On April 9, the House of Representatives passed the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act (H.R. 4389). This bill reauthorizes the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), a successful federal grants program funding migratory bird research and habitat restoration throughout the Western Hemisphere. Since 2002, grants from the NMBCA have supported a remarkable 717 projects in 43 countries, with 400 migratory bird species benefiting from the funding. 

The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act holds authorized funding at the current level of $6.5 million while lowering the match for grant seekers from 3:1 to 2:1. The decreased match will improve access to federal funds for organizations, encouraging new partnerships and supporting community-based collaboration. 

“Migratory birds support healthy ecosystems and drive economic activity. By funding habitat restoration and other projects across the Western Hemisphere, the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act ensures that species, like the Roseate Tern and Baltimore Oriole, make it to their U.S. breeding grounds year after year,” said Steve Holmer, Vice President of Policy at American Bird Conservancy (ABC). “ABC thanks Rep. Salazar, along with Reps. Larsen, Joyce, and Peltola for championing this bill. The lowered match requirement is a meaningful update that will help encourage new applicants to apply for funding."

One of the nation's most important bird laws, the NMBCA has helped catalyze bird conservation and encourage collaboration. Birds have seen staggering declines over the last five decades, with habitat loss the main driver. The direct funding from the NMBCA supports research and habitat restoration for vulnerable birds like the Cerulean Warbler and Piping Plover throughout the full annual cycle. 

Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Mary Peltola (D-AK) introduced the House-passed bill. A companion bill (S.4022) was introduced by Senators Ben Cardin and John Boozman and has been referred to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Let your Senators know you support the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act!

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American Bird Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on rapid advancements in science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation. Find us on abcbirds.org, Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter (@ABCbirds).

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