U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce passing the Restoring Brand USA Act (H.R. 4594):

“Committee approval of the Restoring Brand USA Act brings us one step closer to passing this important and much-needed legislation, which is crucial to restoring the international inbound travel sector.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. has lost nearly $300 billion in export income due to declines in international travel. Now that U.S. borders have reopened to all vaccinated individuals, Brand USA’s important work of promoting America as a premier destination for global travelers is more important than ever as we recover from steep losses.

“The emergency relief provided by the bill—which utilizes existing funds at no cost to American taxpayers—will help the international travel segment rebound more quickly and restore U.S. jobs.

“U.S. Travel thanks Representatives Bilirakis and Welch for their continued leadership on Brand USA, as well as Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers and subcommittee members for advancing this critical measure.”