Meetings Industry Advocacy Hub Update

A few days ago, the House of Representatives passed the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act (H.R. 4450) on an overwhelming vote of 347-57. Thank you for making phone calls or contacting your representatives about this bill.

This victory would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our travel and meetings community who engaged in a wide range of activities – hosting roundtable meetings and tours in local markets, lobbying on Capitol Hill, sending emails and letters, recording video testimonials, and calling and tweeting – to urge elected federal representatives to support re-authorization of Brand USA.

Next Steps: On to the Senate
Now, we must continue our efforts in the U.S. Senate, where we expect to see a markup of the companion bill (S. 2250), introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), this week. We encourage you to keep making the case by telling your senators how the program is working for your destination or business.

Action Alert: Extend Brand USA – contact your senator.
Share the message on your social channels.

Here are sample tweets:

H.R. 4450 to extend @BrandUSA passed the House! Thank you, House of Representatives, for overwhelming bipartisan support!
@BrandUSA is working for America & our economy. The House voted to extend this vital program. Now on to the Senate!
@BrandUSA creates jobs reduces the deficit. House voted to extend this vital program! Urge Senate to do same.

So, with one victory under our belt, we charge forward in the Senate and look forward to working with you to secure Brand USA re-authorization this year.

Forward this information to colleagues and, if you have not already done so, JOIN THE EFFORT to create a larger grassroots coalition to act and respond to the issues that effect our industry.

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a
program of the Convention Industry Council

Convention Industry Council
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Alexandria, VA, USA, 22314
Tel: 571-527-3116