Buchanan, Bilirakis Introduce Bill to Strengthen Travel and Tourism Under USMCA

"For Districts Like Ours That Welcome Millions of Visitors Each Year, Tourism Isn't Just an Industry, It's a Driver of Jobs and Economic Growth."

Legislation Directs USTR to Establish a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group During the Upcoming USMCA Joint Review

WASHINGTON - Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and a senior member of the Trade Subcommittee, recently joined Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) to introduce theUSMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen travel and tourism ties among the United States, Canada and Mexico. With America's 250th anniversary expected to drive historic levels of domestic and international travel, the bill ensures the travel and tourism industry has a formal voice in North American trade discussions.

The bill directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to advocate for the establishment of a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group during the upcoming joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), ensuring that travel and tourism are formally represented alongside other major industries.

"For districts like ours that welcome millions of visitors each year, tourism isn't just an industry, it's a driver of jobs and economic growth," said Buchanan. "As we approach America's 250th anniversary, ensuring seamless, efficient travel between the United States, Canada and Mexico is essential to keeping our tourism industry strong. That's why I'm proud to introduce the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act to ensure travel and tourism are fully represented during the upcoming USMCA joint review and to keep our economy open for business."

"Travel and tourism are major drivers of the U.S. economy, supporting millions of jobs, generating significant export revenue, and strengthening communities across the country," said Bilirakis. "As we prepare to welcome the world for America's 250th anniversary, establishing a dedicated Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group will provide a focused forum to address trade barriers, expand market access, and enhance cooperation, ensuring this critical sector continues to contribute to economic growth, competitiveness, and resilience."

The USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act would establish a working group with representation from the Departments of Commerce, State, Homeland Security, Interior, Labor and Transportation, working under the umbrella of USTR. The working group would seek input from travel and tourism stakeholders and develop strategies to enhance the international competitiveness of North America's travel and tourism industry, support job creation and promote economic growth.

Buchanan has been a strong advocate for fair trade and supporting American businesses. As the former Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee on Ways and Means, Buchanan helped oversee negotiations for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He recently co-signed a letter to President Trump encouraging him to negotiate new trade agreements that boost American agricultural exports. Buchanan also previously introduced the Defending Domestic Produce Protection Act to help Florida fruit and vegetable growers combat illegal seasonal dumping and Mexico's unfair trade practices.

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