[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 166 (Monday, October 16, 2017)] [Senate] [Pages S6397-S6398] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, in support of National Forest Products Week and in my role as a cochair of the Senate Paper and Packaging Caucus, I would like to recognize the almost 20,000 hard-working men and women employed by the forest products industry in the great State of Arkansas. Arkansas is home to over 90 wood products, paper, and packaging manufacturing facilities that make over $8 billion in products annually and contribute over $1.2 billion to the State and local economies through wages and compensation. [[Page S6398]] The forest products industry plays a valuable role in the life of every American, every day. From paper and packaging to wood products, tissue, and other personal care items, paper and wood products are at the heart of modern life and a modern economy. In total, the industry employs about 900,000 Americans nationwide and manufactures over $280 billion in products every year. That is nearly 4 percent of the current U.S. manufacturing GDP. In addition to cochairing the Paper and Packaging Caucus, I am also a cochair of the Senate Recycling Caucus. In this dual capacity, I have seen the success the forest products industry has had in pairing economic growth with respect for the environment. Be it through the use of carbon-neutral biomass energy or the successful implementation of voluntary recycling programs that now reach 96 percent of Americans, the forest products industry is leading by example. Last year, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how the forest industry contributes to the economy of my State. Congressman Bruce Westerman and I visited timber-rich south Arkansas on our ``Seed to Sawmill'' tour. We learned about proper forest management and the positive environmental impacts achieved through conservation efforts. We also visited a seedling nursery, working private forests, state-of- the art processing facilities, and the U.S. Forest Service's Experimental Forest in Crossett. It is clear that the forest products industry contributes a great deal to Arkansas and to the U.S. economy overall. That is why it is important for us to highlight how forest products improve our lives, help grow our economy, and promote healthy environmental practices. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating National Forest Products Week and reflect on the many ways this recyclable and renewable resource impacts our daily lives for the better. Thank you for the opportunity to recognize the hard-working professionals of the forest products industry in the great State of Arkansas. ____________________