(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) supported the passage of H.R. 4842, the Expositions Provide Opportunities (EXPO) Act, which she co-sponsored. The bill passed the House yesterday.

Houston is one of two U.S. cities interested in competing to host the 2027 World Expo.

Under current law, the U.S. is the only G7 country that relies on private donations to guarantee its presence at world expos, and it is the only country in the world that relies entirely on private funding for the creation of its pavilion. As a result, funding for seven of the last 10 American pavilions have fallen short of need.

The EXPO Act will authorize the State Department to use existing funds already appropriated by Congress for the United States pavilion at the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, and in doing so, pave the way for American cities like Houston to bid for hosting rights at future fairs.

“Serving as the host of the World Expo showcases our global, diverse, and dynamic city and fortifies relationships across the country and around the world,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “I am proud to see the EXPO Act pass to give Houston and other U.S. cities the opportunity to display our country’s innovation, values, and ideas.”

The bill was introduced by Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-03), who represents Bloomington, the other U.S. city to express interest in hosting the 2027 World Expo. Co-sponsors included Reps. Angie Craig (MN-02), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Pete Olson (TX-22), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Collin Peterson (MN-07), Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Ted Yoho (FL-03).