releases: https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-says-securing-vwp-secures-nation
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-says-securing-vwp-secures-nation | Congressman Russell says, Securing the VWP Secures the Nation. | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Today, the House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, by a vote of 407-19. Presently, 38 countries citizens can travel to the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and thus can gain access to the U.S. more easily than citizens from non-VWP countries. As is law now, all applicants to the VWP are approved or denied after a background check, but the current process heavily relies upon the screening process of the host country, some of whom do not share all of their counter terrorism data with the United States. The Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015 enhances U.S. security by enforcing new laws that would make VWP countries strengthen their own security screening and counter terrorism information sharing with the U.S. H.R. 158 would also enact more stringent screening of anyone who has traveled to terrorist hotspots in the Middle East before allowing them entry into the United States. Countries that fail to screen travelers against ITERPOL databases, or share counter terrorism information would lose their VWP status. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke about his vote in favor of H.R. 158 saying: I was very happy to see the discussion move toward the real threat that terrorists are exploiting by focusing on the bigger problem of obtaining legal visas. It has been through the deliberative process of Congress that we have seen this shift, and it is bringing good results. It is easier and faster for our enemies to travel from the Middle East, or even Europe, legally into the country than it would be for them to wait out a multi-year refugee process. This bill, while not perfect, addresses many of the concerns we have about security when screening travelers from all over the world. At the same time, we can ensure that people visiting the U.S. for tourism or business are still able to do so. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |