Salazar, Bera, Gimenez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Tropical Forests and Coral Reefs

Image November 6, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), and Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28) introduced the bipartisan Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (H.R. 10505), legislation to continue a longstanding U.S. conservation program that helps protect tropical forests and coral reef ecosystems around the world.  U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Curtis (R-UT), introduced companion legislation in the Senate.   The legislation would reauthorize the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act of 1998, which allows eligible developing countries to restructure certain debt owed to the United States while directing funds toward the protection and restoration of tropical forests and coral reefs. Current law authorizes $20 million annually for the program through Fiscal Year 2027. H.R. 10505 would extend that authorization at $20 million per year from Fiscal Year 2028 through Fiscal Year 2032. "In South Florida and across the globe, ecosystem protection and restoration are central not only to the well-being of wildlife but also play a critical role in boosting local economies," said Rep. Salazar. "By reauthorizing this proven program, we will continue to preserve native wildlife and ecosystems, help grow economies, and strengthen our alliances. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort and reinforce America’s leadership in conservation around the world.” “Protecting tropical forests and coral reefs is essential to preserving biodiversity and protecting our environment for future generations,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. “Reauthorizing this funding will ensure we continue to protect and restore critical tropical forest and coral reef ecosystems whose health has far-reaching consequences for communities and economies around the world. I’m proud to join Representative Salazar in supporting this bipartisan effort to continue this vital conservation work.” "Over the years the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act has helped conserve areas rich with biodiversity," said Catherine Barrett, Legislative Director for The Nature Conservancy . "The law additionally paved the way for innovative conservation funding, leveraging public funding with private and philanthropic investments to benefit nature and people. The Nature Conservancy is grateful to Congresswoman Salazar and Congressman Bera for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important reauthorization effort." "Congresswoman Salazar and Congressman Bera are applauded for their leadership in introducing legislation in the House of Representatives to renew the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act," said Kelly Keenan Aylward, Executive Director of Federal Affairs & Policy for the Wildlife Conservation Society. "This innovative policy converts eligible debt into long-term financing for on-the-ground conservation of intact forest, coral reefs, and wildlife while strengthening governance in the natural resource sector." "The introduction of legislation in the U.S. House to reauthorize the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act is an important step toward unlocking innovative financing for the world’s most vulnerable tropical forests and coral reef ecosystems,” said Kerry Cesareo, senior vice president for forests and freshwater at World Wildlife Fund . “By strengthening this proven approach, we can help nations reduce debt burdens while investing in the natural systems that protect communities, support biodiversity and promote our prosperity. We welcome this bipartisan commitment to solutions that deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits.” “Thanks to the leadership of then-Representative Rob Portman, and to the support of the International Conservation Caucus Co-Chairs in the Senate & House for the past 20 years, the Tropical Forest Conservation Act (now the Tropical Forest & Coral Conservation Act) is responsible for conserving 126,000,000 acres globally,” said David Barron, ICCF Group Chairman. “Debt-for-nature swaps are the best investment America could make in setting aside land for local people and their economies.” The bill builds on Rep. Salazar’s record of advancing conservation and resilience efforts important to South Florida. Her bipartisan conservation work includes the REEF Act , which encourages retired Navy ships to be repurposed as artificial reefs, and the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act , both signed into law. Rep. Salazar has also secured federal investments for coral reef restoration, water quality, flood mitigation, and coastal resilience projects across Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Read the full bill text here .