[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 102 (Monday, July 25, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H6400-H6401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING GOALS OF NATIONAL MARINA DAY AND URGING MARINAS CONTINUE
PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GATEWAYS TO BOATING
Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 308) supporting the goals of National Marina Day
and urging marinas continue providing environmentally friendly gateways
to boating.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 308
Whereas the people of the United States highly value their
recreational time and their ability to access the waterways
of the United States, one of the Nation's greatest natural
resources;
Whereas in 1928, the National Association of Engine and
Boat Manufacturers first used the word ``marina'' to describe
a recreational boating facility;
Whereas the United States is home to more than 12,000
marinas that contribute substantially to local communities by
providing safe and reliable gateways to boating;
Whereas the marinas of the United States serve as stewards
of the environment and actively seek to protect the waterways
that surround them for the enjoyment of this generation and
generations to come;
Whereas the marinas of the United States provide
communities and visitors with a place where friends and
families, united by a passion for the water, can come
together for recreation, rest, and relaxation; and
Whereas the Marina Operators Association of America has
designated August 13, 2005 as ``National Marina Day'' to
increase awareness among citizens, policymakers, and elected
officials about the many contributions that marinas make to
communities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals of National Marina Day; and
(2) urges that the marinas of the United States continue to
provide environmentally friendly gateways to boating for the
people of the United States.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Coble) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Filner) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble).
Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 308 was introduced by the distinguished
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) and cosponsored by the gentleman
from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).
{time} 1530
This resolution recognizes August 13, 2005, as National Marina Day.
This resolution acknowledges the significant contributions that marinas
provide to so many of our local waterfront communities.
There are over 12,000 marinas, Mr. Speaker, in the United States, and
these facilities serve as a place where people who share a passion for
the water can come together to enjoy our Nation's oceans, lakes and
rivers. Marinas also serve as stewards of the environment and actively
seek to protect the waterways that surround them.
Many Members of this body represent districts in which recreational
boating plays an important role in the lives of many of our
constituents, and marinas provide an easy access point for citizens who
wish to enjoy our Nation's coasts and waterways.
This resolution highlights the importance of marinas and their role
in promoting recreational boating and in connecting people to the
water. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I
thank my friend from North Carolina for managing this bill. We refer to
him as the maitre d' of marinas in the House, so I thank the gentleman
from North Carolina.
Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentleman from California.
Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, there are 12,000 marinas in the United
States providing safe harbor for millions of recreational vessels that
operate on the lakes and navigable waters of the United States. This
includes boat yards, yacht clubs, and public and private moorings
across our country. Marinas in the United States provide employment for
more than 140,000 of our citizens. But perhaps most importantly,
marinas provide a means for millions of Americans to relax and enjoy
themselves boating.
National Marina Day is a time to celebrate the history of marinas and
boating and to look to the future of this vibrant industry. National
Marina Day activities across the United States will include
environmental demonstrations, youth center events, fishing rodeos,
boating safety demonstrations, and marina open houses. This day is
going to be celebrated from Maine to Florida; from Maryland to my
hometown of San Diego, California.
Marina owners are working closely, also, with the United States Coast
Guard to step up vigilance at their facilities to improve security on
our waterways. This includes being on the watch for any suspicious
activities; attempts to gain access to vehicles without proper
identification; looking out for any fixtures attached to structures;
keeping an eye out for unusual diving operations; and watching out for
vehicles and vessels in unusual locations.
[[Page H6401]]
Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and appropriate for the House of
Representatives to recognize the ongoing contribution of marina
operators in the United States to our economy, our security, our
environment, and most of all for providing us with a way of enjoying a
day on the beautiful waterways of the United States.
I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting H. Res. 308 which
recognizes our support for the goals of National Marina Day on August
13, 2005.
Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 308, a bill
supporting the goals of National Marina Day and urging marinas to
continue providing environmentally friendly gateways to boating.
On August 13, we will celebrate National Marina Day. This annual
celebration promotes the United States' 12,000 marinas and offers local
marina operators the opportunity to host educational events to bring
tens of thousands of people to our country's marinas. These marinas are
gateways to boating and help maintain the natural environments that we
enjoy. In fact, as we debate this resolution today, Americans
throughout the country are using their summer vacations to enjoy their
own recreational boats or to charter time on professionally operated
vessels.
By serving as stewards of the environment, marina owners help protect
our Nation's natural resources for generations to come. Marina
operators and owners realize that the success of their industry relies
in part on the health and beauty of their surroundings.
In addition, marina owners are working closely with the United States
Coast Guard to step up vigilance at their facilities to improve
security on U.S. waterways. These efforts include looking out for
aggressive activities, attempts to gain access to vessels without
proper identification, fixtures attached to structures, unusual diving
operations, and vehicles and vessels in unusual locations. Marina
owners are on the water every day and when something appears unusual
they are able to alert the Coast Guard.
Boating is an important pastime as well as a major business activity
in my congressional district. From inside Puget Sound to the Pacific
coast of Washington State and the Straits of Juan de Fuca, marinas
provide access for recreational sailors and motor-powered cruising
boats in addition to home ports for charter boats and commercial
fishermen.
Mr. Speaker, it is fitting for the U.S. House of Representatives to
recognize the ongoing contribution of marina operators to our economy,
our security, our environment, and most of all, for providing us with a
way of enjoying a day on the water. I urge adoption of the resolution.
Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Kolbe). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 308.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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