Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation, which I sponsored, would make permanent the ability of a migratory waterfowl hunter to electronically purchase their annual Federal duck stamp.

For the past 6 years, eight States have participated in a pilot effort, and by all accounts this program has been a huge success. Many Americans have been able to enjoy the convenience of using their own personal computer to purchase a Federal duck stamp online and in some cases to obtain that required document the evening before a duck hunt. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you from experience and knowing that people want that opportunity, that that timeliness is a factor in people being able to enjoy waterfowl hunting.

In August 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service submitted a report to Congress which stipulated that the E-Duck stamp program has proven to be a practical method that is readily accepted by the stamp-buying public. E-stamps now account for more than 20 percent of all duck stamp sales, which demonstrates widespread acceptance of this sales option.

As vice chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I can proudly say that this legislation is important to waterfowl hunters across the country. H.R. 1206 is supported by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Ducks Unlimited. I would also like to thank and acknowledge Representative Ron Kind as an original cosponsor of this bill. The gentleman from Wisconsin is a dedicated conservationist, an avid outdoorsman, and a longtime supporter and friend to sportsmen.

There is no cost to the taxpayers, and there is broad bipartisan support for this innovative idea, and this convenient 21st-century delivery system will be utilized by thousands of American sportsmen in the future.

Allowing the purchase of duck stamps online is an important technological advancement, and it is time to make this a permanent feature of Federal law. During the last Congress, an identical bill passed the House by a vote of 373-1. I urge adoption of this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source