Press Release-Kennedy Requests Wetlands Loan Act Hearing

Press Release-Kennedy Requests Wetlands Loan Act Hearing

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Mark Kennedy contacted Chairman Gilchrest of the House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans to request a field hearing in Minnesota on his Wetlands Loan Act reform bill. The following is from that letter:

"As you know, more than 50 percent of our nation's wetlands have been lost, and some states have lost as much as 90 percent of their wetlands critical for waterfowl and wildlife habitat. This is a situation that requires immediate attention. That is why I request you hold a field hearing on H.R. 4315, the Emergency Wetlands Loan Act of 2005.

"My bill, which I introduced with Congressman Mike Thompson, would increase resources for wetlands preservation by reauthorizing the Wetlands Loan Act at $400 million over the next 10 years. This would be accomplished through an incremental increase to the duck stamp price that is tied to the repayment of the loan, thereby recreating the kind of public-private partnership that has been the hallmark of successful wildlife conservation programs for decades.

"H.R. 4315 is currently cosponsored by over 80 Members of Congress, and supported by a sweeping coalition of over 20 conservation and sportsmen organizations. These supporters all realize that now is the time to act. As a first step to moving this broadly supported legislation through the House, I request a field hearing in my state of Minnesota at your earliest opportunity."

http://markkennedy.house.gov/cgi-data/press/files/608.shtml