[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 77 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE EXPANDING DHS OVERSEAS PASSENGER SECURITY SCREENING 
                       AND VETTING OPERATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, over the past several 
years, terrorists have exploited legitimate channels of travel to the 
United States from countries around the globe with the intention of 
conducting attacks. To prevent terrorist travel, the Department of 
Homeland Security has ``pushed out our borders'' by expanding its 
presence and partnerships around the world to ensure vetting of 
passengers well in advance of their arrival in the United States.
  Today, I am introducing the ``Expanding DHS Overseas Passenger 
Security Screening and Vetting Operations Act'' to enhance DHS' 
overseas operations that vet and screen foreign travelers to the United 
States by, among other things:
  Requiring DHS to use a strategic, risk-based, and coordinated 
approach to expand overseas operations;
  Increasing U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) capacity to 
screen additional passengers and facilitate travel by authorizing an 
additional 2,000 CBP Officers and 600 Agriculture Specialists to 
address existing domestic staffing shortages, particularly at U.S. 
international airports, while expanding overseas operations; and
  Expanding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) visa 
vetting operations by directing ICE to stand up an additional 50 Visa 
Security Units at overseas visa-issuing posts abroad and authorizing 
the PATRIOT automated visa vetting program at 50 additional high-risk 
locations.
  My legislation, which I am introducing with Representatives Loretta 
Sanchez (CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX), William R. Keating (MA), Donald 
M. Payne, Jr. (NJ), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), and Yvette D. Clarke 
(NY), would bolster the effectiveness of recent VWP reforms and 
strengthen DHS' capacity to prevent terrorists and other dangerous 
people from entering the U.S.

                          ____________________