Letter: Support Brand USA funding

June 12, 2025

Date

[Your Senator]
[Your Senator’s office address]

Dear Senator:

I write to request that you take action to remove proposed language from the reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that proposes to slash 80% of funding from Brand USA, the highly successful travel promotion arm of the United States. I ask that you vote against any legislation that contains similar funding reductions to Brand USA.

Brand USA is an extremely effective, common-sense public-private partnership that was formed under the bipartisan-passed Travel Promotion Authority Act of 2009. Brand USA is charged with promoting the United States abroad as a desired destination, driving many travelers to the United States and creating significant economic impact in our local communities. Brand USA is always needed to promote inbound travel to the United States, but, given the downturn in international visitors to the nation, it is needed now more than ever.

Brand USA uses NO taxpayer money. In fact, the primary funding sources for Brand USA are private donations and a federal match using funds raised from the fees collected from international travelers from the Visa Waiver Program. Historically, for every $1 invested in Brand USA, the American economy has reaped a return of $24. This return on investment is unparalleled and demonstrates the impact this partnership has on showcasing the wonders that the United States has to offer the world.

Travel and tourism are the lifeblood of local economic activity throughout the United States. In 2024, the industry’s economic output totaled $2.9 trillion, supported more than 15 million American jobs, and represented 2.5% of the nation’s GDP. [Insert data about the economic impact of travel in your state.] The importance of the industry cannot be overstated and is at significant risk if the proposal to slash Brand USA’s funding is carried out.

I share the desire to revitalize the domestic economy, and one of the best ways to do that is to attract international visitors so they can bring their spending power to our U.S. communities and support local economies. To do that, travelers must know about the things they can do in the United States, such as visiting a national park, exploring our rural landscapes and our big cityscapes, or appreciating the storied history of America. Brand USA is one of the best travel promoters the United States has, and it is critical that it can keep doing its job.

Again, I urge you to remove proposed language that slashes brand USA funding from the reconciliation bill and vote against any legislation that proposes to cut Brand USA funding.

[Your signature, name, company, and address]