[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE RECREATIONAL BOATING COMMUNITY

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                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. 
Res. 410. This resolution commends the recreational boating industry 
and boating community for their sizable contribution to the economy of 
United States, and for their stewardship of the environment.
  There are more than 59 million boaters in the United States today, 
helping to generate $33 billion dollars annually in economic activity. 
As a result, the boating industry supports an estimated 337,000 
employees, who manufacture and sell boats and operate the harbors and 
marinas. The goods and services purchased to build and maintain boats 
come from each of the fifty states. Therefore, boating does not only 
help the water regions of our country, but benefits America as a whole.
  That having been said, the boating industry and community are 
especially important to Michigan and to Michigan's economy. They 
provide invaluable assets to my district, which has Lakes Huron and St. 
Clair and the St. Clair River on its eastern border. Boating is not 
just an important recreational opportunity; for many, life on the water 
becomes a way of life. The impact of boating spills over into other 
sectors of the economy like tourism and hospitality industries.
  Unfortunately, when the economy falters, it is often the recreational 
boating industry that feels the impact first. Many people think of 
boating as a recreation for only the rich, but in Michigan we know that 
is simply not the case. The people who make the boating industry what 
it is are the working class individuals who spend their weekends out on 
the water with friends and family. When those people face economic 
challenges, you will find that the boating industry does as well.
  In this climate, the boating industry is facing some difficult times, 
nowhere more difficult than in the state of Michigan. In Michigan, we 
were once the number one state in terms of total boat registrations, 
but we have since slipped to fourth. Given the challenges that have 
faced the Michigan economy over the last few years, this is no 
surprise. The boat manufacturers, dealers, and marina operators should 
all be commended for their efforts to keep going through this economic 
period.
  Since coming to Congress, I have worked to promote issues that are 
important to maintaining a thriving and profitable boating industry. I 
am proud to co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus with Gene 
Taylor, and together we have worked on a number of issues to help the 
boating industry weather the storms that have come its way. This 
resolution will acknowledge the contributions of the boating industry 
as they fight through this difficult time.
  I urge all of you to please join with me in supporting this bi-
partisan initiative to recognize our boaters and recommend that 
President Obama issue a proclamation calling for the observation of 
National Boating Day.

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