[JustPiper]

Entry-Exit Tracking System Faces Criticism

The congressionally mandated entry-exit tracking system, U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indication Technology system (U.S. VISIT) appears to be in trouble. This is alarming because one of the keys to identifying potential terrorists, criminal aliens, and visa violators will be the effective operation of an entry-exit tracking system. On September 23, the General Accounting Office released a scathing report citing several factors making the U.S. VISIT program “a risky endeavor.” These factors were attributed to poor management and include the potential cost, the low current staffing level, and the fact that the system’s final structure remains unclear. GAO recommended that DHS establish a multi-agency body to guide and direct the program.

Congressional support for U.S. VISIT also appears to be waning. The 2004 Homeland Security appropriations bill (H.R. 2555) approved by Congress includes only $330 million for U.S. VISIT, a full 31 percent less than the $480 million President Bush requested. Appropriators based the funding reduction on the fact that DHS has been slow to provide congressionally mandated spending plans and other information on the program, as well as more details on how the program will work.

[JustPiper]

Last Week’s Floor Statements
September 23:
• Representative Charlie Norwood (R-GA) presented statements in support of his legislation, H.R. 2671, the “Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2003.”
THE CLEAR ACT OF 2003

• Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) presented statements in support of his illegal alien farm worker amnesty legislation, S. 1645.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

September 24:
• Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) made comments on “Our Nation’s Immigration.”

Upcoming Events
Tuesday, September 30:
• The Senate Immigration Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine visa security. Witnesses include Asa Hutchinson, undersecretary for border security and transportation security, Homeland Security Department; and Maura Harty, assistant secretary for consular affairs, State Department. When: 2 p.m. Where: 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building. Contact: 202-224-5225

Wednesday, October 1:
• The House Select Committee on Homeland Security will hold a hearing on “Identification Documents Fraud and the Implications for Homeland Security.” When: 1 p.m. Where: 2318 Rayburn House Office Building. Contact: 202-225-9600.
• The House Immigration Subcommittee will hold a hearing on immigration law enforcement and H.R. 2671, the “Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2003.” When: 4 p.m. Where: 2237 Rayburn House Office Building. Contact: 202-225-3951.
Guys, make sure you call These people's offices and these #'s on Thursday 10-2! The Senator/Reps contained in these links needs to be contacted!