[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MODIFYING CERTAIN DEADLINES FOR MACHINE-READABLE, TAMPER-RESISTANT 
                        ENTRY AND EXIT DOCUMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JEFF FLAKE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2004

  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, today the House approved by voice vote H.R. 
4417, a bill to modify certain deadlines pertaining to machine-
readable, tamper-resistant entry and exit documents. I applaud the 
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Sensenbrenner, 
for advancing this important legislation, which is the first step in 
ensuring that the United States and Visa Waiver Program countries are 
able to honor the obligations that were put into law in the Enhanced 
Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002.
  I am concerned, however, that H.R. 4417 does not grant the 
Administration the full two-year period that will be necessary to 
achieve the issuance of biometric, machine-readable, tamper-resistant 
passports that meet international standards. The Secretaries of State 
and Homeland Security have stated that not even the United States will 
be ready to issue such passports by October 2005. The uncertainty and 
confusion created by a one-year extension for both potential travelers 
to the U.S., as well as the industries that serve them during their 
stays here, must be taken into account. The Senate is considering 
legislation that would grant the Administration the two-year period 
that they seek. I believe that this approach will facilitate an 
efficient completion of the passport development and issuance process, 
while also taking into account important national security concerns.

                          ____________________