This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Washington (#18, 2026)
EPA issues NSR permit for Jamul Casino Resort; Senate adopts gymnastics resolution; House Homeland Security schedules TSA reform hearing.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
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.
📋 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
- House Homeland Security: TSA Modernization Hearing Scheduled: The House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing on TSA modernization and key security reforms at Cannon House Office Building, Room 310, on May 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
Federal Government News
EPA Issues Clean Air Act Tribal Minor New Source Review Permit to Jamul Casino Resort
The Environmental Protection Agency Region IX announced its final decision to grant a Tribal Minor New Source Review permit under the Clean Air Act to Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation for construction and operation equipment at the Jamul Casino Resort in California. The permit, designated C-2026-2, became effective March 20, 2026, after no public comments or hearing requests were received for the draft version. Appeal options are available to those who participated in the process, with judicial review possible in the Ninth Circuit within 60 days of May 14, 2026. The permitting action followed applicable federal requirements outlined in 40 CFR 49.151 to 49.164, and all supporting materials are accessible via regulations.gov under Docket ID EPA-R09-OAR-2025-0454. Anita Lee, Acting Director, Air and Radiation Division, signed off on the action dated May 6, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates
Senate Resolution Congratulates University of Oklahoma Women's Gymnastics Team
Senate Bill 725, a resolution congratulating the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team for their eighth NCAA national title, was considered and passed by unanimous consent. The measure, submitted in the Senate, recognizes achievements within collegiate sports and recreation.
Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- Who Needs a Travel Agent in the Digital Age? Apparently, More People Than Ever: Travel agents are experiencing rising demand despite increased online booking options.
- What's really going on with World Cup hotel bookings: Kansas City hotels face shifting booking patterns ahead of the World Cup.
- US hotel operators say promised boon from hosting World Cup hasn’t materialized yet: Expectations for World Cup hotel demand remain unmet according to U.S. operators.
- I Found a Resort Fee With Some Value: One traveler describes a resort fee that proved beneficial for their stay.
- Iran war creates new must-have for summer holidays: the plan B: Travel companies report an uptick in demand for flexible summer holiday plans amid geopolitical uncertainties.
- Airbnb Turns to Black Leaders in Its Bid to Make a Comeback in New York: Airbnb collaborates with local leadership to improve its position in New York ahead of the World Cup.
- New Ways to Soak Up Some of New York City’s Most Iconic Locations: Hotels in New York City introduce new experiences for visiting iconic urban sites.
- Frictionless Security and Supersonic Flights: What Travel Might Look Like in 20 Years: Industry leaders predict security innovations and rapid air travel possibilities for the next two decades.
- Inside the Quarantine ‘Hotel’ for Americans on the Hantavirus Cruise: Passengers recount their experiences inside a quarantine facility during a cruise outbreak.
- Will Airbnb Gain Ground in New York?: Policy changes may affect Airbnb’s ongoing operations and market share in New York City.