September 02, 2005   DHS PROPOSES NEW RULES ON DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR TRAVEL TO U.S. FROM CANADA, MEXICO PROPOSAL Will Address Sen. Collins’ Provision to Require Dept to Consider Alternatives to Passports   WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Homeland Security is seeking public comment on implementation of the “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative,” that would require individuals who enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and other Western Hemisphere countries to carry a passport. At Senator Collins’ insistence, the law requires DHS to also consider acceptable alternatives to passports, and to develop a plan that takes into consideration the needs of frequent travelers residing in border communities. Senator Collins has long argued that new travel rules should take into account the unique needs of states like Maine, where frequent travel across the border is crucial. She believes technology exists to allow this to be done without compromising security. The Collins-Lieberman intelligence reform law included the requirement that alternative forms of identification be considered as part of the new passport rules. It also requires that the Department seek to expedite the travel of frequent travelers, including those who live in border communities, and make registered traveler programs readily available to all travelers. The Department has committed itself to continuing to improve and expand travel facilitation programs consistent with the requirements of the law. “I am pleased that Secretary Chertoff has recognized the unique circumstances surrounding frequent travel to and from states like Maine, where the ability to quickly and easily cross the border is directly tied to the quality of life and livelihood of so many individuals and families. The public comment period provides the opportunity for anyone interested in this issue to present written views to the Department. I plan to press the Department to ensure that frequent travelers are not unduly burdened by this new regulation,” said Senator Collins. The originally proposed date for implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was December 31, 2005. The proposal issued by DHS yesterday would roll out the initiative in two phases, delaying implementation of the first phase to December 21, 2006 and the second phase on December 31, 2007.   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »   1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 September 2005 Press Releases   September 30 - GAO Releases Report On NASA’s Misuse Of Passenger Aircraft, Waste Of Millions Of Taxpayer Dollars   September 29 - Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Requests Extensive Government Documents For Hurricane Katrina Investigation   September 28 - Senators Collins and Lieberman Hold Katrina Hearing To Discuss Immediate Needs Of Victims And Communities   September 23 - Senators Collins and Frist Correspondence on Hurricane Investigation   September 22 - Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Approves Bills To Help Victims Of Hurricane Katrina   September 21 - Senators Collins And Lieberman Introduce Bill To Help Improve Communications For First Responders   September 21 - Senators Collins And Lieberman Hold Hearing On Transit Security To Examine Lessons Learned From The London Attacks   September 19 - GAO Releases Report To Senators Collins And Lieberman On U.S. Govt Efforts To Curtail Islamic Extremism   September 16 - Senators Susan Collins And Joseph Lieberman Call On DHS To Issue Unclassified Version Of Natl Transportation Security Strategy   September 15 - Senators Susan Collins and Joseph Lieberman Unveil Bill To Assign An IG To Oversee Katrina-Related Expenditures   September 14 - Senators Collins, Lieberman Hold First Congressional Hurricane Katrina Hearing   September 12 - Senator Collins Releases Statement on Resignation of FEMA Director Michael Brown   September 9 - Senator Collins Releases Statement On Sec Chertoff’s Assignment Of Vice Adm Thad Allen To Katrina Efforts   September 7 - Senator Collins Comments On Announcement Of Bipartisan, Bicameral Hurricane Response Committee   September 2 - Senators Collins and Lieberman Launch Oversight Investigation Of Hurricane Relief Efforts, Emergency Preparedness To Learn Lessons For Future Disasters   September 2 current Press Release   September 1 - Senate Approves $10 Billion Relief Aid for Gulf Coast Hurricane Victims
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510