OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

American Music Tourism Act of 2025

Floor Speech

Date: April 28, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Chairman Gus Bilirakis, who I affectionately call Gus, and Ranking Member Pallone for supporting this act.

We have the opportunity today to vote on legislation centered around something that brings us all together, and that is music. Today, we will take the American Music Tourism Act under consideration. It is a bipartisan piece of legislation that I am proud to have led through the House alongside my co-lead, Representative Nanette Barragan.

It will require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to develop a plan to boost music tourism, welcoming both domestic and international visitors to experience the rich musical heritage we have across America.

It also ensures that Congress stays informed, with regular reports on our progress, our success, and any challenges that we face.

Importantly, let me emphasize this bill will not require any additional taxpayer dollars. It is a smart, efficient, and unique way to support our economy without increasing spending.

Whether it is New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz; Seattle, where they rock out to grunge; the cradles of hip hop, which are L.A. and New York; or Austin, which proudly calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World, our Nation is overflowing with the rich history of music.

For those of us in Tennessee's First District, which I represent, this bill is especially personal. We are home to treasures like Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, the home of Dolly Parton, and the Birthplace of Country Music, which is in Bristol, Tennessee--places that just don't celebrate our culture but also drive tourism, create jobs, and strengthen our communities. I can't forget a little town in my district called Sneedville, Tennessee, and that is the home of Morgan Wallen. My favorite song is ``The Way I Talk.'' I thought for a long time, Mr. Speaker, that he wrote that about me, but I have come to find out that he didn't.

As a tribute to Dolly Parton, all I have to say is that we have been working longer than ``9 to 5'' to get this bill across the finish line. I am so thankful for the strong bipartisan partnership that made it possible today.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

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