U.S. Travel Applauds Administration for Passing Legislation Streamlining Business Travel

President Trump permanently authorized the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business travel card (ABTC) program on Thursday, allowing U.S. citizens doing business in APEC nations to take advantage of expedited entry. By doing so ahead of his 11-day tour of Asia, he clearly signaled our country’s continued dedication to secure and streamlined international business travel.

President Trump is set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam on Wednesday. The timing of this legislation could not have been better. We hope that the permanent authorization of the ABTC card program kick starts further conversation about ways to build similar travel partnerships with our allies worldwide.

Furthermore, the bipartisan effort that led to the ABTC Act’s passage is proof that working together to increase security while promoting travel is beneficial for all. Ensuring safe, efficient global business travel will pay dividends for our country’s economy, spurring further investments and international spending on our shores. We would like to thank Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Steve Daines (R-MT), as well as Reps. Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Dan Donavan (R-NY), Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) for their leadership on this issue, and hope that it will be a catalyst for other bipartisan travel proposals.

Finally, we applaud the Trump administration for supporting this sensible policy that will make our country a more welcoming destination for APEC business travelers. We look forward to working with them on future policies that will grow travel to and within the U.S.