Congress passed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief measure Wednesday on a Democratic-led, party-line vote. U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law Friday afternoon.

The measure, called the American Rescue Plan, is the sixth major relief bill to clear Washington, D.C., in the last year and brings the federal government’s spending tally to $5.5 trillion on pandemic relief — more than what the U.S. spent in World War II. chandigarh hotel

The American travel sector heralded some aspects of the bill, but it also sees a key area where the package falls short of expectations with companies not receiving targeted relief.

“The American Rescue Plan contains many good features, but there’s something crucial that Congress must accomplish to restore the millions of travel-dependent jobs lost to the pandemic: extend the Paycheck Protection Program deadline through at least June, and allow another draw on those funds for the hardest-hit employers,” said U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow in a statement.

The American Rescue Plan added $7.5 billion to PPP and enabled more nonprofits to apply. But it did not extend the federally backed small business loan program through the end of 2021 like many travel groups were lobbying for with members of Congress.

Hotels and other divisions of the travel industry rely on broader provisions within this and prior relief measures instead of industry-targeted funds.

This remains a sticking point with industry groups that note there are some middle-sized to large businesses, particularly in the hotel sector, that are struggling but haven’t received industry-specific aid or qualified for relief measures like the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program.

The pandemic wiped out 10 years of hotel job growth, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“Now that Congress has passed the American Rescue Plan, they should immediately turn to crafting targeted, economic stimulus legislation that provides direct support for the hardest hit industries and their employees,” said AHLA CEO Chip Rogers in a statement. “After the most devastating year on record for the hotel industry, we will need further financial assistance to retain and rehire our associates, revive our local communities, and restart our economy.”

TARGETED RELIEF

The airline sector yet again stands out for getting one of the biggest pieces of the economic relief pie. U.S. airlines can tap into $14 billion in payroll support while airline contractors received $1 billion.

“Since the pandemic began one year ago, Congress has repeatedly stepped up to support our team members and keep critical airline infrastructure in place,” American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom said in a statement. “With this phenomenal bipartisan support comes a responsibility to serve, and the people of American Airlines are excited to accept that responsibility. We are ready to welcome our customers back to the skies as vaccines are distributed and demand for air travel increases.”

The American Rescue Plan did not pass with bipartisan support, however. No Republicans in either house of Congress voted in favor of the bill.

This is the third round of industry-specific aid for the airline industry since the pandemic began.

“These men and women are the backbone of our industry, and they are an integral part of our nation’s infrastructure,” said Nicholas Calio, CEO of airline trade group Airlines for America. “It is vital to have our employees on the job and ready to assist as our nation prepares to move forward from this crisis and resume connecting communities, families and. Businesses across the country and around the world.”

Another $8 billion is earmarked for airports while Amtrak received $1.7 billion to recall furloughed workers and restore routes.

“With this support, we can restore daily long-distance service, bring back employees furloughed as a result of the pandemic and continue our progress on vital capital projects,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said in a statement. “We will work closely with Congress and the Biden Administration on next steps for funding to support Amtrak’s long-term growth.”

The broader travel sector also has reason to celebrate.

The American Rescue Plan earmarks $160 billion to fight the pandemic and vaccinate individuals, a vital health and safety hurdle to clear before people are once again confident to travel in larger numbers.

Another $15 billion is included for the hardest-hit small businesses during the pandemic, which would include many travel and tourism companies.