WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement after today’s Senate Finance Committee hearing on the nomination of R. Gil Kerlikowske as commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
“CBP stands guard at the nation’s borders and ports of entry, but it is also the first point of contact for international travelers visiting the United States. The agency needs strong leadership to ensure it has the proper resources, funding and infrastructure to strengthen international travel facilitation, safety and security.
“With nearly 40 years of experience in law enforcement and drug policy at both the municipal and national levels—most notably as drug czar, and before that Seattle’s police commissioner for nine years, during which crime fell to historic lows—Gil Kerlikowske has the proven leadership experience to serve with distinction as CBP commissioner.
“The travel community supports his immediate confirmation. We look forward to working with Mr. Kerlikowske, the Administration and Congress to improve the agency’s critical operations and better welcome international travelers into America.”
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- “With nearly 40 years of experience in law enforcement and drug policy at both the municipal and national levels—most notably as drug czar, and before that Seattle’s police commissioner for nine years, during which crime fell to historic lows—Gil Kerlikowske has the proven leadership experience to serve with distinction as CBP commissioner.
- “CBP stands guard at the nation’s borders and ports of entry, but it is also the first point of contact for international travelers visiting the United States.
- The agency needs strong leadership to ensure it has the proper resources, funding and infrastructure to strengthen international travel facilitation, safety and security.
