Statement from U.S. Travel Association on Confirmation of John Pistole to Lead TSA

June 25, 2010

Washington, DC - With the U.S. Senate confirmation of John Pistole to lead the Transportation Security Administration, Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, issued the following statement:

“We look forward to working with John Pistole to implement a long-term vision that addresses the critical security and traveler facilitation challenges facing our country.  Mr. Pistole’s long experience with the FBI and his knowledge of counter-terrorism initiatives should help him effectively lead the more than 100,000 employees of the Transportation Security Administration.

“As Senator Rockefeller has said, ‘Our vast and open transportation systems are part of people’s everyday lives in small towns and big cities and they connect our communities to a wider world.’  It is critical that in making security decisions, our policymakers take into account the effect the decisions will have on travelers, who provide more than $700 billion annually to the U.S. economy.  That is why we have convened a blue ribbon panel on travel security and screening that is exploring ways to maximize security while minimizing the burden to travelers.  The panel’s recommendations will come in the next few months.  Secure and efficient travel needs to be a bipartisan and immediate priority.”

Contact:
Kristy Chandler 202-408-2172
Cathy Keefe 202-408-2183

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $704 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel’s mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. U.S. Travel is proud to be a partner in travel with American Express. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org.