Introduction of the Expanding Dhs Overseas Passenger Security Screening and Vetting Operations Act

Floor Speech

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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.

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