Speech #1090153653

GINGREY. His amendment would deny any Federal funding to negotiate the addition of other countries to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This amendment would essentially kill the expansion of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. something that I believe is a diplomatic mistake for our country to undertake. The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of promoting better relations with U.S. allies. eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel. stimulating the tourism industry. and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. Currently there are 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. all strong allies of the United States. Currently South Korea is seeking to become part of the Visa Waiver Program. We have very strong economic. cultural. and diplomatic ties with South Korea and the time has come to expand that relationship further to include the citizens of South Korea under the Visa Waiver Program. While the sponsor of this amendment states the Visa Waiver Program makes the USA less safe. I argue the exact opposite. Not all countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program. and not all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to use the program. Visa Waiver Program travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States. and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Securitys U.S.-VISIT program. The reason this program is needed is that processing visas in some countries can tie up about 80 percent of American Embassy and Consulate resources. If we extended the Visa Waiver Program to countries that have met the requirements and conditions set by our Department of State. we can free up much needed resources and devote them to other tasks such as: stopping terrorists. combating illegal immigration. drug trafficking. human trafficking. and weapons proliferations. To stop funding the Visa Waiver Program. is wrong and dangerous for Americans. As a Representative from one of the most diverse districts in the United States. I know first hand the contributions that our naturalized citizens can make to a community. I have constituents. that would like their families to legally come. visit and enjoy the United States. but are having a difficult time because the visa application process has become arduous and too time consuming. On the behalf of my constituents. I say that we must expand and continue the Visa Waiver Program. I oppose this amendment and urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.