September 19, 2000
Senate Majority Ready To Pass CARA Leadership
"Responsible For Action"
Mark Van Putten tells the Sept. 19 press
conference in the U.S. Capitol, "Now is the time for the
leadership to lead on CARA." (From left) Sen. Ron Wyden
(D-OR), Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Sen. Lincoln Chafee
(R-RI).
Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Mike DeWine
(R-OH) initiated the letter to the leadership urging CARA's
passage.
Jane Danowitz, Americans for our Heritage and
Recreation, speaks at the press conference announcing 63
Senators have signed a letter urging CARA's enactment to
Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) and Minority Leader Tom
Daschle (D-SD). From left: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Sen. Ron
Wyden (D-OR), Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Sen. Lincoln Chafee
(R-RI), Mark Van Putten, Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH).
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) at
the press conference.
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Bipartisan Senate majority support for the Conservation
and Reinvestment Act (CARA) was conclusively demonstrated in
Washington D.C. today with the release of a letter
signed by 63 Senators urging enactment of the legislation.
"The Senate leadership in both parties now has it squarely on
their shoulders to assure CARA becomes law before Congress
adjourns," said Mark Van Putten, President of the National Wildlife
Federation, said during a press conference in the Capitol to
announce release of the letter.
Sens. Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) initiated the
letter which is addressed to Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) and
Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD). It states, in part, "We
appreciate your support of CARA and look forward to working with you
to enact this historic legislation before the adjournment of the
106th Congress."
Sens. Lott and Daschle have each expressed their personal support
for the legislation, and as leaders of their parties in the Senate
have each said passage of conservation funding is a priority before
adjournment. "The leaders can either bring CARA to a floor vote, or
work with the White House to ensure it is enacted before Congress
adjourns," Van Putten said. "Either way, with a decisive majority
supporting the bill, the Senate leaders are responsible for action
on CARA this year."
CARA is the most significant conservation funding legislation
ever considered by any Congress. It would provide nearly $3 billion
each year for the next 15 years – most of it directly to the states
and local communities – for wildlife conservation, outdoor
recreation, coastal restoration, urban parks and historic
preservation. CARA passed the House by a resounding 315-to-102
majority in May. Last week, the White House said CARA is one of its
top budget priorities.
See a video clip of the press conference!
