Madeleine Bordallo: “H.R. 1205, as amended, would reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act through fiscal year 2012 and give the Federal…”

“H.R. 1205, as amended, would reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act through fiscal year 2012 and give the Federal Government, States and territories additional tools to protect and conserve coral reefs. H.R. 1205, as amended, broadens and improves the definition of ``coral reef ecosystem'' to include mangroves and sea grass habitats. Additionally, the bill gives the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior the authority to cover related costs for damages to coral reefs in U.S. waters located outside national marine sanctuaries. Mr. Speaker, more than 70 percent of the coral reefs under the jurisdiction of the United States are found in the Pacific, including Guam. Regrettably, coral reefs worldwide remain imperiled and deserving of greater protection. I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill, as amended.”