But, just what you've seen, in terms of the jobs, in a very difficult economic time, especially with iron-ore mines.

what we're trying to do on the Federal level, obviously, is to market, America

So many people communicate over the Internet and on the telephone, sometimes for businesses that have different offices across the country or across the State, this is their one opportunity to bring people together.

We've actually just opened up a passport office in Minnesota, something I've been pushing for.

And hopefully, with the travel trend for the vacations closer to home, our region will be busy this spring and summer travel season.

we'd like them to come elsewhere, as well, in our State

Minnesota is not doing as much. And so, I think a U.S. travel promotion organization not only would allow us to compete

If we take care of the line workers, as were mentioned, you're going to see, hopefully, a spike back up in tourism.

As you know, because you've been very supportive of it, we're working on a project to return rail passenger service between here and the Twin Cities.

we want to make the market there for bringing people to our State, and we're going to have to get this bill passed

It would be very helpful for our country, for the long term, to pass this bill, to make sure people know, in Minnesota, that there are good deals close to home.

We are behind compared to other developed nations, even developing nations, when it comes to rail.

We want to make sure people understand that there may have been a few bad actors out there, but they shouldn't ruin it for everyone, including our workers in the travel industry.

The visitor industry applauds the vision and efforts of Senator Amy Klobuchar.

I would ask for continued funding at both the state and Federal level to fuel the programs that result in its growth.

You'd better have the answer, because I'm going to ask you.

The goal of this bill is to increase the number of potential international visitors to the United States.

Thank you for your leadership in calling these series of hearings on our industry's behalf.