Boating industry leaders gathered for the third and final day of the American Boating Congress (ABC) 2019 yesterday. The morning kicked off with the marquee session of ABC 2019, where members of Congress, top administration officials, and leading media and political figures spoke to a packed house of stakeholders.
During the session, Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle discussed their recent efforts to support the recreational boating industry through conservation, infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. Representative Brian Mast (R-FL-18) spoke about conservation efforts in Florida and the need to keep our waterways beautiful for years to come; Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) talked about her work in Congress to protect our oceans and coastal communities; and Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02) shared the importance of investing in blue-green infrastructure projects throughout the country.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross also joined to highlight the 2.2 percent contribution to U.S. GDP that the outdoor recreation industry generates and how it boosts the broader economy. Secretary Ross also discussed how the administration supports the industry through business-friendly policies and public access to America's federal waters. Additionally, Captain Scott L. Johnson, Chief of the Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety, discussed the boating industry's commitment to safety and how it has made the water a safer place for everyone.