GBTA Statement on President Trump’s First Address to Congress

Alexandria, VA (March 1, 2017) On Tuesday night, President Trump delivered his first address to Congress. In his address, he said he will be asking Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States — financed through both public and private capital — creating millions of new jobs. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the business travel industry, issued the following statement in response.

“The importance of Infrastructure improvement for our country is something that both sides of the aisle can agree on,” said Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO. “For the future of business travel, it is paramount that the President and Congress work together on responsible investment in transportation infrastructure to ensure that money is spent wisely and that these investments made safeguard the safe and expedient travel and freedom of movement of all travelers.”

“Additionally, it is incumbent for Congress to tackle issues like passing an FAA Reauthorization Bill that accelerates NextGen, creates long term funding stability and addresses the many concerns related to passenger screening and security.”

“GBTA applauds the President for his commitment to long-term investment in our nation’s infrastructure, specifically our nation’s airports, and we look forward to working with Congress and the Administration on these complex issues.”

President Trump also noted that his Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and will shortly take new steps to keep our nation safe — and to keep out those who would do us harm.

“As we await a new executive order on travel, we urge the Trump administration to keep in mind the importance of business travel to our nation’s economy,” McCormick continued. “Closing our borders sends a message to the world that the United States is closed for business. Of course, security always comes first, but GBTA has always been a proponent for expanding proven security programs and developing new technology to facilitate information-sharing among governments to ensure travelers are always vetted properly, making us all more safe and secure.”

CONTACT: Colleen Lerro Gallagher, +1 703-236-1133, cgallagher@gbta.org

About the Global Business Travel Association
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA’s 9,000-plus members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. To learn how business travel drives lasting business growth, gbta.org