Understanding S3220: VISIT USA Act

The VISIT USA Act is designed to help the U.S. tourism industry bounce back after the pandemic. It plans to move $160 million from the Travel Promotion Fund to Brand USA. This fund collects money from fees paid by foreign visitors, so the bill doesn't require new taxes or extra spending. Instead, it shifts existing money to support marketing efforts that encourage international tourists to visit the U.S. Brand USA is a public-private partnership that works to market the United States as a top travel destination. The bill aims to use this money to create advertising campaigns that attract tourists from around the world, especially from Europe and Asia. By doing this, the bill hopes to increase the number of international visitors, which would help the economy by supporting jobs in the travel and hospitality sectors. The bill was introduced in November 2025 and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It hasn't moved forward yet, and its future depends on gaining support from both political parties. If passed, the funds would be transferred immediately to Brand USA to start their marketing efforts.

Tourism is a big part of the U.S. economy, generating around $1 trillion each year. It supports millions of jobs, from hotel staff to restaurant workers. By boosting tourism, the VISIT USA Act could help keep these jobs secure and even create new ones. For everyday Americans, this means more job opportunities and economic growth in areas that rely on tourism, like Florida, California, and New York. Even people in non-tourist areas can benefit indirectly, as tourism supports industries like farming and transportation. The bill could lead to more international visitors, which would mean more business for hotels, restaurants, and attractions across the country.

- Boosts Economic Recovery: Supporters argue that the bill will help the tourism industry recover from the pandemic by attracting more international visitors, which in turn supports jobs and local economies. - Efficient Use of Existing Funds: The bill uses money already collected from foreign visitors, so it doesn't require new taxes or spending, making it a cost-effective way to promote tourism. - Enhances U.S. Competitiveness: By funding Brand USA's marketing efforts, the bill helps the U.S. compete with other countries that are also trying to attract tourists. - Supports Small Businesses: Increased tourism benefits small businesses in the hospitality industry, which make up a large part of the tourism sector.

- Opportunity Cost: Critics worry that reallocating $160 million could take away from other important uses of the Travel Promotion Fund, like security or infrastructure improvements. - Questionable Effectiveness: Some argue that past spending on Brand USA hasn't always resulted in a good return on investment, and the money might be better spent elsewhere. - Corporate Welfare Concerns: There are concerns that Brand USA might favor big companies like airlines and hotel chains over smaller, rural tourism businesses. - Inflationary Timing: In a time of high national debt, some believe that reallocating funds could divert money from deficit reduction efforts.