Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026
The House considered H.R. 3276, the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act, which would write the Fish and Wildlife Service’s existing Urban Bird Treaty Program into law, with grants to communities for conserving birds in urban areas and funding authorized through fiscal year 2033. Members speaking in support, including Republicans Bruce Westerman and Debbie Dingell and Democrat Sarah Elfreth, said bird populations have declined sharply in recent decades and that the bill would give local groups continued funding to protect urban bird habitats. Westerman also urged Senate action on the Fix Our Forests Act, a separate bill. No opposition statements appear in the sampled debate.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
“I want the House to pass this bill to protect birds in cities and towns.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3276) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Urban Bird Treaty Program, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3276) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Urban Bird Treaty Program, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
“I support this bill. Birds help our environment and our economy, but they face many dangers in cities. This bill makes an existing program part of federal law so communities can keep getting grants to protect urban bird habitats with better government oversight. I also urge the Senate to pass the Fix Our Forests Act.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3276, the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025. Birds are an important part of our Nation’s natural heritage and play an important role in healthy and resilient ecosystems. Millions of Americans also enjoy bird-watching each year, supporting local economies and businesses across the country. Unfortunately, birds face several challenges in urban areas, including habitat loss and hazards such as building collisions and light pollution. H.R. 3276 addresses these challenges by codifying the Urban Bird Treaty Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently provides grants and technical assistance to communities and other eligible partners to conserve, restore, and enhance urban bird habitat, reduce hazards to birds, and engage the public in monitoring and conservation efforts. This legislation will enable this important work to continue with greater congressional oversight and accountability. Mr. Speaker, I just recently had the opportunity to visit Audubon, Arkansas, and see the great work that they are doing with bird habitat and also to discuss again how healthy forests not only provide us with clean air and clean water, but they also provide excellent bird habitat. It is another reason the Senate should pass the Fix Our Forests Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3276, the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025. Birds are an important part of our Nation’s natural heritage and play an important role in healthy and resilient ecosystems. Millions of Americans also enjoy bird-watching each year, supporting local economies and businesses across the country. Unfortunately, birds face several challenges in urban areas, including habitat loss and hazards such as building collisions and light pollution. H.R. 3276 addresses these challenges by codifying the Urban Bird Treaty Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently provides grants and technical assistance to communities and other eligible partners to conserve, restore, and enhance urban bird habitat, reduce hazards to birds, and engage the public in monitoring and conservation efforts. This legislation will enable this important work to continue with greater congressional oversight and accountability. Mr. Speaker, I just recently had the opportunity to visit Audubon, Arkansas, and see the great work that they are doing with bird habitat and also to discuss again how healthy forests not only provide us with clean air and clean water, but they also provide excellent bird habitat. It is another reason the Senate should pass the Fix Our Forests Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
