WASHINGTON -- The Senate voted last week to create a nonprofit corporation that would market the United States as a tourist destination for travelers around the world.
Senators voted 79-19 for Travel Promotion Act of 2009, their first substantive vote after returning from summer recess.
Sponsors said the corporation, a public-private partnership, would snare the United States a larger share of international visitors through coordinated advertising campaigns. They said the promotions would produce an estimated $4 billion in benefits and create nearly 40,000 jobs.
U.S. tourism, a leading industry in virtually ever state, has lost about 20 percent of the international market since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, according to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
"All of the data tells us that in the last nine years, global travel has increased by 56 million more people... and that during the same time, the United States has actually had 633,000 fewer overseas visitors," said Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D.
The bill authorized $10 million in startup funds. In future years, it would authorize the government to match up to $100 million a year in private contributions. The government's share would come from a $10 fee levied on foreign travelers as they enter the United States.
Opponents challenged the need for a new government body, and the idea of a $10 fee on tourists.
"Now there is a way to attract more visitors: Charge them for coming here," said Sen. Jon Kyl. R-Ariz. He added the European Union and other nations may retaliate against Americans traveling overseas.
Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison, both R-Texas, voted against the bill, as did Sens. Tom Coburn and James Inhofe, both R-Okla.
Chesapeake Bay restoration approved
The House voted 311-107 to set aside an open-ended amount of funding to renew programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
The National Park Service would be authorized to continue awarding grants for efforts in six states to promote wetlands conservation, create historic sites and nature trails in the estuary that has been stressed by pollution.
The program has been authorized to spend $3 million annually since it was created in 1998. The new bill removes the cap on funding, allowing lawmakers to set limits for each year.
Supporters said the bill would help sustain a natural resource treasure. Critics said support should not be open-ended.
Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., said programs typically are renewed for five years at a time to ensure that managers remain accountable.
"I don't believe....this Congress should be in the habit of granting eternal life and unlimited sums of money to government programs," he said.
Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., said the purpose of the permanent extension "is to avoid having to return to Congress every 5 years to get new legislation for what is, by all measures, a successful program."
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