[Page H3029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECREATIONAL FISHING AND HUNTING

  (Mr. HOLDING asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, Americans are struggling to find jobs in 
our economy, so we must take advantage of the opportunities for job 
growth where and whenever they arise. And today I want to highlight the 
positive economic impact of recreational fishing and hunting.
  Mr. Speaker, nationwide, sportsmen contribute over $3 billion of 
State and Federal revenue annually through hunting and fishing 
licenses, fees, and excise taxes.
  In my home State of North Carolina, hunters and anglers produced over 
35,000 jobs in 2011--more than the combined employment of the two 
largest private employers in the State. Sportsmen and -women generated 
$249 million in State and local taxes in 2011--enough to support the 
salaries of over 6,000 police and sheriff's patrol officers.
  I rise today to support this important industry and what it is doing 
for my home State. Hunting, fishing, boating, and other recreational 
sports foster growth in our economy and create jobs.

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