On the recordMay 18, 2018
I would submit to Mr. Crawford that perhaps those black vultures moved in because of the great representation he provides to all of his constituents. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais). Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment of Mr. Hollingsworth of Indiana on this issue. In short, the amendment would allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue depredation permits to livestock farmers authorizing the taking of black vultures. This is an issue that has been brought to my attention by farmers across the entire Southeast, as well, who have all witnessed black vultures prey on and kill their livestock. Unfortunately, because black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, farmers are left with little or no recourse of action. After years of frustration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began issuing depredation permits as part of a pilot program to try to address this shortage. While this has worked well in my State, it is clear that our farmers and ranchers need a more permanent fix to this ongoing problem. Black vulture attacks on various livestock have already led to significant economic losses for many, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this commonsense amendment.
