119 



Statement of the 



Honorable John D. Dingell 



before the 



Subcommittee on Fisheries. Wildlife and Oceans 



House Committee on Resources 



on 



"Teaming with Wildlife" 



June 6, 1996 



Mr Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to be heard today oo a proposal which 

 matches the intent of existing federal programs that have long provided many benefits for the 

 management and preservation of our nation's fish and wildlife resources. 



This proposal is called "Teaming with Wildlife, " the result of much effort to 

 determine a fair and responsible way to expand existing user fees on hunting and angling 

 gear so that it includes other outdoor recreational equipment. This concept is well 

 established in federal law under three programs: the Pittman-Robertson program, the Dingell 

 Johnson program, and the Wallop-Breaux program. Based on their well-documented success, 

 I believe an excise fee on other outdoor recreational equipment could work simply and 

 smoothly to build on the success of these acts, if done in a manner that does not place undue 

 or unexpected burdens on businesses or individuals. Before moving forward, it is crucial 

 that a consensus is reached about the scope of any fee collection. I hope this Subcommittee's 

 work will result in a proper balance that will enjoy widespread support. 



One of these two laws is especially dear to me. since it was my father, John D. 

 Dingell, Sr. (D-Michigan), who co-authored the Federal Aid in Sportfish Recreation Act of 

 1950 (P.L. 81-681) with Senator Edwin Carl Johnson rD-ColoradoV This law places an 

 excise tax on angling equipment in pannership hetueen industry and conservationists 

 Working together, they agreed nearly a half century ago that restoring our nation's fisheries 

 was worth paying a little more for fish tackle and related equipment Indeed, the continuing 

 decline of America s sport fisheries in the first pan of this century clearly demonstrated the 

 need for a vigorous effort to restore our fishery heritage. 



Following the establishment 13 years earUer of a comparable excise tax for wildlife 

 recreation equipment (Pittman-Robertson), it was apparent that existing state fisheries 

 programs needed additional fmancial security to assure the quality and quantity of angling 

 that was valued by anglers and non-anglers alike. Projects tied to management programs, 

 sound technical information, and improved public access were required. As a result of 

 continued needs in the states, my father and Senator Johnson created the most ambitious 

 program for fisheries improvement in the United States. Today, the Dingell- Johnson 

 program, with the Wallop-Breaux amendments, brings in over $200 million each year. 

 These funds are administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and 

 returned to the states for sportfish recreation. 



