Senator Cramer Calls for a Renewed Emphasis on Cooperative Federalism and Congressional Responsibility
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) highlighted the need to reform the Endangered Species Act (ESA) during a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) hearing today. Senator Cramer has jurisdiction over the ESA as Chairman of EPW’s Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife.
“How is it possible there are 1,600 plants and species listed on the ESA with only 1 percent ever being delisted? That is not a success story to me. That is a failure,” said Senator Cramer.
Senator Cramer called for a different approach to protecting endangered species, with an emphasis on cooperative federalism and a focus on Congress taking responsibility rather than leaving it up to the bureaucracy or the judiciary.
“Too often we look back and realize there was some lazy legislating that turned too much power over to the bureaucracy and the judiciary, which are unable to properly reflect the will of the people who elected the Congress of the United States,” said Senator Cramer.