Jim Costa: “Representative Bustos and I would like to thank Congressmen Beyer and Wittman and the Rules Committee for allowing us to…”

“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. {time} 0945 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.…”