[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H3408-H3409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 729) supporting National Tourism Week.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 729
Whereas travel and tourism has a major impact on the
economy of the United States as the 3rd largest retail sales
industry in the Nation;
Whereas 1 out of every 7 people employed in the United
States civilian labor force is directly or indirectly
employed in the travel and tourism industry;
Whereas international travel to the United States is the
largest service export, having generated a trade surplus for
16 consecutive years, increasing 144 percent between 2003 to
2004 to over $4 billion;
Whereas, in 2005, travel and tourism-related expenditures
reached $1 trillion, including $596 billion in direct sales
and $445 billion in indirect sales, and supported 8 million
jobs;
Whereas the Department of Commerce has released the 2004
international year-end arrivals data, revealing that the
level of international travel to the United States increased
by 12 percent from 2003 to 46 million in 2004, with overseas
visitors increasing 13 percent, to 20 million in 2004;
Whereas domestic and international traveler spending in the
United States generated $99.4 billion in taxes for Federal,
State and local governments in 2004;
Whereas tourism contributes substantially to personal
growth, education, appreciation of cross-cultural
differences, and the enhancement of international
understanding and good will;
Whereas the abundant natural and man-made attractions of
the United States and the hospitality of the American people
establish the United States as the preeminent destination for
both foreign and domestic travelers;
Whereas National Tourism Week was established by Congress
in 1983, and first celebrated in May 1984, when President
Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation urging citizens to
observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities;
Whereas, since 1984, National Tourism Week has been
celebrated each May by the travel and tourism community,
travel industry associations, as well as many States, cities,
and localities throughout the Nation; and
Whereas May 13 through 21, 2006, is the 23rd annual
National Tourism Week: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports National Tourism Week; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States and interested
groups to observe National Tourism Week with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Issa) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and to include extraneous material on the resolution under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H. Res. 729, offered by the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Foley). I am also a cosponsor of this resolution, and
cosponsor of it for a good reason. The $1.3 trillion industry in travel
and tourism is one that both Florida and California enjoy, and people
from all over the world also enjoy it. The United States receives
nearly 50 million international visitors, spending over $100 billion a
year while touring within our country.
In fact, the United States is the number one tourist destination in
the world. The Travel Industry Association says if not for the taxes
generated by the travel and tourism, every household in America would
pay over $900 more in taxes each year to make up for the shortfall,
much of that coming from foreign visitors.
In addition, travel and tourism generate $100 billion in tax revenue
for local, State and Federal governments. For this reason, it is
important that we encourage and recognize the travel industry for its
dedication to not only the accommodation of our vacation needs, but
also in providing much-needed jobs and revenue for our country each
year. I urge all Members to come together to support the vitally
important travel and tourism industry by adopting H. Res. 729.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, people across the Nation and around the world have
enjoyed traveling across America to visit our magnificent cities,
parks, museums, and our many other national historic and cultural
sites. America provides countless opportunities to learn about and to
enjoy our Nation's immense variety of attractions.
The travel and tourism industry represents a vital part of the
American economy. It is a $1.3 trillion industry in the United States,
and $100 billion is generated each year in tax revenues for local,
State and Federal governments. And with the total of 7.3 million
American jobs related to travel, the travel and tourism industry is one
of the country's biggest employers.
National Tourism Week was established by Congress in 1983 and first
celebrated in May of 1984 when President Ronald Reagan signed a
proclamation that urged citizens to observe the week with appropriate
ceremonies and activities. Held each year from May 13 to May 21,
National Tourism Week provides the perfect platform upon which to
challenge State tourism boards, city governments and other relevant
entities to take a proactive role and to engage in practices that
protect and maximize their tourism assets.
As a matter of fact, when I think of tourism, I think of my own
congressional district which includes downtown Chicago with many of the
skyscrapers, the Sears Tower, the Water Tower Place. King Tut is now on
exhibit in our city, and thousands of people are coming each and every
day. And so travel and tourism contribute to the cultural and social
well-being of the Nation. I support this resolution and urge its
passage.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Illinois is quite right. On
Monday I left several tourist dollars on the 95th floor of the John
Hancock Building at that lovely, beautiful restaurant. Chicago is in
fact a major tourist destination, and I have been to more trade shows
than I care to, well, I care to remember them all. They were all quite
good. Chicago hosts some wonderful McCormick-based facilities, and has
some of the finest hotels. I have not stayed in all of the finest
hotels, but you have some of the finest hotels.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this resolution to thank the travel
and tourism industry for what they contribute to our economy.
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, at the start of the summer season we recognize
the contributions of the travel and tourism industry by celebrating
National Tourism Week.
Over the last 22 years, our Nation has celebrated National Tourism
Week, and rightfully so. This industry ranks first, second or third in
nearly 60 percent of the country.
Not only is tourism a dominant industry in the U.S. economy, but it
is an industry that is present in every Congressional district. From
sea to shining sea, to purple mountains majesty, every corner of the
U.S. contributes to the travel and tourism industry--Hawaii, Alaska,
Maine, Florida, California, and everything in between.
The travel and tourism industry boasts heavy-hitting statistics on
expenditures, revenues, and jobs (the 3rd largest retail sales industry
in the Nation; has generated a trade surplus for 16 consecutive years;
supports 8 million jobs; in 2005, expenditures reached $1 trillion.).
But that's not all. The travel and tourism industry produces something
that cannot be quantified. There is no better way to understand and
appreciate a culture than to travel to that land and experience it.
When people come to the U.S., they experience our culture and
hospitality first hand, and almost without exception, their view of
America changes for the better. In today's world, this element is
priceless.
As co-chairs of the Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus since 1997,
Congressman Foley and I have worked hard to educate our colleagues
about the significance of this industry and all that it offers to our
country. The caucus is over 100 members strong and continues to grow as
more of my colleagues truly comprehend the magnitude of tourism.
[[Page H3409]]
Travel is an integral part of the human experience, and I am pleased
that we are honoring the travel and tourism industry by putting forth
this resolution celebrating National Tourism Week.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 729,
resolution sponsored by my friend and colleague Mark Foley, the Co-
Chair of the Travel and Tourism Caucus along with members of the Caucus
including myself, in support of National Tourism Week.
It is worth repeating, Mr. Speaker, as the resolution points out,
Travel and Tourism as the 3rd largest retail sales industry in the
Nation, has a major impact on the economy of the United States. One out
of every 7 people employed in the United States civilian labor force is
directly or indirectly employed in the travel and tourism industry.
International travel to the United States is the largest service
export, generating a trade surplus for 16 consecutive years, increasing
144 percent between 2003 and 2004 to over $4 billion. And, in 2005
alone, travel and tourism-related expenditures reached $1 trillion,
including $596 billion in direct sales and $445 billion in indirect
sales, and supported 8 million jobs.
As someone who represents an area where tourism is our number one
industry, I am proud to report that despite increases in the price of
oil, the tourism industry in the Virgin Islands have been doing
exceptionally well over the last couple of years.
According to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research, the
industry was one of the strongest performers and main contributor to
the economic performance during 2004 with increases in both air and
cruise ship passengers. Total visitors in the Territory in fiscal year
2004 reached a record 2.6 million, up 12 percent over 2003.
The BER projects, barring any significant shocks, that visitor
arrival will peak at 2.7 million by the end of fiscal year 2005 and 2.8
million in fiscal year 2006.
Mr. Speaker, the Travel and Tourism industry generates trillions of
dollars in economic activity in the U.S. and as such it deserves all of
our support. I urge my colleagues to support passage of H. Res. 729.
Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my support for House
Resolution 729, a bill that I and Mr. Farr introduced recognizing the
23rd Annual National Tourism Week.
First established by Congress in 1983, this annual event gives us an
opportunity to recognize the significant importance the Travel and
Tourism Industry has on our economy.
The travel and tourism industry is the lifeblood of many states
around the country--including Florida, California, New York and Nevada,
to name a few. Every Congressional District is impacted--that is every
district with a restaurant, hotel, museum, national park, stadium,
theater, campgrounds and beaches.
Domestic travel and tourism-related spending has reached $1 trillion
a year. There are over 8 million people in the food service,
hospitality and travel-related industries that rely on America's
vibrant and thriving travel industry.
As America's third-largest retail sales industry, nearly $100 billion
dollars was generated in tax revenue for our local, state and federal
governments in 2004.
In addition, international travel to the United States is now the
largest service export with a generated trade surplus for 16
consecutive years.
For example, in my district there are visitors from all over the
world who are drawn to our beautiful beaches, recreational lakes,
habitat wildlife preserves and golf courses. In 2005, Florida collected
over $3 billion in tourism and recreational sales, a reflection of $62
billion that went into the state's economy during the year.
So as some of us begin our summer travel, let us remember the
tremendous impact the travel and tourism industry makes on all of our
lives.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 729.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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