The recently approved reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. Congress represents a highly positive development for the tourism industry. According to the U.S. Travel Association, led by CEO Geoff Freeman, the legislation includes major investments that “will improve the traveler experience” and support critical travel infrastructure.

Key wins for the travel industry include:

• $12.5 billion to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS) and upgrade air traffic control technology.
• $4.1 billion to hire at least 5,000 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and $2 billion in retention bonuses—measures expected to significantly reduce wait times at airports.
• $673 million to expand the biometric entry-exit system, accelerating processes tied to immigration and the Visa Waiver Program.
• $625 million for 2026 FIFA World Cup security and $1 billion for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

While Freeman praised these advances, he warned that Congress must restore full federal funding for Brand USA, the country's official destination marketing organization. Brand USA’s federal match was slashed from up to $100 million annually to just $20 million as part of broader federal spending cuts. President Trump’s FY2026 budget requests full funding, and Freeman urged Congress to meet that request—crucial to the success of America’s 250th anniversary and other major global events hosted during his administration.

Freeman also voiced strong concern over sharp increases to non-immigrant visa fees included in the bill. Among them is a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for visitor visas and an increase in the ESTA fee (for Visa Waiver Program travelers) from $21 to $40.

“Failing to fully fund Brand USA is a missed opportunity—especially as the administration seeks to maximize a historic slate of global events on American soil,” Freeman stated.
“Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and only discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices.”

As Congress begins its work on the FY2026 appropriations process, U.S. Travel urges legislators to fully fund Brand USA and reduce or eliminate visitor fees wherever possible.