Senators debate Clean Boating Act
OAK PARK, Ill. – On June 26, the Senate engaged in a floor debate on S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act, when the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), requested a Unanimous Consent Agreement that would allow the bill to come to the floor with no debate, the Marine Retailers Association of America said in a “Dealer Alert” message is sent out this morning.
MRAA said bills under Unanimous Consent usually pass easily on a voice vote. However, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) used the opportunity to voice her support of commercial shipping by reserving her right to object and discussed the need to amend the bill with broader language to include large, commercial vessels.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) strongly objected to Sen. Murkowski’s amendment and said if Murkowski followed through on her objection that “13 million recreational boaters would wake up upset tomorrow,” MRAA reported.
Sen. Murkowski objected and a debate ensued throughout the night with other Senators asking Murkowski not to put a hold on the bill (an option all Senators have to stop bill movement).
The MRAA is urging boat dealers to contact their U.S. senators immediately and ask them to support S. 2766.
Anyone wishing to contact their Senators on this matter can do so by going to www.boatblue.com and following the prompts, MRAA said.
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