# Plain Language Summary: Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023

This bill makes changes to an existing law that protects migratory birds that travel between North and South America. The main goal is to increase funding and support for conservation projects that help these birds survive and thrive across the Americas. The bill specifically updates how much money the federal government will contribute to these conservation efforts and increases the total budget available for the program.

The bill increases the federal government's financial share in conservation projects from 25 percent to about 33 percent. This means when organizations work on projects to protect bird habitats or migration routes, the federal government will now pay a larger portion of the costs, making it easier for states, nonprofits, and other groups to participate without bearing as much of the financial burden themselves. Additionally, the bill raises the amount of money that can be used for administrative costs—the day-to-day expenses of running the program—from 3 percent (capped at $100,000) to 4 percent (capped at $200,000).

The bill also significantly increases the overall funding available for the program over the next five years, starting at $6.5 million in 2024 and growing to $10 million by 2028. This additional money will support more conservation projects across the Americas. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress within six months explaining how the program is being implemented and who is involved in making decisions about where the money goes. For everyday people, this means more resources dedicated to protecting bird populations that many Americans enjoy watching and that play important roles in ecosystems across the continent.

Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023

Salazar, Maria Elvira

Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and revises the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, which provides financial assistance for projects to promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds.