Recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy.

Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honored today to rise as the House considers House Joint Resolution 15, a resolution I authored to recognize the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy.

As a former Christmas tree grower myself, I can attest to the importance of recognizing this often overlooked, yet highly significant, farming industry. Christmas trees have held a historic place in traditional American family values since 1850. Just as importantly, Christmas trees play a vital role in the North Carolina High Country's economy by providing jobs and livelihoods for thousands of North Carolinians.

My district in North Carolina is one of the largest producers of live-cut Christmas trees in the entire country. There are over 1,600 North Carolina growers and approximately 400 choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms across the State. The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is ranked second in the Nation in the number of trees harvested, producing over 19 percent of the real Christmas trees in the United States.

North Carolina has an estimated 50 million Fraser fir Christmas trees growing on over 25,000 acres. Representing over 95 percent of all species growing in North Carolina, Fraser firs are grown in North Carolina's western counties, including Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.

The North Carolina Fraser fir Christmas tree is the most popular Christmas tree in North America and is shipped to every State in the United States, as well as the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Japan, and other points all over the world.

The North Carolina Fraser fir has soft needles with incomparable needle retention, a long-lasting aroma, and more pliable, yet stronger, branches for even the heaviest ornaments.

Through a contest sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association, the North Carolina Fraser fir has been judged the Nation's best and has been chosen for the official White House Christmas tree 10 times, more than any other species, in 1971, 1973, 1982, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2005 and 2007.

It is my great privilege to say that a beautiful Fraser fir grown by Joe Freeman and Linda Jones of Mistletoe Meadows Christmas Tree Farm in Laurel Springs, North Carolina, presently sits in the White House Blue Room as this year's official White House Christmas tree.

The Christmas tree industry supports our economy and the environment. Christmas trees are grown in all 50 States, with North Carolina, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota, Virginia, California, and Ohio being the top Christmas tree producers. Nationally, there are more than 21,000 Christmas tree growers, and more than 100,000 people are employed in the live-cut Christmas tree industry.

Thirty-six million live-cut Christmas trees are produced each year, and 98 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms. Live-cut Christmas trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. There are over 500,000 acres in production for growing Christmas trees in the U.S., and each acre provides the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people.

On average, over 1,500 Christmas trees are planted per acre, providing an abundant habitat for wildlife.

It can take up to 15 years to grow Christmas trees to retail sale height, a

testament to the commitment growers have to maintain strong and healthy trees. The retail value of all Christmas trees harvested in 2004 was $1.4 billion. Live-cut Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since 1850. By 1900, one in five American families decorated live-cut trees during Christmas. By 1930, the tree had become a nearly universal part of the American Christmas. For generations, American families have traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to celebrate the holiday season together at home around the Christmas tree. This year, more than 10,000 trees were donated to American troops by over 750 Christmas tree farmers across the Nation. These Christmas trees were delivered to over 37 bases across 19 States and over 15 countries abroad to spread the holiday spirit to our men and women in uniform who are bravely and honorably serving our Nation throughout this Christmas season.

I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture and the majority leader for their assistance in getting this resolution to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, recognizing this important industry, not just for its economic and environmental impact, but also for its cultural contribution to the Christmas holiday. Thank you to Christmas tree growers across the country for their contribution to our economy, our environment, and our Nation's heritage.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 15--Recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution.

During the holiday season, it is appropriate that we consider this resolution. Many Americans participate in the tradition of Christmas and Christmas trees are an important part of this tradition. Many memories associated with Christmas include a beautiful natural tree decorated with lights and ornaments with gifts underneath, shared with family and friends.

Whether families purchase a pre-cut tree or cut the trees themselves--the tree most likely came from a tree farm. More than 36 million Christmas trees are produced each year, and 98 percent of them come from Christmas trees farms. Christmas tree farms have a positive contribution to our economy.

None know the importance of Christmas trees to our economy better than Oregonians. In 2006, Christmas trees accounted for more than $121 million of the Oregon economy. Our number one agricultural commodity is nursery products, including Christmas trees. While many people know Oregon for our forests, it is fitting that we are also first in the Nation in Christmas tree production. I am proud to represent thousands of Oregonians who are part of the Christmas tree and nursery industry.

Christmas trees are both part of the Christmas and winter holiday season, and important to Oregon and the nation's economy. I commend my colleague, Ms. Foxx, for introducing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 15) recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 15.

H.J. Res 15, a resolution introduced by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, recognizes the success and importance of the live- cut Christmas tree industry in the United States.

It is an appropriate time of the year for Congress to consider this resolution, as I think that most of us here today have memories of decorating a Christmas tree during the holiday season. The live-cut Christmas tree industry ensures that this tradition continues every year for families across the Nation.

Likewise, there are private forest landowners all across America for whom Christmas trees are an important source of income. Over 35 million live-cut Christmas trees are produced this year, and they are growing in all 50 States. Christmas tree growers are responsible land stewards who provide wildlife habitat, give us cleaner air, protect watersheds, and improve the environment.

The economic strength and cultural contribution of this industry makes this resolution worthy of congressional support.

I encourage the support of the resolution.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I also yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.J. Res. 15.