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FOXX LEGISLATION RECOGNIZING CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS PASSES HOUSE
Washington, DC,
November 14, 2006
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), author of H.J. Res. 96, a bill to recognize the contributions of the Christmas tree growers to the United States economy is pleased to announce its passage by voice vote in the House of Representatives tod
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), author of H.J. Res. 96, a bill to recognize the contributions of the Christmas tree growers to the United States economy is pleased to announce its passage by voice vote in the House of Representatives today. H.J. Res. 96 not only recognizes the economic contributions of the live Christmas tree industry, but this legislation also acknowledges the historical importance of the Christmas tree to traditional family values. Upon passage of H.J. Res 96, Congresswoman Foxx stated, “I am very pleased to see the House of Representatives pass this legislation to recognize the live Christmas tree industry. The use of live Christmas trees goes back to 1850 and has become a staple of American tradition for the Christmas holiday.” The importance of the live Christmas tree industry is especially relevant to the 5th District of North Carolina where the Fraser fir, the most commonly grown tree in Western North Carolina was judged to be the nation’s best Christmas tree in a contest by the National Christmas Tree Association. The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is ranked second in the nation, producing 19 percent of the real Christmas trees in the United States. Over 100,000 people are employed in the live-cut Christmas tree industry and the retail value of live Christmas trees sold in 2005 was $1.4 billion dollars. “In addition to the cherished heritage of the Christmas tree and its importance as a symbol of traditional family values, the live Christmas tree industry is a vital part of the 5th District’s and America’s economy as all of the 50 states produce live Christmas trees,” Foxx concluded. ### |