Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA) addresses the audience at the Ducks Unlimited Capitol Hill Dinner Sen. Chris Coons (DE) leads the invocation at the Ducks Unlimited Capitol Hill Dinner

Speaker Mike Johnson headlines bipartisan event in nation’s capital

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ducks Unlimited (DU) hosted the annual Capitol Hill Dinner and Auction in Washington, D.C. With more than 720 total guests in attendance, including Biden Administration officials, congressional staff, DU leadership and more than 58 bipartisan Members of Congress, wetlands conservation was once again the focus of government leaders from across the United States.

The dinner was opened by Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (LA). The invocation was delivered by Sen. Chris Coons (DE) and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rep. Trent Kelly (MS). (Photos)

"At Ducks Unlimited, we pride ourselves on the broad bipartisan support for our conservation mission in Congress," said DU CEO Adam Putnam. "Our work resonates with both sides of the aisle, and we owe that reputation to the tireless efforts of our volunteers across the country. Federal programs like NAWCA help preserve our cherished outdoor traditions for the next generation and insulate communities nationwide, and we’re grateful for the support of our friends in Congress and the Administration."

Since its enactment in 1989, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) has conserved more than 32 million acres and has helped fund more than 3,300 projects in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,800 partners, including private landowners, industry and state governments have worked together to conserve wildlife habitat through NAWCA grants. Since 1991, NAWCA grants totaling more than $2 billion have leveraged almost $5.6 billion in contributions from partners. Support for NAWCA in Congress remains high, with more than 200 Representatives and Senators expressing their support for funding the program to their respective Appropriations committees so far in 2024.

In addition to providing habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, the wetlands conserved and restored through NAWCA also support communities by filtering water, replenishing groundwater, reducing coastal erosion, capturing and storing carbon and providing recreational opportunities.

DU hosts the annual Capitol Hill Dinner and Auction every spring in our nation’s capital, welcoming Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and leaders of the current presidential administration, including from the White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of the Interior.

For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to Follow DU’s Twitter feeds – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 18 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

Media Contact:
Parker Williams
(202) 621-1646
pwilliams@ducks.org