WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Tom Carper (D-DE) released the following statements after the Senate unanimously passed America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act. The ACE Act language served as a substitute amendment to H.R. 925.
Barrasso and Carper serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW).
“The Senate has taken important bipartisan action to protect our wildlife,” said Barrasso. “The ACE Act will help states and tribes partner with Washington on conservation efforts. Our bipartisan legislation will establish a special task force to combat the spread of chronic wasting disease. The bill will keep America’s wildlife healthy, while allowing rural communities to thrive. I am thankful to Ranking Member Carper for his partnership. The United States Senate is hard at work passing legislation for the American people. Now, the House of Representatives must pass the bill so we can better conserve and manage America’s wildlife.”
“Tonight the Senate unanimously approved legislation that will improve species conservation, protect and restore ecosystems and ensure outdoor recreation opportunities abound for generations to come,” said Carper. “The ACE Act advances new initiatives to address the growing threats of invasive species and wildlife disease. And while creating new and innovative programs, the ACE Act will also ensure that existing wildlife and habitat conservation programs can continue to build on their demonstrated history of success. Many of these programs leverage private dollars and local partnerships, and create tremendous economic opportunity in the regions they support.”
Background Information:
On December 17, 2019, the EPW Committee unanimously passed the ACE Act at a business meeting.
On December 13, 2019, Barrasso and Carper introduced the ACE Act. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and John Boozman (R-AR) are cosponsors of the bill.
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