U.S. Travel Association Launches Campaign to Limit Sequestration Damage

airlineThe U.S. Travel Association reports it is keeping pressure on federal policymakers to do no harm to the travel industry as sequestration took effect on Friday, March 1. The association has also launched a grassroots campaign to limit the damage sequestration has on the traveling public and the travel industry.

"These cuts impact agencies whose operations support the free flow of travel in the United States, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as agencies that are vital to outdoor recreation, including the National Park Service," Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel said in a letter to members. 

But, Dow said, at this point, it is uncertain how "sequestration" will affect travel. U.S. Travel said it will "press for measured approaches that minimize disruptions for the millions of business and leisure travelers to and within the United States."


"Extent of impact to travelers unclear for at least 30 days; situation will evolve as lawmakers face impending deadline to fund federal government," Dow said.
 
"Although the budget reductions formally (took effect March 1), the consequences will begin to register on April 1 as most federal agencies are required to give 30-days' notice to furlough workers in advance of any widespread staffing cutbacks. Administering the reductions is expected to vary agency by agency."

"Meanwhile, Congress and the Administration face a separate deadline. They must reach agreement on funding the federal government for the rest of the year before the current funding resolution expires on March 27. We are hoping they will resolve the budget impasse before the end of the month," U.S. Travel said.

U.S. Travel noted that sequestration  could adversely impact the industry's ability to add jobs faster than other sectors of the economy.

"U.S. Travel has strongly encouraged both Congress and the Administration to avoid indiscriminate spending cuts and find a more thoughtful way to address America’s fiscal challenges. We have raised awareness on the potential impact on travel, and we will continue to discourage ill-considered reductions. We will keep the pressure on all parties to find a pragmatic resolution to this artificial crisis, " Dow said.

The association said it has mobilized its extensive grassroots network and connected the traveling public with policymakers through a mobile messaging campaign, urging them to express concerns by texting DELAYED to 877-877. Grassroots activation tools and information will continue to be posted on the associations Power of Travel Coalition website.

"We are also communicating with federal agencies to understand the potential impact of cutbacks on travel and identify the ways in which those agencies will address the concerns of affected communities. We will strongly advocate for minimized impacts on the traveling public as spending reductions are implemented," U.S> Travel said.

"Our industry is leading America’s post-recession recovery, and the nation cannot afford to see that economic progress derailed by gridlock in Washington," Dow said.

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