[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5813-S5814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 510--DESIGNATING THE PERIOD BEGINNING ON JUNE 28, 
 2006, AND ENDING ON JULY 5, 2006, AS ``NATIONAL CLEAN BEACHES WEEK'', 
   SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THAT WEEK, AND RECOGNIZING THE 
  CONSIDERABLE VALUE AND ROLE OF BEACHES IN THE CULTURE OF THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

  Mr. MARTINEZ (for himself, Mr. Lautenberg, Ms. Snowe, Ms. Stabenow, 
Mr. Menendez, Mr. Lott, and Mrs. Dole) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 510

       Whereas, according to the document entitled ``Turning to 
     the Sea: America's Ocean Future'', published by the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coastal areas produce 
     85 percent of all tourism revenue in the United States and 
     beaches are the leading tourism destination in the country;
       Whereas beaches provide recreational opportunities for 
     numerous citizens and their families, as well as 
     international tourists who, according to the document 
     entitled ``The Beach and Your Coastal Watershed'' (EPA 
     document number 842-F-98-010), published by the Environmental 
     Protection Agency, together make almost 2,000,000,000 trips 
     to the beach each year to fish, sunbathe, boat, swim, surf, 
     and birdwatch;
       Whereas, according to the Army Corps of Engineers, the 
     beaches of the United States are a critical component of the 
     national economy, including global competitiveness;
       Whereas beaches represent a critical part of the natural 
     heritage and a beautiful part of the landscape of the United 
     States;
       Whereas beaches are sensitive ecosystems that are 
     susceptible to degradation and alteration from pollution, 
     sewage, and improper use;
       Whereas coastal tourism and healthy seafood foster robust 
     economies that sustain communities and support jobs 
     throughout the coastal regions of the United States;
       Whereas members of the Federal Government, the private 
     sector, nongovernmental organizations, and citizen volunteers 
     have worked hard to clean and protect the beaches of the 
     United States;
       Whereas, according to the United States Geological Survey, 
     great progress has been made in understanding the science of 
     watersheds and the connections between inland areas and 
     coastal waters; and
       Whereas the Federal Government should develop science-based 
     policies that are commensurate with that knowledge: Now 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the period beginning on June 28, 2006, and 
     ending on July 5, 2006, as ``National Clean Beaches Week'';
       (2) recognizes--
       (A) the value of beaches to the way of life of the citizens 
     of the United States; and

[[Page S5814]]

       (B) the important contributions of beaches to the economy, 
     recreation, and natural environment of the United States; and
       (3) encourages all citizens of the United States to work to 
     keep beaches, a critical part of the natural heritage of the 
     United States, safe and clean for the continued enjoyment of 
     the public.

  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution that 
will honor June 28, 2006 through July 5, 2006 as National Clean Beaches 
Week.
  I want to thank my colleague from New Jersey, Senator Lautenberg, for 
agreeing to cosponsor this resolution with me as well as Senators 
Snowe, Lott, Menendez, and Stabenow so we as a nation can recognize the 
incredible importance beaches and coastal areas have not only for our 
economy but our Nation's recreational, aesthetic, and environmental 
wellbeing.
  According to data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, 85 percent of tourism revenue generated in the U.S. 
comes from coastal areas. The Environmental Protection Agency has also 
stated that a staggering 2 billion trips are made by Americans to 
beaches and coastal areas to fish, swim, surf, sunbathe, recreate, and 
enjoy our Nation's beautiful scenery.
  Every year roughly 80 million people visit the Sunshine State to 
enjoy its beautiful beaches, exciting amusement parks, and wonderfully 
abundant wildlife and natural splendor. The tourism industry alone 
directly employs nearly 840,000 Floridians and provides an economic 
impact of $57 billion to our State's economy. Of the 80 million 
visitors, a great deal came to Florida to enjoy its pristine coastline 
and wonderful climate. Families return, year after year, to their 
favorite vacation spots to relax under our brilliant blue skies, 
powdery white beaches, and crystal-clear emerald waters. The people of 
Florida share a love and appreciation of the Atlantic Ocean and the 
Gulf of Mexico, its coastal habitat, and our wetlands which make it a 
very complex ecosystem and a very special place to live.
  Our beaches and coastline in Florida are very important to the people 
of Florida. The resolution I submit today will support a national 
effort to recognize the importance of keeping our beaches clean and 
vibrant, to continue to support our Nation's ecological treasures for 
future generations to enjoy, and to encourage Americans of all ages and 
backgrounds to marvel at their splendor. I urge my colleagues to become 
a cosponsor and support designating June 28th through July 5th 2006, as 
National Clean Beaches Week.

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