PASSENGER PIGEON RESOLUTION PASSES SENATE

Just before wrapping up business last month on 16 December, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution by unanimous consent, calling attention to the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the last known Passenger Pigeon. The resolution was pioneered by Ohio’s two Senators, Sherrod Brown (D) and Rob Portman (R). Ohio, not coincidentally was where the last known Passenger Pigeon, “Martha,” died – at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.

“The extinction of plants and animals from our planet should serve as a wakeup call,” Senator Brown said.

Senator Portman added, “The loss of this species is one of the greatest examples of what can happen if we are not committed to conserving our wildlife. We must learn from their example, and I am proud that this Resolution brings light to this important issue.”

The reasoning for the resolution and its exact wording can be found on this original release:

http://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-portman-introduce-senate-resolution-on-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-extinction-of-the-passenger-pigeon