Trade and Tourism
The trade and tourism industry is the cornerstone of our economy in South Florida. We are lucky to be blessed with natural treasures, including the Everglades and the Florida Keys, that have provided recreational enjoyment to thousands of families in our community and from around the world.
As a member of the Congressional Trade and Tourism Caucus, Congressman Garcia understands the importance of investing and growing the travel, trade and tourism industries. If we want to continue being a top destination for immigrants, foreign visitors, and businesspeople, we need to ensure that we have adequate Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) staffing to handle the growing number of visitors. That is why in the face of tight budget cuts due to sequestration at the Miami International Airport, Congressman Garcia offered an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act that would increase funding for the CBP.
Congressman Garcia is also a proud cosponsor of the bipartisan Jobs Originated through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act of 2013. This commonsense legislation will promote tourism and bring thousands of jobs to the United States by streamlining the outdated tourist visa process. By modernizing the visa waiver program and reducing visa wait times, the JOLT Act could create thousands of new jobs in South Florida and revitalize the tourism industry in our communities.
More on Trade and Tourism
At a time when many communities and businesses are still struggling, Congress should be working to find ways to grow our economy and get Americans back to work. Unfortunately, just a few days ago, the incoming House Majority, Rep. Leader Kevin McCarthy, showed that he plans to prioritize his politics over what’s good for the country and our economy.
The majority leader announced that he will oppose the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank charter when it expires in September and would like to see the bank shut down.
After both the Miami County Commission and the City of Miami rejected proposed ideas for a Major League Soccer stadium in downtown Miami, US Congressman Joe Garcia sent a letter to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau suggesting David Beckham’s MLS team consider Homestead/Florida City.
Dear President Talbert,
As you consider the locations of the stadium for the Major League Soccer (MLS) team in South Florida, I write to urge your consideration of a South Dade location.