WASHINGTON - U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow responds to today's White Houseannouncement regarding enhancements to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program:

"The American travel community continues to be amenable to enhancements to the Visa Waiver Program. Travel cannot thrive without security, and even the most successful programs should be continually evaluated and updated to reflect the ever-evolving security landscape.

"Over the past year, and as recently as today, the Obama administration has taken tangible steps to strengthen the VWP and bolster screening—and all are measures that have the support of the travel community. And currently, a number of congressional offices are crafting VWP legislation, and we have heard a number of smart ideas for enhancing the program. We have long been on-record supporting the VWP bill offered by Rep. Candice Miller of Michigan, and we anticipate that other measures will arise in both the House and the Senate that we can support.

"Our hope is that the debate remains a substantive one and does not devolve into political theater. We will approach proposals for strengthening the VWP with an open mind, and will evaluate ideas based on their feasibility and contributions to our security.”

Contact: 
Cathy Keefe 202-408-2183
Jamie Morris 202-218-3621