[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE TRANSPARENCY FOR LETHAL CONTROL ACT (TLC)

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                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2013

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Transparency for Lethal Control Act (TLC), legislation requiring the 
United States Department of Agriculture to publish clear and accessible 
information on animals killed through the Wildlife Services program of 
the Animal Health and Inspection Service.
  The Wildlife Services program is responsible for intervening in 
situations when an animal is considered a threat or serious nuisance to 
humans. In some cases, animals are killed to fulfill this mission.
  Efforts to gather adequate information regarding Wildlife Services 
operations have been difficult. The USDA has not made detailed data 
available to the public relating to where, why, how, and which animals 
have been killed. This lack of transparency and public reporting makes 
oversight impossible. The USDA could be acting inappropriately or 
recklessly and without this data, we can't know. That is why I am 
introducing legislation to require the USDA to publish kill data online 
by state, county (or other similar political subdivision), and 
municipality.
  The killing of animals should not be a routine or reflexive 
government response. It should only be undertaken, if at all, after 
careful deliberation and under strict supervision. For that reason, the 
public and Congress need to have the opportunity for vigorous oversight 
to ensure that the USDA is acting appropriately and considering all 
cheaper and more humane alternatives.
  Congress must improve oversight of the Wildlife Services program and 
ensure that the USDA is using tax dollars efficiently and 
appropriately. I urge passage of the Transparency for Lethal Control 
Act (TLC).

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