Senator Rounds Resolution on Fireworks Applauded by NFA


 

Resolution Supporting Fireworks Has Now Been Introduced in Both Houses of Congress

WASHINGTON – With less than two weeks before fireworks illuminate the skies over Mount Rushmore, the National Fireworks Association (NFA) today applauded South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds for introducing in the United States Senate, a resolution promoting the patriotic contributions and economic impacts of the small businesses that import, distribute, sell and shoot off consumer fireworks. 

In May, Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota led the effort to recognize the consumer fireworks industry by introducing the resolution in the United States House of Representatives. 

Mount Rushmore, in Round’s home state, will be the focal point of our nation’s birthday celebration this year with fireworks planned to be shot high above the nation’s Shrine of Democracy for the first time in over a decade. 

“The family-run, job-creating small businesses in our industry are thankful to Senator Rounds for his leadership in the United States Senate,” said Steve Houser, President of the National Fireworks Association. “Fireworks are a symbol of the freedoms we enjoy in this country and they bring our communities together, promote patriotism, and have an enormous economic impact in a very brief period of time.”

Last year, the consumer fireworks industry generated over one billion dollars in economic benefits to local communities from small, family-run businesses, primarily in the two-week period leading up to the Fourth of July. 

Numerous cities across the country have been canceling their Independence Day fireworks shows, including two of the largest cities on the East Coast. Boston, the home to former President John Adams, who was the inspiration behind the Fourth of July and the first city in America to declare it a holiday, recently cancelled its annual show with the Boston Pops. Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, also recently announced their annual Independence Day festival would be canceled. 

The National Fireworks Association has been encouraging cities and towns across the country to move forward with annual Fourth of July displays that adhere to recommended social distancing guidelines. This includes allowing drive-up shows where spectators remain in their vehicles; launching fireworks from undisclosed locations; and working with local broadcasters to make shows available on television; and via livestreaming on social media.

“We’re grateful to President Trump, Senator Rounds, Congressman Johnson and Governor Noem for allowing the citizens of South Dakota and millions more across our country who will be watching on television the chance to celebrate America’s birthday with a fireworks show at Mount Rushmore,” said Houser. “Consumer fireworks have seen tremendous growth this Fourth of July season and we’re pleased neighborhoods across our country will celebrate with us as our nation opens back up. We remind those celebrating with consumer fireworks at home to shoot safely.” 

About NFA: The National Fireworks Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the safety of consumer fireworks and professional display fireworks. Importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of commercial fireworks make up the over 1200 small businesses member companies who operate in the United States. 

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