Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on three bills that will reauthorize several conservation programs under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) issued the following statement in response:

“Today’s hearing, held by the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee of the Committee on Natural Resources, focused on one of Congress’s core responsibilities which is to provide oversight of federal programs and determine whether they are worthy of reauthorization. This hearing focused upon bi-partisan programs that provide a basis for community-led conservation efforts which help protect and improve some of the world’s most iconic species and landscapes. I commend the sponsors of these bills for their work and look forward to helping them continue to encourage and promote community-based conservation.”  

Background

Today's hearing centered on three bills that would reauthorize various conservation programs. So far, these programs have been successful and effective in promoting and expanding conservation efforts domestically and internationally in a bipartisan manner. The committee this Congress has worked across the aisle to ensure that previously successful programs will continue for all Americans. 

H.R. 4389, introduced by U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), would reauthorize the grant program that supports conservation of neotropical migratory birds in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean

H.R. 4770, introduced by U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), would reauthorize NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office, which coordinates research and restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.    

H.R. 5009, introduced by U.S. Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio), would reauthorize the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land, and the Multinational Species Conservation Fund which helps conserve some of the world’s most iconic species.