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Washington, DC -- Honoring Florida’s boating community and industry, U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) Monday introduced a resolution on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, urging the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the American people to observe National Boating Day. House Resolution 505 unanimously passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote Monday afternoon. Klein will speak on the House floor about the resolution following votes Monday evening.
“One cannot think about the quality of life in South Florida without thinking about the major contributions of the recreational boating community,” said Klein. “From fishing to diving to a scenic cruise along the coast or on the intracoastal highway, boating is an iconic symbol for South Florida.
“But the significance of our boating community is more than symbolic,” Klein continued. “The recreational marine industry is a major economic force in Florida, responsible for over $18 billion of revenues and 220,000 jobs statewide. And nearly $13 billion of the economic impact, and 162,000 of those jobs, comes from the tri-county region of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.”
Klein also highlighted the fact that the contributions made by the recreational boating community go well beyond Florida. There are approximately 1,400 boat builders in the United States, with contributions to that community coming from all fifty states.
“Over 73 million individuals and an estimated 18 million recreational watercraft comprise the boating community here in the United States,” said Klein.
“ The recreational boating industry also pumps more than $39 billion in sales and services to the U.S. economy and generates nearly 380,000 manufacturing jobs.”
Klein praised the greater appreciation boats allow us to have for our environment and our natural treasures, such as coral reefs.
“I strongly believe that an appreciation for environmental stewardship comes about through interacting with nature. It’s hard to comprehend the beauty of coral reefs until you see it underwater with your own eyes. Once you do, you begin to understand their importance and the need to protect them for the continued health of the oceans,” said Klein.
“Boating give us these cherished opportunities to commune with nature. It should be no surprise then that boaters can be impassioned stewards of the environment, teaching future generations of boaters to have a healthy respect and appreciation for our natural resources.”
Klein is a proud member of the Congressional Boating Caucus, which contains Members of Congress from thirty-eight states, including Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Kansas and West Virginia.
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