[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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