H.R.617 - American Music Tourism Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 617, the American Music Tourism Act of 2025, aims to amend the Visit America Act to promote music tourism within the United States. The bill directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to identify and promote locations and events important to music tourism, both domestically and internationally. It also mandates regular reporting on the progress of these efforts to relevant congressional committees.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely lead to increased efforts by the Department of Commerce to promote music-related travel destinations and events. This could result in more funding and resources being allocated to support music tourism initiatives. The reporting requirements would also ensure ongoing oversight and accountability for these activities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased tourism revenue for states and localities with significant music history or current music scenes.
- Job creation in the hospitality, entertainment, and transportation sectors.
- Enhanced recognition and preservation of American musical heritage.
- Greater exposure for American musicians and music-related businesses.
- Potential for increased international travel to the United States.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misallocation of resources if music tourism is prioritized over other forms of tourism.
- Risk of over-commercialization of music-related sites and events.
- Limited impact if the Department of Commerce lacks sufficient funding or expertise.
- Possible negative environmental impact from increased travel to certain locations.
- The definition of 'music tourism' may be too broad or too narrow, leading to unintended consequences.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states and with foreign nations. By promoting tourism, including music tourism, the bill aims to stimulate economic activity and facilitate interstate and international travel. The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).