[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

                                _______
                                

 September 7, 2004.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be 
                                printed

                                _______
                                

  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.

                                  
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