Following the House of Representatives’ passage of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act 2022” (also referred to as the omnibus spending bill) on Wednesday, the Senate followed suite on Thursday night, CNN reports. The $1.5 trillion bill provides funding for the government through fiscal year 2022 and includes money for infrastructure, schools, medical research, housing aid, cybersecurity—and $250 million for the Restoring Brand USA Act.
“The inclusion of the Restoring Brand USA Act in the fiscal spending bill is a major win for the entire U.S. travel industry, which has suffered more than any other industry throughout the pandemic,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow in a statement. “As international travel spending remains 78 percent below pre-pandemic levels, the relief provided by the bill—which utilizes existing funds at no cost to American taxpayers—will help the international travel segment rebound more quickly and restore U.S. jobs.
“Brand USA has historically garnered strong bipartisan support due to its focus on promoting both urban and rural destinations, as well as its strong return on investment, which yields an average of $26 for each $1 spent on marketing activities. We are pleased that Congress has once again recognized the value this program holds for travel businesses and local economies in every pocket of the country.
With the full Senate passage of the omnibus, the bill now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.
Extension of Mask Mandate on Public Transportation
Separately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Thursday extended its public transportation mask mandate through at least April 18. Multiple government agencies are working on creating a new framework for when the rule could be lifted. U.S. Travel sees the short extension as an opportunity to create endemic policies.
“The Biden administration urgently needs to send a clear message to the American public and the world that it is safe to travel again, particularly for vaccinated individuals, despite this 30-day extension of the federal mask mandate,” Dow said this week. “We continue to urge the federal government to phase out the mask requirement and put forward a clear plan for travelers within this 30-day period.
“The travel industry continues to be challenged with a slow economic recovery even with improved public health metrics in the U.S. and medical advancements, especially in the business and international travel segments.
“The Biden administration can help to normalize travel conditions in their April 18 framework by repealing both the pre-departure testing requirement for vaccinated international inbound air travelers and the federal mask mandate.”
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