[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCING THE FAMILY LEISURE INCENTIVE ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2001

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to 
introduce the Family Leisure Incentive (FLI) Act of 2001. The events of 
September 11 have left our country desperately searching for some level 
of normality. Indeed, Americans are slowly beginning to return to their 
lives--or at least as much as can be expected. But in their efforts to 
move on, Americans remain hesitant to travel, whether it be by plane, 
train, or ship. In turn, the tourism industry in our country, and 
subsequently the industries directly affected by tourism, have come to 
a virtual standstill.
  Everywhere I look in this country, industries are hurting. In 
Florida, we are feeling the wake of September 11 more than ever. For 
the first time in my life, hotels in South Florida are reporting record 
lows in occupancy levels, travel agencies are losing customers by the 
dozen, and the cruise industry is reporting that its ships are leaving 
port half empty. These figures do not even begin to take into account 
the tens of thousands of people who work for the airline industry in my 
district and are no longer employed.
  The bottom line is that if people do not get on planes, then people 
do not check into hotels. If people do not check into hotels, then 
businesses and cities that depend on tourism fail to survive. If 
businesses lose money, then people lose jobs. If people lose jobs, then 
stress at home increases. In turn, families break up, alcoholism and 
domestic violence increase, depression is imminent, and at times, even 
worse, suicide becomes an option.
  The FLI Act provides individuals and families with tax incentives to 
travel in the next year by air, land, or sea, and not be afraid to 
vacation. It allows individuals to deduct up to $750 from their taxable 
income to help cover the costs of travel and lodging, whether on land 
or on sea. Families who file jointly can deduct up to $1,500.
  The FLI Act is a relatively inexpensive and cost effective way that 
Congress can help stimulate our faltering economy. Airline bailout 
bills only provide a temporary solution to potentially, a long term 
problem. The FLI Act provides Congress with the needed vehicle to 
address the needs of America's hurting tourism industry, and at the 
same time, provide tax relief for working class and low-income families 
at a time they need it most.
  I urge my colleagues to move swiftly and pass this innovative and 
necessary legislation.

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