CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement of support following President Obama’s earlier announcement that the Administration will increase efforts to expand the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):
“I applaud the President’s continued commitment to expansion of the Visa Waiver Program, at a time when our economy needs it most. Expansion and modernization of the VWP will strengthen our national security, provide valuable tourism revenue and will demonstrate to important allies that we very much respect their friendship. We must reform the outdated system in place that has denied visa-free travel to major diplomatic allies like Poland and others.”
Rep. Quigley has testified before Congress as a staunch advocate for expanding VWP, which affords up to 90 days of visa-free United States travel to foreign nationals from the 36 eligible countries who participate in the program. Rep. Quigley authored the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act, which seeks to enhance security measures and create the ability to extend the VWP framework and welcome new countries into the program. The bill has been formally endorsed by President Obama.
Last week, Rep. Quigley traveled to Poland, a country he believes should be included in the VWP, to speak with state officials regarding his legislative vehicle for VWP expansion. Rep. Quigley will soon introduce bipartisan legislation that he hopes will move quickly through Congress and to the President’s desk, opening the doors for Poland’s inclusion once and for all.