I 
116TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 8122 
To direct the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study and submit to 
Congress a report on the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic on the 
travel and tourism industry in the United States, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
AUGUST 28, 2020 
Ms. CASTOR of Florida (for herself and Mr. UPTON) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
A BILL 
To direct the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study 
and submit to Congress a report on the effects of the 
COVID–19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry 
in the United States, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Protecting Tourism 
in the United States Act’’. 
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SEC. 2. STUDY AND REPORT ON EFFECTS OF COVID–19 PAN-
DEMIC ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 
IN UNITED STATES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in con-
sultation with the United States Travel and Tourism Advi-
sory Board and the head of any other Federal agency the 
Secretary considers appropriate, shall complete a study on 
the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic on the travel and 
tourism industry, including various segments of the travel 
and tourism industry, such as domestic, international, lei-
sure, business, conventions, meetings, and events. 
(b) MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION.—In conducting 
the study required by subsection (a) and the interim study 
required by subsection (e)(1), the Secretary shall con-
sider— 
(1) changes in employment rates in the travel 
and tourism industry during the pandemic period; 
(2) changes in revenues of businesses in the 
travel and tourism industry during the pandemic pe-
riod; 
(3) changes in employment and sales in indus-
tries related to the travel and tourism industry, and 
changes in contributions of the travel and tourism 
industry to such related industries, during the pan-
demic period; 
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(4) the effects attributable to the changes de-
scribed in paragraphs (1) through (3) in the travel 
and tourism industry and such related industries on 
the overall economy of the United States during the 
pandemic period and the projected effects of such 
changes on the overall economy of the United States 
following the pandemic period; and 
(5) any additional matters the Secretary con-
siders appropriate. 
(c) CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT.—In con-
ducting the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall— 
(1) consult with representatives of— 
(A) the small business sector; 
(B) the restaurant or food service sector; 
(C) the hotel and alternative accommoda-
tions sector; 
(D) the attractions or recreations sector; 
(E) the travel distribution services sector; 
(F) destination marketing organizations; 
(G) State tourism offices; and 
(H) the passenger air, railroad, and rental 
car sectors; and 
(2) provide an opportunity for public comment 
and advice relevant to conducting the study. 
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