[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 26, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S8521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL BOATING DAY

  The resolution (S. Res. 235) designating July 1, 2007, as ``National 
Boating Day,'' was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. The 
resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 235

       Whereas the United States boating population exceeds 
     73,000,000 individuals utilizing and enjoying nearly 
     18,000,000 recreational watercraft;
       Whereas the recreational boating industry provides more 
     than $39,000,000,000 in sales and services to the United 
     States economy and provides nearly 380,000 manufacturing 
     jobs;
       Whereas there are approximately 1,400 active boat builders 
     in the United States with parts and materials being 
     contributed from all fifty States;
       Whereas boating appeals to all age groups and is a haven 
     for relaxation that includes sailing, diving, fishing, water 
     skiing, tubing, sightseeing, swimming, and more;
       Whereas boaters serve as monitors and stewards of the 
     environment, educating future generations in the value of 
     this country's abundant water and other natural resources; 
     and
       Whereas Congress passed the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 
     and later created the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund in 1984, 
     both of these actions having resulted in a decline in the 
     rate of boating injuries: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates July 1, 2007, as ``National Boating Day'';
       (2) recognizes the value of recreational boating and 
     commemorates the boating industry of the United States for 
     its environmental stewardship and innumerable contributions 
     to the economy and to the mental and physical health of those 
     who enjoy boats; and
       (3) urges citizens, policy makers, and elected officials to 
     celebrate National Boating Day and to become more aware of 
     the overall contributions of boating to the lives of the 
     people of the United States and to the Nation.

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