I strongly support H.R. 1. Improving Americas Security Act of 2007. which includes critical security provi3. Pt. 15 July 27. 2007 sions endorsed by the 9/11 Commission as well as an overdue expansion of the visa waiver program. VWP. Mr. Speaker. the visa waiver program is an immensely valuable program for the United States. and the legislation before us will not only enable us to expand the visa waiver program to additional allies who already offer U.S. citizens visafree travel to their countries. but simultaneously strengthen the security aspects of the program. Although H.R. 1 expands the VWP. I would have preferred that the program expand to all the roadmap countries. among them some of Americas most important and loyal allies. and I am hopeful Congress will take steps to address this issue in the near future. Despite my concerns that some roadmap countries may be excluded. this legislation is an important step towards addressing the security concerns that members of Congress have articulated about the visa waiver program. I am confident that once the security measures outlined in H.R. 1 are implemented. those members of Congress who previously had concerns about the program will be open to considering further expansion of the visa waiver program. In the meantime. it is imperative that the Bush Administration and Congress continue to work with our allies. who deserve to participate in the program. The United States should also provide assistance to help these governments reduce their visa refusal rates and meet all the necessary requirements detailed in the Improving Americas Security Act. It is clear that H.R. 1 fulfills key 9/11 Commission recommendations and improves the security aspects of the visa waiver program. and I applaud my colleagues for their efforts to make our country safer and further expand this program. However. America cannot successfully fight the battle against intemational terrorism without the cooperation and trust of our allies. I would like to remind my colleagues that the 9/11 Commission also stressed the need for diplomacy and cooperation with other Nations to address the threat of international terrorism. In this vein. further expansion of the visa waiver program can play a vital role in strengthening Americas relationships and security partnerships with our most trusted allieswhich is essential to preventing another 9/11 disaster.