What I just told Congress

 

UPDATE: I was just on Capitol Hill testifying against the latest dangerous attack on the Endangered Species Act. The ESA is the cornerstone of wildlife protection in the United States and Representative Bruce Westerman’s (R-Ark.) bill will eviscerate the ESA and make it harder — maybe impossible — to address the alarming extinction trends among our nation’s wildlife. Our actions now will determine whether our planet will sustain our priceless natural legacy for generations to come. We must support and strengthen the existing legal and policy framework to better protect wildlife. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. We are losing species faster than ever before in human history. We must stop this latest assault on the ESA. Donate right now, and your gift will be matched 8X to fight back. Sincerely, Ellen Medlin Richmond Senior Attorney, Defenders of Wildlife The over 90 attacks on the Endangered Species Act, such as Rep. Lauren Boebert's badly mis-named “Trust the Science Act,” show the threat wildlife is facing in Congress. But those were just the beginning: Rep. Bruce Westerman is poised to introduce the ESA Amendments Act of 2024, a clear signal that imperiled animals face a direct assault on the law they depend on for their survival. JOIN THE EMERGENCY DEFENSE When our movement stops one wildlife-killing bill in its tracks, legislators are ready with another. This proposed bill, which has already received a House hearing, would narrow critical habitats, lengthen the time it takes to protect vulnerable animals, and allow far more killing and harassment of wildlife. Are lawmakers oblivious to the inhumane treatment of animals? Do they know about the Wyoming wolf that was tortured and paraded around a local bar? Have they seen the images of right whales that were struck and killed by vessels? Or worse: do they know and they don’t care? 84% of Americans support the Endangered Species Act. Since its passage, the ESA has held a near-perfect track record, with more than 95% of species listed still in existence. And yet, many in Congress seem hellbent on gutting it. These attacks have no scientific reasoning – pure politics is the only explanation. Defenders of Wildlife has stopped dozens of attacks on the ESA with the support of people like you. We need you now more than ever to stop this latest assault. Chip in today, and your gift will be matched 8X! >> Sincerely, Mike Senatore SVP, Conservation Programs Defenders of Wildlife Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street NW • Washington, DC 20036 defenders.org Photo Credit: Two Gray Wolves © LeFion/iStockphoto | Boebert & Westerman © house.gov