A House bill to let more international tourists visit the United States without visas, which could boost Southern Nevada’s economy and create jobs was promoted buy US Rep Shelley Berkeley and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.

U.S. Rep. Joe Heck pitched his own legislation to speed U.S. visa processing to draw more free-spending international tourists six months ago. Berkley, a Democrat, signed on to Republican Heck’s bill. She and Heck also are among three dozen co-sponsors of the separate visa waiver bill.

Anything we can do to get people back to work is important,” Berkley said, noting visitors fuel Nevada’s economy. “Tourism is our No. 1 industry, and we need to expand our tourism base.” Goodman and Marybel Batjer, vice president of public policy and communications at Caesars Entertainment Group, both said easing visa rules should be a bipartisan effort for Nevada.

They praised Berkley on Monday as they did Heck when he introduced his visa bill last September. Goodman said the competition among countries for international tourists is intense. She said the United States must make it easier for friendly foreigners to travel here, including waiving visa fees and requirements when there is no security risk.

Now, people from 36 countries don’t need a visa to visit the United States for up to 90 days. Nearly 18 million visitors used the visa waiver program in 2010, Berkley’s office said.

The proposed House legislation would allow the Department of Homeland Security to designate new countries to participate in the visa waiver program. Berkley called Poland a good candidate as well as Brazil, which has a growing class of big spenders. Batjer noted Southern Nevada also relies heavily on Chinese tourism, and easing visa rules for China would help business here, too.

The average international traveler spends more than $1,000 per stay of at least four days while the average domestic tourist in Las Vegas spends $645 per visit of three days.

Goodman and Marybel Batjer, vice president of public policy and communications at Caesars Entertainment Group, both said easing visa rules should be a bipartisan effort for Nevada. They praised Berkley on Monday as they did Heck when he introduced his visa bill last September.

Goodman said the competition among countries for international tourists is intense. She said the United States must make it easier for friendly foreigners to travel here, including waiving visa fees and requirements when there is no security risk.