Speech #1000077260

The bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. read the third time. and passed. as follows: S. 1267 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That (a) the Congress finds and declares that(1) the travel and tourism industry in the United States is vital to the economy of the Nation. accounts for more than $260.000.000.000 in annual revenues. and employs more than five million five hundred thousand persons. (2) tourism is an essential American export. as twentytwo million foreign travelers spend approximately $16.000.000.000 annually in the United States. and (3) the United States Travel and Tourism Administration serves a unique and vital role in the promotion of the United States as an international travel destination. by(A) coordination travel and tourism promotional activities of the Federal Government. State and local governments. and the private sector in order to optimize their contributions to economic prosperity. employment. and the international balance of payments. (B) ensuring the compatibility of travel and tourism with other national interests. including historical and cultural preservation. energy development and conservation. environmental protection and the judicious use of natural resources. (C) eliminating unnecessary trade barriers to international operations of the United States travel and tourism industry. (D) encouraging the free entry of individuals traveling to the United States in order to enhance international understanding and good will. consistent with immigration laws. laws protecting the public health. and laws governing the importation of goods into the United States. (E) assisting in the collection. analysis. and dissemination of data which accurately measure the economic and social impacts of travel and tourism to and within the United States. in order to maximize the efficacy of planning in. and cooperative activities between. the public and private sectors. and (F) harmonizing. to the maximum extent possible. all Federal activities in support of travel and tourism with the needs of the general public. the States. territories. local governments. and the travel and tourism industry. and providing leadership in the areas of travel. tourism. and national heritage preservation within the United States. (b) It is therefore the purpose of this Act to provide authorization of appropriations for the United States Travel and Tourism Administration. in order that it may continue its activities to promote travel and tourism in and to the United States. SEC. 2. Section 304 of the International Travel Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2126). is amended by inserting immediately after "1982" the following: ". not to exceed $14.000.000 for the fiscal year ending September 30. 1988. not to exceed $15.000.000 for the fiscal year ending September 30. 1989. and not to exceed $16.000.000 for the fiscal year ending September 30. 1990".