Recognizing Contributions Of The Recreational Boating Community

Floor Speech

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Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 410, recognizing the numerous contributions of the recreational boating community and the boating industry to the continuing prosperity and affluence of the United States.

This bipartisan resolution was introduced by Representatives Ron Klein of Florida and Henry Brown of South Carolina, along with the co-Chairs of the Congressional Boating Caucus, Representatives Gene Taylor of Mississippi and Candice Miller of Michigan.

House Resolution 410 honors the 59 million boaters in the United States. As evidenced by the bipartisan cosponsors of this resolution, American boaters span all across the country, including my constituents in Washington State who take to the waters of the Puget Sound.

Boating provides a great activity for thousands of families, Mr. Speaker, on our lakes and certainly on our great coasts--to fish, to dive, to snorkel or to simply enjoy America's stunning natural marine resources.

Boating isn't just a recreational activity. The boating industry is one of America's great industries that includes about 1,400 active boat builders in the United States, including many in my district, using materials and services contributed from all 50 States. These are American jobs that are creating a uniquely American product. Additional jobs include electricians, carpenters, painters, and engineers who work to repair or to refit recreational vessels--along with all the crew members and employees at our many marinas and harbors.

When taken together, boating in America generates more than $33 million annually for our economy, and it provides 337,000 jobs, totaling $10.4 billion in wages every year. For these reasons, I am urging my colleagues to support House Resolution 410.

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