Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise this morning to offer an amendment that would restore funding for the Wolf Livestock Loss Demonstration Program. This program assists livestock producers in undertaking proactive, nonlethal activity to reduce the livestock loss from predation by wolves, and addresses livestock losses caused by wolves. Mr. Chairman, this demonstration program was authorized in 2009 under a Democratic administration, and $1 million in funding was appropriated in the FY 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act. Since its inception, the Wolf Livestock Demonstration Program has played a critical role in minimizing conflicts with wolves while providing ranchers with much-needed support for non-lethal activities and another tool to minimize their livestock losses from wolves. Grants provided by this program go to 10 States with significant wolf populations, including my home State of Washington, and support each State's highest priority needs in assisting livestock producers in dealing with predation by wolves. The grants provided by this program are administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and stipulates that the Federal cost share not exceed 50 percent. Mr. Chairman, this program has been funded every year since 2010. My amendment would continue this funding at the 2010 level, respecting our country's current fiscal situation and tight budgetary guidelines.…”