[House Report 108-657]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
108th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 108-657
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HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF SIEGFRIED AND ROY, RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT
OF THEIR EFFORTS ON THE CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES BOTH
DOMESTICALLY AND WORLDWIDE, AND WISHING ROY HORN A FULL AND SPEEDY
RECOVERY
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September 7, 2004.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be
printed
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Mr. Pombo, from the Committee on Resources, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H. Res. 431]
The Committee on Resources, to whom was referred the
resolution (H. Res. 431) honoring the achievements of Siegfried
and Roy, recognizing the impact of their efforts on the
conservation of endangered species both domestically and
worldwide, and wishing Roy Horn a full and speedy recovery,
having considered the same, report favorably thereon without
amendment and recommend that the resolution be agreed to.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of H. Res. 431 is to honor the achievements of
Siegfried and Roy, recognizing the impact of their efforts on
the conservation of endangered species both domestically and
worldwide, and wishing Roy Horn a full and speedy recovery.
BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION
Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn have been performing to
millions of people in Las Vegas, Nevada, for over 35 years. In
1990, they opened their internationally acclaimed illusionist
show at the Mirage Hotel. This show was performed six times a
week for 44 weeks each year. It was consistently sold out for
more than 13 years and 700,000 fans a year purchased tickets to
see their magical illusions and interactions with highly
endangered white tigers and lions. In recognition of their
talents, Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn received the Las
Vegas Entertainment Award for the Best Show Act in 1972; the
Magicians of the Year Award from the Academy of Magical Arts in
1976 and they were honored with the Magicians of the Century
Award in 2000.
Siegfried and Roy have also dedicated their lives to the
worldwide conservation of highly endangered species. They have
served as Chairmen and remain active supporters of the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Save the Tiger Fund. This fund
has educated millions of people to the plight and importance of
saving imperiled tiger populations and it has raised millions
of dollars to protect critical tiger habitat, stop poaching
activities and establish effective conservation strategies in a
number of range states. Due to their leadership, the number of
white tigers in the world has dramatically increased to nearly
200 and there are now 23 rare white lions. These two
conservationists have also been actively involved in animal
conservation programs in South Africa and Germany.
On October 3, 2003, Roy Horn was seriously injured by one
of his white tigers at the Mirage Hotel during a performance of
``Siegfried and Roy''. He is currently recovering from his
injuries. This Resolution ``honors the truly wondrous
achievements of Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn'',
recognizes their impact on the conservation of endangered
species and wishes Roy a speedy recovery.
COMMITTEE ACTION
H. Res. 431 was introduced on November 4, 2003, by
Congresswoman Shelly Berkley (D-NV). The bill was referred to
the Committee on Resources, and within the Committee to the
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans. On
April 22, 2004, the Subcommittee met to mark up the bill. No
amendments were offered and the legislation was then ordered
favorably reported to the full Committee by unanimous consent.
On July 14, 2004, the full Resources Committee met to consider
the resolution. There were no amendments offered and the
resolution was then ordered favorably reported to the House of
Representatives by unanimous consent.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Resources' oversight findings and recommendations
are reflected in the body of this report.
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact this bill.
COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII
1. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the
Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and
a comparison by the Committee of the costs which would be
incurred in carrying out this bill. This bill is a resolution
to honor the achievements of Siegfried and Roy, recognizing the
impact of their efforts on the conservation of endangered
species both domestically and worldwide and wishing Roy Horn a
full and speedy recovery. It entails no cost to the Federal
government.
2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 3(c)(2)
of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and
section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this
bill does not contain any new budget authority, spending
authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in
revenues or tax expenditures.
3. General Performance Goals and Objectives. This bill does
not authorize funding and therefore, clause 3(c)(4) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives does not
apply.
4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. The Committee
has determined that H. Res. 431 entails no cost to the Federal
government and therefore, no cost estimate was requested from
the Congressional Budget Office.
COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4
This bill contains no unfunded mandates.
PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW
This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or
tribal law.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing
law.