THE ECONOMY:

Tourism bill advances with support of Nevada lawmakers

Justin M. Bowen

The Las Vegas Strip from the top of the Stratosphere.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 | 4:26 p.m.

Coverage of Las Vegas tourism

WASHINGTON -- Legislation to promote Las Vegas and other U.S. tourism destinations abroad moved closer to passage this afternoon after the House approved a measure that has been championed by Nevada’s lawmakers.

Both Democratic Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus spoke on the House floor today to help pass the legislation in the face of a political assault by the conservative Club for Growth.

“This will put Americans back to work,” Berkley said on the House floor. “Tourism is one of the largest industries in America, whether you have mountains, beaches, amusement parks, ball parks, or gaming, we all benefit from this bill.”

Said Titus: “This act will bring millions of additional travelers to the United States at no cost to our taxpayers … It will help our economy in Nevada and across the nation.”

The bill would establish a national tourism office that would promote the United States abroad – much the way other countries advertise in the U.S.

The legislation would collect $10 from every foreign visa applicant coming to the United States to establish a promotional office, which would be matched dollar-per-dollar by private industry funds.

The legislation is a top priority of the tourism industry, but hit resistance from the conservative Club for Growth, which said the legislation would create a $400 million slush fund. The group encouraged lawmakers to vote against the bill today.

The bill co-sponsored in the Senate by Republican Sen. John Ensign has been a top priority of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has been nudging it along to ensure passage.

After having passed the House today, the bill returns to the Senate for a final vote.

The bill has long been a bipartisan issue among Nevada’s lawmakers, and was originally introduced in the House by former Republican Rep. Jon Porter.

Discussion: 4 comments so far…

By shanfrina

10/7/09 at 5:12 p.m.

Suggest removal

... As an international, award-winning print-journalist of 35+ yrs. in the mainstream-&-gay media on both coasts (including 17 with "Billboard Magazine" in L.A., Vegas-&-here in thee Bflo./Rocchester, NY markets) & started at the R/J in '73, I've ALWAYS-been-IMPRESSED with the effective/professional PR by the LV Convention & Visitors Center. Other cities, like here in Bflo., which boasts 5-Frank Lloyd Wright venues - more than ANY other U.S. destination - should take note!
By atdleft

10/7/09 at 5:17 p.m.

Suggest removal

Figures, the radical right wants to keep knee-capping us. Whatever. They will lose, and Reid, Berkley, and Titus will succeed. Let's bring more business to Vegas!
By neiman1

10/7/09 at 5:46 p.m.

Suggest removal

The money wouldn't be necessary if Obama had just kept his mouth shut and not looked for a television moment with his comments last winter.
By vegasmama

10/7/09 at 5:53 p.m.

Suggest removal

And the Unemployment Extension bill has been sitting in Senator Reid's Senate for what, 2 weeks no with no action or passage?

What about now? What about today?