Mr. President, Montanans can tell you that nothing beats getting outdoors for hunting, skiing, fishing, backpacking--you name it; it is our way of life. In fact, after I graduated from Montana State University, I had to leave Montana to start my business career, but I came back to Montana while my knees were still good so I could spend my time enjoying all that Montana's outdoors have to offer. That is why I am excited that June is National Great Outdoors Month. Montana's outdoors have a special meaning for me. In fact, I even proposed to my sweet wife Cindy some 31 years ago next month on the summit of Hyalite Peak, just south of Bozeman. The value of Montana's outdoors is simply incredible. In fact, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, there are 64,000 Montanans whose jobs are directly tied to our outdoor recreation industry. In 2012, outdoor recreation generated almost $6 billion in consumer spending in Montana alone. Nationally--taking this to the big picture of our great country--outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in consumer spending each year and provides 7.6 million jobs. Folks travel across our Nation, even from around the world, to come visit America's great outdoors. It is all right here in our backyard-- in fact, for me literally. I grew up just about 90 miles from Yellowstone National Park. I went to kindergarten through college just 90 miles away from Yellowstone National Park, and I can tell you, I go back there every year with my family.…
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