Keeping the Visa Waiver Program Secure

Below is a video and transcript of the speech.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

The Visa Waiver Program plays an essential role in growing the American economy, strengthening relationships with our most strategic allies, and most importantly, bolstering our national security.

Over the last decade, we’ve successfully used the incentives of the visa waiver program to require participating countries to implement the strictest of security standards and increase vital intelligence sharing with U.S. law enforcement.

As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I can’t stress enough the value of the intelligence we gather from the 38 visa waiver countries in thwarting terror plots and preventing attacks on our homeland.

That’s why I’ve been a long time supporter of the Visa Waiver Program and for expanding it to include important allies like Poland.

But I’ve also led the effort to strengthen the security requirements of the program to respond to the evolving threats we face.

My bipartisan JOLT Act, includes many of the security reforms included in the bill we are debating today that will not only

strengthen the security of the program and reduce fraud, but also provide the U.S. with even greater intelligence capacity.

What the recent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino show is that terrorism has evolved.

And as policy makers, we must continuously reevaluate what reforms are necessary to respond to keep America safe.

The bill before us provides the proper balance by making the visa waiver program even more secure and reaffirming our commitment to the program for the future.

And I urge my colleagues to join me to supporting its passage.