WASHINGTON (April 29, 2021) –  The following is a statement from Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), on President Biden’s first joint address to Congress.

“Last night, President Joe Biden laid out his agenda for helping our national economy recover; getting the pandemic under control; continuing the vaccine rollout and supporting working families in his first address before a joint session of Congress and the American people. 

“Several of the proposals outlined by the President include many provisions that affect small businesses and employers. AHLA will be following the tax and workforce proposals in these plans closely to assess their impact on the lodging industry.

“Following the worst year on record for our industry, America’s hotel industry supports bipartisan policies that will help our industry survive and thrive and get our employees get back to work. Just yesterday, AHLA and Unite Here, the largest hospitality workers union in North America, joined forces to call on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), provides a lifeline to hotel workers and hoteliers, providing critical assistance to bring back workers and to bridge the gap until travel returns.  

“With the vaccination rollout well underway, consumers are eager to begin traveling once again. We encourage the President to continue working with Congress to find workable and lasting solutions to address America's critical economic concerns, including the urgent action that is required to support the hotel industry with targeted relief to keep hotel workers employed.”