Political Quotes

“Senator Capito and I are introducing legislation today to reauthorize appropriations for the National Wildlife Refuge System's volunteer and partnerships program. I want to share with our colleagues some information about the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act and ask for their support. The Keep America's Refuges Operational Act reauthorizes the volunteer and partnerships program, with no increase, at $2 million per year. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses the modest Federal funding it receives for this program to leverage volunteer contributions by providing uniforms, training, equipment, and necessary travel. Our National Wildlife Refuge System is an exceptional network of more than 850 acres of public lands and waters dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation. Tens of millions of people visit our refuges each year to explore, fish, hunt, and view and study wildlife. This ecotourism strongly supports local economies. During the pandemic in particular, our national lands, including refuges, were safe outdoor spaces for recreation. Volunteers are critical to refuge operations. They assist with fish and wildlife surveys, restoring habitat, and supporting refuge office functions. Without volunteers and partner groups, refuges would likely have to cut back on public programs and reduce hours of operation. In my home State of Delaware, we have two beautiful refuges--the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.…”