WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 2026) – Today, Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, issued the following statement regarding committee passage of the American Franchise Act:

“Franchising is the backbone of the American hotel industry and a true path toward achieving the American dream. For tens of thousands of hoteliers, franchising is the most accessible pathway to building a small business in America. Franchised hotels support more than 2.8 million jobs, account for nearly 60% of all U.S. hotels, and generate nearly $100 billion in annual economic impact. ​

“We are grateful to Chairman Tim Walberg and members of the committee for recognizing the need to preserve and strengthen this important pathway to entrepreneurship. The American Franchise Act would provide essential clarity and protection to reinforce the franchise relationship and guard against regulatory overreach that threatens the stability of this time-tested model. We look forward to this legislation advancing to the House floor and urge Congress to swiftly pass it.”