45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first special session, 2001

URGING THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO APPROVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY IN THE WAKE OF THE TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES.

WHEREAS, the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 on the United States took thousands of innocent American lives; and

WHEREAS, the effects of the attack will most likely be felt throughout the country for years to come, as the heightened security at airports, public buildings and community events following the attack will serve as a constant reminder of the tragedy and the price we pay for freedom; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the work of rescuers in New York and Washington, D.C., Americans can contribute to the nation's recovery by, as much as possible, returning to the lifestyles we lived before the attack to demonstrate that the United States will not be defeated by terrorists' actions; and

WHEREAS, the right to travel freely throughout the United States is a right we not only cherish as a people but is also a right upon which many airlines, travel and entertainment-related companies depend for financial solvency; and

WHEREAS, autumn is the busiest time of the year for convention travel, but, following the attack, conventions and meetings of all sizes are being canceled, a trend that some analysts predict may cost the travel industry billions of dollars; and

WHEREAS, in just a few days following the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, airlines across the country collectively lost hundreds of millions of dollars and stand to lose billions of dollars as a result of the unprecedented shutdown of the nation's air travel system and the reluctance of American travelers to journey by air; and

WHEREAS, it is critical for the financial and emotional health of the United States, including the state of New Mexico, that the airline industry, from which countless Americans directly and indirectly earn their livings, upon which all of us depend to a certain degree and to which the world looks for stability, be financially solvent and remain as a cornerstone of the American economy and way of life; and

WHEREAS, the air travel industry's financial troubles may disproportionately impact less populated states like New Mexico through a reduction in competition and availability of service; and

WHEREAS, smaller, regional airports that depend more heavily on discount airlines and shuttle operations could find their operations more heavily impacted by heightened security; and

WHEREAS, congress is considering approving financial aid for the airline industry;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the president and the congress of the United States be urged to approve financial support for the airline industry; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to New Mexico's congressional delegation with a request that copies be forwarded to all members of congress and to the president of the United States.