[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 17125-17127]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE RECREATIONAL BOATING COMMUNITY AND THE BOATING INDUSTRY 
                          OF THE UNITED STATES

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 505) recognizing the innumerable contributions of 
the recreational boating community and the boating industry to the 
continuing prosperity and affluence of the United States.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 505

       Whereas the boating community in the United States includes 
     over 73,000,000 individuals, generates more than 
     $39,000,000,000 annually in the United States economy, and 
     provides jobs for 380,000 citizens of the United States;
       Whereas boaters often serve as stewards of the marine 
     environment of the United States, educating future 
     generations of the value of these resources, and preserving 
     such resources for such generations' enjoyment;
       Whereas there are approximately 1,400 active boat builders 
     in the United States, using materials and services 
     contributed from all 50 States;
       Whereas boating, as an activity, provides opportunities for 
     families to be together, appeals to all age groups, and has a 
     beneficial effect on the physical fitness and scholastic 
     performance of those who participate; and
       Whereas, July 1, 2007, would be an appropriate day to 
     establish as National Boating Day: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) the recreational boating community and the boating 
     industry of the United States should be commended for their 
     innumerable contributions to the economy of the United 
     States, the well-being of United States citizens, and 
     responsible environmental stewardship of the marine resources 
     of the United States; and
       (2) the President should issue a proclamation calling on 
     the people of the United States to observe National Boating 
     Day with appropriate programs and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from Louisiana 
(Mr. Boustany) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 505, 
which recognizes the contributions made by recreational boating 
community to our national economy, and calls on the President to issue 
a proclamation to observe National Boating Day.
  There are now more than 13 million recreational boats registered in 
the United States. These boats support some 380,000 jobs in the U.S. 
and generate an estimated $39 billion to the U.S. economy. They depend 
on 12,000 marinas across the waterways of the United States for 
essential services.
  Impressive as they are, however, these numbers do not begin to reveal 
the many contributions that boating makes to recreational life in the 
United States.
  Boating offers people the chance to catch up with family and friends 
while watching the world float by, to introduce their children to the 
natural environment, and to slow down and enjoy a relaxing weekend on a 
vacation away from home.
  Perhaps not surprisingly, a survey conducted by the National Marine 
Manufacturers Association found that boating was among the top three 
stress-relieving activities among survey respondents.
  Recreational boating is also far more accessible than many may 
assume. More than 90 percent of Americans live less than an hour's 
drive from a body of water on which recreational boating can be 
undertaken.
  Because of boating's importance to our Nation, the United States 
already observes many days to honor different aspects of the boating 
industry. For example, on August 11, the United States will observe 
National Marina Day. During the week prior to Memorial Day, we observe 
National Safe Boating Week, intended to remind boaters of the need to 
practice safe boating habits and to use personal flotation devices 
while on the water.
  The message of National Safe Boating Week bears repeating. In 2005, 
nearly 5,000 boating accidents resulted in just under 3,500 injuries 
and nearly 700 deaths, the vast majority of which were caused by 
accidental drowning that could have been prevented if those who fell in 
the water had been wearing life jackets.

[[Page 17126]]

  H. Res. 505 now calls on the President to set aside a day 
specifically to honor recreational boating and the boating industry. I 
believe such recognition is due to the pastime of boating, and I 
commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein) for introducing this 
resolution and supporting a wonderful activity in our country.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 505 recognizes and commends the 
recreational boating community and the boating industry for their 
contributions to the economy of the United States, the well-being of 
the United States citizens, and responsible environmental stewardship 
of the marine resources of the United States.
  There are more than 73 million individuals that make up the 
recreational boating community in the United States. This important 
industry generates more than $39 billion annually in the United States 
economy, and provides jobs for 380,000 citizens of the United States.
  While the industry and the community are important parts of our 
national economy, these individuals also play an important role in 
conserving our natural resources for future generations' enjoyment. 
Recreational boaters act as stewards of the marine environment of the 
United States and take lead and hands-on roles in educating future 
generations of the value of these resources.
  The legislation also encourages the President to mark the importance 
of the recreational boating community and industries by establishing 
July 1 as National Boating Day. It is fitting that we consider this 
resolution so closely to the Fourth of July, when tens of thousands 
will be enjoying our Nation's inland and coastal waters aboard 
recreational vessels.
  I commend the resolution's sponsor, Mr. Klein of Florida, and all the 
measure's cosponsors for introducing the legislation, and I join them 
in urging all Members to support the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, I urge passage of the 
resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to the gentlelady from 
Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) such time as she may consume.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 505, to highlight the important contribution of the 
recreational boating community and the boating industry to our way of 
life, and to call upon the President to issue a proclamation asking the 
American people to observe National Boating Day.
  As a Representative of Florida's 20th Congressional District, I can 
attest to the important contribution recreational boating and the 
boating industry has had upon South Florida's economy and quality of 
life. The marine industry is responsible for more than $18 billion of 
revenues and 220,000 jobs in Florida.
  Recreational boating is integral to the way of life in Florida. From 
fishing to snorkeling to scuba driving in our beautiful coral reefs, or 
simply taking a scenic cruise through Florida's intra-coastal 
waterways, recreational boating and South Florida go hand in hand.
  In fact, recreational boating is such an important part of Ft. 
Lauderdale that the city has earned the well-deserved nickname, the 
``Venice of America.''
  But the contributions of the recreational boating community go far 
beyond my home State. The boating population exceeds 73 million 
individuals utilizing and enjoying an estimated 18 million recreational 
watercraft. In addition, the recreational boating industry provides 
more than $39 billion in sales and services to the U.S. economy, and 
provides nearly 380,000 manufacturing jobs.
  Boating helps to bring us closer to the wonders of nature, and it 
helps us to appreciate the need to be goods stewards of our natural 
resources.
  It's no surprise that boaters often are some of our most ardent 
conservationists, because they see firsthand the importance of 
protecting our fragile ecosystem for generations to come.
  It's for these reasons that I rise in support of H. Res. 505, 
recognizing the contributions of the recreational boating community and 
the boating industry to the continuing prosperity and affluence of the 
United States. This resolution calls upon the President to issue a 
proclamation to observe National Boating Day, with an appropriate day 
being July 1.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 505 and vote for 
its final passage.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Resolution 505, which urges the President to proclaim July 1, 2007, as 
``National Boating Day''.
  Recreational boating is enjoyed by millions of Americans and is a 
major force in the U.S. economy, providing jobs for almost 400,000 
citizens and generating more than $39 million in revenue.
  Recreational boating provides enjoyment, rest and relaxation for 
families of all ages. In addition, recreational boaters often serve as 
educators and stewards of our natural resources.
  Recreational boat-builders--from the large corporation to the 
individual--build vessels for the enjoyment of millions of people, 
using both natural and manmade materials from across our great Nation.
  I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein) for introducing this 
resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House 
Resolution 505, which urges the President to proclaim July 1 as 
``National Boating Day''.
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 
H. Res. 505, recognizing the contributions of the recreational boating 
community and the boating industry to the prosperity of the United 
States. This resolution, introduced by my colleague Ron Klein, is an 
important way to highlight the vital role that the boating industry 
plays in the U.S. economy: it generates more than $39,000,000,000 
annually as it provides 380,000 American jobs.
  However, I also rise to draw the House's attention to the serious 
problem of propeller injuries associated with recreational boating. A 
typical three blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict 9,600 
impacts on the human body in just one minute, and a 13-inch blade can 
travel from head to toe on a person of average height in less than one 
tenth of a second. Given the speed at which these propellers turn, it 
is no surprise that propeller injuries frequently result in 
dismemberment and death.
  According to the United States Coast Guard Annual Boating Statistics 
Reports, there were 239 accidents involving propellers in 2005 alone. 
Thirty-one of these injuries were fatal, and the rest were typically 
very severe. Sadly, the number of propeller accidents may even be 
larger than the report describes. The Coast Guard acknowledges that 
many boating accidents go unreported, either because victims are 
unaware of regulations requiring them to report or because the trauma 
of an accident leaves them little time to think about reporting.
  I commend the efforts of the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast 
Guard, but I recognize that they lack the resources or manpower to 
maintain accurate records of recreational boating accidents. A 1992 
study carried out by Johns Hopkins University found that, compared to 
the average one hundred propeller-related accidents reported by the 
Coast Guard; each year between 1976 and 1990, the actual number may 
have been closer to 2,000 to 3,000 per year.
  As we rise to honor the contributions of the recreational boating 
community, we must also commit to doing more to protect the members of 
that community. We must pay special attention to children and young 
adults, the boating community's most vulnerable members, who sustain 40 
percent of all propeller injuries.
  When considering how we might reduce propeller injuries, one 
potential area of improvement lies in the make-up of the National 
Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC), which consults with the U.S. 
Coast Guard in setting federal regulations. Ensuring that a sufficient 
portion of the NBSAC membership has no direct or indirect financial 
ties to the boating industry would be a step toward ensuring the airing 
of a diversity of views and improving the efficacy of the consultations 
and resulting federal regulations.
  I invite my colleagues to take this opportunity to learn more about 
propeller injuries and to consider how we might work together to 
minimize them while continuing to support this vital industry.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of

[[Page 17127]]

Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution, H. Res. 505.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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