[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17691]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL CLEAN BEACHES WEEK

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on Natural Resources be discharged from further consideration of the 
resolution (H. Res. 186) supporting the goals and ideals of National 
Clean Beaches Week and recognizing the considerable value of American 
beaches and their role in American culture, and ask for its immediate 
consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cohen). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from West Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                              H. Res. 186

       Whereas coastal areas produce 85 percent of all United 
     States tourism dollars and are the leading tourism 
     destination in America;
       Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     reports that over 50 percent of the population of the United 
     States lives in coastal counties;
       Whereas according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, the beaches in these coastal counties provide 
     recreational opportunities for numerous Americans and their 
     families who, together with international tourists, make 
     almost 2 billion trips to the beach each year to fish, 
     sunbathe, boat, swim, surf, and bird-watch;
       Whereas according to the Army Corps of Engineers, United 
     States beaches are a critical driver of the American economy 
     and its competitiveness in the global economy;
       Whereas beaches represent a critical part of our natural 
     heritage and a beautiful part of the American landscape;
       Whereas beaches are sensitive ecosystems, susceptible to 
     degradation and alteration from pollution, sea level rise, 
     natural forces, untreated sewage, and improper use;
       Whereas members of the government, the private sector, and 
     nongovernmental organizations, along with citizen volunteers, 
     have worked diligently to clean up and protect our beaches 
     over the years;
       Whereas according to the United States Geological Survey, 
     great strides have been made in understanding the science of 
     watersheds and the connections between inland areas and 
     coastal waters, and science-based policy should be developed 
     that is commensurate with this knowledge; and
       Whereas a 7-day week commencing in June, and including July 
     5, will be observed each year as National Clean Beaches Week: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches 
     Week;
       (2) recognizes the value of beaches to the American way of 
     life and the important contributions of beaches to the 
     economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United 
     States;
       (3) encourages all Americans to work to keep beaches, which 
     are a critical part of the natural heritage of the United 
     States, safe and clean for the continued enjoyment of the 
     public;
       (4) expresses a renewed appreciation for the beaches of the 
     United States and an invigorated effort to protect them with 
     updated, integrated policy; and
       (5) encourages individuals to engage in activities during 
     National Clean Beaches Week to encourage stewardship and 
     volunteerism along our coastlines.

  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________