Congress Poised to Pass Extension of WHTI Deadline
WASHINGTON, DC, September 29, 2006. Congress is today poised to pass legislation that extends the deadline from January 1, 2008, to June 1, 2009, by which travelers entering the U.S. from the Western Hemisphere must present a passport or other secure travel document.
"The travel and tourism industry would like to express its gratitude to Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Judd Gregg (R-NH), as well as Representatives Tom Reynolds (R-NY), John Sweeney (R-NY), and Louise Slaughter (D-NY), and many other Senators and Representatives for their leadership on this issue. This action recognizes the need to provide a common sense extension of the current deadline and to continue our pursuit of the often difficult balance between securing our borders and free and open commerce," said Jonathan Tisch, chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable (TBR) and chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels.
The U.S. travel industry supports the intent of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), agreeing that U.S. border security will be enhanced by permitting Customs and Border Protection officers to examine fewer and more secure types of travel documents. The industry also supports a deadline extension because the current government plan does not allow enough time to implement the rules and educate the traveling public of the changes. In addition, the new requirements should provide flexibility for obtaining alternative travel documents that are inexpensive, secure and available to a broad range of travelers both inside and outside the United States.
"Just as we have on several other occasions since 9/11, the U.S. travel industry is supporting an initiative (WHTI) that will further secure this nation's citizens and international guests," said Roger Dow, President and CEO of the Travel Industry Association (TIA).
"Extension of the deadline ensures federal officials can implement this new rule correctly the first time, and this action also provides additional time to fully educate travelers here in the U.S. and neighboring countries on this change of law," said Dow.
Travel and tourism organizations here in Washington, DC, and around the country have been working with Congress to achieve a fair balance in the WHTI between enhanced homeland security and the continued facilitation of millions of legitimate travelers. This extension will continue the movement toward stronger border security while preserving access for tens of millions of cruise and land border travelers.
WHTI was the primary focus of the recent Travel Leadership Summit held September 12 and 13 in Washington, DC. The Summit, sponsored by TBR, TIA and the Travel & Tourism Coalition, included 30 state industry delegation dinners with Members of Congress and hundreds of lobbying visits on Capitol Hill by travel leaders.
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