[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 24 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CARDIN:
  S. 520. 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 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 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 \1/4\ 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. Since 2002, more than 
$50.1 million in grants have been awarded, supporting 451 projects in 
36 countries. Partners have contributed an additional $190.6 million, 
and more than 3.7 million acres of habitat have been affected.
  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. 520

       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 is authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this Act $6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2015 through 2020.
       ``(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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