[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3927]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT T. SCHILLING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2012

  Mr. SCHILLING. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 19, 2012, due to an 
unexpected flight delay in Chicago, Illinois that prevented my travel, 
I was unable to cast my vote for roll Number 111.
  Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3992 which 
passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 371-0. I believe by 
allowing our allies, such as Israel, to invest in businesses in the 
United States, we are encouraging job creation and bringing more 
innovative ideas that will benefit all Americans.
  Currently, citizens in 75 countries are eligible to apply for E-2 
visas which are non-immigrant visas valid for up to two years and allow 
visa holders to oversee businesses in which they have considerable 
capital invested. Prior to 2003, countries could become eligible if 
specified in trade agreements but now separate legislation is required 
to add countries to the program.
  Countries eligible for E-2 visas span from Albania to Pakistan to the 
United Kingdom and in Fiscal Year 2010, more than 25,000 E-2 visas were 
granted. Israel has a reciprocal program allowing United States 
investors the same ability. E-2 visas invest in our economy and foster 
working relationships with other countries. Adding Israel to this list 
will only continue these efforts.
  Again, had my flight from Chicago to Washington, DC had not been 
delayed, I would have voted in support of H.R. 3992.

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