Travel America Now
 
Keep America Traveling and Get A Federal Tax Credit!

Congress is considering legislation that would reward Americans who take personal travel before the end of the year by establishing a tax credit - a reduction in the amount of taxes you owe - of $500 for individuals and $1000 for couples

The Travel America Now Act would also temporarily restore full deductibility for all business meals and entertainment expenses (now subject to a 50 percent limitation), and it would extend temporarily the "carry back" provision so losses by travel businesses could be offset by previous years' profits.

We support the Travel America Now Act as an important step in maintaining a vibrant travel and tourism industry, to keep working people working, and to stimulate economic growth.

Congress needs to hear from Americans like you - people who want to travel this year for the holidays, people who want to see the travel and tourism industry continue to flourish, people who could use a federal tax credit. We encourage you to contact your Senators and Representative to urge their support for this important legislation.
 
Here's how to do it:
 
  • You're free to use any or all of the text we have supplied below for your email, letter or phone call. If you plan to write an e-mail or letter using the text below, simply highlight it and copy it before leaving this page.
  • Enter your ZIP code in the box to the left and click "Go."
  • If you want to send a letter or e-mail, click on "Compose Your Own Message" above the photos of your representatives. Type your subject & either write your own message or paste the text you've already copied, and then complete the information below. You can select to send a letter or an e-mail.
  • Once you've sent your message, you're done.
  • If you want to call, simply call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your representative and/or senator's office.
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    Sample Letter, Fax or E-Mail (Just highlight and copy)
     
    Among the most cherished freedoms in our society is the freedom to travel, and yet in the aftermath of September 11, many insecure Americans have chosen to cancel or not schedule their vacations during the upcoming holiday period. The ripple effects of this insecurity impact travel agents, airlines, cruise lines, hotels, car rental companies, and restaurants, many of which are scaling back operations and even could fail in the months ahead. Many local economies could be hurt, as well, since they rely heavily on tourism. And many jobs are on the line.

    Travel and transportation are engines that keep the economy moving, and I am concerned Americans' unwillingness to travel, will lead to a major economic crisis in our country. I am also personally concerned that unless things change, there will be less choice for those of us who want to travel.

    I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the Travel America Now Act (S. 1500; H.R. 3041), which provides much needed incentives to get America traveling again. Most importantly, the Act provides immediate relief through a targeted tax credit ($500 for individuals; $1000 for couples) for personal vacation travel through the end of this year. In addition, it would temporarily restore the full tax deductibility of meals and entertainment expenses and help travel and tourism companies sustain losses that occurred since September 11. This measure is designed to maintain a vibrant travel and tourism industry, to keep working people working and to stimulate economic growth. I believe it deserves your support.

    Very truly yours,
     
    Sample Call Script
     
    My name is {Blank} and I am from {City, State}. Since September 11, the travel and tourism industry has been devastated economically because travel has dropped off so drastically. The government needs to help get people traveling again. I urge the Senator/Representative to cosponsor S.1500/H.R.3041, the Travel America Now Act, which provides consumers with much needed tax incentives to travel during the upcoming holiday period.