throughout the 
migratory route of these and countless other migratory birds is 
critical. 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. To date, the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service has administered these grants to support 422 
projects in more than 35 countries. The $46.5 million that this program 
has provided in grants has leveraged $178.5 million from partners, 
almost four additional dollars for every one spent. More than 3.25 
million acres of quality bird habitat have benefitted. In addition, 
birding is among the wildlife watching activities that generate jobs 
and income, approximately $2.7 billion annually, for the U.S. economy.
  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. 969

       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 2014 through 2019.
       ``(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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