The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) issues the following statement on today’s passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the Government Spending Accountability Act of 2013 (H.R. 313):

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“The lodging industry has a long and proud history of working closely with the federal government to provide lodging and meeting accommodations at the best value for various agencies,” said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president and CEO. “We appreciate the intent of the House of Representatives in passing legislation to ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly. However, we caution that measures taken in haste, imposing arbitrary and indiscriminate actions, risk unintended consequences that may result in significant travel inefficiencies and higher costs. We encourage Congress to take into account the benefits of in-person meetings and conferences on which many agencies rely.”

“The lodging industry looks forward to continuing to work with the federal government to ensure their needs are met, that hoteliers can continue to stimulate economic growth and drive job creation, and public funds are spent wisely and judiciously,” continued Lugar. “Hoteliers will also do their part to encourage government leaders to adhere to existing federal travel regulations while promoting travel as an economic solution.”

Introduced on January 18, 2013, by former Representative Jo Anne Emerson (R-MO) and reintroduced by Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX), H.R. 313 sets limits on the total expenditures and number of attendees allowed at domestic and international government conferences unless determination is made that there are justifiable reasons for waiving these limits. A companion bill, the Conference Accountability Act of 2013, was introduced in the Senate by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) on July 24 and is awaiting action.

Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.