Sen. Richard Blumenthal: Government Shutdown Is Hurting Tourism, Business

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – The federal government shutdown has affected travel and tourism in Fairfield County and throughout Connecticut, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Tuesday in the Senate, expressing fears that economic instability will deter Americans from planning future business and leisure trips.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal took to the Senate Floor to highlight the words of many Starwood Hotels employees in Connecticut on the effects of the government shutdown on the tourism and hospitality industry.

Photo Credit: senatorblumenthal

by The Daily Voice

10/15/2013 3:30 p.m.

Notably, Blumenthal, a Democrat, pointed out that Stamford-based Starwood Hotels and Resorts has suffered a loss of business due to the reduced number of federal employees and contractors who stay at the company’s hotels and resorts on business-related travel, he said in a speech in the Senate.

“These issues are real and tangible,” he said. “The harm is now and urgent. And I urge my colleagues to come together and resist the pressures and demonstrate the kinds of profiles in courage that we've seen on both sides of the aisle, standing strong, speaking out, resisting partisanship, coming together for the good of the country.”

To watch Blumenthal’s full speech to the Senate, click here.

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