Kathy Castor

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. And that's highly important because our hospitals oftentimes are taking care of folks who do not have health insurance. So there is a great amount of uncompensated care, and it feeds that vicious cycle in America where someone has to pay that cost. And it is put on to the backs of families with insurance oftentimes having to pick up the tab for some people who have not taken personal responsibility for their health. As we launch into the debate, it is very heartening that we have groups like the American Medical Association and AARP on our side, along with the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. I mean, these lists go on and on. These are Americans and interest groups from all across the country that have been involved for years in trying to get to this point to provide meaningful health care to American families, to ensure that that insurance, when you pay those premiums and copays, is really something you can count on. It's coverage that you can count on. And then correspondingly, as we've gotten smarter and realize we need to do more in prevention and wellness, we're going to invest in a great new health care workforce. It means a lot to my home district in Tampa because we have a large research university, the University of South Florida, with a College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Public Health, Physical Therapy directly across the street from the busiest VA hospital in the country. The new loan repayment scholarships that will be provided to young people, or anyone that wants to find a job in the health care workforce, this is a landmark investment in that new workforce. When you look at the unemployment numbers across America right now, the one sector where jobs are being created and there are opportunities is in health care. It might be in IT, in the electronic medical records, but we are going to need a modern health care workforce. Fortunately, that's what our initiative provides. I yield to my friend.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Well, I think as we begin to close our hour out, we are eagerly looking ahead to the debate. We've had many, many months--many years waiting for real health reform for American families and older Americans, and we are very close. I would really like to thank my colleague, Chairman Pallone, for his years of service on behalf of New Jersey families and Americans when it comes to health care. The Democratic bill that will soon be on the floor will finally deliver for American families, building upon those fundamental values and early initiatives that came under Social Security in 1935 and Medicare in 1965. It has taken us awhile to get to this point, but I think we will get home.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank my good friend from Connecticut. What a great summary. And I know my good friend from Ohio, just what you were saying when you kicked it off, we simply cannot stand still. We cannot wait a decade more to stand up for American families and provide them with some meaningful and stable insurance that they're paying. I mean, they have been doing everything right; isn't that right? Paying those copays, paying those premiums month after month after month, and then someone in their family gets sick. And the health insurance company oftentimes will say or find a way to say, We're sorry, your policy does not provide what you thought it provided. I yield to the gentleman.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank my good friend from California. I can't blame you, after listening to some of the debate, for having some consternation because here we are, we are poised to take this historic step on behalf of the American people that really is akin to what this great body has done in 1935 for Social Security, again in 1965 for Medicare. The vast majority of Americans would never think of turning back the clock to a time before we had those very important securities, that stability for American families. But that doesn't mean that they came easy. They didn't. And a lot of the arguments that were used then against Social Security and against Medicare have been used over the past year. But you just have to stand up. You have to stand up and speak out for the families, the seniors, the older Americans that you represent and understand what this reform will mean to those families, finally giving them health insurance that is meaningful. One of my very good friends that has been so involved in this debate for many years, I've had the privilege of serving with him on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Health Subcommittee, and he's simply an outstanding voice on behalf of the families in Connecticut. So I feel very privileged tonight, as we're poised to take this historic next step, to yield to my good friend, Mr. Murphy from Connecticut.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson). She has been here for a while and has been listening closely to this debate.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives is poised for a very historic milestone this evening. We are on the cusp of beginning debate on the Affordable Healthcare for America Act, and Democrats are going to deliver what American families and businesses have been asking for when it comes to their health: one, meaningful, stable, and secure health insurance; two, improved Medicare for our seniors; and, three, vital consumer protections. For families with health insurance, health reform will provide coverage you can count on. All Americans will have affordable options, even if they change their jobs or if their employer does not offer health insurance. We are going to get into a few of the important consumer protections tonight with a few of my colleagues. Under this revised bill, families will not have to worry about insurance companies canceling their coverage because someone in the family gets sick or is diagnosed with cancer or another illness. Health insurance companies will no longer be able to bar you from health insurance just because you have cancer that is in remission or you have had a heart ailment. We are going to ensure that our neighbors are not forced to go bankrupt when a serious illness strikes. What is insurance for, after all? It must be meaningful for American families. You have to admit, American families have been doing everything right. They have been paying their copayments, they have been paying their premiums, even as the cost has risen astronomically. What our health reform bill says is, in return, these American families must have coverage that is meaningful, stable, and secure. Now, we reached this historic milestone reflecting back upon other important milestones in American history. It was January, 1935, when President Roosevelt sent his economic security bill to Capitol Hill. At that time, the Congress took that economic security bill and renamed it the Social Security Act; and, after many months of heated debate, in April of 1935 the Congress adopted the Social Security Act. President Roosevelt signed that bill into law at a ceremony in the White House Cabinet Room. After President Roosevelt, it was President Truman who sought to build upon Social Security and provide that important stability and security to American families by launching the health care initiative. Unfortunately, it stalled under President Truman; and we have been in that stalling pattern for decades after, with the exception of 1965, with the adoption of Medicare. In 1965, the House took up consideration of the Medicare bill; and President Johnson signed that bill into law at a special ceremony in Independence, Missouri, in 1965. President Johnson at that time, over the objections of some aides, insisted that the ceremony happen in Independence, Missouri, and that President Truman, who launched the national health care debate, be in attendance. At that signing, President Johnson said, ``No longer will older Americans be denied the healing miracle of modern medicine. No longer will illness crush and destroy savings that they have so carefully put away over a lifetime so that they may enjoy dignity in their later years.'' Mr. Speaker, with our corresponding health reform act that follows upon Social Security and Medicare, no longer will illness crush and destroy American families. They are entitled to dignity as well. Now, during those debates, Mr. Speaker, there was a lot of opposition, great opposition from the Republican Party. The Republicans' record on Social Security and Medicare in America is not outstanding. They opposed Medicare from the beginning. In 1965, the GOP said that Medicare was ``brazen socialism,'' and they have kept up that mantra year after year. They have tried to undermine Medicare. The Republicans have voted against protecting and strengthening Medicare since it was adopted. They have sought to privatize Social Security and Medicare. They have consistently wanted to move seniors into private markets. And, just this spring, House Republicans offered a budget that would eventually lead to the end of Medicare programs as they are presently known. If we had listened to Republicans, American seniors during the economic downturn would have seen their lifetime savings nearly disappear. So here we stand again on the cusp of an historic milestone, to follow upon the legacy of Social Security and Medicare, the foundational values of the Democratic Party, popular initiatives that provide great security and stability to all American families; and we are going to deliver again for America's families. We have some outstanding Americans here in the Chamber tonight. I would like to yield time to my good friend from Ohio, Mr. Ryan.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank my colleague from California for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to reference the Congressional Record of October 7, 2009. On that date, I entered into a colloquy with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez of the Homeland Security Committee during the House's earlier consideration of S. 1023 as attached to House Resolution 806. That colloquy and its commitments are still valid today as we work again to pass the Tourism Promotion Act. I would like to enter into the Record the letters that were cross- referenced in that colloquy. I would also like to add for the Record that we intend to work with Congressman Doyle of Pennsylvania regarding nonprofit cultural destinations as part of the bill. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, October 7, 2009. Hon. John D. Rockefeller IV, Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hon. Amy Klobuchar, Chairman, Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion. Hon. Byron L. Dorgan, U.S. Senator. Dear Senators Rockefeller, Klobuchar, and Dorgan: As the House may consider S. 1023, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, shortly, we write to clarify your intent with regard to several provisions in the bill. creation of the corporation It is our understanding that the intent of the legislation is for the Department of Commerce to administer grants to the newly created nonprofit, ``Corporation for Travel Promotion.'' It will be left to the judgment of the Secretary of Commerce to transfer sums necessary for the operations of the nonprofit and the administration of the grants. We understand further that the Department of Treasury will hold the separate ``Travel Promotion Fund,'' but will have no substantive role with regard to the Corporation. By having the Department of Commerce issue grants to the Corporation, we can assure the application of Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non- Profit Organizations. A-110 imposes a number of requirements on non-profit entities spending federal dollars, including the requirement that contracts target small businesses owned by women and minorities. In addition, we appreciate that you share our commitment to diversity on the Corporation Board of Directors. We want to stress that the Secretary of Commerce should make every effort to ensure that the homeland security and small business communities are adequately represented on the Corporation's Board, and that the Board has a balance of gender, ethnicity, and economic status, as well as representatives from both urban and rural areas. Also, we understand the importance of a functioning Corporation and the decision to allow expenditures to be made when six Board members are present. We would suggest that for expenditures over $25 million, the Board strive to have more than four members support approval of such an expenditure. Moreover, we would expect the Corporation's campaigns to target travelers from a diverse set of regions of the world and to advertise a wide range of destinations across the United States and its territories. ii. coordination with the federal government Although the legislation creates a requirement that the Corporation consult with the Department of Commerce, we believe that the Corporation should consult regularly with the Departments of State and Homeland Security which also have key responsibilities relating to travel and tourism. For example, it is imperative that the Corporation coordinate on any information it may disseminate regarding entry requirements, required documentation, fees, processes, and information concerning declared public health emergencies and requirements for entering the United States. This coordination is necessary in order to avoid the risk that prospective travelers to the United States could receive conflicting or confusing information regarding entry requirements and processes. iii. travel promotion fund fees Under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 100-53), the Secretary of Homeland Security already has authority to charge a fee to cover the cost of administering the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), but also has discretion to pay for ESTA with other funds. Similarly, the legislation before us should maintain the Secretary's discretion to determine the most appropriate manner to fund ESTA administration. The legislation does not specify how funds collected in excess of $100 million or greater than the needs of the Corporation for Travel Promotion should be used. We believe that these funds should be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security to: 1) reinvest in ESTA to support changes necessary to collect the new fee, and 2) enhance critical border security programs such as US-VISIT and Global Entry. Under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, full implementation of the US-VISIT air exit capability is required for increased flexibility to expand the Visa Waiver Program, which would help increase tourism to the United States. iv. limitations and accountability Furthermore, we believe it is essential to ensure that the Corporation's funds are invested only in low risk vehicles and that none of the funds provided to the Corporation be used to directly promote or advertise a specific corporation. Finally, we understand that under this bill, Congress has full and complete access to the books and records of the Corporation. We would suggest that the Corporation proactively send its marketing plan to Congress. v. summary While there is strong support in the House for passage of S. 1023, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, we remain concerned about some aspects of the bill. We look forward to working with you to conduct vigorous oversight of the Travel Promotion Act once it is law and to make any changes to the legislation that may become necessary. Thank you in advance for clarifying your thoughts on the matters discussed in this letter. Sincerely, Henry Waxman, Chairman. John D. Dingell, Chairman Emeritus.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank my good friend, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), for yielding me time. I rise in support of the United States Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2009. As part of the act, Mr. Speaker, the House will consider Senate bill 1023, the Travel Promotion Act, which is similar to H.R. 2935 by Representative Delahunt of Massachusetts, a bill of which I am pleased to be a cosponsor. I would like to thank Congressman Delahunt, who is on the floor here this morning, for fighting for jobs for Americans because the Travel Promotion Act is a jobs bill. It's a vital economic development initiative to combat the economic downturn that we've been battling since the spring of 2008. The Travel Promotion Act establishes a nonprofit corporation for travel promotion to promote tourism in the United States and to provide travel information to people around the world. It is very similar to an initiative in my home State of Florida, and we all know that tourism is especially important to the State of Florida. Florida is a top travel destination from across the globe. The millions and millions of tourists who travel to warm and sunny Florida support a $57 billion tourism industry and our economy. People come from every nation to visit our beautiful beaches, Bush Gardens, Disney World, Universal Studios, the Everglades, and more. The Florida economy thrives, just like many other States across the Nation, and families have good jobs and a clean industry because of tourism. Having beaches and attractions often is not enough, however. Florida also communicates to the world about Florida vacations through the Visit Florida tourism advertising campaign. We have a Web site and many outreach efforts, but there is no similar initiative for the United States as a whole internationally. So the intent of the Travel Promotion Act is to create new jobs through growing tourism nationwide. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that the United States is not a friendly place for international tourists. Other nations actively promote international tourism through advertising campaigns and outreach, but some say that we have allowed our image to become an unwelcome one. Nations that project a welcoming image are reaping economic benefits while we run the risk of being left behind. Overseas travel in the United States has declined by 10 percent in the first quarter of 2009. But we are going to turn that around through this Travel Promotion Act. Our travel bill would let world travelers know that we want them to visit America's great cities and natural wonders. We want the world to come and share our culture and experience the richness that is the United States of America. Therefore, I urge adoption of the Travel Promotion Act to get our economy moving and create jobs. Hats off again to Congressman Delahunt and the other sponsors of this legislation in the Energy and Commerce Committee. This is an important bipartisan effort.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Democrats are going to deliver on what American families and businesses have been asking for when it comes to their health: one, meaningful, secure, and stable insurance; two, improved Medicare for our seniors; and, three, vital consumer protections. For families with health insurance, health reform will provide coverage you can count on. All Americans will have affordable options even if you change your job or if your employer does not even offer health insurance. Under the revised health bill, families will not have to worry about insurance companies canceling their coverage because someone in their family gets sick or is diagnosed with cancer or another illness. Health insurance companies will no longer be able to bar you from insurance just because you've had cancer that is in remission or you're recovering from a heart ailment. We will ensure that our neighbors are not forced to go bankrupt after a serious illness strikes. What is insurance for after all? It must be meaningful. American families have been doing everything right in paying their premiums and copays even as those costs have risen astronomically. Our health care bill says that, in return, families must have coverage that is meaningful, stable, and secure.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. In my home State of Florida and in my community in the Tampa Bay area, Ryan White Services are vital. This critical program helps to preserve the lives of many in our communities living with HIV and AIDS. I have heard from so many of my neighbors in recent weeks, pleading that Congress act to ensure that this lifeline continues--today we answer their plea. In 2004, Ryan White assisted well over 100,000 patients in Florida and nearly 13,000 family members of people living with HIV/AIDS. Those numbers continue to rise. My community is very active in the Ryan White program. There are many nonprofit organizations that help to facilitate Ryan White and put the program dollars to good use. I'd like to thank all of the participating organizations in my home town for their work with Ryan White--Metropolitan Charities in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, Operation Hope of Pinellas and the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, to name just a few that are changing lives for my neighbors. Mr. Speaker, the Ryan White Program is the only true safety net for many people living with HIV/AIDS to compensate for the lack of health insurance and care that is often not covered by insurers. I look forward to reporting to my neighbors that they can rest assured that this vital program will not be lost.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, I rise today to honor Estrella Clement, who dedicates her life to help identify and treat women who have breast and cervical cancer. Ms. Clement was born in Cuba, moved to New Jersey as a child and has been living in Tampa for 25 years. Ms. Clement always knew she wanted to be a nurse and help improve the health of her community. She obtained a master's degree in nursing from the University of South Florida and has been a nurse for more than 32 years. Ms. Clement works with Meditech Medical Center clinics where free mammogram tests, breast examination, and Pap smears are offered to women who might not be able to afford these services otherwise. Tirelessly dedicated, Ms. Clement worries that women are unaware of the free screening and treatment options in her neighborhood. Transportation is a major obstacle for many low-income women. Ms. Clement's goal is to have a mobile unit so she can go directly to the community. Unfortunately, too few people know about the free service. Ms. Clement is making it her duty to reach as many women as possible. Ms. Clement also has been a co-chair of Prime Time Sister Circles, a group that helps African-American women improve their health, and she has served on the Moffitt Cancer Center's Hispanic Advisory Council. Madam Speaker, Estrella Clement is acutely aware of the toll, both financial and emotional, that breast and cervical cancer can have on women. She devotes her life to improving the health of the Tampa community. I applaud her dedication to the prevention and treatment of breast and cervical cancer.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor CPT Daniel J. Santoro, a member of the Tampa Bay community for receiving the 2008 Cheney award for distinguished service in the United States Air Force. Captain Santoro is a C-130E instructor pilot, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Operations Group, 86th Airlift Wing, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Captain Santoro was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 1977; he attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor's of Science in Human Factors Engineering. After graduation, Captain Santoro continued his pilot training at Whiting Field Naval Air Station, in my home State for Florida. His service to our country has taken him to numerous States: Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Carolina where he constantly worked to improve his skills to keep our country safe. Often recognized for his leadership and tireless dedication, Captain Santoro was assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he would serve bravely in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, among others. In 2008, as the Chief Tactics and Instructor Pilot, his squadron completed 29 missions and delivered 211 tons of humanitarian cargo, including food and hygiene kits, to the country of Georgia. It is because of these heroic actions that Captain Santoro is receiving the 2008 Cheney Award; which is given for an ``act of valor, extreme fortitude, or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest, performed in connection with aircraft, but not necessarily of a military nature, by an Air Force officer or enlisted member.'' The award is named after Lt. William H. Cheney, who was killed in an air collision in Italy in 1918. Madam Speaker, Captain Santoro is a true testament to the bravery and the sacrifices made by the men and women in the Armed Forces. His accomplishments are significant and an inspiration.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank the gentlelady from California for raising this important issue. Yes, it is extremely important that the U.S. has a unified voice abroad, and that all information about Federal travel requirements is properly vetted. I look forward to working with you and the committee to address this issue.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I share your concern about the fee structure, and I will be happy to work with you and the committee to ensure that these matters are addressed. I would also like to submit for the Record an exchange of letters between the leadership of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee that reflects a shared commitment to work on these very issues as well as other important issues raises by other Members. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, October 7, 2009. Hon. John D. Rockefeller IV, Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hon. Amy Klobuchar, Chairman, Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion. Hon. Byron L. Dorgan, U.S. Senator. Dear Senators Rockefeller, Klobuchar, and Dorgan: As the House may consider S. 1023, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, shortly, we write to clarify your intent with regard to several provisions in the bill. I. Creation of the Corporation It is our understanding that the intent of the legislation is for the Department of Commerce to administer grants to the newly created nonprofit, ``Corporation for Travel Promotion.'' It will be left to the judgment of the Secretary of Commerce to transfer sums necessary for the operations of the nonprofit and the administration of the grants. We understand further that the Department of Treasury will hold the separate ``Travel Promotion Fund,'' but will have no substantive role with regard to the Corporation. By having the Department of Commerce issue grants to the Corporation, we can assure the application of Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non- Profit Organizations. A-110 imposes a number of requirements on non-profit entities spending federal dollars, including the requirement that contracts target small businesses owned by women and minorities. In addition, we appreciate that you share our commitment to diversity on the Corporation Board of Directors. We want to stress that the Secretary of Commerce should make every effort to ensure that the homeland security and small business communities are adequately represented on the Corporation's Board, and that the Board has a balance of gender, ethnicity, and economic status, as well as representatives from both urban and rural areas. Also, we understand the importance of a functioning Corporation and the decision to allow expenditures to be made when six Board members are present. We would suggest that for expenditures over $25 million, the Board strive to have more than four members support approval of such an expenditure. Moreover, we would expect the Corporation's campaigns to target travelers from a diverse set of regions of the world and to advertise a wide range of destinations across the United States and its territories. II. Coordination with the Federal Government Although the legislation creates a requirement that the Corporation consult with the Department of Commerce, we believe that the Corporation should consult regularly with the Departments of State and Homeland Security which also have key responsibilities relating to travel and tourism. For example, it is imperative that the Corporation coordinate on any information it may disseminate regarding entry requirements, required documentation, fees, processes, and information concerning declared public health emergencies and requirements for entering the United States. This coordination is necessary in order to avoid the risk that prospective travelers to the United States could receive conflicting or confusing information regarding entry requirements and processes. III. Travel Promotion Fund Fees Under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 100-53), the Secretary of Homeland Security already has authority to charge a fee to cover the cost of administering the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), but also has discretion to pay for ESTA with other funds. Similarly, the legislation before us should maintain the Secretary's discretion to determine the most appropriate manner to fund ESTA administration. The legislation does not specify how funds collected in excess of $100 million or greater than the needs of the Corporation for Travel Promotion should be used. We believe that these funds should be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security to: (1) reinvest in ESTA to support changes necessary to collect the new fee, and (2) enhance critical border security programs such as US-VISIT and Global Entry. Under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, full implementation of the US-VISIT air exit capability is required for increased flexibility to expand the Visa Waiver Program, which would help increase tourism to the United States. IV. Limitations and Accountability Furthermore, we believe it is essential to ensure that the Corporation's funds are invested only in low risk vehicles and that none of the funds provided to the Corporation be used to directly promote or advertise a specific corporation. Finally, we understand that under this bill, Congress has full and complete access to the books and records of the Corporation. We would suggest that the Corporation proactively send its marketing plan to Congress. V. Summary While there is strong support in the House for passage of S. 1023, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, we remain concerned about some aspects of the bill. We look forward to working with you to conduct vigorous oversight of the Travel Promotion Act once it is law and to make any changes to the legislation that may become necessary. Thank you in advance for clarifying your thoughts on the matters discussed in this letter. Sincerely, Henry A. Waxman, Chairman. John D. Dingell, Chairman Emeritus.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to add for the Record that we intend to work with Congressman Doyle of Pennsylvania regarding nonprofit cultural destinations as part of the bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 1 minute to my colleague from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Mrs. Christensen from the Virgin Islands.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the original sponsor of the Travel Promotion Act, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt).

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I'll yield the gentleman an additional 1\1/2\ minutes.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is left on both sides.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. At this time I am pleased to yield 1 minute to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. At this time I'm very pleased to yield 1 minute to my good friend, the gentleman from the great State of Florida (Mr. Klein).

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. At this time I'm very pleased to yield 1 minute to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am the last speaker on my side, so I will reserve my time. I have the right to close.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Missouri for his support in all of his endeavors to promote travel and tourism in the United States of America. My hat is also off to Congressman Delahunt from Massachusetts who certainly understands the importance of reviving our economy and bringing good, clean industry jobs in the tourism and travel sector to our great Nation. We need the Travel Promotion Act now more than ever during this economic downturn. The Travel Promotion Act is a jobs bill. It is a vital economic development initiative to help us combat this horrendous economic downturn.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I yield back the balance of my time.