WASHINGTON – More than a dozen members of the U.S. Congress are scheduled to speak at the American Boating Congress (ABC), to be held May 2-4 in the nation’s capital, according to a National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) press release today.
Members of both the Senate and House, representing many of the committees most important to the boating industry and all regions of the U.S., will speak to industry leaders regarding legislative and regulatory issues that affect their bottom line, NMMA said.
Sen. John B. Breaux (D-LA) will open the event on Monday, May 3. Breaux, who will retire at the end of the 108th Congress after 32 years of public service, has been a strong advocate for the recreational boating industry during his legislative career.
The 2003 recipient of the Admiral’s Circle Award for Recreational Boating, Breaux serves as co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus he helped create.
This year’s winner of the Admiral’s Circle Award for Recreational Boating, Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL), will also be addressing industry leaders at ABC. Keller is being recognized for his support of the marine industry, specifically for championing the Recreational Marine Employment Act (RMEA) in Congress, NMMA said.
Additional Congressional speakers at ABC include:
Committee
“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from so many influential legislators at this year’s ABC,” said Monita Fontaine, NMMA vice president of government relations. “Each of these leaders have shown great support for the boating industry in Congress. Their expertise on issues affecting the recreational boating industry and boating enthusiasts will provide great insight to industry leaders as they prepare to take their message to Capitol Hill.”