VB
VICTORIA BARNES
U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION · WASHINGTON, DC · registered since 2024
Registered · LDAActive
At a glance
Registered since
2024
Senate LDA system
Clients
1
last 3 years
Filings
4
11 agencies contacted
Activity
filings by quarter
Works on
Specific issues
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.
FY2025 appropriations related to efficient customs and 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. Supplemental Disaster Relief Funding including Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program to assist the recovery of the travel industry in locations impacted by recent natural disasters.
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 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. 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. Proposals to extend the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Assist the Administration in the effort to update various Directors Orders, including Directors Order #17, which specifically addresses tourism at U.S. National Parks.
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 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, 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). Urge the Administration to release the supplemental H-2B visas once the statutory cap was reached.
Support for CBP and TSA biometric identification services, including in relation to the Traveler Privacy Protection Act (S.3361) and the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act (H.R.1404 / S.681). Proposals that support CBPs investment in technology and innovation to streamline the processing of low-risk travelers, known as Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), including through FY25 appropriations. Opposing DHS appropriations amendments to restrict DHSs biometric capabilities.