[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 122 (Friday, July 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS-CENTERED INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION ACT OF 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 18, 2022

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7025, 
the ``Advancing Human Rights-Centered International Conservation Act of 
2022.''
  H.R. 7025 is a bipartisan effort instructing the Director of the 
United States Fish and Wildlife Service from funding entities that 
commit, fund, or support gross violations of internationally recognized 
human rights, and for other purposes.
  This legislation provides procedures on how to identify human rights 
violators including:
  A concrete framework of requirements for an international entity to 
apply for and receive a conservation grant.
  Creating a Social Safeguards Plan that will implement appropriate 
human rights standards and prevent gross violations of internationally 
recognized human rights in connections with activities funded under the 
award.
  Reporting requirement for grant recipients who stand accused of 
violating international human rights.
  Generating a formal review process that would include an 
investigation and may require the grant recipient to address the 
alleged violation.
  I applaud the efforts of my colleague, Congressman Grijalva and his 
office for uplifting this issue.
  Through this effort, we are reminding the American people that the 
fight against environmental degradation must go hand in hand with 
Congress' commitment to uphold human rights across the globe.
  I know firsthand the importance of environmental conservation efforts 
both at home and abroad.
  In my home state of Texas, about 1,300 species of plants and animals 
are currently on the endangered list, diminishing our biodiversity.
  Several economic sectors including agriculture depend on natural 
resources so we need to make sure that we are facing the effects of the 
climate crisis head-on.
  These grants from the Fish and Wildlife Service will equip us with 
the tools to ensure clean air, land and water will be accessible to our 
children.
  When enacted, H.R. 7025 will lay out a formal procedure to curtail 
those seeking financial assistance from the U.S. but clearly do not 
have a respect for human rights.
  This legislation sends a clear message that recipients of 
conservation grants funded by the American taypayer must respect 
American values.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 7025 
to confront those who continue to violate human rights around the world 
and uplift the democratic values we work to protect.

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