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Washington, DC (September 27, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) joined fellow members of Congress in sending a letter to Speaker Dennis Hastert urging the House Leadership to accept the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report language that will extend the implementation date of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) until June 1, 2009, and sets guidelines for alternative documents to a passport.

“Communities throughout the country, and in particular the 15th district, rely heavily on cross-border commerce and trade,” said Hinojosa.  “In its current form, the WHTI is deeply flawed and will not just negatively impact our economic solvency, but makes minimal gains when it comes to border and homeland security.”

According to the Intelligence Reform Prevention Act of 2004, the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State are required to implement the WHTI plan that makes it necessary for travelers re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean to present documents denoting both identity and citizenship.  This plan is to be implemented by January 1, 2008.

In May 2006, the Government Accountability Office concluded that DHS and State have made no key programmatic decisions and are not likely to meet the 2008 deadline.

The Senate’s Homeland Security Appropriations bill contained language that extends the WHTI deadline and gives DHS and State clear instructions for establishing low-cost travel documents.  Conferees to the bill agreed to include an extension of the deadline to June 2009.  However, it is apparent that some in leadership oppose this decision, and are considering measures to strip out the language before the bill reaches the House floor for a vote.

“Extending implementation of the WHTI is a necessary first-step toward ensuring that it actually strengthens our borders without unintentionally closing them to legitimate trade and travel,” said Hinojosa.  “We all recognize, especially those of us who represent border communities, that we need a smart and secure border – and provisions that guarantee both.”