South Carolina has joined a pages-long list of nearly 400 tourism companies and organizations throughout the U.S. pleading with Congress to reopen the government as the tourism industry has already suffered a $4 billion loss as the shutdown heads into week six .

The S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is one of 11 groups in the state to co-sign the letter , penned by the U.S. Travel Association Nov. 3.

The letter was addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

The note asks them to “demonstrate leadership” and pass a resolution to reopen the federal government.

“With Thanksgiving, the busiest travel period of the year, imminentl

See Full Page