U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, American Hotel & Lodging Association Urge Congress to Resolve Funding Variations, Defend America’s Travel System

WASHINGTON (August 10, 2026) — Following House and Senate passage of separate persevering with resolutions to maintain the federal authorities funded, the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America (A4A) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) immediately despatched a joint letter urging congressional leaders to shortly resolve the variations between the 2 measures and enact a stopgap funding invoice earlier than the September 30 deadline.

Without swift motion when Congress returns in September, vacationers, frontline aviation staff and companies throughout the nation as soon as once more face pointless uncertainty and the chance of a authorities shutdown.

“Congress must finish the job,” stated Geoff Freeman, president and CEO, U.S. Travel. “America just demonstrated what’s possible when the travel system is operating at its best. A government shutdown would reverse that progress. We’ve seen this before: more than six million travelers affected, over 9,000 flights disrupted and billions in economic losses. Congress must resolve the differences between its funding bills before travelers and businesses once again pay the price.”

“It’s simply outrageous that we are even talking about yet another shutdown,” stated Chris Sununu, President and CEO, Airlines for America (A4A). “Americans have endured this government malpractice before: flights disrupted, shipments delayed and essential aviation workers forced to work without pay. Solutions are on the table. Congress must act.”

“Americans should not have to worry that political gridlock will once again upend their travel plans,” stated Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). “Government shutdowns create uncertainty that discourages travel and impacts the millions of hotel employees and small business owners who depend on a strong travel economy. Another shutdown is entirely avoidable. Congress must act to fund the government and protect America’s travelers, workers, and hotels.”

In the letter, U.S. Travel, A4A and AHLA warn that one other authorities shutdown would power TSA officers, air site visitors controllers and different important aviation personnel to work with out pay, worsening staffing shortages and growing the chance of longer safety traces, flight delays and cancellations. National parks, museums and different federal sights may face closures or lowered companies, disrupting vacationers and visitor-dependent communities nationwide.

The letter additionally notes that the earlier 43-day authorities shutdown delayed or canceled greater than 9,000 flights, disrupted journey for greater than six million passengers and price the U.S. journey economic system an estimated $1 billion per week. The organizations urge Congress to enact a unbroken decision earlier than September 30 whereas advancing long-term reforms to make sure TSA officers and air site visitors controllers stay paid throughout future funding lapses.