it really is an industry that not only is important for our economy, but promotes, as Senator Dorgan said, promotes our country around the world.

Those are the biggest dollars. And those are not the jobs we want to eliminate as a country.

The Travel Promotion Act will provide a funding vehicle that is not at the expense of the taxpayers.

I would particularly like to thank Senator Klobuchar for your leadership in calling this hearing and your passionate support of the travel industry both in our home state of Minnesota and in the national arena.

We really see this industry as major backbone to our economy, and we have to look at both the challenges and the opportunities ahead today.

One out of eight jobs in America is related to tourism and travel.

I hope that this is the year to do it.

I think that was the message that was trying to be sent there, that there is a lot of beautiful places to visit.

So without these trade shows, it would be very hard for smaller businesses to make their sales.

we could learn a lot from Walt Disney.

I always thought it was ironic that we had something like 37 States that had started their own greenhouse gas registry together because the Federal Government had failed to act.

I appreciate the leadership you have shown at the EPA and the integrity you are working to restore to the office.