NMMA outlines FY19 Congressional appropriations agenda

The National Marine Manufacturers Association federal affairs team has put together a package of appropriations priorities for the FY19 cycle.

Appropriations are a way for NMMA to accomplish priorities on behalf of its members and the industry. Even if there is political stalemate, appropriations can be an opportunity to move the needle on important programs and policies the industry cares about.

Given their importance, NMMA’s requests span 22 different accounts, and include the following: Ensuring our nation’s waterways are improved and maintained; managing fisheries resources; preventing boaters from harmful fueling mistakes at the gas pump; and helping promote American-made boats in the global economy.

The health of the boating and marine manufacturing economy depend on these programs and initiatives. At the same time, NMMA understands the need for fiscal responsibility.

NMMA’s requests for specific spending levels were either to simply maintain funding levels or modest increases to ensure programs can continue to meet their mission.

The federal team has conducted outreach and meetings with Congressional offices regarding these requests.

NMMA is pleased to report that a number of lawmakers have already assisted with NMMA’s No 1. priority: Funding for the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA).

ORSA measures the size of the outdoor recreation economy and the link between outdoor recreation and the broader United States economy. These data are important indicators and guideposts for the Trump Administration and Congress as they put together overall priorities.

NMMA would like to thank the following Members of Congress for sending letters to Congressional appropriators requesting support of ORSA: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Al Lawson, Rep. Lois Frankel, Rep. Charlie Crist, Rep. Carlos Curbelo, Rep. Don Beyer, Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. Peter Welch, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Congress recently began the appropriations process for FY19, but having the support of the aforementioned members of Congress will be key as subcommittees begin putting packages together.

The NMMA federal affairs team will continue to work with other Congressional offices as the FY19 process starts getting into high gear. NMMA will keep members posted on developments as they occur.

For more information on the appropriations process or NMMA’s priorities, please contact NMMA’s Vice President of Federal & Legal Affairs Nicole Vasilaros at nvasilaros@nmma.org, or NMMA’s Director of Federal Government Affairs Mike Pasko at mpasko@nmma.org.

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