Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.) offered congressional assistance on Thursday to the Department of Homeland Security to help improve international passport screening procedures.
Miller, the vice chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the missing Malaysia Airlines jet is a reminder of the importance of reviewing international passport screening procedures to identify vulnerabilities.
“I know that since 9/11, the U.S. has vastly improved its procedures by screening against terror and watch lists, immigration databases and records of lost or stolen passports,” Miller said. “However, not all countries have such robust procedures, putting Americans traveling internationally at greater risk.”
Miller said she plans to further review passport screening procedures moving forward and will convene a hearing to discuss ways to work with international allies to enhance security.
“I have also joined my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee in offering congressional assistance to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State with identifying ways to improve international passport screening to guard against those who wish to do us harm,” Miller said.
Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) joined Miller in coauthoring a letter to the Department of Homeland Security regarding possible ways Congress can encourage actions that increase global flight security.