Travel Industry Calls for Action on Capitol Hill, Honors Travel Champions Driving Change

The travel industry joined together in Washington, D.C. Tuesday and Wednesday for U.S. Travel's Destination Capitol Hill, the travel industry's premier legislative fly-in event. Nearly 400 U.S. Travel Association members and industry advocates representing 49 states met with members of Congress-including Sens. John Barasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and John Thune (R-SD)-to advocate for policy changes that will shape the future of our industry.

Travel advocates made three specific asks to members of Congress:

• Cosponsor and pass legislation to ensure air traffic controllers and TSA officers are paid during funding lapses to prevent disruptions to the economy and the air travel system.
• Halt proposed changes to the ESTA application and delay or limit the proposed Visa Integrity Fee.
• Cosponsor S. 3220 / H.R. 6128, the VISIT USA Act, which would transfer $160 million in surplus Travel Promotion Funds to Brand USA to increase visitation to the U.S. for major upcoming events and restore our lost share of international visitors.

During U.S. Travel's Destination Capitol Hill, the association recognized Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) for their contributions to the growth of America's travel industry. The association also recognized the TSA officers and Air Traffic Controllers who continued to protect the nation's aviation system without pay-demonstrating extraordinary dedication to keeping travelers safe, flights moving and the U.S. economy running during times of disruption.

"America saw that travel is much more than just getting from point A to point B during the government shutdowns, and we'll see it again with the impact America 250, the World Cup and the Olympics will bring to every corner of our country," said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of U.S. Travel. "But we still have work to do to capture these opportunities. Sec. Duffy, Sen. Klobuchar, and Rep. Amodei are leading the way, ensuring that we modernize our travel infrastructure, strengthen aviation security and improve the traveler experience to keep the U.S. globally competitive."

Congress is an integral partner in creating the seamless, reliable travel system we need to capitalize on the historic opportunities ahead, keep people moving, businesses thriving and America moving forward. The decisions made now will shape the future of our industry.

Travel Champion Awards

The Travel Champion Awards are an annual honor presented by the U.S. Travel Association to members of Congress and Executive Branch officials for exhibiting outstanding leadership for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the growth and vitality of America's travel industry.

• Secretary Sean Duffy received the 2026 Travel Champion Award for strengthening safety and security and preparing U.S. infrastructure to support economic growth and major global events.
• Congressman Mark Amodei received the Distinguished Leadership Award for his 15 years of dedicated service in Congress and unwavering support of the U.S. travel industry.
• Senator Amy Klobuchar received the Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of 20 years of leadership in the U.S. Senate and invaluable contributions to the growth and vitality of America's travel industry as co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus and a longtime champion of Brand USA.

Travel Hero Awards

The Travel Hero Awards are awarded in recognition of the steadfast dedication, service and resilience of frontline workers who exemplify the highest standards of public service.

• Air Traffic Controllers who continued to ensure the safety of air travel without pay during the 43-day government shutdown in 2025.
• TSA officers who continued to protect the nation's aviation system without pay during two record-breaking funding lapses.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more information.