Byron Dorgan: “the ``Freedom to Travel'' is a basic freedom. And since September 11 we have given a great deal of focus, and rightfully…”

“the ``Freedom to Travel'' is a basic freedom. And since September 11 we have given a great deal of focus, and rightfully so, to the airline industry. But I rise today to direct my colleague's attention to the rest of the travel industry which has also been deeply affected by the events of September 11. In the part of the country I come from, we're familiar with disasters. We know what it's like when, through no fault of your own, the world falls out from under you as a result of natural disaster. There was nothing natural about the cowardly and deadly acts of September 11, but they were certainly unpredictable, unexpected and clearly beyond the control of anyone who was affected by them. Just as America has generously responded to natural disasters, we must now respond to this new disaster and help our fellow countrymen and women rebuild their lives and livelihood. In the aftermath of the tragedy we acted quickly, and responsibly, to stabilize the airlines with a financial package of grants and loan guarantees. And we were right to pass the aviation security bill to dramatically increase the number of sky marshals, strengthen cockpit doors and federalize the screening of passengers and luggage at our airports because we need to make sure people feel it is safe to fly. While I supported both of those measures, we now must address the devastating impact September 11 has had on the U.S. travel and tourism industry.”