David Jolly: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4450, legislation to reauthorize the…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4450, legislation to reauthorize the public-private program that is often known as Brand USA. This is a bill that was passed unanimously by the subcommittee and by voice vote through the full committee. I understand questions have been raised today, so let's address some very specific, important components of this legislation. First, in 1981, Ronald Reagan signed the National Tourism Policy Act to promote the United States as a destination for international tourism, to expand our economy, and to grow jobs here in the United States. In 2009, this body passed the Travel Promotion Act. Second, this is an activity that extends across State lines bringing this bill, this legislation, within the article I Commerce Clause authority of this body, the constitutional authority of this body. Third, no Federal taxpayer dollars are used to fund Brand USA. It is funded by industry contributions and by international visitors. The United States is the only major destination that does not fund its promotion programs through taxpayer dollars. It is through private contributions of industry matched by international traveler fees. There is a cap on the program, the amount of funds it can expend from those fees collected from international visitors; and when the funds exceed that cap, that money is returned to the Treasury for deficit reduction. In FY13, that was $27 million in deficit reduction to benefit the taxpayers.…”