I support the underlying basis of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and I understand there is a value in protecting this species.

For this reason, I introduced the Cormorant Control Act, to rescind the court order and reinstate the double-crested cormorant depredation orders.

In Michigan's First District, we pride ourselves on being responsible stewards of all our natural resources.

I want to thank the Committee for holding the hearing today to consider my bill, H.R. 4429, the Cormorant Control Act.

We greatly appreciate Congressman Bergman and the House Natural Resource Committee's leadership on this issue.

We are especially appreciative of Congressman Bergman for his response to our stakeholder concerns regarding cormorant impacts on Great Lakes fisheries.

I completely understand the importance of fisheries that support aquatic life and the need to find a balance between competing interests.

Forcing a reissuance without adequately addressing the science sets a bad precedent that this Committee should want to avoid.

H.R. 4429, by Congressman Bergman of Michigan, directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule on double-crested cormorant depredation orders.

I want to thank the Chairman and the Committee for holding this hearing today to consider my bill--H.R. 4429, the Cormorant Control Act--to address a growing problem in the Great Lakes region.

You are asking us to fire before I have heard you aim.