Rosen Named Chairwoman of New Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she has been named Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s newly formed Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion.

“It is an honor to be named the chair of the Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion,” said Senator Rosen. “I thank Senator Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, for entrusting me with the responsibility to lead, and for the opportunity to deliver on these critically important issues for Nevadans and for the American people.”

“Tourism-related industries drive job creation and economic growth in states across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for Nevada’s tourism-heavy economy, and in communities across our nation that rely on travel, tourism, hospitality, and live entertainment,” Senator Rosen continued. “In this new leadership position, I pledge to work tirelessly to support the sustainable recovery of the tourism industry, highlight the challenges that our tourism-centered businesses face, and advocate for critical support as we recover from this ongoing economic crisis. I will also strive to support fair trade and export deals that protect American jobs, promote growth, and strengthen the economies of Nevada and the United States.”

 “I am glad to see that Senator Rosen, an advocate for Nevada families, will be leading the effort to revive our tourism industry,” said Geoconda Arugüello-Kline, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Workers Union Local 226. “Tourism and hospitality are at the heart of Nevada’s economy. During this pandemic, these key industries have been devastated and Nevada’s workforce needs our support. We look forward to working alongside Senator Rosen in our mission to support working families in Nevada during this difficult time.”

“Reno Tahoe prides itself on being a hub for tourism in the Silver State,” said Charles Harris, President and CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. “While we work through the effects of COVID-19 on Nevada’s economy, we must take steps to support businesses and jobs that rely on tourism. Senator Rosen will fight for Nevadans and will work to restore tourism in our state.”

“Although we have faced setbacks due to COVID-19, I am optimistic about the future of tourism for our State,” said Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “As Subcommittee Chairwoman, Senator Rosen will be in a position to help rebuild an industry that fuels Nevada’s economy.

“Nevada’s tourism industry accounts for over 270,000 jobs in our state,” said Virginia Valentine, President of the Nevada Resort Association. “The fiscal impact of the coronavirus has been detrimental to Nevada businesses and jobs. We congratulate Senator Rosen on this new position, and look forward to working with her to strengthen our tourism industry.”

BACKGROUND: The new Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export promotion will have jurisdiction over the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) National Travel and Tourism Office, Brand USA, live entertainment, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and other tourism, trade, and export-related matters within the Department of Commerce.

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