Thanks you Chairman Inouye for calling this hearing to discuss the important role that travel and tourism play in our country’s economy and the current difficulties it faces.  This industry is not only vital to our two states but it contributes a great deal to the nation’s prosperity.

 

To our witnesses, I thank you for being here today, and I appreciate the time and energy each of you has spent to bring more visitors to the United States.  Many of you have worked with Commerce Secretary Gutierrez in this endeavor and his and your efforts are appreciated.

 

The travel and tourism industry is the second largest private sector employer in my state of Alaska.  More than 24,000 Alaskan jobs rely on travel and tourism, contributing to over $2 billion to the state’s economy each year.

 

While attention to transport security is vital for our country, it is equally important that our security not have the unintended consequence of driving away international visitors and commerce.  If we do not allow for quick and efficient movement through our transportation systems we may soon hamper a critical piece of the nation’s economy.  Our country’s declining share or international visitors may be a warning sign that this already may be happening.

 

I look forward to hearing the results of you report, and working with both you and the members of this committee to address these important issues.