[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN SUPPORT OF THE PASSENGER SERVICES ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill before us 
today to provide for the continuation of preclearance activities for 
air transit passengers.
  I want to thank Mr. Crane and Mr. Shaw for working with me on this 
important legislation to help facilitate the services Customs provides 
to process the massive amounts of people and products entering and 
existing our country.
  This bill, which is similar to legislation Mr. Crane and I introduced 
last April, would allow the Customs Service to access funds in the User 
Fee Accounts and enhance inspector staffing and equipment at 
preclearance service locations in foreign countries.
  This is significant because if U.S. Customs eliminates these 
positions, preclearance for passengers to the United States will slow, 
travel will be disrupted, and the tourism industry in many states will 
suffer. Allowing the preclearance services to continue means a great 
deal to many employers in my district, like Northwest Airlines and all 
those affiliated with the Mall of America--which attracts more visitors 
each year than Disneyworld, Graceland and the Grand Canyon combined.
  The Customs Service has said there are insufficient resources in its 
salaries and expenses account to fund the enhanced preclearance 
positions. This bill gives access to excess funds in the User Fee 
Account, without any additional cost to taxpayers. Acting-Commissioner 
Banks testified before our Ways and Means Committee in support of our 
earlier version of the legislation, and the airline industry supports 
it as well.
  I appreciate how quickly the House has recognized the merits of this 
legislation and allowed us to bring it to the floor today. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in support of this critical bill.

                          ____________________