A bill authored by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, to promote U.S. exports to the Asia-Pacific region gained final Congressional approval today, and will become law with the president’s signature. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 will allow American business and government personnel traveling to the Asia-Pacific region access to expedited visa processing and designated airport travel lanes. Foreign travel card holders in 18 other economies already have access to these privileges when traveling to the United States.

“This is good news for American business men and women who export their products to the Asia-Pacific region,” Larsen said. “This travel card will level the playing field for American business people traveling overseas, giving them the same expedited travel benefits that foreign travel card holders enjoy when they come to the United States.”

The Senate passed an amended version of Larsen’s legislation last night, modifying funding provisions and requiring the program to be reauthorized by Congress within seven years.

“I thank the Senate for its support of this program, and am comfortable with the changes they made to the bill,” Larsen said. “As the President prepares to travel to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit next week, I urge him to sign this bill expeditiously so that American business people can soon enjoy these travel privileges and continue to expand American exports to these growing economies.”