OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

By: Kit Bond
By: Kit Bond
Date: Sept. 24, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Conservative


STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - September 24, 2008)

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Mr. BOND. Madam President, today, along with my colleagues Senators Lieberman and Voinovich, I am introducing the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act. This legislation will enable us to stop the causes of fish habitat decline throughout the Nation.

Preventing the decline of fish species and their habitat will require everyone working together. Under the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, Federal Government agencies, State and local governments, conservation groups, fishing industry groups, and businesses will all work together to preserve our aquatic habitats.

Together, they will improve waterways vital to securing a robust fish population. The well-being of our water resources is essential not only for healthy fish but also those who boat through beautiful streams and fish in wild waters for recreational entertainment. This, however, may not be an option if we do not take action now. As of today, 40 percent of the fish population is in decline and half of our waters have become weakened and polluted.

The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will authorize $75 million every year to fund local fish habitat projects supported by regional Fish Habitat Partnerships. This bill creates a multistakeholder National Fish Habitat Board that will recommend projects to the Secretary of the Interior for funding. This idea draws from the already successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act model, which has benefited wetlands in America, Canada, and Mexico. The Regional Fish Partnerships will also be called on to execute approved on-the-ground projects designed to ensure the improvement of the fish population and habitat.

By using a bottom-up approach, we will engage those who most directly impact the health of local waterways and fish populations. These partnerships are imperative to our efforts in conserving the fish species and our goal of improving the quality of life for the American people.

I am thankful to Senator Lieberman for his work on this bipartisan effort and encourage all of my colleagues to join our efforts to protect fish and fish habitat.


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