Wittman Named to Migratory Bird Conservation Commission

WASHINGTON –Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy has appointed Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission for the 116th Congress.

"I am honored to have been chosen by the Leader to serve as one of two House members on this commission, which is so important to both waterfowl and outdoorsmen alike," said Wittman. "The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is critical to the economy of the First District and it provides vital habitats for waterfowl. Preserving habitats for waterfowl not only benefits bird species, but also contributes to improving water quality and restoring the health of the Bay."

The Commission was established on February 18, 1929, by the passage of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. It was created and authorized to consider and approve any areas of land and/or water recommended by the Secretary of the Interior for purchase or rental by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and to fix the price or prices at which such areas may be purchased or rented. In addition to approving purchase and rental prices, the Commission considers the establishment of new wildlife refuges.

Wittman joins the Secretaries of the Interior David Bernhardt and Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) at two meetings per year during the months of April and September, or as needed. Since the Commission's establishment, over 5.6 million acres have been acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by fee purchase, easement, or lease with monies from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. These funds are allocated at the Secretary's discretion and delegated to the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service.