Congressmen Vern Buchanan and Gus Bilirakis have introduced the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing travel and tourism ties among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The legislation comes as America prepares for its 250th anniversary, which is expected to bring increased domestic and international travel.
The proposed bill would require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to push for the creation of a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group during the next joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This group would ensure that travel and tourism are included in trade discussions with other major industries.
“For districts like ours that welcome millions of visitors each year, tourism isn’t just an industry, it’s a driver of jobs and economic growth,” said Buchanan. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, ensuring seamless, efficient travel between the United States, Canada and Mexico is essential to keeping our tourism industry strong. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act to ensure travel and tourism are fully represented during the upcoming USMCA joint review and to keep our economy open for business.”
“Travel and tourism are major drivers of the U.S. economy, supporting millions of jobs, generating significant export revenue, and strengthening communities across the country,” said Bilirakis. “As we prepare to welcome the world for America’s 250th anniversary, establishing a dedicated Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group will provide a focused forum to address trade barriers, expand market access, and enhance cooperation, ensuring this critical sector continues to contribute to economic growth, competitiveness, and resilience.”
The working group outlined in the bill would include representatives from several federal departments: Commerce, State, Homeland Security, Interior, Labor, Transportation—operating under USTR oversight. It would seek feedback from stakeholders in travel and tourism while developing strategies to boost North American competitiveness in this sector.
Buchanan has been active in advocating for fair trade policies that support American businesses. He previously chaired the Trade Subcommittee on Ways and Means where he helped oversee negotiations on USMCA. In addition to co-signing a letter urging President Trump to negotiate new trade deals supporting agricultural exports, Buchanan also introduced legislation targeting unfair trade practices affecting Florida growers.
Vern Buchanan has represented Florida’s 16th congressional district since 2007 after succeeding Katherine Harris. Before his time in Congress he served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Detroit in 1951, Buchanan resides in Sarasota. He holds degrees from Cleary University (1975) and University of Detroit Mercy (1986).
