The 2024 Legislator of the Year Award by the US Travel Association has been granted to Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), who are both members of the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

“Travel cannot thrive without dedicated champions in Congress, and Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen lead the way in advancing policies that enable a more globally competitive travel industry,” said US Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “Both honorees have made profound contributions toward modernizing travel mobility and ensuring the industry’s future success.”

The Legislator of the Year Award acknowledges outstanding leadership in promoting and safeguarding policies that enhance travel to and within the United States. The association’s Destination Capitol Hill event hosted the award ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO)

Chairman Graves leads the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, a committee whose work is central to the success of the U.S. travel industry. Chairman Graves has led efforts to advance a long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, increase investments in airport infrastructure and ensure safety across the entire air transportation system.

“Travel and transportation are vitally important to the American economy and millions of American jobs, and as Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman, I have prioritized moving bipartisan legislation to strengthen our transportation network,” said Chairman Graves. “I want to thank the U.S. Travel Association for their engagement on these issues, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we pursue policies to improve travel and transportation throughout the United States.”

Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA)

Ranking Member Larsen helps lead the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and is focused on investing in infrastructure to create jobs, drive long-term economic growth and build a cleaner, greener, safer and more accessible transportation network. The Ranking Member is also committed to helping constituents and others capitalize on the significant investments included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“I’m honored to receive this year’s Legislator of the Year Award alongside Chairman Sam Graves,” said Ranking Member Larsen. “The travel industry plays a critical role in the nation’s economic competitiveness—contributing to local businesses and creating millions of jobs in Washington state and across the country. I look forward to passing a bipartisan long-term FAA reauthorization soon to improve the safety of the flying public, enhance the passenger experience, improve accessibility in air travel and ultimately foster growth in the U.S. travel industry.”