Natural Resources Committee Passes "Keep America's Refuges Operational Act"

Statement

The House Committee on Natural Resources passed H.R. 3979 -- the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act -- on Thursday (November 30). The bill, co-sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman, would "reauthorize the volunteer services, community partnership, and refuge education programs of the National Wildlife Refuge System."

The bipartisan bill, introduced by primary sponsor Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York, is co-sponsored by five Democrats and 12 Republicans.

"This bill allows volunteers in our communities to serve their fellow man and improve our nation's wildlife refuges," Westerman said. "Groups like Friends of Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Yell County have played an important role in their local NWR and it is vital for our refuges that local groups continue to have the ability to provide volunteer services at no cost to taxpayers. I look forward to this bill's quick passage in the House."

Source