CONTACT: Caleb Tiller | 703-684-0836 ext. 38
Alexandria, VA (July 23, 2004) -- The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) today applauded the passage of H.R. 4417, a bill extending by one year the deadline for countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to begin issuing passports that include biometric identifiers. NBTA credited international travelers, the business community and all sectors of the travel industry, including air carriers, hotels, restaurants and car rental companies, for uniting to back the measure.
“In our global economy, supporting international business travel is vital to our national interest” said NBTA President and CEO, Carol A. Devine, CCTE. “The Visa Waiver Program countries are the United States’ most valuable business partners, so giving them adequate time to implement new passport technology just makes good sense.”
NBTA was at the forefront of a broad industry effort to support strong travel security without negatively impacting the nation’s economy.
“House Judiciary Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. and Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Orrin Hatch were instrumental in guiding this bill through Congress,” continued Devine. “Their leadership promoted a common-sense approach to biometric passport requirements that support strong physical and economic security for the United States.”
The National Business Travel Association is the source for critical information on the business travel industry. For more than 35 years, NBTA has dedicated itself to the professional development of its members through advocacy, education and training, and networking opportunities. NBTA represents over 2,500 corporate travel managers and travel service providers, who collectively manage and direct more than $170 billion of expenditures within the business travel industry.
###