U.S. Travel Applauds Senate Confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement upon the Senate’s confirmation of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State:

"The U.S. Travel Association commends the U.S. Senate on its confirmation today of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State. We congratulate the new secretary and look forward to working with him on policies and programs that help grow our economy, advance our diplomacy and protect our security.

“We strongly believe that the U.S. can be both the most secure and the most welcoming country in the world. With many shared objectives in front of us—especially those that allow approved travelers to visit the U.S. with ease—we are eager to be good and effective partners as Mr. Pompeo ascends to the role as the nation’s top diplomat.

“In his confirmation hearing, Mr. Pompeo affirmed his commitment to upholding Open Skies agreements. The Trump administration has expressed the value Open Skies creates for the economy and American workers, and has allowed the current agreements to remain in place. We are pleased that Mr. Pompeo has signaled he will hold to the administration’s position.

“And as a former lawmaker, Mr. Pompeo has engaged with constituents representing many segments of our industry, and supported issues of importance to the U.S. travel community, including expansion and security enhancements to the critically important U.S. Visa Waiver Program.”