PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 111-357.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jan 4, 2011
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 13, 2010. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY2011-FY2014 to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out certain activities and services related to fish and wildlife, including for expenses related to gift acceptance, volunteer services, community partnership projects and programs, and refuge education programs.
Amends the National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary, through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to carry out a National Volunteer Coordination Program within the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Requires the Director to: (1) publish a national strategy for the coordination and utilization of volunteers within the System; and (2) provide at least one regional volunteer coordinator for each Service region to implement such strategy. Makes such coordinators responsible for assisting partner organizations in implementing volunteer projects and activities under cooperative agreements the Secretary may enter into pursuant to the Act.
Authorizes appropriations to carry out the National Volunteer Coordination Program through FY2014.
Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress that: (1) evaluates the accomplishments of the volunteer program, the community partnerships program, and the refuge education programs authorized under the Act, and of the National Volunteer Coordination Program and the national strategy; and (2) makes recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such programs.
People & committees
Rep. Kratovil, Frank, Jr. [D-MD-1] · D–MD
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 111-357.
Became Public Law No: 111-357.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Cleared for White House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10444)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S10444)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 693.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer without amendment. With written report No. 111-366.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer without amendment. With written report No. 111-366.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5515-5516)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5515-5516)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4973.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5515-5516)
Ms. Bordallo moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 304.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 111-531.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 111-531.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Discharged.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4973 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.4973 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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