U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman has expressed approval following Congress’ recent passage of a legislative package that aims to enhance America’s travel infrastructure and security. The bill, now awaiting the signature of President Donald Trump, includes significant investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection.
Freeman remarked, “This legislation is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to improving America’s travel infrastructure and security.” He highlighted the importance of these investments for enhancing the travel experience but noted concerns about new fees on foreign visitors and reduced funding for Brand USA, America’s tourism promotion agency.
The bill outlines several key allocations:
– A $12.5 billion investment to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS), which will update air traffic control technology, physical infrastructure, and workforce development.
– An allocation of $4.1 billion to hire at least 5,000 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, along with $2 billion in retention bonuses aimed at reducing airport wait times.
– A $673 million investment to expand biometric entry-exit systems at ports of entry as part of border security enhancements.
– Funding for Homeland Security related to global events: $625 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and $1 billion for the 2028 LA Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Despite these gains, Freeman emphasized the need for Congress to restore full federal funding for Brand USA. The current federal match was reduced from up to $100 million annually to just $20 million due to broader spending cuts. President Trump’s FY26 budget proposes restoring full funding, which Freeman supports as crucial for major upcoming events like America’s 250th anniversary.
Freeman also voiced concerns over increased visa fees introduced by the bill. These include a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for visitor visas and an increase in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee from $21 to $40. “Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending,” said Freeman.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Travel Association released a report recommending reforms needed to modernize the national travel system. Many suggestions from this report have been incorporated into the budget reconciliation bill.
The U.S. Travel Association represents a vital sector contributing significantly to America’s economy, advocating policies that encourage domestic and international travel.
