The industry is one step closer to getting a travel agency representative on the Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC).
The House of Representatives this week approved the ACPAC Modernization Act, a bill ASTA has championed for years.
ASTA said the bill was passed with "broad bipartisan support," indicative of the recognition of the important role advisors play in the travel industry.
It will now move on to the Senate. ASTA said it will continue advocating for the bill, including at its annual Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., April 20 and 21.
The bill has been the subject of multiple Legislative Days in the past in addition to other grassroots advocacy efforts.
"This milestone underscores the power of showing up," said Jessica Klement, ASTA's vice president of advocacy.
"Through ongoing face-to-face advocacy, our members have helped lawmakers understand the critical role travel advisors play for consumers and in the overall travel economy. That's what ultimately drives meaningful policy change."