industry update

Update: DHS Automated Targeting System (ATS)

Dear Industry Colleagues,

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security yesterday decided to bow to pressure from privacy groups, travel industry organizations and key Members of Congress and extend the comment period on ATS from December 4 to December 29. This is good news, but only a start.

Key Developments To Date

The number of comments filed with DHS rose from 15 on Friday to 60 yesterday (See BTC filing at http://btcweb.biz/issues/ats.html)

- BTC spoke with Congressional staff and Members regarding the potential for hearings and circulated a draft Signatory Letter to DHS Secretary Chertoff to the industry for its participation.

- House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., wrote DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff requesting an extension of the comment period.

- Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who will chair the Judiciary Committee, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, chair of the Homeland Security Committee have pledged to investigate ATS.

- Dutch MEP Sophie In Veld, EP rapporteur on the EU-US agreement on passenger data expressed her deep concern about ATS and whether it violates the recently negotiated agreement.

- Press stories around the world indicated that other concerned governments are likely to weigh in with the U.S. in the near term.

Next Steps

1. To be a Signatory to the letter to DHS below simply provide your organization, name and title to me at mitchell@BusinessTravelCoalition.com.

2. BTC is urging non-U.S. travel industry participants to express their concerns to their elected officials requesting that they weigh in with the U.S. government.

3. BTC is drafting a Commentary piece for the Washington Post and Washington Times.

4. BTC is working with U.S. and non-U.S. Associations and privacy groups to develop strategy and plans.

5. BTC has developed a Web page on this issue (http://btcweb.biz/issues/ats.html) and will continue to keep the industry updated.