Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Bustos), I offer amendment No. 4.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COSTA. 4 be printed in House Report 114-429 and be modified in the form that I have placed at the desk.

The Clerk will report the modification.

The Clerk read as follows:

Modification to amendment offered by Mr. Costa:

Page 19, line 24, strike ``7'' and insert ``8''.

Page 20, line 19, strike ``; and'' and insert a semicolon.

Page 20, line 21, strike the period and insert ``; and''.

Page 20, after line 21, insert the following:

``(viii) Administrator of the Small Business Administration or designated representative.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, Representative Bustos and I would like to thank Congressmen Beyer and Wittman and the Rules Committee for allowing us to present this amendment on the floor.

This amendment would help ensure that the interests of small businesses that rely on wildlife conservation and recreational hunting continue to thrive.

As established by this bill, the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee's duties would include advising the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture on policies and programs that help increase the participation in hunting and wildlife conservation activities and promote awareness of the importance of both wildlife conservation and the economic benefits of recreational hunting.

There is no question that recreational hunting has economic benefits. In 2011, hunters put $38.3 billion into our economy. The small businesses across the country that cater to the needs of these hunters and wildlife watchers--be they stores, hotels, trail guides--are bedrocks of our local economies that are near our public lands. We know that.

As is, however, none of the governmental bodies set to serve on this advisory committee that is being proposed as a part of this legislation represent the perspective or the needs of these small businesses.

Small businesses are the economic engine that is driving our economy. We know that. It has been that way for years. They should not be left behind or be left out of this.

This amendment would simply add the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to be listed as an ex-officio member of this advisory committee.

Having a representative from the Small Business Administration or their designee will strengthen the voice of small businesses that rely on tourism associated with hunting or shooting or sports or recreational or wildlife activities that this legislation intends to promote.

So my colleague, Representative Bustos, and I ask that you join us in supporting this small-business amendment ensuring that they have a seat at the table by supporting this effort.

Mr. Chairman, I ask for an ``aye'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source