On September 22, the House advanced two important ocean-related conservation measures, introduced by Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU), Chairwoman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
The Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009 (H.R. 860), would bolster America's coral reef conservation efforts by promoting international cooperation to protect coral reefs and codifying the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. "Coral reefs are truly the 'rainforests of the sea.' The House of Representatives' proactive action on the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009, we are taking important steps today to protect these unique and valuable ecosystems for the future," Bordallo said. H.R. 860 has received the support of a bipartisan group of 19 Members of Congress, and has also been endorsed by the Administration; the Governors of Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and marine conservation interests.
To read the bills: http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.860