Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to M. E., July 16, 1996

1 ■‘sSS^sar BKou'ras (Congress of tfje Hmteb States Spouse of fcepresentattoefi ©aasfimgton, DC 20515-2002 July 16, 1996 Dear Thank you for contacting my office to express your opinion regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) project at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge near Cape Cod, Massachusetts and its impact on the budget. Your views on this controversial issue are important to me. After a recent survey of the birds at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, USFWS biologists identified overpopulation and domination among the herring and great black backed gulls. These birds constitute a serious threat not only to the community, but to the Roseate terns and piping plovers--two birds protected under the Endangered Species Act. During mid-May the USFWS started a four year habitat restoration program to revive Roseate terns and Piping plovers. The USFWS approved the initial distribution of toxicant to 2,832 nests of herring and great black- backed gulls. Early reports by the USFWS show a significant reduction in the gull population at the wildlife refuge. The total cost of the four year program is estimated to be between $30,000 and $120,000. The ultimate cost is dependent on the return of gulls and herrings to the area. I agree with your general comments about the need to sanity to the budgetary process and put an end to the irresponsible, free-spending ways of the past. As Republicans attempt to balance the budget, it has become necessary to re-evaluate the effectiveness of virtually every program, expenditure, and funding provision. Even worthwhile programs must endure public scrutiny and debate. This will be a difficult task, but we must face this challenge honestly if we are to provide our children and grandchildren with the same opportunities and prosperity past generations have enjoyed. While our progress has been slowed by those who prioritize politics over policy, we have made significant gains. Since the Republican takeover of Congress, we have saved the taxpayers $43 billion. This is the largest downturn in federal spending in history. Again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any further questions or concerns about our budget proposal or any other issue. Very truly yours, Member of Congress