Dan Donovan: “Yesterday was the 17th anniversary of September 11. It was a stark reminder of the danger terrorism poses to the Nation…”

“Yesterday was the 17th anniversary of September 11. It was a stark reminder of the danger terrorism poses to the Nation every single day. The district I represent, Staten Island and South Brooklyn, which is home to many of New York's bravest and finest, suffered hundreds of casualties on September 11. Since then, New York remains the world's number one target for terrorism. As a nation, we have become a more resilient and determined nation to mitigate threats against us; but as we have choked off other resources of money, terrorists have increasingly turned to wildlife trafficking as a way to fund their heinous endeavors. Any step that we can take that will lead to the capture and conviction of anyone engaged in wildlife trafficking, especially terrorists, is a step in the right direction. Reports indicate that crimes related to illegal wildlife trafficking generate billions of dollars a year. These illicit funds turn into terrorist financing, fuel instability, and help arm groups in Africa. The prices that wildlife traffickers can fetch for hunting and ruthlessly killing animals are staggering. Conservation groups estimate that a kilogram of raw ivory can be worth as much as $2,100, while a kilogram of rhino horn can be worth $65,000. I am confident that the Foreign Affairs Committee and the House of Representatives will continue to fight against this problem. Mr.…”