Dan Burton: “I would like to join my colleagues in supporting H.R. 4066, legislation which will grant duty waiver for several sports…”

“I would like to join my colleagues in supporting H.R. 4066, legislation which will grant duty waiver for several sports events, including the 1994 World Rowing Championships. From September 11-18, Indianapolis, IN will host the World Rowing Championships--the first time ever the event has been held in the United States. Over 1,000 men and women from more than 40 countries will be competing. Top rowers from every continent will assemble on Eagle Creek Reservoir, which is the only internationally certified racing course in the United States, to compete in 23 events. This legislation will enable competing teams to enter the United States without having to post bond on the racing equipment they will be bringing into the country. Racing shells, measuring more than 60 feet for 8-man crews, are worth more then $15,000 each without oars. Eliminating this expense and some of the associated redtape, lifts an enormous burden from all the teams, especially from less well off nations where the travel and shipping costs alone pose a considerable hurdle. I commend the Ways and Means Committee for acting so expeditiously on this legislation which is an important courtesy to the competing athletes. I also commend the organizers at USRowing for bringing this exciting event to Indianapolis. Amateur sports have played a major role in the revitalization of Indianapolis and I look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to the world Championships in September.”