WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Senator Susan Collins today applauded the decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State to develop less expensive identity documents for Americans who frequently travel to Canada and Mexico . DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice today announced that later this year the Departments expect to begin producing an inexpensive, secure, biometric passport card to be known as the People Access Security Service, or PASS, system card.
Part of the Intelligence Reform Law of 2004, the “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative” will require individuals who enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and other Western Hemisphere countries to carry a passport or documents deemed sufficient by DHS to denote identity and citizenship. Senator Collins, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, has long argued that new travel rules should take into account the unique needs of states such as Maine , where frequent travel across the border is crucial. At Senator Collins’s insistence, the Intelligence Reform law requires DHS to consider acceptable alternatives to passports, and to develop a plan that takes into consideration the needs of frequent travelers residing in border communities. It also requires that DHS seek to expedite the travel of frequent travelers, including those who live in border communities, and make registered traveler programs readily available to all travelers.
"This joint decision by the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security will protect the interests of people living in border communities," said Senator Collins. "Many Mainers rely on the ability to quickly and easily cross the northern border to access essential services, travel to their jobs, attend church, and visit family and friends. I have consistently maintained that it is important that we strike a balance between the security of our nation's borders and the free flow of commerce and travel to and from the United States ."
At Senator Collins’ invitation, Secretary Chertoff visited Maine last August for a first-hand look at the issues facing Maine ’s border and ports. Collins and Chertoff traveled to Presque Isle and toured the U.S.-Canadian border via helicopter before meeting with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Houlton.