Sep 29, 2023

Vote to override Biden's veto of lesser prairie chicken protections fails

Posted Sep 29, 2023 8:00 AM
 Photo by CRISTINA JANNEY/Hays Post
 Photo by CRISTINA JANNEY/Hays Post

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Thursday voted to override President Biden’s veto which dismissed the bipartisan Senate Resolution of Disapproval to overturn the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken as part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA):

“Kansas farmers, ranchers and landowners are exceptional stewards of their land because they understand that healthy land is the lifeblood of their communities," Moran wrote in a statement following the vote.

"For years, landowners in Kansas have and continue to work with partners at every level of government to improve wildlife habitat throughout the Plains."

"With the stroke of his pen, President Biden sided against the will of Congress and the interest of Kansans who understand and work their lands. The continued listing of the lesser prairie-chicken will not benefit the species and is counterproductive to conservation efforts throughout the bird’s range.”

After the Biden administration announced its decision to list the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, Sen. Moran joined Senator Marshall to introduce a Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act.

This resolution passed Congress in May 2023. This week the President vetoed it. The vote to override a presidential veto requires a two-thirds majority vote, and the vote did not reach the necessary threshold to overturn the veto.