[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10702-H10703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING ALL HUNTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES FOR THEIR CONTINUED
COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 193) recognizing all
hunters across the United States for their continued commitment to
safety.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 193
Whereas in 2006 there were over 16,000,000 hunters in the
United States of which only .0013 percent incurred an injury
during the past hunting season;
Whereas in 2006 this injury rate was lower than many other
forms of recreation;
Whereas there are 70,000 hunter education instructors
teaching hunter safety, ethics, and conservation to
approximately 750,000 students successfully each year;
Whereas State fish and game agencies began offering hunter
safety programs in 1949, and since then, more than 35,000,000
people have been certified;
Whereas much of the success of hunter safety can be
contributed to hunter education training and the role of
responsible hunters in the field;
Whereas Congress commends Pennsylvania hunters for setting
a new State safety record in 2006;
Whereas hunters continue year after year to improve their
safety record; and
Whereas hunters are the vital link in preserving and
maintaining the great natural
[[Page H10703]]
resources in the United States, including wild places: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) recognizes all hunters across the United States for
their continued commitment to safety; and
(2) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy
of this resolution to the Pennsylvania State Game
Commissioner and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm pleased to join my
colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 193, a bill recognizing
all hunters across the United States for their continued commitment to
safety.
H. Con. Res. 193, which has 91 cosponsors, was introduced by
Representative Christopher Carney on July 26, 2007. H. Con. Res. 193
was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007 by a
voice vote.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to Representative Carney as much
time as he would consume as the sponsor of this resolution.
Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bipartisan
resolution that honors our hunters for their commitment to safety. I
want to particularly acknowledge the significant bipartisan support
from the members of the Pennsylvania delegation, a great number of whom
have signed on this bill.
This resolution honors our hunters for their commitment to safety and
stewardship of the environment. Hunting is a beloved tradition. It is
something I enjoyed both with my father, when I was growing up, and now
with my own children.
But as any avid sportsman knows, hunters must have a commitment to
safety. We recognize that this sport requires maturity and
responsibility. In 2006, there were over 16 million hunters in the
United States, of which only .0013 percent incurred an injury. This low
injury rate demonstrates a clear commitment to safety. In fact, in
2006, hunters in Pennsylvania set a safety record, and for this I
commend them.
State fish and game agencies have been offering hunter safety
programs started in 1949, and since then more than 35 million people
have been certified. That is why I introduced this resolution.
I want to thank hunters for their commitment to safety, and honor
those who teach hunting safety. Hunters have shown that they can
proudly represent the sport and put safety first, and that is something
that I am proud to support.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
House Concurrent Resolution 193 recognizes all hunters for their
continued commitment to safety and to increase awareness of the
organizations and programs dedicated to hunting education and safety
activities. There are currently 16 million hunters in the U.S., of
which less than 1 percent incurred an injury during the last hunting
season. Continued education on hunting safety will ensure lower injury
rates for future hunting seasons. The success of these programs has
allowed more than 35 million hunters to obtain certification.
Fortunately, we can continue to see high safety records with
responsible and safe hunters who are well educated on hunting safety.
I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 193.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
might consume.
Mr. Speaker, in 2006 there were over 16 million hunters in the United
States, of which only .0013 percent incurred an injury during the past
hunting season. To ensure and raise awareness for hunter safety, there
are 70,000 hunter education instructors teaching hunter safety, ethics
and conservation to approximately 750,000 students successfully each
year.
Hunter safety can be contributed to hunter education training and the
role of responsible hunters in the field. This helps to lower the
incidence of hunting accidents, improve hunter behavior and restore
many species of wildlife abundance.
Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Christopher
Carney, for introducing this legislation, and urge swift passage of
this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to vote for
this resolution, and yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 193.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. 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.
____________________