Federal Duck Stamp Act of 2014

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5069 would authorize an increase in the price of the Federal duck stamp from $15 to $25. Duck stamp revenue funds the purchase and conservation of wetland habitats critical to maintaining waterfowl populations and other wildlife prized by hunters. This increase will restore the purchasing power of the duck stamp dollars to nearly 1991 levels, the last time Congress increased the price of the duck stamp.

The current price of the stamp is $15, which equates to less than $9 in 1991. The increase is expected to generate $5 million in revenue for securing conservation easements on land in the United States.

While I take issue with some of the requirements and restrictions this bill would place on the Fish and Wildlife Service, the opportunity to generate these additional funds for wetland conservation with the support of hunters and other nature lovers is one that we must take advantage of.

I support the passage of the bill and congratulate the author of the legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source