I 
112TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 6130 
To require priority visa processing for visitors to National Heritage Areas 
or National Parks, to invest in communities hosting these national treas-
ures, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JULY 13, 2012 
Ms. HOCHUL introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Com-
mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by 
the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall with-
in the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To require priority visa processing for visitors to National 
Heritage Areas or National Parks, to invest in commu-
nities hosting these national treasures, 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 ‘‘National Treasure Pro-
motion and Investment Act of 2012’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
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(1) The United States is blessed with natural 
and historic treasures, including 58 National Parks 
and 49 National Heritage Areas. 
(2) The liberty, beauty, and history of the 
United States draw visitors from every corner of the 
world. 
(3) Over 62 million international travelers vis-
ited the United States in 2011. 
(4) The average overseas traveler spends ap-
proximately $4,300 during his or her stay in the 
United States. 
(5) Wait times for travel visas can exceed 100 
days and deter tourists from visiting the United 
States, supporting its economy, and learning about 
its culture and heritage. 
(6) The Department of State collects visa 
issuance fees from nonimmigrant visa applicants 
from countries that levy excessive visa fees on 
United States citizens. 
(7) Visa issuance fees generated over $28 mil-
lion in revenue in 2011 and are not required to 
cover Department of State expenses. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
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(1) the maintenance of infrastructure in com-
munities hosting National Parks and National Her-
itage Areas is important to the safety of residents 
and visitors to such communities; and 
(2) visa issuance fees should be invested in the 
maintenance of such infrastructure in such commu-
nities, which draw visitors from across the globe. 
SEC. 3. PRIORITIZATION OF CERTAIN VISAS. 
In issuing visas under section 101(a)(15)(B) of the 
Immigration 
and 
Nationality 
Act 
(8 
U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(B)) to applicants seeking to visit the United 
States temporarily for pleasure, a consular officer (as de-
fined in section 101(a)(9) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(9))) shall give priority to applicants intending to 
visit a National Heritage Area or National Park. 
SEC. 4. TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN COMMU-
NITIES HOSTING NATIONAL TREASURES. 
(a) TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS.— 
The Secretary of Transportation shall make grants to sup-
port infrastructure projects— 
(1) in communities hosting National Heritage 
Areas or National Parks; 
(2) that have been prioritized for completion by 
an applicable metropolitan planning organization (as 
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