U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Barnes issued the following statement on reports that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials will be sent to assist with security on the southern U.S. border, adding to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assets that have already been reallocated there:
“Acknowledging the concerns about the situation on the southern border, we must closely watch the secondary effects of the measures being undertaken to address it—especially disruption to the U.S. economy.
“Further stretching CBP and TSA resources—especially headed into the busiest time of year at our nation’s airports and points of entry—clearly could result in turmoil for business and leisure travel that supports millions of livelihoods all across the country.
“Additional funding is essential, but further system-wide reforms are needed to ensure the full functionality of these crucial agencies. We urge the administration and Congress to immediately engage in a thorough and intensive discussion about appropriate resourcing for all of the Department of Homeland Security’s vital functions in the face of current challenges.”
U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $2.5 trillion in economic output and supports 15.7 million jobs. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org.
