DHS RESPONDS TO SEN. COLLINS’ REQUEST TO SEEK ALTERNATIVES TO PASSPORT RULES, VOWS TO TAKE HER CONCERNS INTO CONSIDERATION

WASHINGTON, DC-- The US Department of Homeland Security has responded to Senator Collins' concerns about new passport rules that would require all individuals who enter the US from Canada to carry passports. Senator Collins, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the Department of Homeland Security, has expressed serious concerns about the upcoming rules and how they could affect border states, such as Maine, where frequent travel across the border is crucial. In a recent letter to Secretary Chertoff, Senator Collins asked that DHS look at other forms of identification, such as drivers' licenses, that could be acceptable and that the Department search for ways to enable frequent travelers to cross the borders more rapidly.

In response to Senator Collins' recent letter to Secretary Chertoff on the matter, a DHS official working on the new rules assured the Senator that her concerns "are recognized" and that the Department is "carefully considering alternatives for the use of passports for cross-border travel, such as the Trusted Traveler Programs and NEXUS."

At issue is DHS's "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" which aims to strengthen security by requiring a passport or other documents for travel across the Southern and Northern borders. Specifically, Senator Collins asked Secretary Chertoff to take into account the unique circumstances of Border States such as Maine, where many individuals rely on travel into Maine to visit friends and family, and patronize Maine's businesses.

As part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which Senator Collins co-authored, she included provisions in the bill that provides the Secretary of Homeland Security with the authority to take into account the needs of border communities.

"It is a positive sign that DHS has recognized the unique circumstances surrounding frequent travel to and from Maine. In many cases, this travel is crucial to the quality of live and livelihood of Mainers living near the Canadian border. I am pleased the Secretary Chertoff is taking Maine's needs into account with these new rules and I will continue to work with him during the rulemaking process," said Senator Collins.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be implemented in 2008.

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