[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 21839-21846]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT OF 2008

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3232) to establish a non-profit corporation to communicate 
United States entry policies and otherwise promote tourist, business, 
and scholarly travel to the United States, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

[[Page 21840]]



                               H.R. 3232

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Travel 
     Promotion Act of 2008''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. The Corporation for Travel Promotion.
Sec. 3. Accountability measures.
Sec. 4. Matching public and private funding.
Sec. 5. Travel Promotion Fund fees.
Sec. 6. Investment of Funds.
Sec. 7. Prohibition on use of funds.
Sec. 8. Amendments to the International Travel Act of 1961.
Sec. 9. Definitions.
Sec. 10. G.A.O. study.

     SEC. 2. THE CORPORATION FOR TRAVEL PROMOTION.

       (a) Establishment.--The Corporation for Travel Promotion is 
     established as a nonprofit corporation. The Corporation shall 
     not be an agency or establishment of the United States 
     Government. The Corporation shall be subject to the 
     provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation 
     Act (sec. 29-301.01 et seq., D.C. Official Code), to the 
     extent that such provisions are consistent with this section, 
     and shall have the powers conferred upon a nonprofit 
     corporation by that Act to carry out its purposes and 
     activities.
       (b) Board of Directors.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation shall have a board of 
     directors of 15 members, appointed by the Secretary of 
     Commerce, but not before consultation with the Secretaries of 
     Homeland Security, State, and Education, as appropriate, each 
     of whom is a United States citizen, and of whom--
       (A) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the hotel accommodations sector;
       (B) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the restaurant sector;
       (C) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the retail sector, or in associations representing that 
     sector;
       (D) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the small business sector, or in associations representing 
     that sector;
       (E) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the advertising sector;
       (F) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the attractions sector;
       (G) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the recreation sector;
       (H) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the research, development, or manufacturing sector;
       (I) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the financial services sector;
       (J) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the passenger air sector;
       (K) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the car rental sector;
       (L) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience as 
     an official at the state and municipal level, or in 
     associations of such officials;
       (M) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     the higher education sector and in coordinating international 
     scholarly conferences in the United States;
       (N) one shall have appropriate expertise and experience in 
     immigration law and policy, including visa requirements and 
     United States entry procedures; and
       (O) one shall have appropriate expertise in matters 
     relating to homeland security policy, including border and 
     travel security and facilitation programs.
       (2) Incorporation.--The members of the initial board of 
     directors shall serve as incorporators and shall take 
     whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation 
     under the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act 
     (sec. 29-301.01 et seq.).
       (3) Term of office.--The term of office of each member of 
     the board appointed by the Secretary shall be 3 years, except 
     that, of the members first appointed--
       (A) 3 shall be appointed for terms of 1 year;
       (B) 4 shall be appointed for terms of 2 years; and
       (C) 4 shall be appointed for terms of 3 years.
       (4) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the board shall not affect 
     its power, but shall be filled in the manner required by this 
     section. Any member whose term has expired may serve until 
     the member's successor has taken office, or until the end of 
     the calendar year in which the member's term has expired, 
     whichever is earlier. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which that 
     member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the 
     remainder of the predecessor's term. No member of the board 
     shall be eligible to serve more than 2 consecutive full 
     terms.
       (5) Election of chairman and vice chairman.--Members of the 
     board shall annually elect one of their members to be 
     chairman and elect 1 or more of their members as a vice 
     chairman or vice chairmen.
       (6) Status as federal employees.--Notwithstanding any 
     provision of law to the contrary, no member of the board may 
     be considered to be a Federal employee of the United States 
     by virtue of his or her service as a member of the board.
       (7) Compensation; expenses.--No member of the board shall 
     receive any compensation from the Federal Government or the 
     Corporation by virtue of his or her service as a member of 
     the board. Each member of the board shall be paid actual 
     travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence expenses 
     when away from his or her usual place of residence, in 
     accordance with section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
       (c) Officers and Employees.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation shall have a President, 
     and such other officers as may be named and appointed by the 
     board for terms and at rates of compensation fixed by the 
     board. No individual other than a citizen of the United 
     States may be an officer of the Corporation. The corporation 
     may hire and fix the compensation of such employees as may be 
     necessary to carry out its purposes. No officer or employee 
     of the Corporation may receive any salary or other 
     compensation (except for compensation for services on boards 
     of directors of other organizations that do not receive funds 
     from the Corporation, on committees of such boards, and in 
     similar activities for such organizations) from any sources 
     other than the Corporation for services rendered during the 
     period of his or her employment by the Corporation. Service 
     by any officer on boards of directors of other organizations, 
     on committees of such boards, and in similar activities for 
     such organizations shall be subject to annual advance 
     approval by the board and subject to the provisions of the 
     Corporation's Statement of Ethical Conduct. All officers and 
     employees shall serve at the pleasure of the board.
       (2) Nonpolitical nature of appointment.--No political test 
     or qualification shall be used in selecting, appointing, 
     promoting, or taking other personnel actions with respect to 
     officers, agents, or employees of the Corporation.
       (d) Nonprofit and Nonpolitical Nature of Corporation.--
       (1) Stock.--The Corporation shall have no power to issue 
     any shares of stock, or to declare or pay any dividends.
       (2) Profit.--No part of the income or assets of the 
     Corporation shall inure to the benefit of any director, 
     officer, employee, or any other individual except as salary 
     or reasonable compensation for services.
       (3) Politics.--The Corporation may not contribute to or 
     otherwise support any political party or candidate for 
     elective public office.
       (4) Sense of congress regarding lobbying activities.--It is 
     the sense of Congress that the Corporation established under 
     this Act should not engage in any lobbying activities with 
     any employee or branch of the Federal Government in favor of 
     or in opposition to any political issue.
       (e) Duties and Powers.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation shall develop and execute 
     a plan to--
       (A) provide useful information to foreign tourists, 
     business people, students, scholars, scientists and others 
     interested in traveling to the United States, including the 
     distribution of material provided by the Federal Government 
     concerning entry requirements, required documentation, fees, 
     and processes, to prospective travelers, travel agents, tour 
     operators, meeting planners, foreign governments, travel 
     media and other international stakeholders;
       (B) identify and address perceptions in other countries 
     regarding United States entry policies that tend to limit 
     attempts to travel to the United States;
       (C) maximize the economic and diplomatic benefits of travel 
     to the United States by promoting the United States of 
     America to world travelers through the use of, but not 
     limited to, all forms of advertising, outreach to trade 
     shows, and other appropriate promotional activities; and
       (D) identify opportunities and strategies to promote 
     tourism to rural and urban areas equally.
       (2) Specific powers.--In order to carry out the purposes of 
     this section, the Corporation may--
       (A) obtain grants from and make contracts with individuals 
     and private companies, State, and Federal agencies, 
     organizations, and institutions;
       (B) hire or accept the voluntary services of consultants, 
     experts, advisory boards, and panels to aid the Corporation 
     in carrying out its purposes; and
       (C) take such other actions as may be necessary to 
     accomplish the purposes set forth in this section.
       (f) Open Meetings.--Meetings of the board of directors of 
     the Corporation, including any committee of the board, shall 
     be open to the public. The board may, by majority vote, close 
     any such meeting only for the time necessary to preserve the 
     confidentiality of commercial or financial information that 
     is privileged or confidential, to discuss personnel matters, 
     or to discuss legal matters affecting the Corporation, 
     including pending or potential litigation.
       (g) Major Campaigns.--The board may not authorize the 
     Corporation to obligate or expend more than $25,000,000 on 
     any advertising campaign, promotion, or related effort 
     unless--
       (1) the obligation or expenditure is approved by an 
     affirmative vote of at least \2/3\ of the members of the 
     board present at the meeting;

[[Page 21841]]

       (2) at least 8 members of the board are present at the 
     meeting at which it is approved; and
       (3) each member of the board has been given at least 3 days 
     advance notice of the meeting at which the vote is to be 
     taken and the matters to be voted upon at that meeting.
       (h) Fiscal Accountability.--
       (1) Fiscal year.--The Corporation shall establish as its 
     fiscal year the 12-month period beginning on October 1.
       (2) Budget.--The Corporation shall adopt a budget for each 
     fiscal year.
       (3) Annual audits.--The Corporation shall engage an 
     independent accounting firm to conduct an annual financial 
     audit of the Corporation's operations and shall publish the 
     results of the audit.

     SEC. 3. ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES.

       (a) Objectives.--The Board shall establish annual 
     objectives for the Corporation for each fiscal year subject 
     to approval by the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State. 
     The Corporation shall establish a marketing plan for each 
     fiscal year not less than 60 days before the beginning of 
     that year and provide a copy of the plan, and any revisions 
     thereof, to the Secretary.
       (b) Budget.--The board shall transmit a copy of the 
     Corporation's budget for the forthcoming fiscal year to the 
     Secretary not less than 60 days before the beginning of each 
     fiscal year, together with an explanation of any expenditure 
     provided for by the budget in excess of $5,000,000 for the 
     fiscal year. The Corporation shall make a copy of the budget 
     and the explanation available to the public and shall provide 
     public access to the budget and explanation on the 
     Corporation's website.
       (c) Annual Report to Congress.--The Corporation shall 
     submit an annual report for the preceding fiscal year to the 
     Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     for transmittal to Congress on or before the 15th day of May 
     of each year. The report shall include--
       (1) a comprehensive and detailed report of the 
     Corporation's operations, activities, financial condition, 
     and accomplishments under this Act;
       (2) a comprehensive and detailed inventory of amounts 
     obligated or expended by the Corporation during the preceding 
     fiscal year;
       (3) a detailed description of each in-kind contribution, 
     its fair market value, the individual or organization 
     responsible for contributing, its specific use, and a 
     justification for its use within the context of the 
     Corporation's mission;
       (4) an objective and quantifiable measurement of its 
     progress, on an objective-by-objective basis, in meeting the 
     objectives established by the board;
       (5) an explanation of the reason for any failure to achieve 
     an objective established by the board, and any revisions or 
     alterations to the Corporation's objectives under subsection 
     (a);
       (6) a comprehensive and detailed report of the 
     Corporation's operations and activities to promote tourism in 
     rural and urban areas; and
       (7) such recommendations as the Corporation deems 
     appropriate.

     SEC. 4. MATCHING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING.

       (a) Establishment of Travel Promotion Fund.--There is 
     hereby established in the Treasury a fund which shall be 
     known as the ``Travel Promotion Fund''.
       (b) Funding.--
       (1) First year.--For fiscal year 2009, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury, not earlier than October 1, 2008, and not before 
     the Secretary has appointed all members of the Corporation's 
     board of directors, may transfer to the Corporation such sums 
     as may be necessary, but not to exceed $10,000,000, subject 
     to the availability of appropriations to carry out this 
     section to cover its initial expenses and activities under 
     this Act. At the earliest practicable date, the Corporation 
     shall reimburse the Treasury any such amounts borrowed from 
     the Treasury, with at least 50 percent reimbursed before 
     October 1, 2011, and the remainder reimbursed before October 
     1, 2013. Reimbursement shall include interest at a rate 
     determined by the Treasury taking into consideration current 
     market yields on outstanding Treasury securities of 
     comparable maturities and including any additional charges 
     determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to cover any 
     probable losses and reasonable administrative costs. The 
     Secretary of the Treasury shall determine and assess 
     penalties to be applied for late payments of principal or 
     interest and other Federal credit terms designed to minimize 
     Federal exposure to loss, consistent with the Federal Credit 
     Reform Act and other applicable Federal credit policies.
       (2) Subsequent years.--For each of fiscal years 2010 
     through 2013, from amounts deposited in the general fund of 
     the Treasury during the preceding fiscal year from fees under 
     section 5, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer not 
     more than $100,000,000 to the Fund, which shall be made 
     available to the Corporation, subject to subsections (c), 
     (d), and (e), to carry out its functions under this Act. 
     Transfers shall be made by the Secretary of the Treasury at 
     least quarterly on the basis of estimates by the Secretary of 
     the Treasury, determined in consultation with the Board, of 
     contributions made to the Corporation by non-Federal sources, 
     and proper adjustments shall be made in amounts subsequently 
     transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess or 
     less than actual contributions from non-Federal sources.
       (c) Matching Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall make 
     available to the Corporation from amounts available in the 
     Travel Promotion Fund--
       (A) for fiscal year 2010, twice the amount that will be 
     collected from non-Federal sources by the Corporation 
     pursuant to section 4(b)(2) of this Act and not to exceed 
     $100,000,000; and
       (B) for subsequent fiscal years, an amount equal to the 
     amount that will be collected from non-Federal sources by the 
     Corporation pursuant to section 4(b)(2) of this Act and not 
     to exceed $100,000,000.
       (2) Goods and services.--For the purpose of determining the 
     amount of matching funds, other than money, available to the 
     Corporation--
       (A) the fair market value, as determined by the 
     Corporation, of goods and services (including advertising) 
     contributed to the Corporation for use under this Act may be 
     included in the determination; but
       (B) the fair market value of such goods and services may 
     not account for more than 65 percent of the matching 
     requirement for the Corporation in any fiscal year.
       (3) Right of refusal.--The Corporation may decline to 
     accept any contribution in kind that it determines to be 
     inappropriate, not useful, or commercially worthless.
       (d) Grant Offset.--For a given fiscal year, the Secretary 
     of the Treasury shall reduce the total amount of funding to 
     be transferred to the Corporation from the Travel Promotion 
     Fund by the amount of grants received by the Corporation 
     pursuant to section 2(e)(2)(A) to be used during that fiscal 
     year.
       (e) Limitation.--The Corporation shall not expend funds or 
     obligate to expend funds that will exceed total amounts 
     received by the Corporation for a given fiscal year.

     SEC. 5. TRAVEL PROMOTION FUND FEES.

       Section 217(h)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
     (8 U.S.C. 1187(h)(3)(B)) is amended--
       (1) in clause (i), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) set for an amount that includes an additional 
     amount of not less than $10 above the amount set under clause 
     (i).
     The additional amount required under clause (iii) shall be 
     transferred to the Treasury for the purpose of offsetting 
     appropriations made to the Corporation for Travel Promotion 
     established in section 2 of the Travel Promotion Act of 2008, 
     according to the requirements of section 4 of such Act. Such 
     additional amount may be reduced if the secretary of the 
     Treasury determines that the additional amount is not 
     necessary to ensure that the Corporation is fully funded.''.

     SEC. 6. INVESTMENT OF FUNDS.

       Pending disbursement pursuant to a program, plan, or 
     project, the Corporation may invest funds received by the 
     Corporation only in obligations of the United States or any 
     agency thereof, in general obligations of any State or any 
     political subdivision thereof, in any interest-bearing 
     account or certificate of deposit of a bank that is a member 
     of the Federal Reserve System, or in obligations fully 
     guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States. 
     The Secretary of the Treasury shall reduce the total amount 
     of funding for a given fiscal year to be transferred from the 
     Travel Promotion Fund to the Corporation by the amount of 
     interest earned by the Corporation as a result of its 
     investments pursuant to this section for the preceding fiscal 
     year.

     SEC. 7. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS.

       No funds raised by the Treasury Department's Travel 
     Promotion Fund or the Corporation for Travel Promotion may be 
     used to directly promote or advertise a specific corporation.

     SEC. 8. AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ACT OF 1961.

       (a) Powers and Duties of Secretary of Commerce.--Section 
     201 of the International Travel Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2122) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence of the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1)--
       (A) by striking ``and by the United States National Tourism 
     Organization Act of 1996''; and
       (B) by striking ``United States National Tourism 
     Organization'' and inserting ``Corporation for Travel 
     Promotion (established by section 3 of the Travel Promotion 
     Act of 2008)'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``United States National 
     Tourism Organization'' and inserting ``Corporation for Travel 
     Promotion''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:

     ``Such plan may not include a comprehensive international 
     advertising campaign relating to critical tourism 
     functions.''.
       (b) Tourism Policy Council.--

[[Page 21842]]

       (1) Membership.--Subsection (b) of section 301 of the 
     International Travel Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2124) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking paragraphs (8) through (10);
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph (13);
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following new 
     paragraphs:
       ``(8) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
       ``(9) The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection of the Department of Homeland Security.
       ``(10) The Assistant Secretary of U.S. Customs and 
     Immigration Enforcement of the Department of Homeland 
     Security.
       ``(11) The Secretary of Education.''; and
       (D) in paragraph (13) (as redesignated by subparagraph (B) 
     of this paragraph), by inserting ``, in consultation with 
     other members of the Council'' at the end before the period.
       (2) Meetings.--Subsection (d) of such section is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(d) The Council shall meet not less than 2 times a year. 
     For the purposes of conducting business, each member of the 
     Council may appoint a designee to represent such member 
     during one or more meetings of the Council.''.
       (3) Involvement of federal agencies and departments.--
     Subsection (e) of such section is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) Members of the Council shall provide the Corporation 
     for Travel Promotion with timely information regarding 
     documentation and procedures required for admission to the 
     United States and regarding strategies planned by any Federal 
     department or agency to promote travel to the United States 
     for tourism, business, study, scholarship, scientific 
     exchange, or other purposes, so that the Corporation for 
     Travel Promotion may better conduct its communications and 
     promotion activities.''.
       (4) Annual report.--Subsection (g)(3) of such section is 
     amended by striking ``United States National Tourism 
     Organization'' and inserting ``Corporation for Travel 
     Promotion''.
       (5) Applicability of federal advisory committee act.--
     Subsection (h) of such section is amended by striking 
     ``President of the United States National Tourism 
     Organization'' and inserting ``President of the Corporation 
     for Travel Promotion''.
       (c) Repeal of Authorities Relating to the United States 
     Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board.--Section 210 of 
     the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 2003 (contained in title II of division B 
     of Public Law 108-7; 117 Stat. 78-79; 22 U.S.C. 2122 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (b) through (d); and
       (2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (b).

     SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act, the following definitions apply:
       (1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the board of directors 
     of the Corporation.
       (2) Corporation.--The term ``Corporation'' means the 
     Corporation for Travel Promotion established by section 2.
       (3) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Travel Promotion 
     Fund established by section 4.
       (4) Secretary.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, the 
     term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce.

     SEC. 10. G.A.O. STUDY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Government Accountability Office 
     shall initiate a study to assess barriers to entry into the 
     United States by foreign travelers. The GAO shall consult 
     with the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. 
     Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border 
     Protection, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of 
     the Treasury, as necessary.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the GAO shall report the findings to 
     the appropriate Congressional committees. The report shall 
     include--
       (1) the GAO's findings on specific barriers to entry into 
     the United States by foreign travelers; and
       (2) recommendations for initiatives that may reduce those 
     barriers.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Rush) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 3232, the Travel Promotion Act, was introduced by 
Mr. Delahunt and Mr. Blunt and will help spur the tourism industry in 
the United States by creating a Corporation For Travel Promotion within 
the Department of Commerce. This corporation will be funded by private 
sector money and special user fees.
  Madam Speaker, I urge the bill's adoption.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3232, the Travel Promotion 
Act of 2008. This legislation would establish the Corporation for 
Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation. The core mission would be 
to promote tourism in the United States and provide travel information 
to people around the world.
  I am a cosponsor of the bill and support promoting the country's 
tourism industry. Spending by international travelers while in this 
country is defined as a U.S. export, and many have said that it is 
strong U.S. export numbers that have kept the economy growing over the 
last few quarters, despite a slowdown in other parts of the economy and 
the huge problems that have presented themselves in the financial 
markets.
  Streamlining travel and tourism promotion through a not-for-profit 
corporation that does not require taxpayer funds will go a long way to 
help these industries and our economy.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt).
  Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let 
me express my gratitude to the Chair of the subcommittee for his 
leadership, as well as to the ranking member, Mr. Whitfield, for his 
efforts, as well as the Chair and ranking member of the full committee, 
Messrs. Dingell and Barton.
  I am pleased to join with the minority whip, my friend Roy Blunt, and 
244 bipartisan House cosponsors to encourage support for the Travel 
Promotion Act of 2008. This bill will reverse the decline in the number 
of overseas visitors coming to the United States.
  In a global economy, the world travel market is important. It means 
jobs and new business opportunities. This is a market that is growing, 
it is expanding, but our share of it keeps getting smaller. Overseas 
tourists, scientists, businessmen and students are going elsewhere, put 
off by the red tape and confusing guidelines for entry into the United 
States. Even the weak dollar is not enticing enough visitors to reverse 
this trend.
  This drop is not only impacting our economy negatively, but we are 
missing an important opportunity to improve our image in the world. 
Data clearly demonstrates that it will help improve our image across 
the globe by connecting visitors with the most effective ambassadors 
that we have, the American people.
  Once here, foreign visitors get to know us, who we are as a people 
and our values. This promotes respect for America and for Americans. It 
helps make the world a safer place for all of us, and it is the most 
cost-effective public diplomacy initiative we could ever undertake, at 
no cost to the American taxpayers.
  I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the 
strong bipartisan support for the legislation, and close my remarks by 
urging the entire House to vote for its passage.
  I would be remiss not to acknowledge the effort and the time that was 
put into this particular proposal by the minority whip, Mr. Blunt. We 
all are in his debt.
  Madam Speaker, Once in awhile, this House gets it just right. And 
when that happens, it's usually because we're working well together, 
across the aisle., Today I'm very pleased to join with the Minority 
Whip, my friend Roy Blunt and with 244 bipartisan House cosponsors--in 
bringing to the floor the Travel Promotion Act of 2008. Without the 
support of so many on both sides of the aisle, as Well as their 
staffers, this day would not be possible.

[[Page 21843]]

  The bill addresses the sharp decline in the number of overseas 
visitors to the United States. The world travel market is expanding but 
our share is getting smaller. Overseas tourists and businessmen and 
students are going elsewhere--even though the weak dollar should make 
the U.S. a cheap vacation. This drop has been felt in every sector of 
our economy, and more importantly--in our relationship with the rest of 
the world.
  The reason is painfully simple. We don't make a coherent effort to 
tell America's story, to say to foreign visitors that they are welcome. 
Or to explain the confusing and sometimes intimidating rules and delays 
and even indignities that have become part of our visa and border entry 
process for foreigners since September 11, 2001.
  Let me make clear that most of these rules are absolutely critical to 
our national security. And that we're constantly working to improve 
them.
  The problem is most overseas visitors don't know that. And that what 
they do know comes from the echo chamber of the foreign press, which is 
often all too happy to exploit the horror stories about Fortress 
America--stories which then get repeated over and over again.
  A constituent of mine on Cape Cod--where travel and tourism is 
literally the lifeblood of our local economy--described it as trying to 
entice a patron to a restaurant. First, he said, you detain and search 
the customer. Maybe pull his credit record and ask about past parking 
tickets and other legal transgressions. Then you hope he'll wander in 
for an expensive meal.
  Even official visitors are not immune. Not too long ago the leader of 
a delegation from the Russian Duma visiting Capitol Hill concluded our 
inter-parliamentary meetings by saying he had thoroughly enjoyed our 
time together--and that he was never, under any circumstances, 
returning to the United States again. All because of the way he was 
treated during the entry process.
  We are one of the only nations in the world that leaves the foreign 
travel marketplace to chance, with no official strategy to compel 
foreigners to visit the United States. The economic impact is 
staggering. The drop in foreign travel to the U.S. since 9/11 
translates into a loss of $94 billion in visitor spending. A loss of 
$16 billion in tax revenue. And the loss of 200,000 American jobs in 
nearly every congressional district in this nation. No city in the 
United States has been hit harder than Boston.
  In that spirit, I believe that this proposal will inject much needed 
capital into the American economy. Travel and tourism, when the sector 
is doing well, drives economic growth and creates opportunity at every 
level of the economy: from the airlines, to the hotel staff, to the 
cooks and dishwashers, to the tourguides. This bill will drive growth 
and create jobs here at home.
  Even worse, is the effect on the already-tarnished face of the United 
States around the globe. If we're really worried about the distortions 
about us learned in madrassas, the best antidote is to encourage a 
first-hand look at our country and our people.
  The Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight, which I chair, 
recently concluded a series of hearings on America's declining image in 
the world. The conclusions were overwhelming and deeply alarming.
  Zogby International found that ``Arabs who know Americans, Arabs who 
visited America . . . they tend to like our people, our culture, our 
products and our values more.''
  The same poll found that people who say ``yes'' when asked, ``Have 
you been to the United States, or would you like to come to the United 
States?'' are 25-30 points more favorable than those who say ``no''. 
The survey also found that students who visit the United States have 
more positive views about us than non-visitors by a factor of 10 
percent--and that this favorable reaction was also shared by their 
family and friends.
  One of the key recommendations for Congress from the bipartisan U.S.-
Muslim Engagement Project, is to expand exchange programs ``with a 
smarter targeting of visa restrictions to enable Muslims who pose a low 
security risk, especially journalists, business people, and religious 
leaders, to enter the U.S. more easily.''
  Travel nearly always changes lives and attitudes for the better. Both 
the visitor and host open their minds and hearts to new ideas--and to 
each other. We all know that the best ambassadors for our fundamental 
values are ordinary Americans. Once here, foreign visitors get to know 
us and our good intentions. When they return home, they tell family and 
friends about our cities and towns, our beaches and mountains, our 
ballparks and skyscrapers and farms and museums. This is an idealistic 
vision, but it is one that is supported by reams of studies and data.
  To discourage travel to the U.S. is to squander our best resource in 
the war of ideas: the American people. And as a consequence, an entire 
generation of future world leaders will grow up knowing as little about 
us as we do about them. There is one thing that is certain--if we 
continue down this road, we will live in a safer and less secure world.
  To promote America, we must promote travel. That's Public Diplomacy 
101. Toward that end, H.R. 3232 would establish the non-profit 
Corporation for Travel Promotion, at no expense to the taxpayer and 
with enormous economic benefits in red and blue congressional districts 
across the Nation.
  That's why H.R. 3232 enjoys the support of the U.S. Conference of 
Mayors, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Olympic Committee, National 
Association of Manufacturers and 50 State tourism directors and 
thousands of mom-and-pop business that benefit from overseas travelers.
  As Senator Dick Lugar remarked recently, we as a Nation have become 
``inhospitable''. And I'm pleased to report that Senator Lugar signed 
on last week as the 50th cosponsor of the Senate companion of H.R. 
3232. Followed yesterday by Senator Casey as number 51--yet more 
evidence of the bipartisan nature of this legislation.
  In that spirit, I again want to express my appreciation for the 
leadership of Congressman Blunt, and that of Chairman Dingell and 
Subcommittee Chairman Rush, as well as our colleagues on the Judiciary 
and Homeland Security Committees and their respective staffs, in 
working so cooperatively to move the bill to the floor. As one 
constructive element of those discussions, I would like to specifically 
note my expectation that the program to market America abroad will 
create business opportunities for marketing and advertising 
professionals for minority--and women-owned businesses.
  I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation, and look forward 
to joining with our colleagues in the Senate to enact it into law in 
the very near future.
  Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman who represents probably the biggest destination of domestic 
tourists and foreign tourists, the gentleman from Orlando, Florida (Mr. 
Keller).
  Mr. KELLER of Florida. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I rise today as a proud supporter and cosponsor of H.R. 3232, the 
Travel Promotion Act. I would like to tell you why I support it, how it 
works and what the benefits are.
  Why I support it, I represent the world's number one vacation 
destination, Orlando, Florida. We have 49 million tourists a year, 
mainly because my fine city is home to Disney World, Universal Studios, 
Sea World and many other exciting theme parks.
  Forty-nine million tourists a year represents 46 million tourists 
domestically, but only 3 million internationally. You would think that 
Orlando and the other tourist destinations throughout the United States 
would be a good value now for European travelers, particularly with the 
weak American dollar. But we are not seeing that. In fact, our 
international tourism numbers are down to levels lower than they were 
before 9/11. Even though domestic travel is up 13 percent, 
international travel is down 6 percent.
  Other countries spend millions of dollars to promote international 
tourism. We don't. Unfortunately, a lot of travelers in Europe and 
other continents mistakenly think that the process of entry and visas 
and security is a lot more complicated than it really is.
  So, how would this legislation work? This legislation provides $200 
million to promote international tourism through marketing overseas and 
communicating U.S. security and entry policies. It spends this $200 
million without one penny being charged to taxpayers. Half of the money 
comes from the private sector, the other half is paid for by foreign 
travelers.
  Now, what is the benefit of this legislation? It will create 
thousands of jobs. One of my employers alone provides 60,000 jobs. One 
out of four people in my area is employed in the tourism industry.
  Expert studies show that this legislation will generate up to $1 
billion a year in an additional tax revenues. This is legislation that 
is key to stimulating the economy, at a time when we need the economy 
stimulated the most.

[[Page 21844]]

  I want to close by pointing out the broad bipartisan support that 
this legislation has. We have 243 cosponsors. I want to especially 
congratulate the lead sponsors of this legislation, Mr. Delahunt of 
Massachusetts and the minority whip, Mr. Blunt of Missouri. They have 
worked on this legislation for many years and pushed very hard to 
finally get us a floor vote. I am proud to join them today as a 
cosponsor and proud of their hard work.
  I want to urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to 
vote yes on H.R. 3232. Let's be in favor of the Travel Promotion Act, 
and let's create some jobs at a time when we need them the most.
  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to my 
friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), a fellow Eva Cassidy 
fan.
  Mr. FARR. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. I rise in 
strong support of this bill.
  Myself and my colleague on the other side of the aisle, Jon Porter, 
formed the Congressional Tourism and Travel Caucus. Jon Porter is an 
outstanding cochair of that Tourism and Travel Caucus, and we have 
worked very closely with the authors, because this is a totally 
bipartisan bill, with Mr. Delahunt and Mr. Blunt. It has been a work in 
progress for about the last 10 years, something the industry has really 
needed and America has really needed, particularly after 9/11, to try 
to expedite travelers coming to this country from especially those 
countries where we already have the Visa Waiver Program.
  There is no taxpayer money in this. It is a congressionally created 
nonprofit corporation based here in Washington, D.C. It will have a 15-
member directorate. They are not civil employees; they are not 
government employees. Those 15 members represent all aspects of 
American business, travel and rural areas as well, because, frankly, to 
boost the travel economy in this country boosts jobs in everybody's 
community. So this is one of those economic stimulus plans for America 
that has long been sought.
  As you turn on the television and listen to these ads from other 
countries trying to woo Americans to travel overseas to their 
countries, to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and so on, we are going to 
be able to compete with that kind of travel promotion and really do 
what I think is so wonderful about promoting America, not a particular 
commercial destination, but just America as a country and a place to 
visit and see the wonderful people here. We will live that American 
Dream, with people seeing what an incredible country and what wonderful 
people make up this country.
  So I am very excited about the opportunity to really boost tourism in 
America, to boost world understanding of American culture and 
Americans, and really I think this is a big step towards global peace, 
and it is good for business in this country as well.
  Madam Speaker, I urge a strong bipartisan vote for this bill.
  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3232, the Travel Promotion Act of 2007. I want to thank my friend from 
Massachusetts, Congressman Delahunt, for his hard work on this bill, 
which would create American jobs, help boost our economy, and improve 
our image abroad through international goodwill.
  The Travel Promotion Act would create a nonprofit entity funded by 
private companies to promote tourism in the United States, an industry 
which is vital to our economy and helps improve America's image abroad. 
For example, last year, Chicago alone welcomed an additional 1.15 
million overseas visitors, an increase of 8 percent from 2006. Illinois 
saw tourism revenue from international visitors rise 15.6 percent to 
$1.98 billion in 2007.
  In addition to tourism being a key component of the American economy, 
the best way to improve our standing abroad is for people from other 
countries to come meet Americans and see our cities and sights.
  To that end, the Travel Promotion Act can aid in our efforts to bring 
the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Chicago. Encouraging the world 
to visit Chicago for the Olympics would help showcase us as one of 
America's greatest cities, helping to build support for the 2016 Games 
in Chicago. Chicago was the 9th most popular U.S. city for overseas 
visitors last year, and the more people that visit our city and meet 
Chicagoans, the more goodwill we will build for our bid for Chicago to 
be the host city in 2016.
  Madam Speaker, millions of Americans came away with a new 
understanding of China thanks to the Beijing Games this past summer. 
The Travel Promotion Act can help promote America to people all over 
the world, and as more people come to Chicago, I am confident that they 
will know what we know--Chicago is a first class city ready to host the 
world in 2016.
  Mr. BLUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3232, the Travel Promotion Act of 2008. As I've stated this month 
during committee consideration of this bill, I believe this is a good 
bill that will allow our public and private sectors to cooperate on a 
strategy to encourage foreign visitors to come to the United States.
  I also want to extend, once again, my thanks to my friend and 
colleague, Bill Delahunt, whose primary sponsorship and work on behalf 
of this legislation has gotten us to where we are today. And to all the 
other cosponsors and supporters of this bill, let me also offer my 
appreciation.
  This legislation is a response to the opportunity costs borne by the 
travel and tourism industries following reforms that Congress 
implemented in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Security was tightened at 
our ports of entry and we have made progress in better coordinating our 
national security apparatus to be aware of who is coming in and out of 
the country. Those reforms, though not always perfect, were important 
and we should be grateful that our country has been made safer as a 
result of them.
  But the cost of those reforms has impacted some segments of our 
economy that were already directly impacted by the 9/11 attacks. 
Foreign visitors who, for a period of time, were unwilling to get on 
airplanes due to uncertainty about their safety after 9/11 are now 
unwilling to get on the same airplanes due to the bureaucratic 
obstacles to getting into the United States. Multiple agencies have 
heeded our call for greater security and barriers to entry, but the 
resulting layers of bureaucratic tape mean that legitimate visitors are 
often treated in a way none of us should be proud of, simply because 
they don't possess a United States passport. Millions of foreign 
travelers who want to visit our country for all the right reasons have 
received this message loud and clear: KEEP OUT. It isn't worth it to 
come here. The United States does not welcome you.
  I've seen some estimates that show the results. Between 2004 and 
2005, the United States experienced a decline of 10 percent in business 
travel. At the same time, Europe experienced an 8-percent increase. In 
2005, we lost an estimated $43 billion in visitor spending alone.
  Increasing unwillingness by foreign visitors to come to the United 
States since 9/11 translates into a loss of $94 billion in visitor 
spending; a loss of $16 billion in tax revenue to Federal, state and 
local governments; and the loss of 200,000 American jobs.
  Travel and tourism affects every congressional district in America. 
In my home district in Missouri, tourism in the city of Branson alone 
produced approximately $1.8 billion for the local economy. Every one of 
my colleagues have places in their districts that foreign travelers 
benefit from visiting. We need to encourage that. Getting people to 
visit our country brings incredible benefits for things that are 
important to our country. Three specific things come to mind:
  First, tourists spend and that helps local and regional economies. We 
all know our nation faces economic challenges today. Support for local 
businesses and the goods and services they offer is good for our tax 
base. Those revenues are benefits that our constituents don't have to 
pay in taxes themselves. And that's a good thing.
  Second, tourism helps create jobs. Local businesses in support of 
tourist economies generate and sustain employment at all levels of the 
economy. At a time of economic challenge for many American families and 
their communities, these jobs are critical.
  Finally, people who visit the United States tend to like Americans 
more. At a time when polling shows that fewer people understand 
Americans, it shouldn't surprise us that there is waning support for 
our policies throughout the world. We know that when people visit us 
here in our country, they almost always like Americans more and are 
likely to consider American foreign policy more favorably than those 
who don't visit us. Members of Congress know better than anyone in the 
country that our best ambassadors are our constituents, when given the 
opportunity.
  The Travel Promotion Act of 2008 is an effort to encourage all of 
those things, and reverse the dangerous notion that America is an

[[Page 21845]]

unwelcoming place, not even worth the trouble of visiting. It creates a 
partnership that combines the resources and willpower of the private 
sector and the government to generate renewed interest in visiting 
America. We also took a hard look at what's already on the books and 
streamlined parts of the government that are supposed to be doing this 
work but aren't doing it effectively.
  One area where I wish we'd spent some more time and effort was on 
updating the language relating to the Electronic System for Traveler 
Authorization (ESTA). When we originally crafted this bill, the ESTA 
had not yet been created, so our language included a reference to this 
on the condition it was authorized. The ESTA was authorized as part of 
the 9/11 bill that Congress passed last year. Unfortunately that 
legislation did not provide a mandate for the administration to collect 
the very fee that will provide the federal matching funds for the 
Corporation. I had hoped that as a result of the negotiations that got 
us here today, we would have found a way to create that mandate. I've 
been told that the Department of Homeland Security intends to create a 
fee in order to implement the ESTA in the near future. I would 
encourage the Department to do that and help get this program 
established.
  The bill we have in front of us is an amended version of the bill 
that Mr. Delahunt and I introduced last year. I appreciate the hard 
work that Chairman Dingell and Ranking Member Barton have put into 
these amendments, as well as the work that Mr. Rush and Mr. Stearns put 
into the amendments that cleared the subcommittee last week. I think 
most of these changes enhance the bill and make it a better product.
  I'd also like to thank Chairman Bennie Thompson and Ranking Member 
Peter King from the Homeland Security Committee, and Chairman John 
Conyers and Ranking Member Lamar Smith from the Judiciary Committee. 
Without the hard work of these members and their staffs, we wouldn't 
have this bill up on the floor today.
  I'm looking forward to passage of the Travel Promotion Act. I'm 
looking forward to working with the industry experts who eventually 
will serve on the board of the Corporation for Travel Promotion and 
with the Department of Commerce to develop a strategy to ensure our 
country is an attractive market for international travelers. And, of 
course, I'm looking forward to welcoming as many of those travelers as 
possible to Branson, Missouri.
  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3232, the 
``Travel Promotion Act of 2008.'' This legislation is the bipartisan 
product of negotiations between three committees. I commend several of 
my colleagues who contributed to this bill's improvement. In 
particular, my good friend and the chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Bobby Rush, deserves 
recognition for his efforts. I also extend my personal thanks to the 
chairmen and ranking members of the Committees on Homeland Security and 
the Judiciary, Representatives Thompson, King, Conyers, and Smith, 
respectively. Lastly, I offer my gratitude and congratulations to my 
friend from Massachusetts, Representative Delahunt, the distinguished 
Republican Whip, Representative Blunt, and Representative Lofgren of 
California.
  The amendments made to H.R. 3232 by the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce in consultation with the other Committees have measurably 
strengthened the accountability standards to which the Corporation for 
Travel Promotion, which this bill charters, will be held. I support the 
goal of encouraging more foreign tourists traveling to the United 
States, and would urge my colleagues to adopt the ``Travel Promotion 
Act of 2008.''

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Homeland Security,

                               Washington, DC, September 24, 2008.
     Hon. John D. Dingell,
     Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you regarding H.R. 3232, 
     the Travel Promotion Act of 2007, introduced by Mr. Delahunt 
     on July 31, 2007, which upon introduction was referred to the 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the 
     Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security.
       H.R. 3232 was marked up and ordered reported by the 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce on September 23, 2008. I 
     recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this bill 
     before the House in an expeditious manner, and, accordingly, 
     I will waive further consideration of this bill in Committee. 
     However, agreeing to waive consideration of this bill should 
     not be construed as the Committee on Homeland Security 
     waiving, altering, or otherwise affecting its jurisdiction 
     over H.R. 3232.
       Further, I request your support for the appointment of 
     Committee on Homeland Security conferees during any House-
     Senate conference convened on this or similar legislation. 
     Finally, I request that a copy of this letter be included in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 
     3232. I look forward to working with you on this legislation 
     and other matters of great importance to this nation.
           Sincerely,
                                               Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and 
           Commerce,
                               Washington, DC, September 25, 2008.
     Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Thompson: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 3232, the Travel Promotion Act of 2008.
       The letter expresses the jurisdictional interest of the 
     Committee on Homeland Security in the bill. The Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce recognizes that your Committee has 
     received a referral on H.R. 3232. I appreciate your decision 
     to forgo a markup of the bill, and I agree with you that the 
     decision does not in any way prejudice the Committee on 
     Homeland Security with respect to its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives, including the appointment of conferees, on this 
     bill or similar legislation in the future. If a House-Senate 
     conference is convened on H.R. 3232, I would support a 
     request by the Committee on Homeland Security for an 
     appropriate number of conferees with respect to provisions 
     within its jurisdiction.
       I will include our letters in the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the bill on the House floor. I 
     appreciate the collaboration between our committees in 
     crafting H.R. 3232, and I look forward to continuing to work 
     with you to pass this important legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                                  John D. Dingell,
                                                         Chairman.
  Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers, and I yield 
back my time.
  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Travel and 
Tourism Caucus and an original co-sponsor of this bill, I am pleased to 
see The Travel Promotion Act (H.R. 3232) pass the House of 
Representatives.
  This legislation will re-establish the United States as a premier 
destination for foreign travelers. Since September 11, the United 
States has seen a decline of more than 46 million overseas travelers 
costing our economy $140 billion. This bill will put us back on track.
  H.R. 3232 creates a nonprofit corporation to promote the United 
States to international visitors--this is a public-private partnership 
with no cost to the American taxpayer. With the current level of the 
dollar, the United States is a travel bargain and that message needs to 
get out.
  Nearly every developed nation in the world spends millions of dollars 
to attract visitors, an investment that pays big dividends. Overseas 
visitors stay longer and spend more. The United States is missing out 
on a large share of the global tourism market, and we will continue to 
lose out without this sensible investment.
  Another benefit of this bill is the increased person-to-person 
contact that we will enjoy. At a time when our image abroad is 
tarnished, this is an opportunity to use our communities to serve as 
diplomats to the world. There are no better ambassadors than the 
American people.
  I want to thank Congressman Bill Delahunt and Congressman Roy Blunt 
and for their leadership on this bill,
  Additionally, I would like to thank my co-chair on the Congressional 
Travel & Tourism Caucus, Congressman Jon Porter of Nevada, It has been 
my pleasure to work with him on his legislation and on many other 
travel-related issues. His tireless efforts for the travel community 
and the caucus are truly admirable.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, as Members of Congress who have long 
been strong proponents of American small businesses, we were pleased to 
include a small business representative on the Board of Directors of 
the Corporation for Travel Promotion established under H.R. 3232, the 
Travel Promotion Act of 2008, which was recently passed by the House of 
Representatives.
  Small businesses are the foundation of the American economy and play 
an integral role in the travel and tourism industry. A small business 
representative on the board would offer a unique perspective on 
promoting travel to the United States. As such, it is imperative that 
this individual has significant, recent or current experience operating 
or being integrally involved in a small business' operation.

[[Page 21846]]

  We look forward to enactment of the Travel Promotion Act, and to the 
small business representative on the Corporation for Travel Promotion's 
board being a strong voice for small business in this country.
  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Boyda of Kansas). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3232, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________