Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced a series of significant legislative and oversight initiatives this week, ranging from restoring America’s international tourism competitiveness to raising national-security alarms over advanced weapons sales, and demanding accountability in the nation’s census process. His office shared the developments with IndoUS Tribune, underscoring the Congressman’s continued leadership on economic, security, and demographic issues critical to Illinois and the nation.

Krishnamoorthi Introduces Brand USA Restoration Act to Revive Tourism Funding

Congressman Krishnamoorthi introduced the Brand USA Restoration Act, legislation that reinstates $80 million in federal funding for Brand USA, the country’s premier public–private tourism marketing agency. The move comes after the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” cut Brand USA’s federal support by 80 percent—threatening a key engine of international tourism, especially ahead of major global events such as the America 250 celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Restoring Brand USA’s funding is about protecting American jobs and strengthening our economy,” Krishnamoorthi said. “When we attract visitors from around the world, we support American workers, small businesses, and communities in every state.”

The legislation has garnered strong support from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which represents thousands of hotel owners nationwide. AAHOA leaders highlighted Brand USA’s massive economic impact—$140 billion generated and more than 300,000 jobs supported—warning that the recent cuts jeopardize the momentum of America’s hotel and travel industries.

AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel called the bill a top priority, noting that “every $1 invested in Brand USA creates $20 in visitor spending.” AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake praised Congressman Krishnamoorthi for defending the interests of hotel owners who operate over 60 percent of America’s hotels.

Lawmakers Warn Against F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Deepening Saudi–China Military Ties

In a separate development, Congressman Krishnamoorthi—Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party—joined Congressmen Joe Courtney and Donald Norcross in a forceful warning to the Trump Administration over its proposal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers cautioned that expanding Beijing’s footprint in Saudi Arabia’s military and digital infrastructure poses serious risks to U.S. defense technology.

The letter referenced historical precedent: during President Trump’s first term, Turkey was removed from the F-35 program after acquiring the Russian S-400 system, despite being a NATO ally. The lawmakers argued that Saudi Arabia’s ties with the PRC are even more extensive, requiring “the highest, strictest scrutiny.”

“If this deal is completed, Riyadh will gain access to some of the United States’ most prized, cutting-edge military technology,” the members wrote. “Given Saudi Arabia’s deepening military ties with the PRC, such a sale has the potential to severely jeopardize U.S. national security.”

The lawmakers posed four specific questions to the Administration regarding congressional consultations, use of Chinese digital infrastructure in Saudi defense, risks of technology transfer, and whether the U.S. has demanded that Riyadh end its cooperation with Beijing as a prerequisite for any sale. They requested a formal response by December 3, 2025.

Krishnamoorthi Leads Illinois Delegation in Demanding Census Briefing After Undercounts

Congressman Krishnamoorthi also led the Illinois Democratic congressional delegation in requesting an urgent briefing from the U.S. Census Bureau over what they describe as repeated and harmful undercounts of Illinois’ population.

In a letter to Acting Director Ron Jarmin, the lawmakers cited the documented undercount of more than 46,000 Illinois residents in the 2020 Census—an error they say contributed to population miscalculations, loss of congressional representation, and reduced federal funding for schools, hospitals, transportation, and community programs.

“Illinois is one of the most diverse states in the country,” the lawmakers wrote, highlighting immigrant communities, rural areas, and communities of color that are most frequently undercounted. “Inaccurate counts deprive these communities of their fair share of resources and weaken their representation in Congress.”

The delegation requested detailed updates on:

1. Outreach strategies to reach historically undercounted populations
2. Planned technological and methodological improvements for 2030
3. The impact of Illinois’ demographic trends on federal funding
4. Opportunities for collaboration with state and local partners

The lawmakers urged the Census Bureau to schedule the briefing “at the earliest convenience,” emphasizing that preparing early is essential to ensuring all Illinois residents are counted in 2030.

Together, these actions reflect Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s expansive legislative agenda, addressing issues that span global competitiveness, national security, and fair representation—while keeping Illinois communities at the center of his efforts.