Rep. John Katko Speaks Passionately To GBTA Members About Travel Security

Rep. John Katko (R-NY) was a featured speaker today at the 14^th Annual GBTA Legislative Symposium, an event that brings business travel professionals to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers to share opinions on key industry issues.

Rep. Katko spoke passionately about the bills he has worked so hard to get passed in the House. He said his subcommittee works tirelessly to attack problems and find sustainable solutions, which is evidenced by the fact that he is currently working on his eleventh bill being passed. He discussed security issues that affect opening passage into Cuba, working with TSA to be more innovative with their ideas, programs and vendors, and working with TSA to expand their PreCheck program to better utilize the program. He concluded his remarks with a candid Q&A session with GBTA members.

Rep. Katko was also presented with the inaugural GBTA Navigator Award by GBTA’s President Christle Johnson, Vice President Mark Ziegler and Executive Director Mike McCormick. GBTA created the Navigator Award to honor Senators and Representatives who have been strong champions for business travelers and the business travel industry.

GBTA chose Representative Katko for this award because of his efforts to hold TSA accountable and to improve passenger screening – and in particular, for the many bills his committee has worked on to improve TSA PreCheck as well as other aspects of the travel experience.

In conjunction with the Navigator award, GBTA unveiled the Rules of the Road for optimizing business travel at its 14^th annual Legislative Symposium. GBTA mobilized its members to create this declaration of travel reform to guide industry, business leaders and policy makers in creating a travel ecosystem that fosters growth, jobs, safety and efficiency around the globe.