The publication is reproduced in full below:
ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS-CENTERED INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION ACT OF 2022
______
speech of
HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 18, 2022
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7025, the ``Advancing Human Rights-Centered International Conservation Act of 2022.''
H.R. 7025 is a bipartisan effort instructing the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service from funding entities that commit, fund, or support gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and for other purposes.
This legislation provides procedures on how to identify human rights violators including:
A concrete framework of requirements for an international entity to apply for and receive a conservation grant.
Creating a Social Safeguards Plan that will implement appropriate human rights standards and prevent gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in connections with activities funded under the award.
Reporting requirement for grant recipients who stand accused of violating international human rights.
Generating a formal review process that would include an investigation and may require the grant recipient to address the alleged violation.
I applaud the efforts of my colleague, Congressman Grijalva and his office for uplifting this issue.
Through this effort, we are reminding the American people that the fight against environmental degradation must go hand in hand with Congress' commitment to uphold human rights across the globe.
I know firsthand the importance of environmental conservation efforts both at home and abroad.
In my home state of Texas, about 1,300 species of plants and animals are currently on the endangered list, diminishing our biodiversity.
Several economic sectors including agriculture depend on natural resources so we need to make sure that we are facing the effects of the climate crisis head-on.
These grants from the Fish and Wildlife Service will equip us with the tools to ensure clean air, land and water will be accessible to our children.
When enacted, H.R. 7025 will lay out a formal procedure to curtail those seeking financial assistance from the U.S. but clearly do not have a respect for human rights.
This legislation sends a clear message that recipients of conservation grants funded by the American taypayer must respect American values.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 7025 to confront those who continue to violate human rights around the world and uplift the democratic values we work to protect.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 122(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 122(2)
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