Help Secure Future Wetland Conservation with NAWCA!
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) is vital to wetlands protection and restoration and has conserved almost 27 million acres of wetlands and associated uplands. It’s been so effective that every federally funded dollar is matched by at least $3 at the local level by states or conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited.
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Congress & Social Media 102
The Internet is now the primary source for learning about legislation and contacting members of Congress.
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Fiscal Cliff included important conservation extensions
At the eleventh hour before its final adjournment, Congress passed a bill to avoid the “fiscal cliff” and the president signed it into law on Jan. 2, 2013.
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2013 congressional schedule
Senators are expected to stick to a similar schedule as in 2012, which includes four consecutive weeks in session between recesses.
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Committee assignments confirmed for 113th Congress
Specific committees in the Senate and House of Representatives are responsible for the initial approval of bills that will affect habitat, sportsmen and wildlife. Committee membership was confirmed in January 2013 as the 113th Congress convened.
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Congress & Social Media 101
The new class of federal legislators took their seats in Washington, D.C., this month and it is crucial for them to hear from their constituents on important issues.
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DU volunteers discuss conservation with Sen. Collins
Bangor Ducks Unlimited Chapter Chairman David Poll and DU Regional Biologist Kurt Anderson met with Sen. Susan Collins (ME) via video conference in November to discuss the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), Farm Bill and Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.
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Newly elected lawmakers talk sportsmen’s issues
This month, the Waterfowl Advocate interviewed three newly elected lawmakers about the legislative issues they see affecting sportsmen in the upcoming Congress.
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The 2012 election is over, but what do the results mean for conservation?
The votes were counted, the president was re-elected, Democrats kept control of the U.S. Senate and Republicans still run the House of Representatives. Though the status quo remains in many cases, the election did usher in some changes that will affect Ducks Unlimited and our public policy priorities.
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Six-month budget extension puts appropriations efforts on hold
Appropriations budget planning for several key conservation programs may be put on hold soon as Congress works on finalizing a six-month extension (also known as a continuing resolution, or CR) after they reconvene in September.
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DU seeks Senate support to pass NAWCA reauthorization measure this year
Following committee action on the Senate's version of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) reauthorization bill, S. 2282, Ducks Unlimited is consulting with staff of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), along with staff of Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (CA) and Ranking Republican Jim Inhofe (OK), to discuss the potential and methods for moving the Senate's NAWCA reauthorization bill forward for floor consideration.
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As the House farm bill moves toward a vote, the future and nature of Sodsaver hang in the balance
On July 11, the House Agriculture Committee marked up their 2012 Farm Bill using as the foundation the bill language that was agreed to by Committee Chairman Lucas (OK) and Ranking Democrat Peterson (MN). Among the countless amendments that were offered was one introduced by Reps. Tim Walz (MN), Kristi Noem (SD) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE).
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DU applauds Senate passing 2012 Farm Bill
WASHINGTON - June 21, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced its appreciation today following the U.S. Senate's 64-35 passage of the 2012 Farm Bill. The $969.9 billion bipartisan bill maintained a conservation title that will benefit wildlife and people. Critical conservation initiatives include the Conservation Reserve Program, a conservation easement program with a strong wetland component, a regional partnership program aimed at improving water quality and a Sodsaver provision. The Senate also moved to link eligibility for federally subsidized crop insurance to compliance with conservation practices.
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U.S. House panel recommends decrease in waterfowl habitat funding
WASHINGTON - June 21, 2012 - The Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee yesterday passed a bill out of subcommittee that would cut funding for key conservation programs of importance to waterfowl. Of greatest significance to Ducks Unlimited is the $22.3 million appropriation for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), a more than $13 million cut from last fiscal year.
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Upcoming recess is the time to let your congressmen know about your interests
On July 2-6, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives will be on recess. Many elected officials will be returning to their home states and districts to meet with their constituents and discuss current events and issues important to them.
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DU pursues additional cosponsors for NAWCA legislation in Senate, House
Ducks Unlimited submitted testimony recently in support of S. 2282, the Senate bill to reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2017, as part of a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
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Ducks Unlimited, partners host NAWCA breakfast
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) was the focus of an early-morning briefing held in Washington this week. Ducks Unlimited and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation hosted the breakfast briefing to highlight the history and impact of NAWCA and the need for its reauthorization and correct appropriations.
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New Senate bill pushes NAWCA one step closer to reauthorization
WASHINGTON - March 30, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited is applauding the efforts of a bipartisan group of senators who this week released S. 2282, legislation that would reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2017.
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Ducks Unlimited, partners brief Congress, urge coastal restoration
WASHINGTON - March 5, 2012 - It's been nearly two years since the nation witnessed the largest oil spill in U.S. history. In that time, Congress still has not passed legislation to direct oil spill penalty funds to the Gulf Coast and its multi-billion-dollar natural-resources-based economy.
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Ducks Unlimited Public Policy
Each year Congress makes important decisions about wildlife habitat conservation programs that directly impact the long-term health of waterfowl populations.
DU's office in Washington, D.C., exists to promote these programs and other wildlife-friendly legislation.
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