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Do you believe we need to strengthen the Visa Waiver Program? Experts believe terrorists may try to travel to the United States via the Visa Waiver Program which allows expedited entry to the United States for 90 days.
Answer the question by clicking here. |
| It is our duty to keep every American safe. That’s why this week the House voted in favor of tightening the Visa Waiver Program. The VWP currently allows citizens of 38 countries who participate to travel more easily to the United States – applicants who are approved are allowed to travel to the United States for 90 days for business or tourism without obtaining a traditional travel visa. H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015 requires individuals within the VWP who travel to certain countries, including state sponsors of terrorism, like Syria, Iran and Iraq to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. This bill also enhances intelligence sharing between VWP countries to help identify possible terrorists. By strengthening the Visa Waiver Program we are cracking down on passport fraud, and strengthening the screening process for those wishing to enter the United States. |
| Oversight and Government Reform Committee |
Last week, the committee released a year-long report that revealed many troubling facts about the United States Secret Service agency. The investigation found major security breaches, and indicates that three USSS directors provided false information to the committee panel. The culture at the agency needs deep reforms, and this week the committee met in order to discuss those reforms and approve the report. Learn more about the investigation here.
On Tuesday, our committee hearing focused on the construction of the Embassy in London which is currently costing taxpayers $1 billion. Many concerns were raised as to the start time of the project, the testing of the infrastructure to ensure the facility is secure, and the fact the State Department can’t account for $42 million associated with the build. I remain committed to investigating this, and ensuring your tax dollars are spent efficiently. You can watch the hearing here.
We also examined online gambling in committee this week. Recently, the Department of Justice declared the long standing policy that the Wire Act applied only to sports betting and not to all forms of betting. Gambling is regulated by states, but the internet does not have a boundary, threatening a state’s ability to oversee gambling transactions. The hearing featured federal, state, and local law enforcement officials who have expressed concerns with online gambling, including its potential to be used for money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and other criminal activity. You can catch the entire committee hearing here. |
| Megellas Post Office Bill |
I wanted to provide an update on the bill I introduced to name a post office in Fond du Lac after Lieutenant Colonel James 'Maggie' Megellas. The bill has already been voted out of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, passed the Senate and is awaiting action on the House floor. You can read more about my efforts to name the Fond du Lac Post Office here.
Happy Hanukkah
To all those celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights, Happy Hanukkah!
As your Congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the 6th District.
Sincerely,
Glenn Grothman
United States Representative |
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