[House Report 118-366]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


118th Congress }                                               {   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session    }                                               {  118-366

======================================================================



 
      WILDLIFE INNOVATION AND LONGEVITY DRIVER REAUTHORIZATION ACT

                                _______
                                

January 30, 2024.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Westerman, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 5009]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 5009) to reauthorize wildlife habitat and 
conservation programs, and for other purposes, having 
considered the same, reports favorably thereon without 
amendment and recommends that the bill do pass.

                       Purpose of the Legislation

    The purpose of H.R. 5009 is to reauthorize wildlife habitat 
and conservation programs, and for other purposes.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (Partners 
Program) ``provides free technical and financial assistance to 
landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and 
nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their 
land.''\1\ The Partners Program was started by U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1987 and authorized by Congress in 
2006 as a part of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act.\2\ 
The Partners Program is currently authorized at $75 million 
annually, but has been funded by Congress at lower levels, with 
Congress appropriating $60.2 million for the program in Fiscal 
Year (FY) 2023.\3\ In FY 2022, there were 1,847 projects 
completed across the country.\4\ Since its inception, the 
Partners Program has restored more than 7 million acres of 
habitat, while leveraging private dollars at a 4:1 ratio 
compared to taxpayer dollars.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\``Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.'' U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service. https://www.fws.gov/program/partners-fish-and-
wildlife.
    \2\P.L. 109-294.
    \3\U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fiscal Year 2024 Budget 
Justifications. https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/
fy2024-fws-greenbook.pdf-508.pdf.
    \4\Id.
    \5\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Multinational Species Conservation Fund (MSCF) is made 
up of five subaccounts: the African Elephant Conservation Fund, 
the Asian Elephant Conservation Fund, the Rhinoceros and Tiger 
Conservation Fund, the Great Ape Conservation Fund, and the 
Marine Turtle Conservation Fund.\6\ The Rhinoceros and Tiger 
Conservation Fund is authorized at $10 million each fiscal 
year, with the other four funds each being authorized at $5 
million per fiscal year.\7\ These programs also derive funding 
from the Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal 
Stamp, with the sales proceeds from the stamp being divided 
equally among the funds.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \6\Id.
    \7\P.L. 116-9.
    \8\U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fiscal Year 2024 Budget 
Justifications. https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/
fy2024-fws-greenbook.pdf-508.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From 2015 to 2022, these funds have provided over $92.5 
million through grants and cooperative agreements for 
conservation projects, leveraging $200 million in additional 
funds.\9\ In FY 2023, Congress authorized $21 million combined 
for the five funds and in FY 2024, the USFWS requested $22 
million (a $200,000 increase for each fund).\10\ The USFWS' 
stated intent for the requested increase is to fund more 
projects that increase habitat, decrease human-conflict, and 
reduce trafficking and poaching operations for the respective 
species.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \9\Id.
    \10\Id.
    \11\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H.R. 5009 would reauthorize, at existing authorization of 
appropriations levels, the Partners Program and the programs 
that make up the MSCF through FY 2028. These programs expired 
at the end of FY 2023.

                            Committee Action

    H.R. 5009 was introduced on July 27, 2023, by Rep. David P. 
Joyce (R-OH). The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural 
Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee on 
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. On October 18, 2023, the 
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a hearing on 
the bill. On October 26, 2023, the Committee on Natural 
Resources met to consider the bill. The Subcommittee on Water, 
Wildlife and Fisheries was discharged from further 
consideration of H.R. 5009 by unanimous consent. H.R. 5009 was 
ordered favorably reported to the House of Representatives by 
unanimous consent.

                                Hearings

    For the purposes of clause 3(c)(6) of House rule XIII, the 
following hearing was used to develop or consider this measure: 
hearing by the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries 
held on October 18, 2023.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis


Section 1. Short title

    Section 1 establishes the short title of the bill as the 
``Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver reauthorization 
Act'' or the ``WILD Act.''

Section 2. Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act

    Section 2 reauthorizes, at existing authorization levels, 
the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act through FY 2028.

Section 3. African Elephant Conservation Act

    Section 3 reauthorizes, at existing authorization levels, 
the African Elephant Conservation Act through FY 2028.

Section 4. Asian Elephant Act of 1997

    Section 4 reauthorizes, at existing authorization levels, 
the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997 through FY 2028.

Section 5. Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994

    Section 5 reauthorizes, at existing authorization levels, 
the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994 through FY 
2028.

Section 6. Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000

    Section 6 reauthorizes, at existing authorization levels, 
the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 through FY 2028.

Section 7. Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004

    Section 7 reauthorizes, at existing authorization levels, 
the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 through FY 2028.

            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 Natural Resources' oversight findings and 
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.

           Compliance With House Rule XIII and Congressional 
                               Budget Act

    1. Cost of Legislation and the Congressional Budget Act. 
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) and (3) of 
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and 
sections 308(a) and 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974, the Committee has received the following estimate for the 
bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office:




    H.R. 5009 would reauthorize the appropriation of $75 
million annually over the 2024-2028 period for the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to implement the Partners for Fish 
and Wildlife Program. The program provides grants to landowners 
to restore fish and wildlife habitats on private land. In 2023, 
USFWS allocated $60 million for that program. The bill also 
would reauthorize the appropriation of $30 million annually 
over the 2024-2028 period to support international efforts to 
conserve certain wild animals. In 2023, $21 million was 
appropriated for those purposes. In addition, the bill would 
allow USFWS to provide multiyear grants for up to five years 
for those efforts. The costs of the multiyear grants would be 
covered by the bill's authorized appropriations.
    Using historical spending patterns for those programs and 
assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO estimates 
that implementing H.R. 5009 would cost $483 million over the 
2024-2028 period and $42 million after 2028.
    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall 
within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).

               TABLE 1.--ESTIMATED INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION UNDER H.R. 5009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   By fiscal year, millions of dollars--
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                            2024     2025     2026     2027     2028   2024-2028
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program:
    Authorization.......................................       75       75       75       75       75        375
    Estimated Outlays...................................       58       69       72       74       75        348
Species Conservation Programs:
    Authorization.......................................       30       30       30       30       30        150
    Estimated Outlays...................................       18       27       30       30       30        135
    Total:
        Authorization...................................      105      105      105      105      105        525
        Estimated Outlays...............................       76       96      102      104      105        483
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On November 6, 2023, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 
2395, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on 
Environment and Public Works on July 26, 2023. The two bills 
are similar and CBO's estimates of their budgetary effects are 
the same.
    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Lilia Ledezma. 
The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy 
Director of Budget Analysis.
                                         Phillip L. Swagel,
                             Director, Congressional Budget Office.

    2. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by 
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or 
objective of this bill is to reauthorize wildlife habitat and 
conservation programs, and for other purposes.

                           Earmark Statement

    This bill does not contain any Congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined 
under clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the rules of 
the House of Representatives.

                 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Statement

    According to the Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 5009 
contains no unfunded mandates as defined in the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act.

                           Existing Programs

    Directed Rule Making. This bill does not contain any 
directed rule makings.
    Duplication of Existing Programs. This bill does not 
establish or reauthorize a program of the federal government 
known to be duplicative of another program. Such program was 
not included in any report from the Government Accountability 
Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139 
or identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance published pursuant to the Federal Program 
Information Act (Public Law 95-220, as amended by Public Law 
98-169) as relating to other programs.

                  Applicability to Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

                Preemption of State, Local or Tribal Law

    Any preemptive effect of this bill over state, local, or 
tribal law is intended to be consistent with the bill's 
purposes and text and the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the 
U.S. Constitution.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no 
change is proposed is shown in roman):

                   PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act 
not more than $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years [2019 
through 2023] 2024 through 2028.
                              ----------                              


                   AFRICAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION ACT




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE II--AFRICAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


            PART I--AFRICAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE

SEC. 2101. PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary may provide financial 
assistance under this part from the Fund for approved projects 
for research, conservation, management, or protection of 
African elephants.
  (b) Project Proposal.--Any African government agency 
responsible for African elephant conservation and protection, 
the CITES Secretariat, and any organization or individual with 
experience in African elephant conservation may submit to the 
Secretary a project proposal under this section. Each such 
proposal shall contain--
          (1) the name of the person responsible for conducting 
        the project;
          (2) a succinct statement of the need for and purposes 
        of the project;
          (3) a description of the qualifications of the 
        individuals who will be conducting the project;
          (4) an estimate of the funds and time required to 
        complete the project;
          (5) evidence of support of the project by 
        governmental entities of countries within which the 
        project will be conducted, if such support may be 
        important for the success of the project; and
          (6) any other information the Secretary considers to 
        be necessary or appropriate for evaluating the 
        eligibility of the project for funding under this 
        title.
  (c) Project Review and Approval.--The Secretary shall review 
each project proposal to determine if it meets the criteria set 
forth in subsection (d) and otherwise merits assistance under 
this title. Not later than six months after receiving a project 
proposal, and subject to the availability of funds, the 
Secretary shall approve or disapprove the proposal and provide 
written notification to the person who submitted the proposal.
  (d) Criteria for Approval.--The Secretary may approve a 
project under this section if the project will enhance programs 
for African elephant research, conservation, management, or 
protection by--
          (1) developing in a usable form sound scientific 
        information on African elephant habitat condition and 
        carrying capacity, total elephant numbers and 
        population trends, or annual reproduction and 
        mortality; or
          (2) assisting efforts--
                  (A) to ensure that any taking of African 
                elephants in the country is effectively 
                controlled and monitored;
                  (B) to implement conservation programs to 
                provide for healthy, sustainable African 
                elephant populations; or
                  (C) to enhance compliance with the CITES 
                Ivory Control System.
  (e) Project Sustainability.--To the maximum extent practical, 
in determining whether to approve project proposals under this 
section, the Secretary shall give consideration to projects 
that will enhance sustainable conservation programs to ensure 
effective long-term conservation of African elephants.
  (f) Project Reporting.--Each entity that receives assistance 
under this section shall provide such periodic reports to the 
Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as the 
Director considers relevant and appropriate. Each report shall 
include all information requested by the Director for 
evaluating the progress and success of the project.
  (g) Multiyear Grants.--
          (1) Authorization.--The Secretary may award to a 
        person who is otherwise eligible for a grant under this 
        section a multiyear grant of up to 5 years to carry out 
        a project that the person demonstrates is an effective, 
        long-term conservation strategy for African elephants 
        and the habitat of African elephants.
          (2) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection precludes the 
        Secretary from awarding a grant on an annual basis.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART III--MISCELLANEOUS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 2306. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Fund and to the Secretary a total of not to exceed 
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years [2019 through 2023] 2024 
through 2028 to carry out this title, to remain available until 
expended.
  (b) Administrative Expenses.--Of amounts available each 
fiscal year to carry out this title, the Secretary may expend 
not more than 3 percent or $100,000, whichever is greater, to 
pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this 
title.
                              ----------                              


                ASIAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION ACT OF 1997




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 5. ASIAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary, subject to the availability 
of funds and in consultation with the Administrator, shall use 
amounts in the Fund to provide financial assistance for 
projects for the conservation of Asian elephants for which 
final project proposals are approved by the Secretary in 
accordance with this section.
  (b) Project Proposal.--Any relevant wildlife management 
authority of a nation within the range of Asian elephants whose 
activities directly or indirectly affect Asian elephant 
populations, the CITES Secretariat, or any person with 
demonstrated expertise in the conservation of Asian elephants, 
may submit to the Secretary a project proposal under this 
section. Each proposal shall include the following:
          (1) The name of the individual responsible for 
        conducting the project.
          (2) A succinct statement of the purposes of the 
        project.
          (3) A description of the qualifications of the 
        individuals who will conduct the project.
          (4) An estimate of the funds and time required to 
        complete the project.
          (5) Evidence of support of the project by appropriate 
        governmental entities of countries in which the project 
        will be conducted, if the Secretary determines that the 
        support is required for the success of the project.
          (6) Information regarding the source and amount of 
        matching funding available to the applicant.
          (7) Any other information the Secretary considers to 
        be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the 
        project for funding under this Act.
  (c) Project Review and Approval.--
          (1) In general.--Within 30 days after receiving a 
        final project proposal, the Secretary shall provide a 
        copy of the proposal to the Administrator. The 
        Secretary shall review each final project proposal to 
        determine if it meets the criteria set forth in 
        subsection (d).
          (2) Consultation; approval or disapproval.--Not later 
        than 6 months after receiving a final project proposal, 
        and subject to the availability of funds, the 
        Secretary, after consulting with the Administrator, 
        shall--
                  (A) request written comments on the proposal 
                from each country within which the project is 
                to be conducted;
                  (B) after requesting those comments, approve 
                or disapprove the proposal; and
                  (C) provide written notification of that 
                approval or disapproval to the person who 
                submitted the proposal and the Administrator.
  (d) Criteria for Approval.--The Secretary may approve a final 
project proposal under this section if the project will enhance 
programs for conservation of Asian elephants by assisting 
efforts to--
          (1) implement conservation programs;
          (2) address the conflicts between humans and 
        elephants that arise from competition for the same 
        habitat;
          (3) enhance compliance with provisions of CITES and 
        laws of the United States or a foreign country that 
        prohibit or regulate the taking or trade of Asian 
        elephants or regulate the use and management of Asian 
        elephant habitat;
          (4) develop sound scientific information on the 
        condition of Asian elephant habitat, Asian elephant 
        population numbers and trends, or the threats to such 
        habitat, numbers, or trends; or
          (5) promote cooperative projects on those topics with 
        other foreign governments, affected local communities, 
        nongovernmental organizations, or others in the private 
        sector.
  (e) Project Sustainability.--To the maximum extent practical, 
in determining whether to approve project proposals under this 
section, the Secretary shall give consideration to projects 
which will enhance sustainable integrated conservation 
development programs to ensure effective, long-term 
conservation of Asian elephants.
  (f) Project Reporting.--Each person who receives assistance 
under this section for a project shall provide periodic 
reports, as the Secretary considers necessary, to the Secretary 
and the Administrator. Each report shall include all 
information required by the Secretary, after consulting with 
the Administrator, for evaluating the progress and success of 
the project.
  (g) Matching Funds.--In determining whether to approve 
project proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give 
priority to those projects for which there exists some measure 
of matching funds.
  (h) Limitation on Use for Captive Breeding.--Amounts provided 
as a grant under this Act may not be used for captive breeding 
of Asian elephants other than for release in the wild.
  (i) Multiyear Grants.--
          (1) Authorization.--The Secretary may award to a 
        person who is otherwise eligible for a grant under this 
        section a multiyear grant of up to 5 years to carry out 
        a project that the person demonstrates is an effective, 
        long-term conservation strategy for Asian elephants and 
        the habitat of Asian elephants.
          (2) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection precludes the 
        Secretary from awarding a grant on an annual basis.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Fund $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years [2019 through 
2023] 2024 through 2028 to carry out this Act, which may remain 
available until expended.
  (b) Administrative Expenses.--Of amounts available each 
fiscal year to carry out this Act, the Secretary may expend not 
more than 3 percent or $100,000, whichever is greater, to pay 
the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this Act.
                              ----------                              


             RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION ACT OF 1994




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 5. RHINOCEROS AND TIGER CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary, subject to the availability 
of appropriations and in consultation with the Administrator, 
shall use amounts in the Fund to provide financial assistance 
for projects for the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers.
  (b) Project Proposal.--A country whose activities directly or 
indirectly affect rhinoceros or tiger populations, the CITES 
Secretariat, or any other person may submit to the Secretary a 
project proposal under this section. Each proposal shall--
          (1) name the individual responsible for conducting 
        the project;
          (2) state the purposes of the project succinctly;
          (3) describe the qualifications of the individuals 
        who will conduct the project;
          (4) estimate the funds and time required to complete 
        the project;
          (5) provide evidence of support of the project by 
        appropriate governmental entities of countries in which 
        the project will be conducted, if the Secretary 
        determines that the support is required for the success 
        of the project; and
          (6) provide any other information the Secretary 
        considers to be necessary for evaluating the 
        eligibility of the project for funding under this Act.
  (c) Project Review and Approval.--Within 30 days of receiving 
a final project proposal, the Secretary shall provide a copy of 
the proposal to the Administrator. The Secretary shall review 
each final project proposal to determine if it meets the 
criteria set forth in subsection (d). Not later than 6 months 
after receiving a final project proposal, and subject to the 
availability of funds, the Secretary, after consulting with the 
Administrator, shall approve or disapprove the proposal and 
provide written notification to the person who submitted the 
proposal and to the Administrator.
  (d) Criteria for Approval.--The Secretary may approve a 
project under this section if the project will enhance programs 
for conservation of rhinoceros or tigers by assisting efforts 
to--
          (1) implement conservation programs;
          (2) enhance compliance with provisions of CITES and 
        laws of the United States or a foreign country that 
        prohibit or regulate the taking or trade of rhinoceros 
        or tigers or the use of rhinoceros or tiger habitat; or
          (3) develop sound scientific information on that 
        species' habitat condition and carrying capacity, total 
        numbers and population trends, or annual reproduction 
        and mortality.
  (e) Project Sustainability.--To the maximum extent practical, 
in determining whether to approve project proposals under this 
section, the Secretary shall give consideration to projects 
which will enhance sustainable conservation programs to ensure 
effective long-term conservation of rhinoceros and tigers.
  (f) Project Reporting.--Each person that receives assistance 
under this section for a project shall provide periodic 
reports, as the Secretary considers necessary, to the Secretary 
and the Administrator. Each report shall include all 
information requested by the Secretary, after consulting with 
the Administrator, for evaluating the progress and success of 
the project.
  (g) Multiyear Grants.--
          (1) Authorization.--The Secretary may award to a 
        person who is otherwise eligible for a grant under this 
        section a multiyear grant of up to 5 years to carry out 
        a project that the person demonstrates is an effective, 
        long-term conservation strategy for rhinoceroses or 
        tigers and the habitat of rhinoceroses or tigers.
          (2) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection precludes the 
        Secretary from awarding a grant on an annual basis.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Fund $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years [2019 through 
2023] 2024 through 2028 to carry out this Act, to remain 
available until expended.
  (b) Administrative Expenses.--Of amounts available each 
fiscal year to carry out this Act, the Secretary may expend not 
more than 3 percent or $100,000, whichever is greater, to pay 
the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this Act.
                              ----------                              


                   GREAT APE CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SEC. 4. GREAT APE CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

  (a) In General. Subject to the availability of funds and in 
consultation with other appropriate Federal officials, the 
Secretary shall use amounts in the Fund to provide financial 
assistance for projects for the conservation of great apes for 
which project proposals are approved by the Secretary in 
accordance with this section.
  (b) Project Proposals.--
          (1) Eligible applicants.--A proposal for a project 
        for the conservation of great apes may be submitted to 
        the Secretary by--
                  (A) any wildlife management authority of a 
                country that has within its boundaries any part 
                of the range of a great ape if the activities 
                of the authority directly or indirectly affect 
                a great ape population;
                  (B) the CITES Secretariat; or
                  (C) any person or group with the demonstrated 
                expertise required for the conservation of 
                great apes.
          (2) Required elements.--A project proposal shall 
        include--
                  (A) a concise statement of the purposes of 
                the project;
                  (B) the name of the individual responsible 
                for conducting the project;
                  (C) a description of the qualifications of 
                the individuals who will conduct the project;
                  (D) a concise description of--
                          (i) methods for project 
                        implementation and outcome assessment;
                          (ii) staff and community management 
                        for the project; and
                          (iii) the logistics of the project;
                  (E) an estimate of the funds and time 
                required to complete the project;
                  (F) evidence of support for the project by 
                appropriate governmental entities of the 
                countries in which the project will be 
                conducted, if the Secretary determines that 
                such support is required for the success of the 
                project;
                  (G) information regarding the source and 
                amount of matching funding available for the 
                project; and
                  (H) any other information that the Secretary 
                considers to be necessary for evaluating the 
                eligibility of the project for funding under 
                this Act.
  (c) Project Review and Approval.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                  (A) not later than 30 days after receiving a 
                project proposal, provide a copy of the 
                proposal to other appropriate Federal 
                officials; and
                  (B) review each project proposal in a timely 
                manner to determine if the proposal meets the 
                criteria specified in subsection (d).
          (2) Consultation; approval or disapproval.--Not later 
        than 180 days after receiving a project proposal, and 
        subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary, 
        after consulting with other appropriate Federal 
        officials, shall--
                  (A) consult on the proposal with the 
                government of each country in which the project 
                is to be conducted;
                  (B) after taking into consideration any 
                comments resulting from the consultation, 
                approve or disapprove the proposal; and
                  (C) provide written notification of the 
                approval or disapproval to the person who 
                submitted the proposal, other appropriate 
                Federal officials, and each country described 
                in subparagraph (A).
  (d) Criteria for Approval.--The Secretary may approve a 
project proposal under this section if the project will enhance 
programs for conservation of great apes by assisting efforts 
to--
          (1) implement conservation programs;
          (2) address the conflicts between humans and great 
        apes that arise from competition for the same habitat;
          (3) enhance compliance with CITES and other 
        applicable laws that prohibit or regulate the taking or 
        trade of great apes or regulate the use and management 
        of great ape habitat;
          (4) develop sound scientific information on, or 
        methods for monitoring--
                  (A) the condition and health of great ape 
                habitat;
                  (B) great ape population numbers and trends; 
                or
                  (C) the current and projected threats to the 
                habitat, current and projected numbers, or 
                current and projected trends;
          (5) promote cooperative projects on the issues 
        described in paragraph (4) among government entities, 
        affected local communities, nongovernmental 
        organizations, or other persons in the private sector; 
        or
          (6) address root causes of threats to great apes in 
        range states, including illegal bushmeat trade, 
        diseases, lack of regional or local capacity for 
        conservation, and habitat loss due to natural 
        disasters.
  (e) Project Sustainability.--To the maximum extent 
practicable, in determining whether to approve project 
proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to conservation projects that are designed to ensure 
effective, long-term conservation of great apes and their 
habitats.
  (f) Matching Funds.--In determining whether to approve 
project proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects for which matching funds are available.
  (g) Project Reporting.--
          (1) In general.--Each person that receives assistance 
        under this section for a project shall submit to the 
        Secretary periodic reports (at such intervals as the 
        Secretary considers necessary) that include all 
        information that the Secretary, after consultation with 
        other appropriate government officials, determines is 
        necessary to evaluate the progress and success of the 
        project for the purposes of ensuring positive results, 
        assessing problems, and fostering improvements.
          (2) Availability to the public.--Reports under 
        paragraph (1), and any other documents relating to 
        projects for which financial assistance is provided 
        under this Act, shall be made available to the public.
  (h) Limitations on Use for Captive Breeding.--Amounts 
provided as a grant under this Act--
          (1) may not be used for captive breeding of great 
        apes other than for captive breeding for release into 
        the wild; and
          (2) may be used for captive breeding of a species for 
        release into the wild only if no other conservation 
        method for the species is biologically feasible.
  (i) Panel.--
          (1) Convention.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
        of enactment of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, 
        Management, and Recreation Act, and every 5 years 
        thereafter, the Secretary may convene a panel of 
        experts on great apes to identify the greatest needs 
        and priorities for the conservation of great apes.
          (2) Composition.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
        panel referred to in paragraph (1) includes, to the 
        maximum extent practicable, 1 or more representatives--
                  (A) from each country that comprises the 
                natural range of great apes; and
                  (B) with expertise in great ape conservation.
          (3) Conservation plans.--In identifying the 
        conservation needs and priorities under paragraph (1), 
        the panel referred to in that paragraph shall consider 
        any relevant great ape conservation plan or strategy, 
        including scientific research and findings relating 
        to--
                  (A) the conservation needs and priorities of 
                great apes;
                  (B) any regional or species-specific action 
                plan or strategy;
                  (C) any applicable strategy developed or 
                initiated by the Secretary; and
                  (D) any other applicable conservation plan or 
                strategy.
          (4) Funds.--Subject to the availability of 
        appropriations, the Secretary may use amounts available 
        to the Secretary to pay for the costs of convening and 
        facilitating any meeting of the panel referred to in 
        paragraph (1).
          (5) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5, united 
        states code.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code 
        shall not apply to a panel convened under paragraph 
        (1).
  (j) Multiyear Grants.--
          (1) Authorization.--The Secretary may award to a 
        person who is otherwise eligible for a grant under this 
        section a multiyear grant of up to 5 years to carry out 
        a project that the person demonstrates is an effective, 
        long-term conservation strategy for great apes and the 
        habitat of great apes.
          (2) Effect of subsection.--Nothing in this subsection 
        precludes the Secretary from awarding a grant on an 
        annual basis.

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SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund 
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years [2019 through 2023] 2024 
through 2028.
                              ----------                              


                 MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION ACT OF 2004




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SEC. 4. CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE.

  (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of funds and in 
consultation with other Federal officials, the Secretary shall 
use amounts in the Fund to provide financial assistance for 
projects for the conservation of marine turtles, freshwater 
turtles, or tortoises for which project proposals are approved 
by the Secretary in accordance with this section.
  (b) Project Proposals.--
          (1) Eligible applicants.--A proposal for a project 
        for the conservation of marine turtles, freshwater 
        turtles, or tortoises may be submitted to the Secretary 
        by--
                  (A) any wildlife management authority of a 
                foreign country or territory of the United 
                States that has within its boundaries marine 
                turtle, freshwater turtle, or tortoise habitat, 
                if the activities of the authority directly or 
                indirectly affect marine turtle, freshwater 
                turtle, or tortoise conservation; or
                  (B) any other person or group with the 
                demonstrated expertise required for the 
                conservation of marine turtles, freshwater 
                turtles, or tortoises.
          (2) Required elements.--A project proposal shall 
        include--
                  (A) a statement of the purposes of the 
                project;
                  (B) the name of the individual with overall 
                responsibility for the project;
                  (C) a description of the qualifications of 
                the individuals that will conduct the project;
                  (D) a description of--
                          (i) methods for project 
                        implementation and outcome assessment;
                          (ii) staff and community management 
                        for the project; and
                          (iii) the logistics of the project;
                  (E) an estimate of the funds and time 
                required to complete the project;
                  (F) evidence of support for the project by 
                appropriate governmental entities of the 
                countries in which the project will be 
                conducted, if the Secretary determines that 
                such support is required for the success of the 
                project;
                  (G) information regarding the source and 
                amount of matching funding available for the 
                project; and
                  (H) any other information that the Secretary 
                considers to be necessary for evaluating the 
                eligibility of the project for funding under 
                this Act.
  (c) Project Review and Approval.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                  (A) not later than 30 days after receiving a 
                project proposal, provide a copy of the 
                proposal to other Federal officials, as 
                appropriate; and
                  (B) review each project proposal in a timely 
                manner to determine whether the proposal meets 
                the criteria specified in subsection (d).
          (2) Consultation; approval or disapproval.--Not later 
        than 180 days after receiving a project proposal, and 
        subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary, 
        after consulting with other Federal officials, as 
        appropriate, shall--
                  (A) consult on the proposal with the 
                government of each country and territory of the 
                United States in which the project is to be 
                conducted;
                  (B) after taking into consideration any 
                comments resulting from the consultation, 
                approve or disapprove the project proposal; and
                  (C) provide written notification of the 
                approval or disapproval to the person that 
                submitted the project proposal, other Federal 
                officials, and each country and territory of 
                the United States described in subparagraph 
                (A).
  (d) Criteria for Approval.--The Secretary may approve a 
project proposal under this section if the Secretary determines 
that the project will help to restore, recover, and sustain a 
viable population of marine turtles, freshwater turtles, or 
tortoises in the wild by assisting efforts in a foreign country 
or territory of the United States to implement a marine turtle, 
freshwater turtle, or tortoise conservation program.
  (e) Project Sustainability.--To the maximum extent 
practicable, in determining whether to approve project 
proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to conservation projects that are designed to ensure 
effective, long-term conservation of marine turtles, freshwater 
turtles, or tortoises and the habitats of marine turtles, 
freshwater turtles, or tortoises.
  (f) Matching Funds.--In determining whether to approve 
project proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give 
preference to projects for which matching funds are available.
  (g) Project Reporting.--
          (1) In general.--Each person that receives assistance 
        under this section for a project shall submit to the 
        Secretary periodic reports (at such intervals as the 
        Secretary may require) that include all information 
        that the Secretary, after consultation with other 
        government officials, determines is necessary to 
        evaluate the progress and success of the project for 
        the purposes of ensuring positive results, assessing 
        problems, and fostering improvements.
          (2) Availability to the public.--Reports under 
        paragraph (1), and any other documents relating to 
        projects for which financial assistance is provided 
        under this Act, shall be made available to the public.
  (h) Multiyear Grants.--
          (1) Authorization.--The Secretary may award to a 
        person who is otherwise eligible for a grant under this 
        section a multiyear grant of up to 5 years to carry out 
        a project that the person demonstrates is an effective, 
        long-term conservation strategy for marine turtles, 
        freshwater turtles, or tortoises and the habitat of 
        marine turtles, freshwater turtles, or tortoises.
          (2) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection precludes the 
        Secretary from awarding a grant on an annual basis.

SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Fund $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years [2019 through 
2023] 2024 through 2028.
  (b) Allocation.--Of the amounts made available for each 
fiscal year pursuant to subsection (a)--
          (1) not less than $1,510,000 shall be used by the 
        Secretary for marine turtle conservation purposes in 
        accordance with this Act; and
          (2) of the amounts in excess of the amount described 
        in paragraph (1), not less than 40 percent shall be 
        used by the Secretary for freshwater turtle and 
        tortoise conservation purposes in accordance with this 
        Act.

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