[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 131 (Tuesday, September 23, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H8410-H8412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING IMPORTANCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF SPORTSMEN TO AMERICAN
SOCIETY
Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 362) recognizing the importance and contributions
of sportsmen to American society, supporting the traditions and values
of sportsmen, and recognizing the many economic benefits associated
with outdoor sporting activities.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 362
Whereas there are more than 38 million sportsmen in the
United States;
Whereas these sportsmen, who come from all walks of life,
engage in a sport they love, while helping to stimulate the
economy, especially in small, rural communities, and
contributing to conservation efforts;
Whereas sportsmen demonstrate values of conservation,
appreciation of the outdoors, and love of the natural beauty
of the United States;
Whereas sporting activities have both physical and mental
health benefits that allow Americans to escape from the fast
pace of their lives and to spend time with their families and
friends;
Whereas sportsmen pass down their love of the outdoors from
generation to generation;
Whereas many sportsmen consider hunting, trapping, and
fishing of tremendous importance to the American way of life;
Whereas sportsmen have a passion for learning about nature
and have a tremendous respect for the game pursued, other
sportsmen, the non-hunting populace, and the natural
resources upon which they depend;
Whereas the total economic contribution of sportsmen
amounts to $70 billion annually, with a ripple effect
amounting to $179 billion;
Whereas sportsmen contribute $1.7 billion every year for
conservation programs, and these funds constitute a
significant portion of on-the-ground wildlife conservation
funding;
Whereas anglers support one million jobs and small
businesses in communities in every part of the United States,
and they purchase $3.2 billion in basic fishing equipment
every year;
Whereas tens of millions of Americans hunt and are a
substantial economic force, spending $21 billion every year;
Whereas a sportsman President, Theodore Roosevelt,
established America's first National Wildlife Refuge 100
years ago, and with the committed support of sportsmen over
the last century, this system includes more than 540 refuges
spanning 95 million acres throughout all 50 States;
Whereas the funds raised from sportsmen through their
purchase of Federal migratory bird hunting and conservation
stamps under the Act of March 16, 1934, (commonly known as
the Duck Stamp Act, 16 U.S.C. 718a et seq.), are used to
purchase and restore vital wetlands in the refuge system;
Whereas the sale of such stamps has raised more than 500
million dollars which has been used to acquire approximately
5 million acres of refuge lands so far;
Whereas, in 1937, Congress passed the Pittman-Robertson
Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.), whereby
sportsmen and the firearms and ammunition industries agreed
to a self-imposed 10 percent excise tax on ammunition and
firearms, the proceeds of which are distributed to the States
for wildlife restoration;
Whereas the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act has
created a source of permanent funding for State wildlife
agencies that has been used to rebuild and expand the ranges
of numerous species, including wild turkey, white-tailed
deer, pronghorn antelope, wood duck, beaver, black bear,
American elk, bison, desert bighorn sheep, bobcat, and
mountain lion, and several non-game species, including bald
eagles, sea otters, and numerous song birds;
Whereas, in 1950, Congress passed the Dingell-Johnson Sport
Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq.) whereby
recreational anglers and the fishing and tackle manufacturing
industries agreed to a self-imposed 10 percent excise tax on
sport fishing equipment (including fishing rods, reels,
lines, and hooks, artificial lures, baits and flies, and
other fishing supplies and accessories), the proceeds of
which are used for the purposes of constructing fish
hatcheries, building boat access facilities, promoting
fishing, and educating children about aquatic resources and
fishing; and
Whereas the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act was
amended in 1984 to extend the excise tax to previously
untaxed items of sport fishing equipment and to dedicate a
portion of the existing Federal tax on motorboat fuels to
such purposes, such that now approximately one-third of all
the funds expended by State fish and wildlife agencies for
maintenance and development of sports fisheries are collected
through the use of this excise tax: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the importance and contributions of
sportsmen to American society;
(2) supports the traditions and values of sportsmen;
(3) supports the many conservation programs implemented by
sportsmen;
(4) recognizes the many economic benefits associated with
outdoor sporting activities; and
(5) recognizes the importance of encouraging the
recruitment of, and teaching the traditions of hunting,
trapping, and fishing to, future sportsmen.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Mexico (Mr. Pearce) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs.
Christensen) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce).
Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present this bipartisan resolution to
recognize the valuable contributions of the 38 million sportsmen in the
United States. Hunting, fishing and trapping is woven into the fabric
of our cultural heritage. There have been many notable hunters and
fishermen throughout our history, including the father of the National
Wildlife System, President Theodore Roosevelt; the founder of the
Audubon Society, John James Audubon; and the great literary writer,
Ernest Hemingway.
Today's sportsmen contribute more than $70 billion annually to our
economy with a positive ripple effect amounting to $179 billion. Both
hunters and fishermen voluntarily pay Federal excise taxes on guns,
rods, reels, ammunition and outdoor equipment. In fact, since 1937,
sportsmen have contributed billions of dollars through the Pittman-
Robertson Act and the Dingell-Johnson Act for the benefit of all fish
and wildlife species.
Mr. Speaker, autumn is rapidly approaching, and soon 28 million
Americans will take to the woods and streams to enjoy nature, relax and
reaffirm their connection to the land. These sportsmen are the true
environmentalists who have sacrificed time, money, and labor to improve
habitat throughout the Nation. Let there be no mistake, without
fishermen and hunters, there would be no Canadian geese, ducks, striped
bass, rainbow trout or wild turkeys because there would be no money to
maintain the habitat which is essential to the survival of these
species.
{time} 1415
All of us have fishermen and hunters in our districts. This
resolution is important for them and for the millions who enjoy hiking,
bird watching, and wildlife photography. Without the dollars and
leadership provided by sportsmen, there would be no fish or wildlife to
enjoy.
I want to compliment the sponsors of this resolution, including the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), the gentleman from North Carolina
(Mr. Hayes), the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson), the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the gentleman from West Virginia
(Mr. Rahall), the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), and the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite) for their leadership
on behalf of sportsmen in this country. This resolution, which has been
endorsed by 44 hunting and conservation groups, will recognize the
importance of sportsmen, conservation programs, outdoor sporting
activities, and the importance of teaching the traditions of hunting
and fishing.
I urge an ``aye'' vote on House Resolution 362.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend
her remarks.)
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, as stated by my colleague, the
previous speaker, this noncontroversial resolution would recognize the
importance
[[Page H8411]]
and contribution of sportsmen to the American economy and our
traditional values.
Mr. Speaker, there is little doubt that hunting and fishing remain
popular recreational pastimes for millions of Americans. These
activities remain as much a fabric of American culture as the village
green in New England or the county fair in Nebraska.
According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-
Associated Recreation, expenditures by sportsmen in 2001 totaled $70
billion. By any measure, this is a significant figure. It demonstrates
the substantial economic importance of these traditional forms of
outdoor recreation to our national economy, but most especially to our
rural economy.
I support this resolution and urge other Members to do likewise.
However, I also consider it important to note that other types of
nonconsumptive wildlife-based recreation, activities such as bird
watching and wildlife photography, also provide significant economic
benefits that we would be remiss to overlook.
According to National Survey data, these activities contributed an
additional $38.4 billion to the economy in the same year. In fact, over
66 million people enjoyed these activities, almost double the number of
sportsmen who only hunt or fish.
In passing this resolution, I hope that the economic and social
contributions of these other people who enjoy our Nation's abundant
wildlife diversity will also not be forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Walsh).
Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from New
Mexico for the leadership that he has provided on this important
committee and on this resolution.
I rise today in support of House Resolution 362, a bill that I
sponsored with many, many of my colleagues. There is tremendous
interest in the Congress in sporting issues; and we have a broad caucus
of Members, I believe, from every State and territory. This resolution
expresses this body's support for millions of Americans who partake in
sportsman activities.
With fall in the air, some of the best hunting and fishing days of
the year are just around the corner. As this Saturday, September 27, is
recognized as National Hunting and Fishing Day, there is no better time
to honor the American sportsman and -woman.
Sporting activities provide families with an escape from the fast-
paced life of modern society. Through outdoor activities, parents and
children are able to spend quality time together, and time-honored
traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Some of my
fondest memories were spent growing up with my family hunting and
fishing in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I still am involved in
both of those but have added birding and hiking to those outdoor
activities, also. It is a wonderful way to spend time to learn about
the environment, to gain an appreciation for nature and its wonder.
In addition to sporting's positive impact upon the American family,
most anglers and hunters alike are ardent environmentalists. They are
respectful and appreciative of our Nation's natural resources and
beauty and often pass that same level of appreciation and respect and
understanding on to their children when participating in outdoor
activities. My own commitment to environmental preservation and
protection of our water resources stems from lessons learned and
experiences undertaken as a youngster in the woods and on the lake.
Through licensing fees and associated charges, American sportsmen and
-women contribute millions of dollars annually to the protection of
wetlands critical to habitat, forests and unique environmental sites
and the propagation of various species. American sporting activities
also have a significant impact on our Nation's economy. This $70
billion industry benefits the economy everywhere from the big city to
the small town. Anglers alone support 1 million jobs nationwide and buy
$3.2 billion in fishing equipment every year.
It was a fellow New Yorker, President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid
outdoorsman and environmentalist, who established America's first
wildlife refuge and laid the foundation for our current national park
system. It was this sportsman President's leadership that led to our
Nation's tradition of strong environmental stewardship today.
Mr. Speaker, if it had not been for the resolution and the work of
this body today, I would have been on the Salmon River just north of my
district in the district of the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh)
because there is a tremendous salmon run on today because of the
rainstorm that we received last night. It is breathtaking in its beauty
to plumb those waters and breathe the crisp fall air that is inhabiting
that area right now.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, this resolution provides the U.S. House
of Representatives with a perfect opportunity to recognize the
importance and impact American sportsmen have in our country today. As
a member of the bipartisan Sportsmen's Caucus, I encourage my
colleagues to support this deserved resolution.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Boehlert).
(Mr. BOEHLERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BOEHLERT. I thank my colleague for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 362, a resolution
that honors our Nation's sportsmen for their importance and
contributions to American society and recognizes the many benefits
associated with outdoor sporting activities on our Nation's economy.
My good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), and I,
working with our partners at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation,
drafted this resolution in honor of the 32nd observance of National
Hunting and Fishing Day on September 27, 2003. This resolution is
strongly supported by the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, the
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and over 40 sportsmen and
conservation groups, including Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle
Association.
The thousands of sportsmen in my district have much to be grateful
for in upstate New York. From the Adirondacks to the Catskills to the
Finger Lakes and the wonderful waterways throughout my district, I am
privileged to represent such a pristine place. My district is home to
some of the Nation's most captivating trout fishing rivers and rich
hunting land, and I will continue to lead the charge in Congress to
promote conservation efforts to keep the air we breathe and the water
we drink clean and safe for future generations. My experience has
proved to me that our Nation's sportsmen are among the most responsible
stewards of our precious environment. I am their partner.
In addition to their important role as conservationists in the field,
sportsmen are an integral component of economic success in New York and
across the Nation. In 2001 alone, the over-38 million sportsmen
nationwide directly injected $70 billion into our Nation's economy. New
York State's 714,000 bow and gun hunters and 1.5 million anglers had a
$56.2 million impact on the Empire State. Hunters, anglers, and
trappers also contributed to over 29,000 jobs in New York State. Mr.
Speaker, jobs is my favorite four-letter word.
Following in the steps of Theodore Roosevelt, one of our Nation's
truly great conservationists, really the first truly great
conservationist, we must work together to ensure that our open spaces
enjoyed by sportsmen are protected for use for years to come. Clean
water and clean air are essential to enjoying activities like hunting,
fishing, and trapping. They are recreational, they are good for the
mind, and they are good for the spirit.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that we include the following letter of support
for H. Res. 362 from over 40 sportsmen and conservation organizations
in the appropriate place in the Record. I urge my colleagues to join me
in honoring our Nation's sportsmen and vote in favor of H. Res. 362.
[[Page H8412]]
September 10, 2003.
Hon. Richard Pombo, MC,
Chairman, House Committee on Resources, Longworth HOB,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Nick J. Rahall, MC,
Ranking Member, House Committee on Resources, Longworth HOB,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Pombo and Congressman Rahall: The listed
sportsmen conservationist organizations, representing
millions of sportsmen and women across America, are writing
in support of H. Res. 362, a resolution recognizing the
importance and contribution of sports men and women to
American society and our nation's economy.
With the coming of fall, a time-honored tradition for
America's 38 million-plus sportsmen begins anew. Fall marks
the beginning of the hunting season and often offers some of
the best fishing. It is a time for families and friends to
spend quality time in America's great outdoors, to escape the
fast-paced life of suburbia, and to appreciate the beauty and
bounty of nature. It provides an opportunity to pass down
skills and traditions that reach back for generations, and to
foster an understanding and appreciation of nature and the
role of conservation and wildlife management.
For sportsmen there is also a responsibility for good
stewardship for America's wildlife and natural resources.
Through excise taxes on sporting equipment, license fees and
conservation stamps such as the federal duck stamp, sportsmen
directly contribute $1.7 billion every year for conservation
programs. The total economic contribution of sportsmen
amounts to $70 billion annually, with a ripple effect
amounting to $179 billion per year. To put this in context,
if sportsmen were a corporation, they would rank #11 on the
Fortune 500 list.
September 27th marks National Hunting and Fishing Day, so
we are asking that you and your colleagues expeditiously move
this resolution so that the House of Representatives can
approve it and reaffirm the appreciation for America's
sportsmen on Capitol Hill.
Sincerely,
American Sportfishing Association; BASS/ESPN Outdoors;
Bear Trust International; Boone and Crockett Club;
Bowhunting Preservation Alliance; Buckmasters American
Deer Foundation; California Waterfowl Association;
Campfire Club of America; Congressional Sportsmen's
Foundation; Conservation Force; Conservation Fund.
Dallas Safari Club; Delta Waterfowl; Ducks Unlimited;
Foundation for North American Wild Sheep; Houston
Safari Club; Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage
Trust; International Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies; International Hunter Education Association;
Izaak Walton League of America; Mule Deer Foundation.
National Rifle Association; National Shooting Sports
Foundation; National Trappers Association; National
Wild Turkey Federation; North American Grouse
Partnership; Northwest Sportfishing Industry
Association; Orion The Hunter's Institute; Pheasants
Forever; Pope and Young Club; Pure Fishing; Quail
Unlimited, Inc.
Quality Deer Management Association; Rocky Mountain Elk
Foundation; Ruffed Grouse Society; Safari Club
International; Texas Wildlife Association; The Wildlife
Society; U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance; Whitetails
Unlimited, Inc.; Wildlife Forever; Wildlife Habitat
Council; Wildlife Management Institute.
Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 362.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________