Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) today issued the following statement commending Senate Foreign Relations Committee approval of H.R. 2494:

“I’m glad my bipartisan bill to combat wildlife trafficking is one step closer to Senate passage.  Today, the world’s most majestic animals are being rampantly poached to make terror and criminal organizations richer.  Countering this illicit trade – worth an estimated $10 billion – is critical to our national security.

“While in Africa in January, I had an opportunity to hear firsthand from the law enforcement and park rangers on the front lines of the fight to save these animals.  They are outmanned and outmatched.  I want to thank Senator Flake and Senator Coons for their determined work on this important legislation, and urge the full Senate to take it up swiftly.”

###