America's Conservation Enhancement Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3051, America's Conservation Enhancement Act.

It is an incredible honor to manage this suspension debate for the ACE Act, arguably one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation for the Chesapeake Bay, national wetlands, and fish habitat in years.

This bipartisan package of conservation and resource protection policies will have tremendous benefits for both our environment and individuals for years to come.

The ACE Act is a once-in-a-generation advancement to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and protect and conserve natural resources across America. The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure, and the ACE Act provides additional resources and extends critical conservation programs that preserve wetlands, reduce pollution, and increase recreational opportunities both in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across our great United States.

Title I of this bill includes important reauthorizations for programs such as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998.

These are all very important programs, not only to the folks back home in my district, but to all Americans who wish to have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and an overall healthier environment where our fish and wildlife populations are sustainable and thriving.

This bill also includes initiatives important to sportsmen, such as the establishment of a chronic wasting disease task force with the goal of researching this dangerous threat to white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk populations, and moose populations.

This bill also has some practical solutions to offer farmers and ranchers vital tools to help manage their herds and protect them from predation.

Title II is a provision I am especially proud of and glad that we are advancing through the House and on to the President's desk for his signature. This includes the National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships provision, a bill that I championed. This title establishes a national fish habitat board that supports a successful public-private partnership to restore fish habitat.

I would like to thank the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee, Rob Bishop, and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, Tom McClintock.

I would also like to thank all of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for their ceaseless efforts and commitment to making sure we do everything we can to conserve, protect, and enhance the resources that we are in charge of taking care of.

I look forward to continuing to advance other important provisions, but this bill, hopefully, will be on its way to the President's desk.

As co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I would specifically like to acknowledge my friends and colleagues in the bay delegation who have labored so hard for so long to help clean up our great Chesapeake Bay.

Representative Bobby Scott, Representative John Sarbanes, and Representative Andy Harris and I are proud to see the passage of these important provisions to protect the Chesapeake Bay.

Mr. Speaker, the American Conservation Enhancement Act does much to advance our bipartisan goals of conserving fish and wildlife populations and preserving the environment for the enjoyment of untold future generations of Americans.

The ACE Act will also give Americans increased opportunities to get out and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife in our country, from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, from Puget Sound to the Chesapeake Bay.

I would like to reflect upon the words of Representative Luria. This really is a true bipartisan bill.

I would like to thank not just the colleagues on the other side of the aisle but those colleagues from all of our States, Representative Luria, the rest of the Virginia delegation. As I talked about the folks from the Chesapeake Bay delegation, everybody has an interest in this bill. It is an extraordinary effort across many, many different areas where there is common interest, and it is a great example of what we can get done when we are willing to focus on things we have in common rather than those places where we have differences.

The one thing we do have in common is the great treasures that have been bestowed upon us by our Creator and our obligation, as humanity, to protect and to enhance those resources, not only now, but for generations to come.

I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Dingell, for all of her efforts.

Obviously, the Natural Resources Committee has a lot of input on this. But, again, this is a great example of what we can all do when we look at those things that we have in common.

We have been bestowed these fantastic natural resources, gifts from our Creator. We have an obligation to protect them. And what we see today is that common idea of that obligation and how we fulfill that obligation. Today really is one of those days where we should remember historically about all the different elements that have come together.

We know it is an arduous path for many of these pieces of legislation, but today should really be a reminder of what we can do when we look at those things we have in common, when we look at our responsibilities and obligations to this Nation and to the treasures that we have here before us.

Today is indeed a great day. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It truly is an indication of what makes this Nation great.

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