[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 103 (Thursday, June 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E637-E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOVERING AMERICA'S WILDLIFE ACT OF 2021

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2022

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns with 
respect to H.R. 2773, the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. The bill 
has laudable goals and the potential positive impact on our nation's 
wildlife conservation efforts is undeniable. I am a longstanding 
proponent of environmental causes and the benefits of investing in 
them.
  However, the ends do not justify the means. Specifically, the bill 
provides an average of $1.4 billion per year in mandatory 
appropriations from the General Fund indefinitely. As a result, this 
bill provides the additional funding on autopilot without any role for 
this or future Congresses to scrutinize the details and value

[[Page E638]]

of this massive investment. Additionally, the House Parliamentarian's 
Office has also con-firmed to my staff that this bill presents 
significant jurisdictional issues with respect to the House's rule 
against appropriating in an authorizing bill.
  I believe there is a better way forward that is consistent with the 
longstanding regular order of this body. Subjecting this funding to the 
appropriations process would ensure that we make these valuable 
investments in our nation's wildlife while at the same time preserving 
the important role Congress must play in overseeing our Article I 
responsibilities.
  It pains me that we were not able to resolve these differences 
because as a longtime appropriator, I fully understand the need for 
robust, long-term investments to protect our environment and natural 
habitats. However, as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations I 
must vote against this legislation. The Founders were crystal clear 
about the importance of the power of the purse. Our duty to the 
American people is to ensure that we do not abdicate our responsibility 
to be effective stewards of taxpayer resources.
  My hope is that I can work with my colleagues here in the House and 
in the Senate to come to a stronger, bipartisan agreement on moving 
this bill forward in a manner that is consistent with the rules of this 
body and Congress' power of the purse.

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