Senate passes increase in duck stamp price

The Senate passed two bills dealing with conservation efforts on Tuesday.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) got unanimous consent to pass H.R. 5069, the Federal Duck Stamp Act, and S. 1000, the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act, in the Senate.

{mosads}Last month, the House passed H.R. 5069, which increases the price of duck stamps from $15 to $25.

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) said the bill was needed for conservation efforts since the price of duck stamps hadn’t been increased since 1991. Part of the price of duck stamps goes to conservation of public lands used for hunting.

“This is huge news for conservation and duck hunters,” Vitter said. “This legislation boosts conservation efforts, which in turn directly impacts the success of duck hunters in near and future hunting seasons.”

The duck stamp bill now heads to President Obama’s desk for his signature before becoming law.

Warner said his Chesapeake Bay bill would solidify federal commitments to restoring the body of water and ensure accountability for every dollar spent in the effort.

“Restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay must be a national priority,” Warner said on the Senate floor Tuesday.

Warner’s bill heads to the House for further action.