WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) applauded the passage of his legislation, the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act, through the Natural Resources Committee. This bipartisan legislation, introduced with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), will reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System volunteer, community partnership, and education programs to ensure public access to public land for exploring, hunting, fishing and studying wildlife.
“The incredible impact of National Wildlife Refuges each year would not be possible without the valuable contribution of volunteers and community groups,” said Rep. Wittman. “The reauthorization of these programs is necessary to ensure that our nation’s refuges will continue to be enjoyed by tourists, sportsmen and women, and conservationists for years to come. As an avid outdoorsman and life-long conservationist, I am proud of the work done so far to progress the Keep America’s Refuges Operation Act through Committee, and I look forward to advocating for this vital piece of legislation to become law.”
“We must remain vigilant in protecting the breathtaking wildlife and beautiful environment God has given America. The Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act is a commonsense measure that represents a strong step in that direction. Each year, 60 million Americans visit wildlife refuges, generating more than $3 billion in local economic activity,” said Rep. Jeffries. “This bill will keep our refuges operational by supporting the volunteers that dedicate thousands of hours to ensure we can all experience the vast natural beauty our great nation has to offer. I thank my colleagues on the Natural Resource Committee for working with Rep. Wittman and myself to send this important bill to the floor.”
In 2018, Representatives Wittman and Jeffries successfully helped pass legislation to reauthorize the program through 2022.
