IV 
115TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 139 
Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on February 
19, 2017, as ‘‘American Birkebeiner Week’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 16, 2017 
Mr. DUFFY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning 
on February 19, 2017, as ‘‘American Birkebeiner Week’’. 
Whereas the American Birkebeiner, held in Hayward, Wis-
consin, is North America’s largest cross-country ski race 
and contributes to the estimated $26,000,000 in revenue 
generated in Sawyer and Bayfield counties in Wisconsin 
each year; 
Whereas over 13,000 cross-country skiers and tens of thou-
sands of spectators gather in Hayward each February to 
celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski 
Foundation’s annual week of cross-country skiing festivi-
ties, which includes events for all ages and abilities; 
Whereas the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American 
tradition and is the sole cross-country ski-race rep-
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•HRES 139 IH 
resenting the North American continent within the global 
Worldloppet International Sports Federation; 
Whereas over 250,000 skiers have participated in American 
Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races since 1973; 
Whereas the 100+ kilometer American Birkebeiner rec-
reational trail was ranked among the best cross-country 
ski destinations in the United States in 2016, is utilized 
by an estimated 100,000 visitors each year, and draws 
tourists to Northwest Wisconsin; 
Whereas the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 44th 
year and the recent opening of the Tony Wise Museum 
of the American Birkebeiner, which commemorates the 
race’s origins and legacy; 
Whereas the 2017 American Birkebeiner cross-country ski 
race will be celebrating a momentous milestone with the 
inaugural use of the new American Birkebeiner Trailhead 
permanent start area; 
Whereas past and current members of the United States ski 
team will be gathering in reunion at the 2017 American 
Birkebeiner, many of whom have represented the United 
States at the highest level of international competition in-
cluding the past 15 Olympic Games; 
Whereas the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foun-
dation, a nonprofit organization, is to conduct the finest 
international cross-country ski competitions, to serve as 
good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail system, 
and to support a healthy and active lifestyle; 
Whereas the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, Scott Walk-
er, has proclaimed February 19, 2017, through February 
26, 2017, as American Birkebeiner Week throughout the 
State of Wisconsin; and 
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•HRES 139 IH 
Whereas the week beginning on February 19, 2017, in which 
the American Birkebeiner is held, would be an appro-
priate week to designate as ‘‘American Birkebeiner 
Week’’: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘American 
Birkebeiner Week’’; 
(2) encourages citizens to get outdoors and em-
brace a healthy, active lifestyle by participating in 
Nordic sports or other activities; 
(3) recognizes the importance of the American 
Birkebeiner to the economy of Northwest Wisconsin; 
and 
(4) requests that the President issue a procla-
mation recognizing the importance of the American 
Birkebeiner to our Nation. 
Æ 
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