That is billion, with a B.

If someone asked me to describe this new law I am proposing, you could reasonably answer: this one is absolutely for the birds.

It is called The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act. Here is how it works, why it matters, and why it has received bipartisan support out of committee on its way to the House floor.

There are nearly three billion fewer birds than there were two generations ago. That is billion, with a B.

Three billion anything is an astounding amount. So to say that we have lost that many birds over the last 50 years is worth stopping, taking a moment to think, and then asking: what can we do right now to help.

The answer is this law.

Across the United States, crisscrossing thousands of miles, migratory birds journey between part-time homes. Along the way are crucial stretches of land, habitats for these birds, in urgent need of rehabilitation.

This bipartisan act would set aside lifeline funding for what is called the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act program, and would further take down bureaucratic barriers for partner groups to rehabilitate habitats used by bird populations as they make their long journeys across America.

While I know a lot of people can rightly question whether a divided Congress, often fighting over extreme ideas, can focus on issues like these: ones that are important, but do not get talked about.

In this case, I think this is resounding proof that, sometimes, we absolutely can.

Rick