Mr. BECERRA. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my fellow congressional Regents, Representatives SAM JOHNSON and DORIS MATSUI, and our colleague Representative FRANK WOLF, to introduce the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Enhancement Act, which authorizes funding for this institute's important work in conservation biology. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators PATRICK LEAHY, THAD COCHRAN and CHRIS DODD.
While some 30 million individuals annually visit and enjoy the Smithsonian's 19 museums and National Zoo, the Smithsonian's nine research centers carry out important work that advances the Institution's mission of expanding and diffusing knowledge. As one of these centers, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, SCBI, is headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia, in Representative WOLF's district, at the facility previously known as the National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center. The SCBI launched in January of 2010 as an umbrella for six Smithsonian units working in a global effort to conserve species and train future generations of conservationists.
The Smithsonian Institution, SI, has a long history of creatively collaborating with strategic partners to advance the important goals of discovering and understanding biological diversity, advancing scientific solutions and conserving wildlife. Toward that end, the National Zoological Park, NZP, Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan completed in December 2008 includes plans to create a campus-like setting for the SCBI at the NZP facility in Front Royal, Virginia, NZP-FR, with space capable of hosting multiple partners who share common goals and are willing to work with SI scientists and staff to advance efforts in conservation biology.
To allow the Smithsonian to progress in its master plan, this bill authorizes the SI to invest $1 million for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011 and $3 million in aggregate for all succeeding fiscal years in order to plan, design and construct an education facility at its Front Royal site. The bill also authorizes the Smithsonian Board of Regents to enter into agreements for the provision of housing and other services related to the facility's programs at no cost to the SI. Finally, it authorizes the SI to use its non-federal funds to plan, design and construct animal holding and related program facilities on the property. The goal is to open the facilities by the Fall of 2012 semester.
The SCBI scientists' domestic and international biodiversity accomplishments span many decades. For example:
Since 1972, SCBI scientists have studied the endangered golden lion tamarins and established one of the most successful reintroduction programs ever attempted. Thanks to their leadership, more than 1,500 animals survive in Brazil's Atlantic coastal rain forest.
Since 1978, SCBI scientists have conducted breeding and conservation research on captive and wild endangered clouded leopards. More than 70 clouded leopards have been born at the SI's Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia in the past 30 years, including two born in 2009. Working with Thai counterparts, the SCBI team developed a captive breeding program that has produced 40 cubs. These collaborative international projects serve as a model for conserving treasured species.
Since 1985, SCBI scientists have led the way in developing breeding and management techniques resulting in the birth of nearly 600 endangered black-footed ferrets at SCBI facilities in Front Royal, Virginia. More than 200 SCBI-produced ferrets and their descendents have been released in seven states.
Madam Speaker, SCBI staff has conducted training courses for undergraduate, graduate and professional audiences in the United States and at more than 20 international locations--reaching more than 5,000 individuals from over 85 countries. Supporting the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's next phase of development will not only expand its notable record of providing educational classes, it will also help ensure that the next generation of conservation and scientific professionals has the necessary training to help sustain a biodiverse planet.
I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this bipartisan legislation so that our Smithsonian scientists can continue to be recognized as global leaders in the field of biodiversity and so that our nation can continue to do its part in leaving the planet in the best possible condition for our children.