Blumenthal Cosponsors Bill to Strengthen Security of Visa Waiver Program

Statement

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) cosponsored bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), to strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program to help prevent terrorists from entering the United States.

The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Angus King (I-Maine), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

"This measure effectively addresses one of the most glaring threats of foreign terrorist infiltration - gaping vulnerabilities in the Visa Waiver Program‎. The 45 million lost or stolen passports on the black market make the Visa Waiver Program a target of opportunity for foreign nationals intent on terror. Dangerous weaknesses in this program - enabling 20 million people to enter our country every year with minimal scrutiny - call for urgent, sweeping reform. Closing the program's serious vulnerabilities requires collecting additional data from travelers before they land and participating countries to share critical intelligence with the United States - steps that will enhance our safety and security. I look forward to working with my colleagues on prompt, bipartisan action," said Senator Blumenthal.

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