[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16285-16286]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE RECREATIONAL BOATING COMMUNITY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Commerce 
Committee be discharged from further action on S. Res. 199.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report the resolution.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 199) recognizing the contributions of 
     the recreational boating community and the boating industry 
     to the continuing prosperity of the United States.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to applaud the Senate's passage 
of a resolution I submitted earlier this week with the cochair of the 
Senate Boating Caucus, Senator Burr. Our resolution recognizes July 1 
as National Boating Day, and more importantly, recognizes the 
importance of boating and fishing to our economy and our constituents.
  I believe this resolution comes at a critical time. Like so many 
other industries, the boating industry has suffered during these tough 
economic times. Last summer's high gas prices and this past year's 
credit crisis has put many manufacturers and their dealers at risk. And 
that endangers the hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs that the 
boating industry provides.
  Wisconsin is a microcosm of boating and fishing in America. With 
access to the Great Lakes and thousands of acres of internal lakes and 
rivers, Wisconsin is home to more than 1.4 million anglers and a 
destination for both boating and fishing related tourists. Beyond the 
tourism jobs generated by recreational boating, the boating industry 
has a strong foothold in my State. Whether it's Mercury Marine in Fond 
du Lac to SkipperLiner in La Crosse, boating manufacturers, suppliers, 
dealers and marinas account for thousands of jobs. In 2001, 
approximately $1 billion was spent in the State on fishing related 
activities, according to a study conducted by the Fish and Wildlife 
Service. Recreational boating is an equal partner to the sport fishing 
industry, with more than $526 million being spent in 2003 on powerboats 
and accessories.
  The importance of boating, however, extends well beyond its economic 
impact. More than 59 million people spend time each year on our rivers, 
lakes,

[[Page 16286]]

and coastlines. These are families spending time together and they are 
people learning more about the natural resources our country has to 
offer. The true impact of boating is immeasurable.
  And that is why I am so pleased to join my colleagues in supporting 
the resolution passed earlier today. I hope that on July 1--National 
Boating Day--both Members of Congress and the American people will 
reflect on the true importance of boating to our country.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that if 
there are any statements relating to this resolution, they be printed 
in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 199) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 199

       Whereas the recreational boating community in the United 
     States includes over 59,000,000 individuals;
       Whereas the boating industry contributes more than 
     $33,000,000,000 annually to the United States economy, and 
     provides jobs for 337,000 citizens of the United States who 
     earn wages totaling $10,400,000,000 annually;
       Whereas recreational boaters often serve as stewards of the 
     marine environment of the United States, educating others of 
     the value of marine resources, and preserving the resources 
     for the enjoyment of future generations;
       Whereas there are approximately 1,400 active boat builders 
     in the United States, using materials and services 
     contributed from all 50 States;
       Whereas recreational boating provides opportunities for 
     families to be together, appeals to all age groups, and 
     benefits the physical fitness and scholastic performance of 
     those who participate; and
       Whereas, July 1, 2009, would be an appropriate day to 
     establish as National Boating Day: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends the recreational boating community and the 
     boating industry of the United States for contributing to the 
     economy of the United States, benefitting the well-being of 
     United States citizens, and providing responsible 
     environmental stewardship of the marine resources of the 
     United States; and
       (2) encourages the United States to observe National 
     Boating Day with appropriate programs and activities that 
     emphasize family involvement and provide an opportunity to 
     promote the boating industry.

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