William R. Richardson: “my amendment simply increases funding for the operations and maintenance of the National Wildlife Refuge System by $5…”

“my amendment simply increases funding for the operations and maintenance of the National Wildlife Refuge System by $5 million. Let me say that my amendment is supported by the National Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited, the Wilderness Society, the Izaak Walton League, Defenders of Wildlife, the Freshwater Institute, the Wildlife Society, National Audubon Society, Wildlife Refuge Association, a variety of other hunting groups. Mr. Chairman, the refuge system is the only system of national lands managed primarily for wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, songbirds and endangered species. It also provides unique opportunities for compatible wildlife oriented recreation including hunting, fishing, wildlife education and observation. In fact, 30 million people visit refuges, 5.7 million anglers use 250 refuges, and 1.3 million hunters use 270 refuges. Mr. Chairman, I am taking a total of $5 million from the coal-fired plant. There have been a number of amendments here that went after some of the coal-fired and other fossil fuels. Mine simply takes 5 million, which is 5 million more than the administration requested. The refuge system has for years suffered from inadequate funding and staffing to manage its exceptional resources.”