[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 139 (Thursday, October 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INCREASING THE AUTHORIZED PERIOD OF STAY FOR THE GUAM VISA WAIVER 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2005

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced legislation to 
increase the period of authorized stay for the Guam Visa Waiver Program 
to mirror the period of authorized stay established in law for the 
nationwide Visa Waiver Program. I have introduced this bill at the 
request of both the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Guam.
  The Guam Visa Waiver Program was authorized by the Omnibus 
Territories Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-396). This program was 
established to largely complement the nationwide Visa Waiver Program, 
which was permanently authorized by Congress in 2000 (Public Law 106-
396), and to strengthen economic and cultural ties with nations in East 
Asia and the Pacific Rim.
  Today there are currently 27 countries participating in the 
nationwide Visa Waiver Program, while an additional ten countries are 
authorized to participate in the Guam Visa Waiver Program. These ten 
countries, admitted into the program as participants through the State 
Department rulemaking process, are as follows: Brunei, Indonesia, the 
Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon 
Islands, Taiwan, the possessions of the United Kingdom, Vanuatu and 
Western Samoa.
  Under current law, nonimmigrant visitors arriving in the United 
States, including Guam, through the nationwide Visa Waiver Program are 
permitted entry for business or pleasure for a period not to exceed 90 
days. However, nonimmigrant visitors arriving in Guam from any of the 
ten countries currently participating in the Guam Visa Waiver Program 
are permitted entry for business or pleasure for a period not to exceed 
15 days. The bill I have introduced today would increase the period 
authorized for stay in Guam under the Guam Visa Waiver Program from 15 
days to 90 days, a period equal in length to that established in law 
for the nationwide Visa Waiver Program.
  I believe that establishing consistency in the authorized periods of 
stay under both programs will improve the administration of the Guam 
Visa Waiver Program. Additionally, extending the period of authorized 
stay for the Guam Visa Waiver Program could potentially boost tourism 
for Guam.
  Tourism is a key sector of Guam's economy, and the Guam Visa Waiver 
Program has been central to increased international travel to Guam 
since its implementation in 1998. I believe this program can be 
strengthened with an increased authorized period of stay.
  This bill has been co-sponsored by the Chairman and the Ranking 
Member of the House Small Business Committee, Mr. Manzullo and Ms. 
Velazquez, respectively. Their support is especially appreciated given 
the fact that this bill will support many small businesses in Guam 
which are a part of the visitor industry. Additionally, Mr. 
Abercrombie, Mr. Burton, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Faleomavaega, and Mr. 
Farr are original cosponsors of this bill. I look forward to building 
more support for this bill in the 109th Congress and to working with 
the leadership of the House Judiciary Committee on this issue.

                          ____________________