WASHINGTON, DC – US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement today in support of Senate Homeland Security Chairman Ron Johnson’s Visa Waiver Program Improvement & Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015:
“Chairman Johnson’s bill further strengthens the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), already a powerful tool in helping America fight terrorism and prevent potential enemies of the United States from entering our country. This bill is a strong reminder that even in the wake of events like the horrific terrorists attacks in Paris, Congress can put aside political gamesmanship and offer thoughtful solutions that advance our national security.
“Like Rep. Candice Miller’s bill in the House, the Johnson bill will ensure better information sharing among intelligence and law enforcement agencies. It also provides for better screening to identify high-risk travelers and makes it harder for extremists to falsify their identities and enter the U.S. on fraudulent passports. The bill will also require the Department of Homeland Security and other U.S. agencies to strengthen their background checks on travelers and conduct stringent threat assessments on all VWP countries.
“Security is critical for travel, which is why the U.S. Travel Association has supported efforts to enhance the already strong VWP for the past six months.
“The Johnson billโlike the Miller bill in the Houseโdeserves strong, bipartisan support. We urge Congress to quickly pass these VWP enhancements and send them to President Obama for his immediate signature.”