Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 50, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act through 2012, and in support of H.R. 465, the Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act. These conservation funds have a tremendous impact on the survival of threatened species.

The ivory and bushmeat trades, as well as competition from humans for space and resources, continue to threaten the survival of the African Elephant. Rhinos and tigers similarly fall victim to these black market trades. In addition, deforestation and overworking have had devastating impacts on Asian Elephant populations. The grants awarded through the MSCF have proven to be effective in creating nature reserves, enhancing wildlife and ecosystem management, and developing antipoaching campaigns, helping to combat the practices that endanger these species the most.

As of January, the Department of Interior had approved 280 conservation grants in 23 African countries to assist African elephants, 321 grants for rhinos and tigers, and 171 grants for Asian elephants. By using $17 million in federal funding, the African elephant program has leveraged $72 million in private matching funds, and the rhino and tiger program has generated nearly $20 million in private funds to match its federally allocated $7.8 million. The Asian elephant program has been almost as successful, leveraging $10 million in private matching funds from $7.8 million in federal funding.

H.R. 50 and H.R. 465 would reauthorize the Multinational Species Conservation Fund to support three important international conservation laws and help to protect these animals on a federal level. I strongly urge their support.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 50) to reauthorize the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members

have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, let me begin by commending Congressman Don Young, the ranking Republican on the Committee on Natural Resources, for introducing H.R. 50, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007. This bill would authorize two important international wildlife conservation laws, the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act.

Mr. Speaker, illegal poaching, habitat loss and other factors have pushed African elephants, rhinoceroses and tigers dangerously close to extinction. H.R. 50 authorizes funding through fiscal year 2012 for scientific research, management, law enforcement and public education activities used to conserve and protect these keystone wildlife species and their habitat.

Congress has provided $26.9 million, which has been leveraged through matching funds and in-kind contributions to generate more than $96.1 million for international species conservation. This has been an excellent investment for the Federal Government.

We support this noncontroversial bill, and urge all Members on both sides to vote for this important conservation bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 322, H.R. 50.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read the third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without further intervening action or debate.