Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns with respect to H.R. 2773, the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. The bill has laudable goals and the potential positive impact on our nation's wildlife conservation efforts is undeniable. I am a longstanding proponent of environmental causes and the benefits of investing in them.

However, the ends do not justify the means. Specifically, the bill provides an average of $1.4 billion per year in mandatory appropriations from the General Fund indefinitely. As a result, this bill provides the additional funding on autopilot without any role for this or future Congresses to scrutinize the details and value of this massive investment. Additionally, the House Parliamentarian's Office has also con-firmed to my staff that this bill presents significant jurisdictional issues with respect to the House's rule against appropriating in an authorizing bill.

I believe there is a better way forward that is consistent with the longstanding regular order of this body. Subjecting this funding to the appropriations process would ensure that we make these valuable investments in our nation's wildlife while at the same time preserving the important role Congress must play in overseeing our Article I responsibilities.

It pains me that we were not able to resolve these differences because as a longtime appropriator, I fully understand the need for robust, long-term investments to protect our environment and natural habitats. However, as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations I must vote against this legislation. The Founders were crystal clear about the importance of the power of the purse. Our duty to the American people is to ensure that we do not abdicate our responsibility to be effective stewards of taxpayer resources.

My hope is that I can work with my colleagues here in the House and in the Senate to come to a stronger, bipartisan agreement on moving this bill forward in a manner that is consistent with the rules of this body and Congress' power of the purse.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source