This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, casinos, gaming operations, event and sports venues, cruise lines, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV and caravan parks, and all hospitality, travel and tourism professionals. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture. Also consider subscribing to our Hospitality & Retail - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Innovation at the Speed of Markets: How Regulators Keep Pace with Technology: The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence will hold a hearing titled 'Innovation at the Speed of Markets: How Regulators Keep Pace with Technology' on March 26 at 2:00 PM in Rayburn House Office Building, room 2128.

Federal Government News

DHS Shutdown Causes Ongoing Disruptions for Air Travel and Frontline Workers

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown entered its 35th day on March 20, affecting over 100,000 employees, including 50,000 TSA officers working without pay. Major airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, George Bush Intercontinental, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia International are reporting multi-hour lines, flight rebookings, and stressed checkpoints resulting from staffing shortages and increased resignations. The impact extends beyond airports, with law enforcement operations, FEMA disaster response, and cybersecurity units operating at limited capacity due to unpaid personnel. The White House reported that the shutdown continues to hamper essential travel infrastructure during a period of anticipated record passenger volumes.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Airline CEOs Call for Congressional Action Amid DHS Shutdown

Airline executives representing carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines sent a formal letter to Congress on March 17, urging swift funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The shutdown has caused pay delays for TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance agents, and air traffic controllers, resulting in significant disruptions for travelers, with some experiencing up to four-hour wait times at airport checkpoints. The CEOs noted that these operational challenges coincide with predictions of a record 171 million U.S. airline passengers this spring travel season and stressed the importance of prompt federal action to restore normal operations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

CDC Proposes Consolidation of Land Travel-Related Public Health Data Collection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has notified the Office of Management and Budget of a planned revision to their information collection on land travel-related public health activities. The revision consolidates several forms and tools under a single OMB control number, improving administrative efficiency for public health response related to interstate and international land conveyance travel. The changes facilitate collection of manifest, passenger, and crew contact information for investigational purposes, streamline necessary forms for medical officers, and standardize reporting on outcomes of contact investigations, with an expected annual burden of 154 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CDC Expands Aviation-Related Public Health Activities Data Collection

On March 17, the CDC submitted revisions for aviation-related public health data collection to OMB. This revision consolidates all aviation forms under one control number, intended to enhance efficiency and facilitate rapid public health response concerning inbound international and interstate flights linked to infectious disease risks. The forms are used to request manifests, passenger details, and to monitor outcomes for state and local health contact investigations. CDC requests approval for 2,583 annual burden hours to maintain regulatory compliance and support disease mitigation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CDC Requests Extension of Maritime Illness Reporting System

The CDC has submitted a request to OMB for a three-year extension of its Maritime Illness Database and Reporting System (MIDRS). Responsibilities are split between CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) and the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, which monitor acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases and other illnesses aboard passenger vessels with international itineraries. MIDRS gathers data electronically from cruise ship medical staff and other personnel, supporting outbreak detection and sanitation guidance. Submission patterns have been updated to reflect operational increases, with annual burden estimated at over 5.7 million hours. Required documents include AGE case logs, food/activity history, and engineering records.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Seeks Stakeholder Feedback to Improve OSHA Service Delivery

The Department of Labor announced a proposed information collection to solicit qualitative feedback from stakeholders regarding service delivery by OSHA. The initiative invites comments through May 19, 2026, focusing on customer perceptions, early warning of issues, and areas where operational adjustments may improve service. The generic clearance is not intended for statistical analysis but for actionable insights and ongoing program management. The estimated annual burden is 4,000 hours across 40,000 respondents.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Consumer Product Safety Commission Extends Pool and Spa Safety Compliance Reporting

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has requested OMB approval to extend use of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Verification of Compliance Form. The form is utilized during inspections to verify anti-entrapment measures at public pools and spas, with a reporting burden estimated at 150 hours annually across 50 inspections. Compliance supports federal mandates to minimize hazards in aquatic recreation facilities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Committee Proposes Changes to Procurement List for Custodial and Safety Services

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled proposed additions and deletions to the federal Procurement List on March 19. New custodial services are slated for Guam National Wildlife Refuge, while selected safety lighting kits and base supply center services will be removed from the list. Stakeholders can submit comments by April 18, with instructions provided for contacting the Committee's representative.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Conducts Survey of Transactions in Services and Intellectual Property

The Bureau of Economic Analysis announced the quarterly BE-125 survey, collecting mandatory data on services and intellectual property transactions with foreign persons. U.S. respondents exceeding reporting thresholds must submit information within 30 days of each quarter or 45 days for the final quarter. The survey measures trade in services, supporting analysis of U.S. economic activity, with a reporting burden of 21 hours per respondent.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025

Bill 6427, the Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025, addresses transportation and public works regulation. The bill was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 475, as of March 16. Its progression signals ongoing consideration for federal airport regulatory modifications.

Sources: www.congress.gov

American Franchise Act

Bill 3525, the American Franchise Act, introduced in the labor and employment policy area, was discussed in hearings held by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on March 19. The bill targets franchise oversight and labor standards.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To prohibit the marketing, advertising, or provision of professional services without licenses

Bill 7985 aims to restrict unlicensed marketing and provision of professional services. The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on March 18 and awaits further review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Honoring the life and legacy of Coach Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz (House Version)

Bill 1122, honoring the legacy of Coach Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz, was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on March 18. The resolution reflects recognition of sports and recreation contributions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Coach Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz (Senate Version)

Senate Resolution 644, commemorating Coach Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz’s impact, was submitted and agreed to without amendment by Voice Vote on March 16. Official text and proceedings posted in Congressional Record S1058.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Travel: Coverage on current travel trends and culture from The New York Times.
• Dubai Turns to Glossy Marketing and Social-Media Crackdown to Protect Its Image: Report examines Dubai’s evolving approach to tourism branding and digital regulation.
• The internet ruined customer service. AI could save it.: Analysis suggests AI solutions could improve digital customer support in hospitality and retail.

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