ASTA praises Senate passage of financial markets rescue bill

ALEXANDRIA, VA – In response to the Senate’s vote to pass H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, ASTA released the following statement:

The current crisis in the financial markets poses considerable challenges to the travel and tourism industry. Left unchecked, the crisis could result in a ‘domino effect’ in which access to credit for consumers and businesses alike is severely curtailed. This would make it profoundly difficult for travel industry professionals to secure lines of credit, engage in long-term planning and grow their business.

Recognizing what is at stake, ASTA member agents from all across the country have flooded Capitol Hill with an outpouring of grassroots support for immediate federal action to address this crisis. ASTA congratulates and thanks the Senate for coming together to pass a bipartisan financial markets rescue bill. Particular thanks are due to Senators Obama and McCain for putting partisan differences aside to do the right thing for the American people.

ASTA calls on the House of Representatives to move quickly to approve this legislation and to send it to the President for a signature.

For additional information, please contact Colin Tooze, vice president of government affairs, at [email protected].

The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.