For Immediate Release: May 17, 2006

Contact: , 202 277-5459

House Passes Key Migratory Songbird Bill

Washington D.C. - This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Improvement Act of 2006 (HR 518). The Act reauthorizes and improves the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 2000, which expired last year. The Act provides grants to groups throughout the Americas for the conservation of neotropical migratory birds that winter south of the border and summer in North America. The law creates a competitive grants program administered by the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, for projects that determine the condition of neotropical migratory bird habitats, undertake population studies, implement conservation plans, educate the public, and reduce the destruction of essential habitats.

"With spring migration fully underway, this is a terrific welcome home from the House of Representatives," said George Fenwick, President of American Bird Conservancy (ABC). "We call on the Senate to act swiftly so the President can sign the bill before the fall bird migration."

The new House bill raises the funding ceiling to $6.5 million over a four-year period - an increase of $1.5 million over its current authorization, but $1.5 million less than had originally been expected and significantly less than the $15 million conservation groups had worked for. The actual amount available for neotropical migratory bird conservation will depend on the annual Congressional budget appropriations process. In addition to improved funding, the Act reduces the ratio of matching funds that recipients must raise down from 3:1 to 1:1, making funding more accessible. Projects in Canada are now eligible for funding for the first time.

Conservation groups, including ABC and other members of the Bird Conservation Alliance, have fought to gain passage of the Act. Once signed into law, it will enable the only significant federal funding source for neotropical migratory birds to continue through 2010.

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is the only 501(c)(3) organization that works solely to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, while building capacity in the conservation movement. ABC is the voice for birds, ensuring that they are adequately protected; that sufficient funding is available for bird conservation; and that land is protected and properly managed to maintain viable habitat.

ABC is a membership organization that is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group Charity Navigator.