ID Cards: Reissuing Border Crossing Cards

On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., in room 2154, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “ID Cards: Reissuing Border Crossing Cards.”

This hearing continued the Subcommittee’s series of hearings on identification card management and security. Beginning in FY 2008, millions of Border Crossing Cards – visas issued to Mexican nationals who live and work along the border – will expire and require reissuance, creating a heavy workload for the U.S. embassy and consulates in Mexico. The hearing reviewed the steps State is taking to meet demand, including hiring temporary consular staff and contracting with the private sector for application intake. The hearing also reviewed the effectiveness of physical and electronic security measures in the visa documents. At the request of Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Bilbray, GAO has studied State’s planning process and will present preliminary findings at the hearing.

WITNESSES INCLUDED

Panel I

Mr. Tony Edson, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State

Ms. Colleen M. Manaher, Director, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Mr. Jess Ford, Director, International Affairs and Trade, Government Accountability Office

Panel II

Mr. Aaron Fuller, President, Computer Sciences Corporation, Inc.

Mr. Rick Patrick, Senior Vice President for Federal Programs, L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc.

Mr. William T. Alsbrooks, former Group Vice President, Information Systems Credential Technology Group, General Dynamics