WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) announced today that Liz Woolsey, owner of the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store in Baker, Nevada, will be her guest at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address. Woolsey’s invitation underscores the Senator’s focus on the economic challenges facing rural Nevada businesses, particularly those reliant on tourism to Great Basin National Park. The Senator argues that the Trump administration’s policies have contributed to a decline in visitation and economic hardship for businesses like Woolsey’s.
The invitation comes as President Trump prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term. Traditionally, members of Congress extend an invitation to a guest who embodies a key issue or represents their constituents. In this case, Senator Cortez Masto is using the opportunity to highlight what she describes as the negative impact of the administration’s economic policies on Nevada’s tourism industry and small business owners.
“President Trump ran on a promise that he would lower costs and bolster the American economy. Instead, in just one year, he has done just the opposite,” said Senator Cortez Masto in a statement. “Tonight, he’s going to tell us not to believe our own eyes about how much harder it is to make ends meet, but Nevadans like Liz know better. It’s past time my Republican colleagues listen to the working families across the country and help reverse Trump’s harmful economic agenda, actions, and rhetoric.”
Tourism Decline in Rural Nevada
Liz Woolsey, whose business serves as a gateway to Great Basin National Park, has experienced a downturn in visitation, particularly from international travelers. “I am honored to represent my community, county, and state to ensure that Nevada tourism opportunities in outdoor recreation, arts, culture, and history remain a vital economic industry,” Woolsey stated. “Businesses in Baker thrive because of tourism. Travelers from around the world stay in our lodging accommodations and eat at our restaurants while visiting Great Basin National Park. Federal budget and staffing cuts to the National Park Service and Public Lands ultimately impact our businesses. We are now experiencing a downturn in visitation, especially with international travelers, and the park is struggling to fill positions and be fully operational. At the finish of the day, all of that hurts our community.”
According to Senator Cortez Masto’s office, Great Basin National Park has seen a decrease in tourism, impacting businesses like the Stargazer Inn. This decline is occurring despite 2024 being one of the park’s best years for visitation, with over 140,000 visitors, according to the National Park Service. However, Woolsey believes that number declined last year, mirroring a 7.5 percent drop in visitation to Las Vegas in 2025 – the lowest since 2021, according to reports.
Nevada’s Tourism Economy at Stake
The tourism industry is a significant economic driver for Nevada. In 2024, it generated nearly $100 billion in economic activity and supported more than 436,000 jobs. Senator Cortez Masto attributes the recent struggles to President Trump’s policies, including tariffs, rhetoric regarding international relations, and changes to immigration policies. She has consistently voiced concerns about the impact of these policies on Nevada’s economy throughout 2025, hosting a press conference with the Culinary Union to address the issue.
Cortez Masto has as well supported legislation aimed at reversing funding cuts to Brand USA, a public-private partnership promoting travel to the United States. She has advocated for maintaining traditional fee-free days at national parks and opposed increases in fees for international travelers. Earlier this month, she pressed Scott Bessent to acknowledge the impact of the administration’s policies on Nevada tourism and introduced the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act, seeking to strengthen collaboration with Canada and Mexico to support the travel industry.
The Senator’s decision to invite Woolsey to the State of the Union is a direct response to what she views as a detrimental trend for Nevada’s economy. As the President prepares to address the nation, Senator Cortez Masto intends to use Woolsey’s presence as a visible reminder of the challenges faced by small business owners in rural Nevada and the broader impact of federal policies on the state’s vital tourism sector.
Looking ahead, the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on Nevada’s tourism industry will continue to be a key issue for Senator Cortez Masto. The coming months will likely see further debate and legislative efforts aimed at addressing the concerns raised by Woolsey and other business owners across the state. What specific actions will be taken to mitigate the economic challenges remains to be seen.
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