Congressman Lipinski Applauds President's Support for Expansion of Visa Waiver Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, Representative Dan Lipinski commended President Bush's statement supporting the expansion of the visa waiver program to countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The visa waiver program, which currently applies to 27 countries, allows visitors from those nations to enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days.

"I'm glad to see that President Bush has finally gotten behind this issue," said Lipinski. "The countries of Central and Eastern Europe are some of America's strongest allies, aiding us in the fight against terrorists. And they've made heroic strides in strengthening their democracies and economies. Making travel to the United States a little easier for the citizens of these nations is the least our country can do to show our appreciation."

Congressman Lipinski is a leading advocate in Congress for issues relating to Central and Eastern Europe. He is a co-chair of both the Poland Caucus and the Caucus on Central and Eastern Europe. He is also a cosponsor of several pieces of legislation that would extend the visa waiver program to Poland.

"Hopefully President Bush's statement gives this issue momentum going into the new Congress," said Lipinski. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress as well as the President on an extension of the visa waiver program to our allies in Central and Eastern Europe."