WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today praised the approval of three key pieces of legislation by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The bills, which Wicker introduced or cosponsored, would create a nationwide electronic duck stamp, provide assistance to rural communities for safe drinking water, and authorize a land transfer in Iuka, Miss.

“These bills incorporate practical measures to save taxpayer dollars and reduce burdensome government regulations,” Wicker said. “They address issues that many Mississippians face and use proven actions to improve government services.”

The “Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013,” H.R. 1026, would expand a successful pilot program to all 50 states. Allowing hunters to obtain a Federal Duck Stamp electronically at no additional cost to the government helps simplify and expedite the process. The House version of Wicker’s “Duck Stamp Act” passed by a vote of 401-0.

“The ‘Duck Stamp Act’ takes legislation that is already working in eight states and allows all Americans to obtain duck stamps efficiently,” Wicker said. “This bill reduces red tape for hunters and promotes conservation of our wetlands.”

Wicker’s “Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act,” S. 864, supports the efforts of small communities to comply with federal environmental policies and directs new funding to where it is needed the most. This type of legislation has already helped the city of Port Gibson, Miss., save $550,000. Senator Thad Cochran, R-Miss., is a cosponsor of this bill.

“Rural communities face special challenges in complying with federal safe drinking water regulations,” Wicker said. “This bill recognizes those challenges and gives communities the backing they need to fulfill these requirements in a cost-effective manner.”

The final bill, S. 212, introduced by Senator Cochran, approves the transfer of 172 acres in Iuka from the Tennessee Valley Authority to the state of Mississippi for expanded economic development. Wicker is a cosponsor of this legislation.

These proposals now await consideration before the full Senate.