[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           NATIONALITY AND NATURALIZATION AMENDMENTS OF 1993

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Congressional Travel 
and Tourism Caucus and the Subcommittee on Aviation, I offer my strong 
support for H.R. 783 which extends the Visa Waiver Pilot Program for 2 
years and expands the program to include several countries on a 
probationary basis. I recognize that with the appropriate measures in 
place to preserve American security interests, the visa waiver program 
is a proven economic stimulus for local, State, and the national 
economy.
  This legislation has particular significance for me in my role as 
chairman of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus. The Visa 
Waiver Pilot Program, which has been in place since 1988, has been a 
tremendous catalyst in encouraging travel and tourism to the United 
States. From July 1988 through fiscal year 1993, 31 million people were 
admitted to our country under the visa waiver program. Should the 
program have expired on September 30 as scheduled, over 10 million 
prospective travelers who did not need U.S. visas would have been 
required to acquire a nonimmigrant visa. Additionally, expiration of 
the program would have caused some countries to reinstate visa 
requirements for U.S. citizens. Clearly, a situation such as this one 
would have burdened both travelers to the United States and American 
citizens traveling abroad. Moreover, the expiration of the program 
would have undoubtedly had a negative impact on the travel and tourism 
sector of the economy. Delays due to visa processing would have 
resulted in canceled travel plans and loss of revenue for airlines, 
hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and other tourism-related 
industries in the United States.
  As you may be aware, over 45 million international visitors spent $74 
billion in the United States in 1993, which resulted in employment for 
900,000 Americans and made travel and tourism the second-largest 
employer and the third largest retail industry. The revenues from these 
travelers gave the United States a $20.8 billion trade surplus--one of 
the few trade surpluses the U.S. still maintains. Extending the visa 
waiver program ensures the continuation of this vital economic trend.
  The benefits of ease of travel for visitors is felt in every 
congressional district. Every time a visitor enters our country, he or 
she generates new dollars for State and local economies as well as the 
national economy. Historic sites, national parks, museums, amusement 
parks, resorts, and the many other businesses in our communities 
prosper through tourism. Travel and tourism is the first, second, or 
third largest employer in 30 States. In my home State of Minnesota, 
more than 8,000 jobs were generated by foreign visitor spending while 
an additional 100,000 jobs were generated by domestic travel and 
tourism.
  In order to participate in the program, the member countries must 
meet a basic criteria, which ensures the protection of American 
interests and security. At the same time, countries in the program must 
also reciprocate the visa waiver for U.S. citizens. The 22 member 
countries currently involved in the program all represent American 
ideological partners and allies. No attempt is being made to allow 
countries that do not meet our standards of conduct into the program. 
It is also important to note that the 2-year extension will in no way 
dilute the authority of the Customs Service. Visitors from foreign 
nations will still be subjected to scrutiny upon entering the country. 
This would include the display of passport identification and searches 
by customs agents of traveler's personal belongings. H.R. 783 simply 
eliminates the need to obtain a visa, and in the end, promotes 
international tourism by lifting bureaucratic travel restrictions.

  As an aside, the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism, an 
idea that originated with my colleagues on the Caucus, will examine, 
among other items, barriers to tourism. The visa waiver program is 
certainly a wonderful example of the benefits that come with fewer 
barriers for travelers. By alleviating bureaucratic procedures and 
making travel to and from the United States a less cumbersome 
experience, the visa waiver program sends a strong signal that we 
welcome foreign travelers and the dollars they bring to our 
communities.
  In closing, I want to commend Chairman Mazzoli for his efforts to see 
the pilot program extended. I also want to commend Mr. McCloskey and 
Mr. Machtley for their initiatives concerning expansion of the visa 
waiver program. It is thrilling to see the array of support for 
increasing travel opportunities for visitors. Extending the visa waiver 
program will facilitate the free flow of travel for foreign visitors 
and U.S. citizens and ensure that this vital sector of our economy 
continues to thrive.

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