Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15), made the following remarks after H.R. 1916, Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act, was passed by the House Committee on Natural Resources today:

“I am pleased that H.R. 1916, a bill I sponsored to increase the price of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, better known as the Duck Stamp, passed in the House Committee on Natural Resources today. I want to thank Chairman Rahall, Chairwoman Bordallo, and Congressman Kind for the hard work on behalf of this legislation.

The bill will provide increased funding for purchases of wildlife refuges across the country, from Michigan to California to New Hampshire and down to Texas, through an increase in Duck Stamp fees from $15 to $25 in 2016.

“The last Duck Stamp price increase was in 1991, and twenty years later, it is sorely needed. Adjusted for inflation, $24.71 is needed to purchase in 2008 what $15 could in 1990. In fact, according to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission reports, in 1991 we bought 33,983 acres for a cost of $17,225,714 in the Refuge System. In 2007, we bought 15,359 acres for a total cost of $15,971,007. The numbers don’t lie – in 2007 we were able to purchase half the land we purchased in 1991 for very nearly the same cost.

“Duck Stamps have been a tremendous success, and I thank my colleagues, particularly Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rahall, for recognizing that the expansion of Duck Stamps will result in increased funding for worthy refuges across the country, ensuring all Americans are able to enjoy the great outdoors.

“As a young man I shot ducks with my Dad as we enjoyed the outdoors together; I was lucky enough to pass on the skills he taught me to my children, as we hunted and fished together. Duck hunting and enjoying our great American outdoors has been a family affair for me, and because of this legislation, families will be able to enjoy this time together for generations to come.”

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