Purpose: This bill would modify the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to exempt non-native bird species from its protections. The bill is a reaction to unsubstantiated claims of environmental damage allegedly caused by mute swans, for which no scientific evidence has been put forward.
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Status: Referred to the House Committee on Resources. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 299, 06/03/04.
Action: OPPOSE. This bill is contrary to the international treaties the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is required to implement. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (existing law) was intended to provide a comprehensive, uniform system for the protection of game birds as well as other bird species from all forms of unauthorized destruction. The Act is the legislation that was implemented by the U.S. in order for our country to be consistent with both the letter and spirit of these treaties with other nations. As a result, this “Reform” legislation — if passed — would violate the letter and spirit of these treaties.