Political Quotes

“I congratulate my cosponsor, Senator Mikulski, for the excellent work we did as a team on this amendment. It took a long time to work this through the process, but we are very pleased today this amendment will be accepted. Mr. President, when a country is a staunch defense ally and partner in the war on terror, they should have the opportunity to participate in the Visa Waiver Program on a probationary basis while they work to come into full compliance. I previously introduced and called up a similar amendment, No. 3214, cosponsored by Senator Mikulski. After consultation with the Judiciary Committee and the Department of State, this modified version seeks to address some of the concerns that have been raised. I believe it is time that we allow average citizens from our allies in the war on terror to come to the U.S. for weddings, birthdays and funerals without the arbitrary determination of an embassy bureaucrat. This amendment provides an opportunity--just an opportunity--for our allies to allow their citizens to visit here for average events that we all take for granted. It does not provide an open-ended opportunity, just a 2-year window. Any country that meets the probationary criteria then must come into full compliance within 2 years--if not, they are terminated from the program.…”