Speech #1050119667

I thank the gentleman for yielding me Ihe time. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Chairman SMiTai) for bringing this very Important bill to the floor. Having heard the gentleman from Guam. we understand. certainly. his InWrets and obvinusly other countries Interests in expatding the program. but we want to make certain as well that before we expand unlimltedly. that we provide the kind of safcguaxds that the gentleman from Texas (Chairmnan SMITHtI has been asking for. to make ecrtaln that the programs do In fact work. that we do have a viable program. but that we do not unwittingly provide for a flood of illegal immigration. if you will. I want to talk specifically about the bill the chairman has on the floor. It has been in existence 10 years. The visa waiver program has boon an excellent tool for encouraging tourists to come to the United States. That has had a direct impact nn virtually every region of out country. Whether you are on the West Coast. of tbe United States. iorida. or Massachusetts. we have all benefited by the visa waiver program. In fact. In 1996 alone 46 million International visitors came to the United States. and they spent more than $90 billion. $90 billion spent by 46 million international visitors.