AHLA Members Discuss Tax and Workforce Provisions With Lawmakers Across U.S. Senate, House of Representatives

This week, members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) came together from various parts of the country to engage with congressional leaders and talk about legislative priorities crucial for the hospitality industry. More than 250 AHLA members participated in meetings with lawmakers in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives during the ongoing Budget Reconciliation and tax negotiations.

“AHLA members were active in Congressional offices this week, providing firsthand insights and advocating for legislation to strengthen the hotel sector,” mentioned Rosanna Maietta, AHLA president and CEO. “Through our discussions with members of the House and Senate, we effectively highlighted the impact of tax, trade, and labor policies under consideration by lawmakers. It is evident that both Congress and the Administration are focusing on the importance of a robust tourism sector.”

AHLA members raised important concerns and significant hurdles confronting the U.S. hospitality industry, including how tax and trade policies affect hotel operations costs and travel demand.

Critical legislative priorities to address these challenges and safeguard America’s small business hotel owners, jobs, and economic development involve various tax measures in the tax portion of the Budget Reconciliation bill put forth by the House Ways & Means Committee. These measures include making the Small Business Tax Deduction permanent, extending Bonus Depreciation, protecting the Like-Kind Exchange, reinstating Expanded Business Interest Deductibility, initiating a second round of Opportunity Zones, and implementing “No Tax on Tips” to ensure hotel employees retain more of their earnings.

AHLA members also deliberated on initiatives to expand and enhance the hospitality workforce, such as adjusting the H-2B visa program cap and safeguarding the franchise model, which bolsters over half of all U.S. hotels and 2.8 million jobs.