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Mr. President I am very grateful that we have
moved forward on a very important bill for the country.
That's the Travel Promotion Act.
Travel and tourism generate a trillion dollars
in our economy every year.
Whether it's the state of Minnesota, Nevada,
pick any of the fifty states,
tourism is the number one, two or three
most important driving economic factor in those states.
And this year, tourism will create 40,000 new jobs.
The bill will also cut our deficit
by $425 million dollars over the next ten years.
Significant.
We would be taking the strategies
that have made Las Vegas such a success,
and bring them to our entire nation's tourism industry.
That's what this bill is based upon.
Nevada's tourism has been hit hard by
a slowing worldwide economy.
And when tourism is hurt,
Nevada hurts,
the entire state suffers.
Hard-working people have lost their jobs
as the state's budget has taken a major hit;
because, that budget is largely funded by tourism.
Funding for vital programs in our state
are at risk when tourism slows.
But Nevada isn't alone.
As I mentioned, Mr. president,
the problem is not unique.
Tourism is one of the top industries in every state,
and I've mentioned that.
That's why this bill is so important.
This is an opportunity not only to give
American tourism a boost,
it is one of the many ways we're working to create jobs,
and help our economy recover.