[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 77 (Tuesday, June 4, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H3029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECREATIONAL FISHING AND HUNTING
(Mr. HOLDING asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute.)
Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, Americans are struggling to find jobs in
our economy, so we must take advantage of the opportunities for job
growth where and whenever they arise. And today I want to highlight the
positive economic impact of recreational fishing and hunting.
Mr. Speaker, nationwide, sportsmen contribute over $3 billion of
State and Federal revenue annually through hunting and fishing
licenses, fees, and excise taxes.
In my home State of North Carolina, hunters and anglers produced over
35,000 jobs in 2011--more than the combined employment of the two
largest private employers in the State. Sportsmen and -women generated
$249 million in State and local taxes in 2011--enough to support the
salaries of over 6,000 police and sheriff's patrol officers.
I rise today to support this important industry and what it is doing
for my home State. Hunting, fishing, boating, and other recreational
sports foster growth in our economy and create jobs.
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