Public Affairs - 9-11 Commission

In 2004 the 108th Congress passed several new or expanded programs that could benefit inbound international travel to the United States based on 9-11 legislation.

In addition, the final report of the 9-11 Commission - formally known as the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States - was issued in late July and included recommendations for changes in U.S. Several of the recommendations concerning border security are generally consistent with TIA's priorities and can be supported by the U.S. travel industry.

These include expanding the use of a biometric entry-exit system to screen travelers, making 'known traveler' programs a greater priority and conducting traveler screening overseas before travelers depart for the U.S. In chapter 12 of the report, the Commission acknowledges the value of international travel to the U.S. and cautions that current policies may be deterring travel: "Our border screening system should check people efficiently and welcome friends.Admitting large numbers of students, scholars, businesspeople, and tourists fuels our economy, cultural vitality, and political reach. There is evidence that the present system is disrupting travel to the United States."

For more information please visit our Intelligence Reform Summary or the Press and Media section of the web site.