Acpac Modernization Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama for yielding me the time and for his eloquent defense of this legislation, H.R. 5663, the ACPAC Modernization Act.

The Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee, or ACPAC, provides recommendations to the Department of Transportation for improving consumer protection in aviation.

My bill would simply, as you have heard, expand the committee's membership to include a representative for ticket agents.

There are 2,700 travel advisers in Nevada, and in 2024 alone, they generated over $1 billion in sales. These same travel advisers are an integral part of our travel and tourism economy.

For example, in 2024, Las Vegas welcomed 41.7 million visits, yielding over $86 billion in economic impact.

In my district alone, the travel industry also supports $1.6 billion in State and local taxes and is the top industry for employment.

Supporting our tourism economy is one of my top priorities in Congress, and that effort is more important than ever now that the Trump slump has hit our travel destinations.

This bill will give travel agents a seat at the table as a voting member of ACPAC alongside air carriers, airport operators, and other stakeholders.

Ticket agents build their business on their unmatched expertise dealing with what the public needs and wants when traveling. Accordingly, they will provide valuable insights into ACPAC's work.

When we prioritize consumer protection and the passenger experience in aviation, everyone wins and everyone enjoys the trip even more.

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