U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

Legislative proposals to reduce visa interview wait times for large international events hosted in the U.S. Administration efforts to reduce visa interview wait times, including a dedicated application process for time-sensitive business travelers and proposals to streamline visa processing for global sports 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. Proposals to limit the scope of increases to non-immigrant visa fees 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 limit or eliminate the tax exemptions for 501(c) organizations. Proposals related to the tax treatment of administering loyalty points programs.

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. 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. Support for additional CBP officers at airports of entry, including S. 1678, the Securing Americas Ports of Entry Act of 2025. Support for additional funding for security, planning, and other costs related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics Proposals to increase non-immigrant visa fees Proposals to reauthorize and reform counter-unmanned aircraft system authorities including H.R. 5061, the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. Proposals to reauthorize and reform TSA, including support for S.2378, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025.

Issues related to the competitiveness of the U.S. travel industry, particularly for international, group, and transient business air travel. Proposals to create a White House Task Force on Global Sporting Events. 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.

FY2026 appropriations related to efficient customs and visitor visa processing, including the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026 and the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act of 2026. CBP and TSA funding and staffing in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026. Funding for the Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism in the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act of 2026. Increased funding for the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) for host city costs and security needs to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the FY2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026. Proposals to fund the government and end the shutdown, including H.R. 5371, a bill to fund the government through January 30, 2026. Proposals to continue to pay ATC and TSA officers during a government shutdown, including H.R. 6086 the Aviation Funding Solvency Act.

Proposals to extend the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). 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.