[Senate Report 117-191]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                    Calendar No. 229
117th Congress       }                            {        Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session          }                            {        117-191
_______________________________________________________________________


                 OMNIBUS TRAVEL AND TOURISM ACT OF 2021

                               __________

                              R E P O R T

                                 of the

           COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION

                                   on

                                S. 3375

		[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


                October 18, 2022.--Ordered to be printed
 Filed, under authority of the order of the Senate of October 14, 2022
 
 
 
 				__________
 
 
                     U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
 
39-010			    WASHINGTON : 2022 
 
 
 
       SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
                    one hundred seventeenth congress
                             second session

                   MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota             ROGER WICKER, Mississippi
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut      JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii                 ROY BLUNT, Missouri
EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts         TED CRUZ, Texas
GARY PETERS, Michigan                DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin             JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois            DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana                  MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona              TODD YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada                  MIKE LEE, Utah
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico            RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado          SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia

RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia             RICK SCOTT, Florida
                                     CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
                       Lila Helms, Staff Director
                  John Keast, Minority Staff Director





                                                    Calendar No. 229
117th Congress       }                            {        Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session          }                            {        117-191

======================================================================

 
                 OMNIBUS TRAVEL AND TOURISM ACT OF 2021

                                _______
                                

                October 18, 2022.--Ordered to be printed

 Filed, under authority of the order of the Senate of October 14, 2022

                                _______
                                

      Ms. Cantwell, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                         [To accompany S. 3375]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to 
which was referred the bill (S. 3375) to promote travel and 
tourism in the United States, to improve the health safety and 
security of international flights entering the United States, 
and for other purposes, having considered the same, reports 
favorably thereon with an amendment (in the nature of a 
substitute) and recommends that the bill (as amended) do pass.

                          Purpose of the Bill

    The purpose of the bill is to promote travel and tourism in 
the United States, to improve the health, safety, and security 
of international travelers entering the United States, and to 
establish coordination between government agencies to achieve 
national travel goals, as well as other purposes.

                          Background and Needs

    The COVID-19 public health emergency has significantly 
impacted the U.S. travel and tourism industry. The travel and 
tourism industry is a vital component of the U.S. economy; in 
2019, the industry represented 2.9 percent of the U.S. GDP, 
generated $1.9 trillion in economic output, and supported 9.5 
million U.S. jobs.\1\ It is important that Federal policy 
support the restoration, future growth, and resiliency of the 
industry and establish a coordinated travel and tourism 
strategy to respond to unforeseen circumstances that may impact 
the industry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\International Trade Administration, ``Travel and Tourism 
Industry'' (https://www.trade.gov/travel-tourism-industry).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         Summary of Provisions

    S. 3375 would do the following:
   Establish an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for 
        Travel and Tourism in the Department of Commerce. The 
        Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism 
        would support and enhance domestic travel and tourism 
        by, among other responsibilities, creating goals for 
        international visitation and travel and tourism 
        exports.
   Establish the United States Travel and Tourism 
        Advisory Board with membership comprised of 
        representatives from companies and organizations in the 
        travel and tourism industry who would be appointed for 
        2-year terms and would advise the Secretary of Commerce 
        on travel and tourism industry-related matters.
   Direct the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation 
        with the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, the 
        Tourism Policy Council, and the Secretary of Homeland 
        Security, to submit to Congress a 10-year travel and 
        tourism strategy, not less frequently than once every 
        10 years.
   Direct the Secretary of Commerce to study the 
        effects of the pandemic on the travel and tourism 
        industry and submit a report on the final study to 
        Congress.
   Establish the Joint Task Force on Air Travel During 
        and After the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which 
        would develop recommended requirements, plans, and 
        guidelines to address issues relating to air travel and 
        airport operations during and after the COVID-19 public 
        health emergency and report its recommendations to 
        Congress.
   Direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish 
        a Joint Federal Advisory Committee to develop policy 
        recommendations for the Joint Task Force on Air Travel 
        During and After the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency 
        to consider in developing its recommendations.
   Direct the Administrator of the Transportation 
        Security Administration to conduct a study of the 
        feasibility of using canines to detect the virus that 
        causes COVID-19; and if it is feasible, whether and how 
        airports can use canines to screen passengers, aircraft 
        crew members, and other individuals who pass through 
        airports.
   Authorize the Administrator of the Transportation 
        Security Administration, in coordination with the 
        Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to 
        conduct a 6-year pilot program, at up to six foreign 
        last point of departure (LPD) airports, where 
        passengers departing those airports could continue on 
        additional flights or flight segments originating in 
        the United States without additional security 
        rescreening if their initial screening at the LPD 
        airport was conducted in accordance with an aviation 
        screening agreement and if other security requirements 
        are met.

                          Legislative History

    S. 3375 was introduced on December 9, 2021, by Senator 
Wicker (for himself and Senators Rosen, Cortez Masto, 
Klobuchar, King, Blunt, Sullivan, and Scott [of Florida]) and 
was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate. Senators Sinema, Warnock, and 
Murkowski are additional cosponsors. On December 15, 2021, the 
Committee met in open Executive Session and, by voice vote, 
ordered S. 3375 reported favorably with an amendment (in the 
nature of a substitute with amendments).

                            Estimated Costs

    In accordance with paragraph 11(a) of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate and section 403 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee provides the 
following cost estimate, prepared by the Congressional Budget 
Office:

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                     Washington, DC, July 14, 2022.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chair, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
    Dear Madam Chair: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 3375, the Omnibus 
Travel and Tourism Act of 2021.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is David Hughes.
            Sincerely,
                                         Phillip L. Swagel,
                                                          Director.
    Enclosure.

    		[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
    

    The bill would:
           Establish an Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
        for Travel and Tourism to oversee a new office within 
        the Department of Commerce (DOC)
           Require DOC to complete additional reports, 
        expand existing surveys, and develop a tourism strategy
           Require the Transportation Security 
        Administration (TSA) to conduct two studies and 
        implement a pilot program
    Estimated budgetary effects would mainly stem from:
           Spending subject to appropriation to 
        implement the bill's requirements for DOC and TSA
    Bill summary: S. 3375 would establish a new office of the 
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism within 
the Department of Commerce (DOC) to recommend ways to enhance 
and develop support for domestic tourism and to report annually 
on the forecast for the travel and tourism industry. The bill 
also would require DOC to collect and report additional data on 
travel in the United States, develop a 10-year travel and 
tourism strategy, establish a board to advise it on matters 
related to the travel industry, and study the effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry.
    S. 3375 also would affect several transportation programs. 
Specifically, the bill would:
           Require the Departments of Health and Human 
        Services, Homeland Security, and Transportation to 
        establish a joint task force to study air travel during 
        and after the COVID-19 pandemic and report any 
        recommendations to the Congress;
           Require the Transportation Security 
        Administration (TSA) to study the feasibility of using 
        canines at airport security checkpoints to screen 
        passengers, crew members, and other people for 
        coronavirus infections; and
           Authorize a pilot program to allow 
        passengers and baggage arriving from up to six foreign 
        airports to bypass security screening before boarding a 
        subsequent transfer flight, under conditions specified 
        in the bill.
    Estimated federal cost: The estimated budgetary effect of 
S. 3375 is shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation 
largely fall within budget functions 370 (commerce and housing 
credit) and 400 (transportation).

                TABLE 1.--ESTIMATED INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION UNDER S. 3375
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 By fiscal year, millions of dollars--
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                        2022    2023    2024    2025    2026    2027   2022-2027
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Commerce:
    Estimated Authorization..........................       0      18      19      17      18      19        91
    Estimated Outlays................................       0      15      18      16      17      18        84
Transportation Programs:
    Estimated Authorization..........................       0       3       *       *       *       *         4
    Estimated Outlays................................       0       3       *       *       *       *         4
    Total Changes:
        Estimated Authorization......................       0      21      19      17      18      19        95
        Estimated Outlays............................       0      18      18      16      17      18        88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Components may not sum to totals due to rounding; * = between zero and $500,000.

    Basis of estimate: CBO assumes that S. 3375 will be enacted 
near the end of fiscal year 2022. Some activities required 
under the bill are already being fully or partially carried out 
by DOC, such as the requirement to establish annual goals for 
the number of international visitors and the value of U.S. 
goods and services purchased by such visitors. The costs of 
implementing those responsibilities are excluded from CBO's 
analysis of federal costs.
    Using information from the affected agencies, CBO estimates 
that implementing S. 3375 would cost $88 million over the 2022-
2027 period. Spending would be subject to the availability of 
appropriated funds.
    Department of Commerce: Using information from DOC, CBO 
estimates that it would cost the department $84 million to 
implement the bill's requirements over the 2022-2027 period, 
assuming appropriation of the estimated amounts.
    CBO estimates the required responsibilities of the new 
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism would 
cost $47 million over the 2022-2027 period. That estimate is 
based on the cost of an additional 35 employees annually at a 
cost of about $290,000 per employee; that amount reflects 
salaries, benefits, and associated overhead costs such as rent, 
utilities, and travel.
    Adding questions on wait times, visits to public lands, and 
state visitation data to its existing Survey of International 
Air Travelers would cost $19 million over the 2022-2027 period, 
CBO estimates. That amount reflects a mixture employee and 
contracting costs necessary to double the sample size of the 
survey and add new questions.
    Reporting on international arrival and spending data and 
updating the Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts each year 
would cost $12 million, CBO estimates, to develop a more robust 
estimation model that includes regional data. That amount 
reflects the cost of seven additional employees, contracting 
costs, and annual data purchases.
    Other provisions in the bill would have smaller costs over 
that same period, as detailed below:
           $4 million to study the effects of the 
        COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry,
           $1 million to develop a 10-year travel and 
        tourism strategy and submit it to the Congress at least 
        once every 10 years, and
           $1 million to establish and support the U.S. 
        Travel and Tourism Advisory Board to advise it on 
        matters relating to the travel and tourism industry.
    Transportation programs: Using information on the cost of 
similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the 
transportation provisions would cost $4 million over the 2022-
2027 period. Specifically, CBO estimates that over the six-year 
period the task force on air travel would cost $1 million, the 
study on the use of canines would cost $1 million, and the 
pilot program would cost $2 million. All such spending would be 
subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
    Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
    Increase in long-term deficits: None.
    Mandates: None.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: David Hughes 
(Department of Commerce); Aaron Krupkin (transportation 
programs); Mandates: Rachel Austin; Brandon Lever.
    Estimate reviewed by: Justin Humphrey, Chief, Finance, 
Housing, and Education Cost Estimates Unit; Susan Willie, 
Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit; H. 
Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis; Theresa 
Gullo, Director of Budget Analysis.

                      Regulatory Impact Statement

    Because S. 3375 does not create any new programs, the 
legislation will have no additional regulatory impact, and will 
result in no additional reporting requirements. The legislation 
will have no further effect on the number or types of 
individuals and businesses regulated, the economic impact of 
such regulation, the personal privacy of affected individuals, 
or the paperwork required from such individuals and businesses.

                   Congressionally Directed Spending

    In compliance with paragraph 4(b) of rule XLIV of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee provides that no 
provisions contained in the bill, as reported, meet the 
definition of congressionally directed spending items under the 
rule.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis


Section 1. Short title; table of contents.

    Paragraph (a) provides that this bill may be cited as the 
``Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act of 2021''.
    Paragraph (b) provides a table of contents for the bill.

Section 2. Defined term.

    This section defines the term ``COVID-19 public health 
emergency'' as the public health emergency first declared on 
January 31, 2020, by the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act\2\ with 
respect to COVID-19, as well as any renewal of such declaration 
pursuant to section 319.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \2\42 U.S.C. 247d.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       TITLE I--TRAVEL PROMOTION


Section 101. Short title.

    This section provides that this title may be cited as the 
``Visit America Act''.

Section 102. Purposes.

    This section states that the purpose of this title is to 
(1) support the travel and tourism industry which produces 
vital economic surplus to our national economy; and (2) 
establish national goals for international visitors to the 
United States.

Section 103. Sense of Congress.

    This section lays out Congress' sense that: (1) setting a 
national goal for international visitors to the United States 
and travel exports is crucial for supporting American jobs, 
growing the economy, and improving the U.S. trade balance; (2) 
setting a national goal for travel exports is vital to 
increasing travel exports; (3) travel and visitation promotion 
by the Corporation for Travel Promotion (Brand USA) is crucial 
for increasing visitation and articulating U.S. visitation 
laws; and (4) a coordinated travel and tourism industry 
response and strategy is urgently needed to combat the 
industry's current state and any future unforeseen 
circumstances.

Section 104. Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism.

    This section amends section 2(d) of the Reorganization Plan 
Numbered 3 of 1979\3\ to create an Assistant Secretary of 
Commerce for Travel and Tourism (Assistant Secretary) within 
the Department of Commerce, to be appointed by the President--
subject to Senate advice and consent--and who reports to the 
Under Secretary for International Trade.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\93 Stat. 1382; 5 U.S.C. App.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 105. Responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
        for Travel and Tourism.

    Paragraph (a) directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
for Travel and Tourism to do the following:
   Set annual goals for the number of international 
        visitors to the United States and the value of travel 
        exports.
   Develop recommendations for achieving these goals.
   Ensure travel and tourism policy is developed in 
        consultation with the Tourism Policy Council, Secretary 
        of Homeland Security, National Travel and Tourism 
        Office, Brand USA, United States Travel and Tourism 
        Advisory Board, and travel industry partners.
   Create short, medium, and long-term timelines for 
        implementing the recommendations from subparagraph (2).
   Conduct Federal agency needs assessments to identify 
        resources, statutory or regulatory changes, and private 
        sector engagement needed to achieve visitation goals.
   Provide assessments and recommendations to the 
        Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee 
        and House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the 
        public through a website.
    Paragraph (b) directs the Assistant Secretary, in 
consultation with the Secretaries of State and Homeland 
Security, to: (1) explore strategies to improve visitor visa 
processing related to maximum processing times, changes needed 
to meet the visa processing goals established in paragraph (a), 
and streamlining visa applications and adjudications, including 
application design and data collection procedures; and (2) 
explore opportunities to establish pilot programs that 
implement technology like biometrics and video conferencing 
into the visitor visa adjudication process.
    Paragraph (c) directs the Assistant Secretary to (1) 
constantly evaluate domestic policy options for supporting 
competitiveness with respect to the strengths, weaknesses, and 
growth of the domestic travel industry; (2) develop 
recommendations and goals to support and enhance domestic 
tourism; and (3) work with public and private stakeholders to 
support domestic tourism.
    Paragraph (d) directs the Assistant Secretary to (1) work 
with the Secretary of Labor to create strategies and best 
practices for improving timeliness and reliability of travel 
and tourism workforce data; (2) work with the Secretary of 
Labor and Bureau of Economic Analysis to improve travel and 
tourism industry data; and (3) give recommendations for policy 
enhancements and efficiencies.
    Paragraph (e) directs the Assistant Secretary, in 
coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for 
Global Markets and the Director General of the United States 
and Foreign Commercial Service, to work to promote and 
facilitate travel exports abroad and ensure competitiveness, by 
doing at least the following: (1) promoting meetings, 
incentives, conferences, and exhibitions; (2) highlighting 
uniquely American destinations such as rural or other 
destinations rich in cultural heritage or ecological tourism; 
and (3) promoting U.S.-hosted sports and recreation events.
    Paragraph (f) directs the Assistant Secretary to 
investigate initiating, utilizing, or expanding existing 
security programs to better meet needs of the travel and 
tourism industry, and to provide related recommendations to the 
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the 
Senate Judiciary Committee, the House Energy and Commerce 
Committee, the House Homeland Security Committee, and the House 
Judiciary Committee. Such programs include the following:
   the Visa Waiver Program;
   preclearance operations;
   the Trusted Traveler Program;
   the biometric entry-exist control system required 
        under section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and 
        Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996;\4\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \4\Division C of Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C. 1221 note.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
   the creation of a system to increase travel 
        resilience during pandemics.
    Paragraph (g) directs the Assistant Secretary to, no later 
than 1 year after amounts are appropriated to accomplish this 
section, and in consultation with stakeholders identified in 
paragraph (a)(3) and public health officials, develop a COVID-
19 recovery strategy for the U.S. travel and tourism industry. 
After implementing the strategy, the Assistant Secretary is 
directed to develop additional recovery strategies for the 
industry for other unforeseen catastrophic events that would 
significantly impact the travel and tourism industry. The 
Assistant Secretary is directed to conduct cost-benefit 
analyses while creating all these strategies.
    Paragraph (h) directs the Assistant Secretary to create an 
annual forecasting report on the travel and tourism industry; 
the report should include current and anticipated (1) domestic 
employment needs; (2) international inbound volume and 
spending; and (3) domestic volume and spending. Additionally, 
the Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis should annually 
update the Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts, including: 
(1) State level travel and tourism spending data; (2) travel 
and tourism workforce data for full-time and part-time 
employment; and (3) Federal and State public lands spending 
data. Finally, the Director of the National Travel and Tourism 
Office is required, in partnership with the Bureau of Economic 
Analysis, to report international arrival and spending data 
monthly, and to make the data available to the Travel and 
Tourism Advisory Board and to the public through a website. 
These monthly reports shall include questions from the Survey 
of International Air Travelers related to wait-times, visits to 
public lands, and State data, where applicable.

Section 106. Travel and tourism strategy.

    This section directs the Secretary of Commerce, in 
consultation with the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory 
Board, the Tourism Policy Council, and the Secretary of 
Homeland Security, to develop and submit to Congress, no less 
frequently than once every 10 years, a 10-year travel and 
tourism strategy. The strategy must include: (1) establishment 
of goals for the number of annual international visitors to the 
United States and the annual value of travel exports during the 
10-year period; (2) the resources needed to achieve these 
goals; and (3) recommendations for statutory or regulatory 
changes needed to achieve these goals.

Section 107. United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

    This section amends section 3 of the Act entitled ``An Act 
to encourage travel in the United States, and for other 
purposes''\5\ to include the establishment of a United States 
Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (Advisory Board), whose 
members would be appointed for 2-year terms by the Secretary of 
Commerce and would come from companies and organizations in the 
travel and tourism industry. The Assistant Secretary for Travel 
and Tourism and the Director of the National Travel and Tourism 
Office would serve as the Executive Director and Executive 
Secretariat of the Advisory Board, respectively. The Advisory 
Board would advise the Secretary of Commerce on matters related 
to the travel and tourism industry, as well as help the 
Assistant Secretary develop and implement the COVID-19 recovery 
strategy required under section 105(g)(1) of the Visit America 
Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \5\15 U.S.C. 1546.
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Section 108. Data on domestic travel and tourism.

    This section directs the Secretary of Commerce, subject to 
availability of appropriations, to collect, aggregate, and 
publish data on domestic travel and tourism trends by 
individuals traveling between points within the United States.

                        TITLE II--TRAVEL SAFETY


                       Subtitle A--Health Safety


Section 201. Study and report on effects of COVID-19 pandemic on travel 
        and tourism industry in United States.

    Paragraph (a) defines the term ``pandemic period'' to have 
the meaning given to the term ``emergency period'' in section 
1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act,\6\ excluding any 
portions of such period after the date that is 1 year after 
this bill is enacted. The term ``Secretary'' is defined as the 
Secretary of Commerce, and ``travel and tourism industry'' is 
defined as the travel and tourism industry in the United 
States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \6\42 U.S.C. 1320b-5(g)(1)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Paragraph (b) directs the Secretary to, no later than 3 
months after the bill's enactment and after consultation with 
relevant stakeholders, complete an interim study on the effects 
of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry, 
then submit a report containing the study's results to the 
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the 
House Energy and Commerce Committee. The report must also be 
made publicly available on the Department of Commerce website.
    Paragraph (c) directs the Secretary to, no later than 1 
year after the bill's enactment and in consultation with the 
United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the head of 
any other Federal agency deemed appropriate, complete a study 
on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and 
tourism industry.
    Paragraph (d) directs the Secretary to consider the 
following matters when conducting the interim study:
   changes in employment rates and revenues of 
        businesses in the travel and tourism industry during 
        the pandemic;
   changes in revenues of businesses in the travel and 
        tourism industry during the pandemic;
   changes in employment and sales in industries 
        related to travel and tourism industry, and changes in 
        contributions of the travel and tourism industry to 
        such industries, during the pandemic;
   the attributable effects of the aforementioned 
        changes on the overall U.S. economy, including impacts 
        from regional economies;
   the attributable effects of the same aforementioned 
        changes on minority communities in the travel and 
        tourism industry and related industries;
   reports on the economic impact of COVID-19 by other 
        Federal agencies;
   costs and health benefits associated with COVID-19 
        requirements for air travel for entering the United 
        States and any consequent disincentives for tourism;
   any Federal barriers disincentivizing international 
        tourism in the United States, as well as their sources 
        and policy rationales; and
   any other matters deemed appropriate.
    Paragraph (e) directs the Secretary, in conducting the 
study from paragraph (c), to consult with industry and labor 
representatives from a variety of sectors within the travel and 
tourism industry, as well as destination marketing 
organizations and State tourism offices. The Secretary must 
also provide an opportunity for public comment and advice 
related to conducting the study.
    Paragraph (f) directs the Secretary, not later than 6 
months after the study from paragraph (b) is completed, to 
submit a report to the Senate Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation Committee and the House Energy and Commerce 
Committee containing: (1) the results of the study; (2) policy 
recommendations for promoting and assisting the travel and 
tourism industry by fully implementing the Native American 
Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act;\7\ and (3) a 
description of the actions the Federal Government should take 
to accelerate the implementation of travel and tourism policies 
and programs authorized by law. The report must be made 
publicly available on the Department of Commerce website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \7\Public Law 114-221.
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Section 202. Ensuring Health Safety in the Skies.

    Paragraph (a) provides that this section may be cited as 
the ``Ensuring Health Safety in the Skies Act of 2021''.
    Paragraph (b) defines the term ``Advisory Committee'' as 
the Joint Federal Advisory Committee established in paragraph 
(d). The term ``air travel'' is defined as including 
international air travel. The term ``Joint Task Force'' is 
defined as the Joint Task Force on Air Travel During and After 
the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency established in paragraph 
(c).
    Paragraph (c) directs the Secretaries of Transportation, 
Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services to establish 
the Joint Task Force on Air Travel During and After the COVID-
19 Public Health Emergency no later than 30 days after this 
bill's enactment. The Joint Task Force would be composed of the 
Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, and representatives from various relevant Federal 
departments and agencies. The Joint Task Force would develop 
recommendations for addressing challenges related to the 
continuation of air travel during the COVID-19 public health 
emergency, restoring full operations at airports, and growing 
passenger air travel after the COVID-19 emergency. In 
developing such recommendations, the Joint Task Force would 
consult with the Advisory Committee established in paragraph 
(d)(1) and relevant international entities when appropriate.
    Paragraph (d) directs the Secretary of Transportation, no 
later than 15 days after the Joint Task Force is established, 
to establish a Joint Federal Advisory Committee. The Advisory 
Committee would develop and submit consensus policy 
recommendations for the Joint Task Force to consider when 
developing its recommendations. The Advisory Committee would be 
composed of un-compensated representatives of the air travel 
industry, public health experts, privacy and civil liberty 
organizations, labor organizations, and other industries 
involved in air travel. The Advisory Committee would publish 
its policy recommendations on a publicly accessible website no 
later than 14 days after submitting such policy recommendations 
to the Joint Task Force.
    Paragraph (e) directs the Joint Task Force, as soon as 
practicable but no later than 6 months after the Joint Task 
Force's establishment, to provide preliminary briefings to 
Congress on the status of the development of its 
recommendations. The Joint Task Force must also submit a final 
report to Congress as soon as practicable but no later than 18 
months after this bill's enactment. The report must include: 
(1) all of the recommendations developed by the Joint Task 
Force; (2) descriptions of any actions taken by the Federal 
Government as a result of such recommendations; (3) consensus 
policy recommendations submitted by the Advisory Committee; and 
(4) an explanation of any action by the Joint Task Force in 
response to such recommendations.
    Paragraph (f) provides that the Joint Task Force and 
Advisory Committee will terminate 30 days after the Joint Task 
Force submits its final report.

Section 203. Feasibility study on the use of canine units to detect 
        COVID-19 at airports.

    Paragraph (a) directs the Administrator of the 
Transportation Security Administration (Administrator) to 
conduct a study assessing: (1) the feasibility of using canines 
to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes 
COVID-19; (2) if it is feasible, whether canine units could be 
used to screen individuals who pass through airports and 
airport security screening for infection; and (3) if such 
screening is feasible, how it would be implemented and what 
metrics would be used to monitor its effectiveness.
    Paragraph (b) directs the Administrator, in conducting the 
study from paragraph (a), to conduct a review and analysis of 
SARS-CoV-2 detection solutions, and to use the results to 
determine canines' biological detection capabilities and inform 
the factors and conditions needed for the deployment of canine 
units at airports to detect SARS-CoV-2.
    Paragraph (c) directs the Administrator, in conducting the 
assessments required in paragraphs (a) and (b), to do the 
following:
   Assess the probability of canines responding to the 
        presence of SARS-CoV-2.
   Determine how specific the response is compared to 
        responses to controls and similar viruses.
   Assess how close canines must be to individuals to 
        effectively detect SARS-CoV-2.
   Assess detection effectiveness in symptomatic 
        carriers versus asymptomatic carriers.
   Assess other valid measures to determine the 
        efficacy of using canines to screen for SARS-CoV-2 at 
        airports.
   Identify training and policy gaps that must be 
        addressed before implementing canine screening at 
        airports.
   Assess the number of canine units required to 
        effectively implement a canine screening program at 
        airports, as well as the effect such screenings would 
        have on the Transportation Security Administration's 
        existing pool of canine units.
    Paragraph (d) directs the Administrator, in conducting the 
study required in paragraph (a), to consider: (1) opportunities 
to use existing scientific information on detection of SARS-
CoV-2 by canines; (2) established programs in foreign countries 
related to detection by canines; (3) detection approaches and 
solutions related to optimizing detection by canines; and (4) 
private industry approaches aimed to facilitate detection using 
canine units.
    Paragraph (e) directs the Administrator to ensure that 
screening solutions developed through the study from paragraph 
(a) receive validation and verification analysis by a third 
party with appropriate expertise to ensure the study obtains 
accurate data.
    Paragraph (f) directs the Administrator, no later than 1 
year after this bill's enactment, to submit a report to the 
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the 
Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Health, Education, 
Labor, and Pensions Committee, the Senate Homeland Security 
Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House 
Energy and Commerce Committee that: (1) describes the results 
of the study from paragraph (a), including the assessments 
required in paragraphs (b) and (c); and (2) makes a 
recommendation with respect to whether canine units at airports 
could be trained effectively to screen individuals passing 
through airports and airport security screening locations for 
infection with SARS-CoV-2.

                     Subtitle B--One-Stop Security


Section 211. Short title.

    This section provides that the subtitle may be cited as the 
``One-Stop Pilot Program Act of 2021''.

Section 212. Definitions.

    This section defines the term ``Administrator'' to mean the 
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. 
The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the 
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the 
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, 
and the House Homeland Security Committee. The term ``TSA'' 
means the Transportation Security Administration of the 
Department of Homeland Security.

Section 213. Pilot Program for One-Stop Security.

    Paragraph (a) permits the Administrator, in coordination 
with the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to 
establish a pilot program at no more than six foreign last 
point of departure airports allowing passengers and their 
acceptable property arriving on direct flights or flight 
segments from those airports to continue on additional flights 
or flight segments originating in the United States without 
additional security re-screening if: (1) the initial screening 
was done in accordance with an aviation security screening 
agreement described in paragraph (d); (2) passengers cannot 
access their checked baggage until reaching their final 
destination; and (3) passengers, upon arrival in the United 
States, do not come into contact with any international 
passengers, corresponding property, or other persons that 
haven't undergone required screening or security controls 
required to enter the airport's sterile area.
    Paragraph (b) directs the Administrator to ensure the pilot 
program does not cause a reduction in the level of security or 
specific TSA aviation security standards or requirements for 
screening passengers and their property prior to boarding 
international flights bound for the United States.
    Paragraph (c) permits the Administrator to determine 
whether checked baggage arriving from participating foreign 
airports that screen using an explosives detection system needs 
rescreening in the United States by an explosive detection 
system before continuing on to additional flights.
    Paragraph (d) defines an aviation security screening 
agreement as a treaty, executive agreement, or other 
international arrangement that: (1) is signed by the 
Administrator, without delegating such authority; and (2) is 
entered into with a foreign country that delineates and 
implements security standards and protocols utilized at a 
foreign last point of departure airport that are determined by 
the Administrator to be comparable to those of the United 
States, and are sufficiently effective to enable passengers and 
their accessible property to deplane into sterile areas of 
United States airports without the need for re-screening.
    Paragraph (e) directs the Administrator to have passengers 
from foreign airports participating in the pilot program re-
screened in the United States if the Administrator determines 
that the foreign airport's country has not maintained and 
implemented security standards and protocols comparable to 
those of the United States at that airport. If the 
Administrator has reasonable grounds to believe that such a 
foreign country or another party to an aviation security 
screening agreement has not complied with such agreement, the 
Administrator should request immediate consultation with the 
party. If a satisfactory agreement between TSA and a foreign 
country isn't reached within 45 days after the consultation 
request or a foreign country continues to fail to maintain the 
required security standards, the Administrator must suspend or 
terminate the aviation security screening agreement with that 
country and notify the appropriate congressional committees 
within 7 days.
    Paragraph (f) directs the Administrator to submit the 
following to the appropriate congressional committees no later 
than 45 days before an aviation security screening agreement 
enters into force:
   an aviation security threat assessment for the 
        country of the foreign last point of departure airport;
   information on any corresponding efforts to address 
        security issues identified in such threat assessment;
   information on potential security vulnerabilities 
        tied to commencing the agreement and plans to address 
        those vulnerabilities;
   an assessment of the agreement's impact on aviation 
        security;
   a TSA assessment of the screening performed at 
        foreign last point of departure airports, including the 
        feasibility of TSA personnel monitoring screening, 
        security protocols, and standards;
   information regarding identifying who is responsible 
        for screening passengers and property at the airports;
   the names of any entities party to the agreement;
   information regarding the screening requirements 
        under paragraph (e);
   details on information sharing mechanisms between 
        the Department of Homeland Security and the foreign 
        last point of departure airport, screening authority, 
        or other entity responsible for screening; and
   a copy of the agreement.
    Paragraph (g) directs the Administrator, for each aviation 
security agreement, to submit the following to the appropriate 
congressional committees: (1) a certification that the 
agreement satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 
(b), or if those requirements aren't completely satisfied, a 
description of the unsatisfied requirements and what actions 
the Administrator will take to ensure they are satisfied before 
the agreement enters into force; (2) a certification that TSA 
and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have ensured any 
necessary physical modifications or appropriate mitigations are 
in place in the domestic pilot program airport before receiving 
international passengers from a last point of departure airport 
under the aviation security screening agreement; (3) a 
certification that a foreign last point of departure airport 
under an aviation security screening agreement screens checked 
bags as required by law, regulation, or international 
agreement; and (4) a certification that the Administrator 
consulted with relevant stakeholders.
    Paragraph (h) directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
in coordination with the Administrator and within 5 years of 
the bill's enactment, to submit a report to the appropriate 
congressional committees on the implementation of the pilot 
program.
    Paragraph (i) states that nothing in this section may be 
construed as limiting the existing lawful authority of U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection to inspect persons and baggage 
arriving in the United States.
    Paragraph (j) states that the pilot program will terminate 
6 years after this bill's enactment.

                        Changes in Existing Law

    In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
material is printed in italic, existing law in which no change 
is proposed is shown in roman):

AN ACT TO ENCOURAGE TRAVEL IN THE UNITED STATES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                            [15 U.S.C. 1546]

SEC. 3. [ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PROMOTION OF TOURIST TRAVEL; EXPENSES] 
                    UNITED STATES TRAVEL AND TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD; 
                    ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    [The Secretary of Commerce is authorized]
    (a) United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.--
            (1) In general.--There is established the United 
        States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (referred to 
        in this subsection as the ``Board''), the members of 
        which shall be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce 
        for 2-year terms from among companies and organizations 
        in the travel and tourism industry.
            (2) Executive director.--The Assistant Secretary 
        for Travel and Tourism shall serve as the Executive 
        Director of the Board.
            (3) Executive secretariat.--The Director of the 
        National Travel and Tourism Office of the International 
        Trade Administration shall serve as the Executive 
        Secretariat for the Board.
            (4) Functions.--The Board's Charter shall specify 
        that the Board will--
                    (A) serve as the advisory body to the 
                Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to 
                the travel and tourism industry in the United 
                States;
                    (B) advise the Secretary of Commerce on 
                government policies and programs that affect 
                the United States travel and tourism industry;
                    (C) offer counsel on current and emerging 
                issues;
                    (D) provide a forum for discussing and 
                proposing solutions to problems related to the 
                travel and tourism industry; and
                    (E) provide advice regarding the domestic 
                travel and tourism industry as an economic 
                engine.
            (5) Recovery strategy.--The Board shall assist the 
        Assistant Secretary in the development and 
        implementation of the COVID-19 public health emergency 
        recovery strategy required under section 105(g)(1) of 
        the Visit America Act.
    (b) Advisory Committee for Promotion of Tourist Travel.--
The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to create an advisory 
committee to consist of a representative from each of the 
Departments of State, Agriculture, and Commerce, the Interstate 
Commerce Commission, and the Department of Transportation, as 
may be designated by such Departments or agencies, 
respectively, and such additional members, representatives of 
the various sections of the Nation, including transportation 
and accommodations agencies, not to exceed six members, to be 
appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to serve at his 
pleasure. Meetings of the committee shall be held at the 
request of the Secretary for the purpose of making 
recommendations concerning the promotion of tourist travel 
under the provisions of this Act. The members of the committee 
shall receive no compensation for their services as members, 
but shall be entitled to reimbursement for such necessary 
travel and other expenses in connection with their attendance 
at committee meetings as may be authorized or approved by the 
Secretary.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                 REORGANIZATION PLAN NUMBERED 3 OF 1979

[93 Stat. 1382; 5 U.S.C. App.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                     Sec. 2. Department of Commerce

    (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (d) [There shall be in the Department two additional 
Assistant Secretaries](1) There shall be in the Department 3 
additional Assistant Secretaries, including the Assistant 
Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism, appointed by the 
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
Each such Assistant Secretary shall perform such duties and 
exercise such powers as the Secretary from time to time 
prescribe.
    (2) The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and 
Tourism shall--
            (A) be appointed by the President, subject to the 
        advice and consent of the Senate; and
            (B) report directly to the Under Secretary for 
        International Trade.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


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