U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

Creation of a Federal transportation program that provides funding to cities and states with high levels of visitation for projects that alleviate congestion and improve the efficiency of long-haul travel. Issues related to Surface Transportation Reauthorization., including H.R. 8870, the BUILD America 250 (Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for Americas 250th) Act. Issues related to transportation planning and preparation for host cities including, S. 1218, Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2025.

Opposing DHS appropriations amendments to restrict DHSs biometric capabilities. Issues in S. 1691, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. Proposals to increase non-immigrant visa fees, including the Visa Integrity Fee and the Visa Bond Program. Proposals to reauthorize and reform TSA, including support for S.2378/H.R. 8780, the SAFEGUARDS Act, H.R. 9388, the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act, and H.R. 9391, the Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026. Issues related to proposed changes to the ESTA application for visitors under the Visa Waiver Program. Proposals to ensure TSA officers are paid during funding lapses, including S. 3031/H.R. 5851, the Keep America Flying Act. Opposing proposals to remove CBP officers from airports in DOJ-designated sanctuary cities.

Issues related to the competitiveness of the U.S. travel industry, particularly for international, group, and transient business air travel. Issues related to private sector collaboration with the White House Task Forces on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Issues related to the Department of Commerces Assistant Secretary for Travel & Tourism position, including the nomination of a qualified candidate. Proposals to limit or prohibit fees imposed on travel and transportation services, including the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 (S. 314 / H.R. 1479) and the Junk Fee Prevention Act (S.3367 / H.R. 6430) Issues related to the American Music Tourism Act (S. 195 / H.R. 617). Issues related to the Travel Promotion Act, including funding for the Corporation for Travel Promotion, and its future reauthorization. Proposals to reduce annual transfers to the Travel Promotion Fund, including H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Proposals to fully fund Brand USA including S.3220 and H.R. 6128, the VISIT USA Act. Issues relating to establishing a goal of 100 million international visitors a year by 2030 and establishing a White House Task Force to execute this.

Legislative proposals and Administration efforts to reduce visa interview wait times for large international events hosted in the U.S., including a dedicated application process for time-sensitive business travelers and proposals to streamline visa processing for global events hosted in the U.S. Proposals to expand and modernize the H-2B visa program, language in FY26 appropriations to require the Department of Homeland Security to release supplemental visas when the needs of seasonal businesses cannot be filled with U.S. workers. Issues related to increases to non-immigrant visa fees, including the Visa Integrity Fee and the Visa Bond Program. Proposals to require a sports diplomacy strategy to leverage the upcoming U.S. hosted mega events including H.R. 5021, the American Decade of Sports Act. Proposals to reauthorize the U.S. Department of State, including H.R. 5300, the Department of State Policy Provisions Act.

Proposals to modernize Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems through increased investment, staffing, innovation, and technology upgrades. Proposals to ensure air traffic controllers are paid during funding lapses, including H.R. 6086, the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, S. 3031/H.R. 5851, the Keep America Flying Act, and S. 1045, the Aviation Funding Stability Act.

Proposals related to the tax treatment of administering loyalty points programs.

Proposals to increase TSA funding for technology in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2027. Funding for the Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism in the FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act of 2027. FY2027 appropriations report language related to the Visa Integrity Fee and changes to the ESTA application in the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2027. Proposals to continue to pay ATC and TSA officers during a government shutdown, including H.R. 6086, the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, S. 3031/H.R. 5851, the Keep America Flying Act, and S. 1045, the Aviation Funding Stability Act. Proposals to provide appropriations funding for the Corporation for Travel Promotion for FY2026.

Proposals to extend the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), including H.R. 9250 The Great American Outdoors Act 250. Proposals to extend the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, including S. 1547, the America the Beautiful Act. Proposals to restore staffing at the National Parks, including S. 949 and H.R. 3555, the Protect Our Parks Act of 2025. Proposals to increase and collect National Parks fees for international visitors.

Issues related to travel policy in USMCA review, including S. 3787 and H.R. 7454, the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act.