[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 22655-22657]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING IMPORTANCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF SPORTSMEN TO AMERICAN 
                                SOCIETY

  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 362) recognizing the importance and contributions 
of sportsmen to American society, supporting the traditions and values 
of sportsmen, and recognizing the many economic benefits associated 
with outdoor sporting activities.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 362

       Whereas there are more than 38 million sportsmen in the 
     United States;
       Whereas these sportsmen, who come from all walks of life, 
     engage in a sport they love, while helping to stimulate the 
     economy, especially in small, rural communities, and 
     contributing to conservation efforts;
       Whereas sportsmen demonstrate values of conservation, 
     appreciation of the outdoors, and love of the natural beauty 
     of the United States;
       Whereas sporting activities have both physical and mental 
     health benefits that allow Americans to escape from the fast 
     pace of their lives and to spend time with their families and 
     friends;
       Whereas sportsmen pass down their love of the outdoors from 
     generation to generation;
       Whereas many sportsmen consider hunting, trapping, and 
     fishing of tremendous importance to the American way of life;
       Whereas sportsmen have a passion for learning about nature 
     and have a tremendous respect for the game pursued, other 
     sportsmen, the non-hunting populace, and the natural 
     resources upon which they depend;
       Whereas the total economic contribution of sportsmen 
     amounts to $70 billion annually, with a ripple effect 
     amounting to $179 billion;
       Whereas sportsmen contribute $1.7 billion every year for 
     conservation programs, and these funds constitute a 
     significant portion of on-the-ground wildlife conservation 
     funding;
       Whereas anglers support one million jobs and small 
     businesses in communities in every part of the United States, 
     and they purchase $3.2 billion in basic fishing equipment 
     every year;
       Whereas tens of millions of Americans hunt and are a 
     substantial economic force, spending $21 billion every year;
       Whereas a sportsman President, Theodore Roosevelt, 
     established America's first National Wildlife Refuge 100 
     years ago, and with the committed support of sportsmen over 
     the last century, this system includes more than 540 refuges 
     spanning 95 million acres throughout all 50 States;
       Whereas the funds raised from sportsmen through their 
     purchase of Federal migratory bird hunting and conservation 
     stamps under the Act of March 16, 1934, (commonly known as 
     the Duck Stamp Act, 16 U.S.C. 718a et seq.), are used to 
     purchase and restore vital wetlands in the refuge system;
       Whereas the sale of such stamps has raised more than 500 
     million dollars which has been used to acquire approximately 
     5 million acres of refuge lands so far;
       Whereas, in 1937, Congress passed the Pittman-Robertson 
     Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.), whereby 
     sportsmen and the firearms and ammunition industries agreed 
     to a self-imposed 10 percent excise tax on ammunition and 
     firearms, the proceeds of which are distributed to the States 
     for wildlife restoration;
       Whereas the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act has 
     created a source of permanent funding for State wildlife 
     agencies that has been used to rebuild and expand the ranges 
     of numerous species, including wild turkey, white-tailed 
     deer, pronghorn antelope, wood duck, beaver, black bear, 
     American elk, bison, desert bighorn sheep, bobcat, and 
     mountain lion, and several non-game species, including bald 
     eagles, sea otters, and numerous song birds;
       Whereas, in 1950, Congress passed the Dingell-Johnson Sport 
     Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq.) whereby 
     recreational anglers and the fishing and tackle manufacturing 
     industries agreed to a self-imposed 10 percent excise tax on 
     sport fishing equipment (including fishing rods, reels, 
     lines, and hooks, artificial lures, baits and flies, and 
     other fishing supplies and accessories), the proceeds of 
     which are used for the purposes of constructing fish 
     hatcheries, building boat access facilities, promoting 
     fishing, and educating children about aquatic resources and 
     fishing; and
       Whereas the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act was 
     amended in 1984 to extend the excise tax to previously 
     untaxed items of sport fishing equipment and to dedicate a 
     portion of the existing Federal tax on motorboat fuels to 
     such purposes, such that now approximately one-third of all 
     the funds expended by State fish and wildlife agencies for 
     maintenance and development of sports fisheries are collected 
     through the use of this excise tax: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the importance and contributions of 
     sportsmen to American society;
       (2) supports the traditions and values of sportsmen;
       (3) supports the many conservation programs implemented by 
     sportsmen;
       (4) recognizes the many economic benefits associated with 
     outdoor sporting activities; and
       (5) recognizes the importance of encouraging the 
     recruitment of, and teaching the traditions of hunting, 
     trapping, and fishing to, future sportsmen.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Mexico (Mr. Pearce) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. 
Christensen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce).
  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present this bipartisan resolution to 
recognize the valuable contributions of the 38 million sportsmen in the 
United States. Hunting, fishing and trapping is woven into the fabric 
of our cultural heritage. There have been many notable hunters and 
fishermen throughout our history, including the father of the National 
Wildlife System, President Theodore Roosevelt; the founder of the 
Audubon Society, John James Audubon; and the great literary writer, 
Ernest Hemingway.
  Today's sportsmen contribute more than $70 billion annually to our 
economy with a positive ripple effect amounting to $179 billion. Both 
hunters and fishermen voluntarily pay Federal excise taxes on guns, 
rods, reels, ammunition and outdoor equipment. In fact, since 1937, 
sportsmen have contributed billions of dollars through the Pittman-
Robertson Act and the Dingell-Johnson Act for the benefit of all fish 
and wildlife species.
  Mr. Speaker, autumn is rapidly approaching, and soon 28 million 
Americans will take to the woods and streams to enjoy nature, relax and 
reaffirm their connection to the land. These sportsmen are the true 
environmentalists who have sacrificed time, money, and labor to improve 
habitat throughout the Nation. Let there be no mistake, without 
fishermen and hunters, there would be no Canadian geese, ducks, striped 
bass, rainbow trout or wild turkeys because there would be no money to 
maintain the habitat which is essential to the survival of these 
species.

                              {time}  1415

  All of us have fishermen and hunters in our districts. This 
resolution is important for them and for the millions who enjoy hiking, 
bird watching, and wildlife photography. Without the dollars and 
leadership provided by sportsmen, there would be no fish or wildlife to 
enjoy.
  I want to compliment the sponsors of this resolution, including the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), the gentleman from North Carolina 
(Mr. Hayes), the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson), the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the gentleman from West Virginia 
(Mr. Rahall), the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), and the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite) for their leadership 
on behalf of sportsmen in this country. This resolution, which has been 
endorsed by 44 hunting and conservation groups, will recognize the 
importance of sportsmen, conservation programs, outdoor sporting 
activities, and the importance of teaching the traditions of hunting 
and fishing.
  I urge an ``aye'' vote on House Resolution 362.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as stated by my colleague, the previous speaker, this 
noncontroversial resolution would recognize the importance and 
contribution of sportsmen to the American economy and our traditional 
values.

[[Page 22656]]

  Mr. Speaker, there is little doubt that hunting and fishing remain 
popular recreational pastimes for millions of Americans. These 
activities remain as much a fabric of American culture as the village 
green in New England or the county fair in Nebraska.
  According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-
Associated Recreation, expenditures by sportsmen in 2001 totaled $70 
billion. By any measure, this is a significant figure. It demonstrates 
the substantial economic importance of these traditional forms of 
outdoor recreation to our national economy, but most especially to our 
rural economy.
  I support this resolution and urge other Members to do likewise. 
However, I also consider it important to note that other types of 
nonconsumptive wildlife-based recreation, activities such as bird 
watching and wildlife photography, also provide significant economic 
benefits that we would be remiss to overlook.
  According to National Survey data, these activities contributed an 
additional $38.4 billion to the economy in the same year. In fact, over 
66 million people enjoyed these activities, almost double the number of 
sportsmen who only hunt or fish.
  In passing this resolution, I hope that the economic and social 
contributions of these other people who enjoy our Nation's abundant 
wildlife diversity will also not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Walsh).
  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from New 
Mexico for the leadership that he has provided on this important 
committee and on this resolution.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 362, a bill that I 
sponsored with many, many of my colleagues. There is tremendous 
interest in the Congress in sporting issues; and we have a broad caucus 
of Members, I believe, from every State and territory. This resolution 
expresses this body's support for millions of Americans who partake in 
sportsman activities.
  With fall in the air, some of the best hunting and fishing days of 
the year are just around the corner. As this Saturday, September 27, is 
recognized as National Hunting and Fishing Day, there is no better time 
to honor the American sportsman and -woman.
  Sporting activities provide families with an escape from the fast-
paced life of modern society. Through outdoor activities, parents and 
children are able to spend quality time together, and time-honored 
traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Some of my 
fondest memories were spent growing up with my family hunting and 
fishing in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I still am involved in 
both of those but have added birding and hiking to those outdoor 
activities, also. It is a wonderful way to spend time to learn about 
the environment, to gain an appreciation for nature and its wonder.
  In addition to sporting's positive impact upon the American family, 
most anglers and hunters alike are ardent environmentalists. They are 
respectful and appreciative of our Nation's natural resources and 
beauty and often pass that same level of appreciation and respect and 
understanding on to their children when participating in outdoor 
activities. My own commitment to environmental preservation and 
protection of our water resources stems from lessons learned and 
experiences undertaken as a youngster in the woods and on the lake.
  Through licensing fees and associated charges, American sportsmen and 
-women contribute millions of dollars annually to the protection of 
wetlands critical to habitat, forests and unique environmental sites 
and the propagation of various species. American sporting activities 
also have a significant impact on our Nation's economy. This $70 
billion industry benefits the economy everywhere from the big city to 
the small town. Anglers alone support 1 million jobs nationwide and buy 
$3.2 billion in fishing equipment every year.
  It was a fellow New Yorker, President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid 
outdoorsman and environmentalist, who established America's first 
wildlife refuge and laid the foundation for our current national park 
system. It was this sportsman President's leadership that led to our 
Nation's tradition of strong environmental stewardship today.
  Mr. Speaker, if it had not been for the resolution and the work of 
this body today, I would have been on the Salmon River just north of my 
district in the district of the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) 
because there is a tremendous salmon run on today because of the 
rainstorm that we received last night. It is breathtaking in its beauty 
to plumb those waters and breathe the crisp fall air that is inhabiting 
that area right now.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, this resolution provides the U.S. House 
of Representatives with a perfect opportunity to recognize the 
importance and impact American sportsmen have in our country today. As 
a member of the bipartisan Sportsmen's Caucus, I encourage my 
colleagues to support this deserved resolution.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Boehlert).
  Mr. BOEHLERT. I thank my colleague for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 362, a resolution 
that honors our Nation's sportsmen for their importance and 
contributions to American society and recognizes the many benefits 
associated with outdoor sporting activities on our Nation's economy.
  My good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), and I, 
working with our partners at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, 
drafted this resolution in honor of the 32nd observance of National 
Hunting and Fishing Day on September 27, 2003. This resolution is 
strongly supported by the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, the 
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and over 40 sportsmen and 
conservation groups, including Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle 
Association.
  The thousands of sportsmen in my district have much to be grateful 
for in upstate New York. From the Adirondacks to the Catskills to the 
Finger Lakes and the wonderful waterways throughout my district, I am 
privileged to represent such a pristine place. My district is home to 
some of the Nation's most captivating trout fishing rivers and rich 
hunting land, and I will continue to lead the charge in Congress to 
promote conservation efforts to keep the air we breathe and the water 
we drink clean and safe for future generations. My experience has 
proved to me that our Nation's sportsmen are among the most responsible 
stewards of our precious environment. I am their partner.
  In addition to their important role as conservationists in the field, 
sportsmen are an integral component of economic success in New York and 
across the Nation. In 2001 alone, the over-38 million sportsmen 
nationwide directly injected $70 billion into our Nation's economy. New 
York State's 714,000 bow and gun hunters and 1.5 million anglers had a 
$56.2 million impact on the Empire State. Hunters, anglers, and 
trappers also contributed to over 29,000 jobs in New York State. Mr. 
Speaker, jobs is my favorite four-letter word.
  Following in the steps of Theodore Roosevelt, one of our Nation's 
truly great conservationists, really the first truly great 
conservationist, we must work together to ensure that our open spaces 
enjoyed by sportsmen are protected for use for years to come. Clean 
water and clean air are essential to enjoying activities like hunting, 
fishing, and trapping. They are recreational, they are good for the 
mind, and they are good for the spirit.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that we include the following letter of support 
for H. Res. 362 from over 40 sportsmen and conservation organizations 
in the appropriate place in the Record. I urge my colleagues to join me 
in honoring our Nation's sportsmen and vote in favor of H. Res. 362.


[[Page 22657]]


                                               September 10, 2003.
     Hon. Richard Pombo, MC,
     Chairman, House Committee on Resources, Longworth HOB, 
         Washington, DC.
     Hon. Nick J. Rahall, MC,
     Ranking Member, House Committee on Resources, Longworth HOB, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Pombo and Congressman Rahall: The listed 
     sportsmen conservationist organizations, representing 
     millions of sportsmen and women across America, are writing 
     in support of H. Res. 362, a resolution recognizing the 
     importance and contribution of sportsmen and women to 
     American society and our nation's economy.
       With the coming of fall, a time-honored tradition for 
     America's 38 million-plus sportsmen begins anew. Fall marks 
     the beginning of the hunting season and often offers some of 
     the best fishing. It is a time for families and friends to 
     spend quality time in America's great outdoors, to escape the 
     fast-paced life of suburbia, and to appreciate the beauty and 
     bounty of nature. It provides an opportunity to pass down 
     skills and traditions that reach back for generations, and to 
     foster an understanding and appreciation of nature and the 
     role of conservation and wildlife management.
       For sportsmen there is also a responsibility for good 
     stewardship for America's wildlife and natural resources. 
     Through excise taxes on sporting equipment, license fees and 
     conservation stamps such as the federal duck stamp, sportsmen 
     directly contribute $1.7 billion every year for conservation 
     programs. The total economic contribution of sportsmen 
     amounts to $70 billion annually, with a ripple effect 
     amounting to $179 billion per year. To put this in context, 
     if sportsmen were a corporation, they would rank #11 on the 
     Fortune 500 list.
       September 27th marks National Hunting and Fishing Day, so 
     we are asking that you and your colleagues expeditiously move 
     this resolution so that the House of Representatives can 
     approve it and reaffirm the appreciation for America's 
     sportsmen on Capitol Hill.
           Sincerely,
         American Sportfishing Association; BASS/ESPN Outdoors; 
           Bear Trust International; Boone and Crockett Club; 
           Bowhunting Preservation Alliance; Buckmasters American 
           Deer Foundation; California Waterfowl Association; 
           Campfire Club of America; Congressional Sportsmen's 
           Foundation; Conservation Force; Conservation Fund.
         Dallas Safari Club; Delta Waterfowl; Ducks Unlimited; 
           Foundation for North American Wild Sheep; Houston 
           Safari Club; Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage 
           Trust; International Association of Fish and Wildlife 
           Agencies; International Hunter Education Association; 
           Izaak Walton League of America; Mule Deer Foundation.
         National Rifle Association; National Shooting Sports 
           Foundation; National Trappers Association; National 
           Wild Turkey Federation; North American Grouse 
           Partnership; Northwest Sportfishing Industry 
           Association; Orion The Hunter's Institute; Pheasants 
           Forever; Pope and Young Club; Pure Fishing; Quail 
           Unlimited, Inc.
         Quality Deer Management Association; Rocky Mountain Elk 
           Foundation; Ruffed Grouse Society; Safari Club 
           International; Texas Wildlife Association; The Wildlife 
           Society; U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance; Whitetails 
           Unlimited, Inc.; Wildlife Forever; Wildlife Habitat 
           Council; Wildlife Management Institute.
  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 362.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________