U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

Creation of a Federal transportation program that provides funding to support cities and states. Proposals that would support the creation of a National Travel Mobility Program that would alleviate congestion and improve the efficiency of long-haul travel.

FY2025 appropriations related to efficient visitor visa processing, including the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2025 and the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act of 2025. CBP and TSA funding and staffing in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2025. Funding for the Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism in the FY25 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act of 2025.

Issues related to the competitiveness of the U.S. travel industry, particularly for international, group, and transient business air travel. 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 Junk Fee Prevention Act (S. 916 / H.R. 2463), the Hotel Fee Transparency Act of 2023 (S. 2498), and the No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act of 2023 (H.R. 6543). Changes to Federal Work Travel policies, particularly regarding OMBs Memorandum M-24-05 and GSAs Bulletin FTR 24-02. Proposals to shift park units from using a reservation system to manage access to a market-based entrance fee system, which can help stabilize park finances and discourage overcrowding, including through FY25 appropriations. Issues related to the American Music Tourism Act (S. 2412).

Legislation to improve public lands and waters for outdoor recreation, including H.R. 6492, the EXPLORE Act.

Legislative proposals to reduce visa interview wait times, including the Visa Processing Improvement Act (S.2632) and the Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act (H.R.5127). Administration efforts to reduce visa interview wait times, including a dedicated application process for time-sensitive business travelers. Proposals to expand and modernize the H-2B visa program, including the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers Act (H.R.4708), language in FY25 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, and the Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 (H.R.7574).