U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) spoke on the House floor this week in support of the bipartisan H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015.
“This bill, which I cosponsored, will close a critical gap in our nation’s border security that is vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists and other nefarious actors seeking to do us harm,” Katko said. “This bill does not seek to eliminate the VWP, but strengthens the security of the program by requiring participating nations to increase counterterrorism information sharing, screen travelers against INTERPOL’s databases and enhance passport security features.”
The legislation, which overwhelmingly passed the House in a 407-19 vote, includes significant recommendations from the Katko-chaired Task Force on Combating Foreign Fighter Travel.
The act also includes Visa Waiver Program Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form security improvements, supports the use of such biometric data as e-passports, and calls for regular review of the program. These measures would serve to improve the amount of accurate information that can be used in vetting individuals coming to the U.S. for 90 days without a visa.
“This bill, which passed the House in a bipartisan manner, includes several of the recommendations that were outlined in the Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Report,” Katko said. “Having led this task force, I am pleased to see these recommendations being considered by Congress. I congratulate Chairwoman Miller the passage of this legislation, and for the bipartisan efforts of the entire Committee to improve our national security.”