Travel community welcomes new US Customs Chief

WASHINGTON, DC – The travel community is applauding the announcement today of a new US Customs and Border Protection Chief. The appointment has been confirmed by the US Senate.

Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of R. Gil Kerlikowske as the new commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

“By confirming Commissioner Kerlikowske today, the U.S. Senate has installed proven leadership at the head of the agency that protects our nation’s borders and ports of entry and is the first point of contact for international travelers visiting our shores.

“From his decades of work at both the municipal and national levels, Mr. Kerlikowske knows what it takes to lead CBP’s critical operations. Coupled with CBP’s strong career leadership and dedicated workforce, Mr. Kerliowske’s commitment to travel facilitation and border security is an important aspect of the Obama Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Strategy.

“We appreciate the leadership of Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in moving this critical nomination through the Senate.

“The travel community is eager to get to work with Mr. Kerlikowske, the Administration and Congress to strengthen the agency, America’s national security and the overall international traveler experience.