Neotropical and Migratory Bird Conservation Act (S. 3490)

[tcosmas]

Frank_Lautenberg@lautenberg.senate.gov <Frank_Lautenberg@lautenberg.senate.gov>    
Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 4:19 PM
To: tcosmas@...

Dear Mr. Cosmas:

Thank you for contacting me about legislation to reauthorize the "Neotropical and Migratory Bird Conservation Act" (S. 3490). I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

The Neotropical and Migratory Bird Conservation Act was passed by Congress in 2000 to help conserve migratory birds. The Act established a competitive, matching grant program to support public-private partnerships which carry out projects in the U.S, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean to promote the long-term conservation of Neotropical migratory birds and their habitats. The goals of the Act include perpetuating healthy populations of these birds, providing financial resources for bird conservation initiatives, and fostering international cooperation.

The "Neotropical and Migratory Bird Conservation Act" would reauthorize this important program, which expires at the end of this fiscal year. This legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, on which I serve. Please be assured that I will support this legislation when it comes up for a vote.

Thank you again for contacting me.

[tcosmas]

From: Senator Robert Menendez <Senator_Menendez@menendez.senate.gov>
Date: Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Subject: Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act

Dear Mr. Cosmas:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act.  Your opinion is very important to me, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you on this critical issue.

I am proud to report that I am an original cosponsor of this very important legislation, which will increase funding for the conservation of migratory birds.  This bill reauthorizes the existing Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, but at significantly higher levels, to meet the growing needs of our migrant bird populations, many of which are in rapid decline.

Of the 178 continental bird species included on the American Bird Conservancy/Audubon Watch List of birds of highest conservation concern, over one-third are Neotropical migrants that will be affected by this legislation.  Throughout my career in Congress, I have been a passionate advocate for conservation and that is why I am proud to support this legislation.  Please rest assured I will continue to fight for threatened animal populations and the habitats that support them.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of more assistance.  I invite you to visit my website http://menendez.senate.gov to learn of other important issues to New Jersey.

Sincerely,

Robert Menendez
United States Senator