[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 116 (Thursday, September 23, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9643-S9644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SANTORUM (for himself and Ms. Mikulski):
  S. 2844. A bill to designate Poland as a program country under the 
visa waiver program established under section 217 of the Immigration 
and Nationality Act; read the first time.
  Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce, along with 
Senator Mikulski, a bill that would designate Poland as a program 
country under the visa waiver program under section 217 of the 
Immigration Nationality Act.
  As our soldiers preserve America's beliefs and values which have been 
threatened by terrorists at home and abroad, it is important to 
appreciate the sacrifices our allies have made during the War on 
Terror. America must continue to solidify the bond with its allies by 
assisting their government and citizens when possible. This legislation 
brings us closer to a country that has been by our side through a time 
of war and continues to be a partner in the fight for global freedom.
  Since the founding of the United States, Poland has proven its 
steadfast dedication to the causes of freedom and friendship with the 
United States. This has been exemplified by the brave actions of Polish 
patriots such as Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszco during the 
American Revolution. Polish history provides pioneering examples of 
democracy and religious tolerance, and this is reflected in their 
constitution that states, ``Freedom of faith and religion shall be 
ensured to everyone.''
  Poland's revolt from the Soviet Union's communist stranglehold is a 
more recent example of their dedication to freedom. They are a prime 
example of Ronald Reagan's vision to end the Cold War. As I met this 
morning with Lech Walesa, the tenacious leader of Poland's Solidarity 
movement and former President of Poland, I was reminded of the hard and 
inspiring struggle the country endured to bring democracy to their 
people.
  And their commitment to preserving freedom and global security 
continues today. On March 12, 1999, Poland became a member of the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization. This was followed by admission into the 
European Union on May 1, 2004. Poland was a staunch ally to the United 
States in Operation Iraqi Freedom and has committed 2,300 troops to 
help with the ongoing peace efforts in Iraq.
  In addition to Poland's efforts as a global ally, its people have 
contributed greatly within our borders. Nearly 9 million people of 
Polish ancestry live in the United States. Polish immigrants have been 
a contributing factor to the success of industry and agriculture in 
Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.
  Currently, the United States administers the visa waiver program to 
citizens of 27 countries. The program allows citizens from visa waiver 
program countries to visit-the United States as tourists, and Poland 
has earned the right to participate. For the 100,000 Polish citizens 
that visit the United States annually, I ask through this legislation 
that Poland be deemed a designated program country for the purposes of 
the visa waiver program. I thank my colleagues for their support.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I am here today to right a wrong in 
America's visa program. I am here to introduce a bill to extend the 
visa waiver program to Poland.
  The cold war is over. Poland is a free and democratic nation. Poland 
is a NATO ally and a member of the European Union. But America's visa 
policy still treats Poland as a second-class citizen. That is just 
wrong.
  Poland is a reliable ally, not just by treaty but in deeds. Two 
Polish ships participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the 
1990-91 gulf war. Poland sent troops to Bosnia as part of UNPROFOR and 
IFOR. Warsaw hosted an international conference on combating terrorism 
less than 2 months after the September 11 attacks. Poland sent troops 
as part of the international coalition in Afghanistan. And Polish 
troops fought alongside American and British and Australian troops from 
day one of the war in Iraq. They are still there, sharing the burden 
and the risk and the casualties.
  So why are Singapore and San Marino among the 27 countries in the 
visa waiver program, but Poland is not?
  This morning, we met with a hero of the cold war, Lech Walesa. When 
he jumped over the wall of the Gdansk shipyard, he took Poland and the 
whole world with him. He told us that the visa issue is a question of 
honor for Poland. We should once again stand in solidarity with the 
father of Solidarity, and extend the visa waiver program to Poland.
  President Kwasniewski raised this issue with President Bush in 
January. The President said this is a matter for Congress. It is about 
time for us to act.
  The bill Senator Santorum and I are introducing today will add Poland 
to the list of designated countries in the visa waiver program. That 
will allow Polish citizens to travel to the United States for business 
or tourism for up to 60 days without needing to stand in line to get a 
visa. That means it, will be easier for Poles to visit family and 
friends or do business in America. Should not we remove a barrier so 
the

[[Page S9644]]

Pulaskis and Kosciuszkos and Marie Curies of today can visit our 
country?
  We know that our borders will be no less secure because of these 
Polish visitors to our country. But we know that the alliance will be 
more secure because of this Santorum-Mikulski legislation.
  I urge our colleagues to join us in support of this important bill, 
so that we can pass it and get it signed into law before we adjourn.

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