[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20779]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



               AMERICAN TRAVEL INDUSTRY STABILIZATION ACT

  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, earlier I introduced the American Travel 
Industry Stabilization Act on behalf of myself, Senator Conrad, Senator 
Reid, Senator Inouye, and Senator Specter. I wish to simply explain the 
purpose for this. As we proceed to think through the economic stimulus 
package that we will put together to try to provide lift to this 
economy, we need to consider what has happened to the travel and 
tourism industry in this country. I had a hearing on this subject in 
the commerce subcommittee that I chair. We know we have provided some 
loan guarantees to the airlines, and they were very much needed loan 
guarantees, and I supported them.
  But, there are a range of other travel and tourism businesses and 
industries in this country that are in desperate trouble. We propose 
some loan guarantees to try to be helpful to them during these 
difficult times. Their businesses are directly tied to the airline 
industry. When this country shut down the airline industry, we, of 
course, had a significant impact on the ancillary businesses attached 
to that industry as well.
  I want to call attention to this bill today in the hope that my 
colleagues who are interested in this subject--and I know there are 
many of them--may consider cosponsoring this legislation. I know my 
colleague, Senator Reid, who is in the Chamber may well wish to say a 
few words as well.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I applaud and commend the Senator from North 
Dakota for his leadership on this issue. The travel industry needs 
help. This bill will give the travel industry the shot in the arm it 
needs. Whether it is travel agents, whether it is rental car agencies, 
or the myriad of other people who support the tourism industry, we must 
start someplace. This is certainly a start.
  In 30 States, the No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 economic driving force in 
those States is tourism and we have kind of ignored tourism since 
September 11. We can no longer afford to do that.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues who are sponsors of this 
legislation and the rest of the Senate. This is essential legislation 
and I hope we can move it very quickly.

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