Government Affairs

As the leading advocate for the travel industry, ASTA’s Government Affairs department represents the rights of travel agents and the traveling public on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures. One of the most beneficial aspects of an ASTA membership is the lobbying effort on behalf of its members and using One Voice to advance the cause of the entire industry.

ASTA encourages all members to participate in the political process and help send clear, concise messages to Capitol Hill and state legislatures. With new communications technology, ASTA will easily connect members with lawmakers regarding important issues affecting the travel agent community while encouraging involvement in the legislative process.

The American Society of Travel Agents’ Political Action Committee (ASTAPAC) represents the collective voice of the Society’s travel agent membership before the United States Congress and the White House and has educated elected officials about travel agent issues and helped counterbalance opposing positions. ASTAPAC pools together individual financial contributions from members and are dispersed to those candidates whose views are consistent with ASTA on issues vital to the travel agent and tourism industry.

Upcoming Legislative Items ASTA's National Legislative Action Week ASTA is calling on all Premium and Core Members to participate in the all-out massive grassroots program during the week of August 18 - 22, 2008 Legislative Program Details   Quick Poll   Have you contacted one of your elected officials this past year regarding an issue of concern?   Yes No     indicates a required field

Recent Press Releases ASTA’s Barbara O’Hara is Recipient and Namesake of New ITSA Advocacy Award — June 3, 2008 ASTA Releases Its First Labor and Compensation Report for Travel Agency Industry — May 29, 2008 ASTA’s Alternate Airline Ticket Settlement Task Force Ends — May 20, 2008 State Travel Agents Called to Action Following Massachusetts Senate Decision — May 19, 2008 ASTA Issues Statement in Wake of ARC Payment Express Decision — April 7, 2008

New Documents

• Federal Legislation Current Activities — July 24, 2008
  Federal Legislation and current activities for ASTA
  
  
• ASTA's Pain-Free Advocacy Guide for Travel Agents - How to be an Industry Advocate — June 23, 2008
  Every individual and business, no matter who they are, has the opportunity to influence the policies that are created by their elected officials and impact where they live and work. Whether you realize it or not, you advocate the people, places and interests you care about every day. Why not put the same support towards the welfare of your business, clients and peers? ASTA's guide provides many of the simple things you can do now to make a difference towards vital issues that can expand or limit your success.
  
  
• Legislative Action: ASTA’s Guide to Participating in the Political Process — May 12, 2008
  Each year, numerous bills circulating through Congress and state legislatures are proposing more taxes on agency service fees, changes in business taxation, potential solutions for health care reform and many other policies affecting the livelihood of travel professionals. This detailed guide shows you many of the valuable ways you can participate in the policymaking process and influence positive change for the future of the travel industry.