Purpose: H.R. 2062 would reauthorize an existing program that funds the conservation of neo-tropical migratory birds.
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Status: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Action: SUPPORT. Please contact your U.S. Representative and him/her to support H.R. 2062. Tell your Representative that, under existing law, the Migratory Bird Treaty bans the capture, killing, import, and export of certain birds that migrate to the U.S. Basic provisions of this law are established by treaties between the U.S. and several other countries, including Great Britain, Mexico, and Russia. H.R. 2062 would strengthen penalties and enforcement for harming protected avian species.
Talking Points for your letter:
- Existing law (the Migratory Bird Treaty Act) bans the hunting, capture, export, import or transport of any migratory bird covered by certain treaties. It also protects the nests, eggs. and any products made from these migratory birds. In addition, the MBTA bans the use of bait to capture or kill migratory birds. The treaties were negotiated between the U.S and Great Britain, Mexico, Japan, and the USSR for the conservation of migratory birds and their environments. (However, this law applies only to birds native to the U.S. and excludes species introduced to the U.S.)
- Birds protected under the Act include all common songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, hawks, owls, eagles, ravens, crows, native doves and pigeons, swifts, martins, and swallows.
- Many migratory bird populations are in decline and/or jeopardized due to climate change, habitat loss, habitat degradation, oil spills, pollution, plastic pollution, and even wind farms. The MBTA seeks to protect migratory birds from hunting and commercial exploitation. In challenging economic times, pressure on wildlife increases and H.R. 2062 seeks to provide enhanced protection to migratory birds.
- H.R. 2062 would strengthen penalties and enforcement under the MBTA, and also create a reward system for those who supply information leading to an arrest.