The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the 1.8 million-employee lodging industry, issued the following statement commending passage of the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act (H.R. 4450) by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee:

"The swift, unanimous passage of this legislation by the Energy and Commerce Committee brings us one step closer to reauthorizing this extremely valuable tourism program," said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. "Congressmen Gus Bilirakis and Peter Welch have taken the lead in touting the successes of Brand USA since its inception, and their championing of their bill, together with the program's proven track record, were instrumental in the swiftness of this process. We thank Chairman Fred Upton and Ranking Member Henry Waxman for today's successful committee vote and now urge the full House of Representatives to act quickly. When considering the benefits this program has provided by successfully attracting tourists from around the world, giving the U.S. a competitive edge, and contributing to the continued strength of our industry and the national economy without costing taxpayers a dollar, this should be an easy vote to cast."

Brand USA is the public-private entity created to promote the U.S. and attract and welcome international tourists. In 2013, Brand USA's efforts resulted in:

• 1.1 million additional visitors to the U.S. who spent
• $3.4 billion on travel and purchases, resulting in
• $7.4 billion in total sales, which supported over
• 53,000 new U.S. jobs, and generated
• $1 billion in total sales tax revenue.