U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the urgent need for the U.S. Senate to markup its version of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill and correct years of governmental failures: 

“While the Senate may be eager to fly home to start their August recess, millions of Americans have missed trips and lost time with family and friends this summer due to delays and cancellations caused by years of government inattention. The whole of the U.S. economy pays a price when a trip is delayed—or avoided entirely due to air travel hassles. 

“In fact, over half of Americans say they would travel more if the experience were less of a hassle. 

“The Senate must markup its FAA reauthorization bill this week. American travelers cannot wait any longer for Congress to fix the numerous, systemic issues that have plagued the U.S. air travel system and constrained economic growth.”