As was previously announced in a special Legislative Brief earlier this month, Senate Bill 2792, a measure to restore the tax deductibility of spouses, has been introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and two co-sponsors. Of particular importance is the need to sign co-sponsors from the Senate Finance Committee. Senators from the Southeast Tourism Society region on the Finance Committee are: John Rockefeller (D-W.V.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), and Jim Bunning (R-Ky.).
House Resolution 2909, introduced by Rep. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, also has two co-sponsors: Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) and Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.). In addition to more co-sponsors, members of the House Ways and Means are important. For the STS region, this means Ways and Means Committee members that include John Lewis (D-Ga.), John Tanner (D-Tenn.), Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), Artur Davis (D-Ala.), Jim McCrery (R-La.), Ron Lewis (R-Kent.), Eric Cantor (R-Va.), John Linder (R-Ga.).
If you have not yet asked your congressional representatives to become co-sponsors, click here for letters you can send to your House or Senate representatives.
If members of your congressional delegation have already signed on as co sponsors, be sure to send them a letter of appreciation for their support of this important legislation.
On March 27, the Departments of Homeland Security and State announced a rule under which travelers coming into the United States by land and sea from other countries in the Western Hemisphere will have to present secure identification documents beginning in June 2009. The rule is part of the government's efforts to meet requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
Beginning June 1, 2009, citizens of the United States, Canada and Bermuda will have to present a passport or other approved secure document, such as a new passport-like card, in order to enter the United States at land and sea ports of entry. On January 31, Homeland Security ended the practice of accepting oral declarations at land borders for U.S. citizens to re-enter the Untied States, despite objections from some lawmakers. The rule is intended to further restrict the number of documents that can be used to prove a traveler's identity and citizenship. In announcing the new requirements, 
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said, "Limiting and standardizing the types of documents presented will result in a more secure and efficient border. We will continue to encourage cross-border travel and trade while at the same time decreasing identity theft and fraud."
Questions? Please contact Bill Hardman
