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On April 8, several House and Senate committees convened hearings on legislative priorities related to conservation, small business tax policy and the administration’s 2025 trade agenda. The issues covered in these hearings have implications for the recreational boating and marine industries.

 

The House Committee on Small Business and Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held a joint hearing titled “Prosperity on Main Street: Keeping Taxes Low for Small Businesses.” Several members and witnesses emphasized the need to permanently extend the provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that maintain favorable tax conditions for small businesses, citing rising costs and regulatory burdens as threats to long-term success.

 

“No other expiring provision in TCJA had a larger impact on the amount of taxes paid by entrepreneurs and small business owners than the 20% pass-through deduction, known as Section 199A,” said Preston M. Brashers, Research Fellow, Tax Policy, The Heritage Foundation. “While some reforms or improvements to the design of 199A are certainly possible, simply letting the provision lapse would be unthinkable to millions of American business proprietors who claim the deduction.”

 

Any rollbacks or expirations of TCJA provisions could increase tax liabilities, reduce capital flexibility and limit expansion, particularly for family-owned manufacturers, dealers and marinas. NMMA continues to support policies that promote entrepreneurship and sustain the economic vitality of recreational marine manufacturers and dealers.

 

The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing examining the President’s 2025 trade policy agenda, with testimony from U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The discussion centered on tariffs, global market access and trade enforcement. Greer defended the administration’s approach, asserting that the new tariffs are designed to address unfair trade practices and reduce the trade deficit.

 

However, senators raised concerns. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) warned the administration that it had roughly a year to demonstrate results or risk economic blowback. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) echoed those concerns, saying, “A trade war will mean higher prices for the American consumer.”

 

Lawmakers emphasized the need for enforceable trade rules that promote American competitiveness, calling for updates to trade statutes and renewed engagement with key partners. Delays or instability in trade negotiations could increase costs for the recreational boating industry and limit U.S. boat exports, harming international competitiveness.

 

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee held a legislative hearing to review four bills:

 

·       H.R. 839, sponsored by Rep. Arrington (R-TX): Would prohibit implementation of a Land Protection Plan at the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. Proponents, including Rep. Arrington, argue that federal agencies should prioritize maintaining existing land holdings before pursuing expansion.

·       H.R. 1809, sponsored by Rep. Quigley (D-IL): Reauthorizes the Great Lakes Fishery Research Program, a critical tool for supporting sustainable fisheries and local economies. The bill has bipartisan support and has been praised for its importance to the region’s environmental health and recreational fishing industry.

·       H.R. 2293, sponsored by Rep. Ezell (R-MS): Requires the Department of the Interior to reissue regulations allowing the lethal take of double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities. Lawmakers argue this is necessary to protect fish stocks and aquaculture operations from predation.

·       H.R. 2316, sponsored by Rep. Hurd (R-CO): Introduces the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025, aiming to improve access and restoration efforts across wetland areas.

 

NMMA continues to monitor developments in tax, trade, and conservation policy, and remains committed to advocating for legislative outcomes that strengthen the U.S. recreational boating industry.