Federal Updates
Expanding Eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program to DMOs
Senators Cruz, Rubio and Scott have officially introduced S. 3992, a bill to expand eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to DMOs of all statuses who have 300 or fewer employees.
This bill's provisions match H.R. 6697, the "Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act of 2020," introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last month by Reps. Pappas and Fitzpatrick.
Providing economic relief to DMOs is vital for the travel and tourism industry and the broader U.S. economy and has been a top priority for U.S. Travel since the CARES Act first passed.
Additionally,
Congress continues to work toward a broader relief and stimulus bill, which is not expected to pass before mid to late July. U.S. Travel will continue to advocate for relief, protection and stimulus for our industry as we work to recover from the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Maloney Amendment to Fund National Scenic Byways Program Approved by House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Last week, the Maloney Amendment 086 (the Scenic Byways amendment) passed unanimously and is now included in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Investing in a New Visitation of the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act . The amendment restores the National Scenic Byway Program, which saw funding lapse in 2012 and reauthorizes $325 million over five years. Oregon's Congressman DeFazio spoke in support of the amendment in addition to six other state representatives in the committee hearing.
The Scenic Byways program is a critical piece of the Oregon road trip experience. According to research from Longwoods International on Oregon overnight travelers, touring trips are the most popular reason visitors came to our state (27%). In fact, Oregon visitors were 42% more likely than the average U.S. traveler to take a touring trip. INVEST in America Act now heads to the House floor for a vote.
Great American Outdoors Act Passes Senate
The bill would provide $9.5 billion over five years to address priority deferred maintenance needs on federal public lands. The Park Service would receive $6.5 billion (70%) with the remaining funds going to the Forest Service (15%), Fish & Wildlife Service (3%), Bureau of Land Management (3%), and the Bureau of Indian Education schools (3%). The bill also fully funds the Land and Water Conservation program, which was permanently authorized in 2019. The bill now moves over to the House. Learn more about the bill here.
