Bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) to reauthorize wildlife and habitat conservation programs and funds on Oct. 26 received unanimous approval from the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.
“Thank you to Chairman Westerman and the committee for passing this bipartisan bill to support the survival of these endangered species so future generations can make memories of their own,” Rep. Joyce said.
The committee approved the Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Reauthorization (WILD) Act, H.R. 5009, which Rep. Joyce introduced on July 27 alongside six original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
If enacted, H.R. 5009 would reauthorize the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which enables wildlife and habitat conservation in all 50 states and territories, and the Multinational Species Conservation Fund, which supports the global conservation of imperiled species, including rhinos, elephants, tigers, great apes, and turtles, according to a summary provided by Rep. Joyce’s staff.
“Like many in northeast Ohio, some of my fondest memories from growing up are connected to the Great Lakes, especially the wildlife in the area,” said Rep. Joyce, co-chairman of the International Conservation Caucus. “The critical conservation efforts authorized by this bill will restore habitats and endangered wildlife in Ohio and around the world.”
H.R. 5009 now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.