Caleb Tiller , +1 703-684-0836, ext. 138
Courtney Leigh Beisel , +1 703-684-0836, ext. 133
Alexandria, VA (February 14, 2007) – The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) today applauded the bipartisan amendment being offered by Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) to expand the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to consider the addition of more countries. VWP currently allows travelers from 27 nations to travel to the United States for 90 days or less for business or pleasure without undergoing a formal visa interview, enabling the free flow of commerce between the United States and its most important business and trade partners around the world.
The Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Act of 2007 would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to consider countries for admission to the VWP if they meet a set of criteria related to cooperation in the fields of counterterrorism and law enforcement. The bill would also require VWP countries to meet a series of new security measures to maintain their participation in the program. In addition, the amendment would require that the Department of Homeland Security build the airport exit system for VWP travelers so that the United States has the best information about travelers in the program and their VWP compliance. A vote is expected on the measure tomorrow.
“The passage of the Voinovich amendment would make a strong statement that the United States is open for business and welcomes travelers from around the world,” said Bill Connors, NBTA Executive Director & COO. “Additionally, the law would simultaneously strengthen and expand the Visa Waiver Program, showing that our borders can be both open and secure. The use of advanced technology can provide the security and immigration integrity the American people deserve by encouraging our foreign partners to deploy gold-standard security measures, while also maintaining economic security by enabling the free conduct of commerce.”
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 2,700 corporate and government travel managers and travel service providers, who collectively manage and direct more than $170 billion of expenditures within the business travel industry. For more on NBTA, visit www.nbta.org.
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