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(COMTEX) B: Senators Concerned About Passport Rules ( AP Online )
B: Senators Concerned About Passport Rules ( AP Online )

WASHINGTON, Jun 09, 2005 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- The Bush administration
should act cautiously on a proposal that Americans, by 2008, show a passport
when they re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Panama and
the Caribbean, two senators said Thursday.

"We need to be vigilant of terrorists, but we cannot give them the victory of
making us twist ourselves into a pretzel in the name of security," said Sen.
Norm Coleman, R-Minn.

Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said the U.S. must balance national security with
economic and diplomatic considerations.

"After all, for years the United States has been a beacon for foreign tourists,"
Dodd said. "This tourism has helped to drive our economy, even in the worst of
times. It's also left an impression for tourists of what America's all about."

Coleman is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee that deals with
the Western Hemisphere. Dodd is the panel's top Democrat.

President Bush said he was surprised by the proposal, which was announced in
April. He has ordered a review.

The plan calls for passports or some other secure form of citizenship
identification to re-enter the U.S. from those countries.

The proposal stems from the post-Sept. 11 intelligence overhaul law that called
for tighter border security.

At a hearing of Coleman's subcommittee, Deputy Assistant Homeland Security
Secretary Elaine K. Dezenski said, "We certainly agree with the president that
we have to be flexible in terms of how we move forward."

Dezenski cited the possibility of using alternative documents, including SENTRI
and NEXUS cards, which can be obtained after meeting documentation requirements
such as background checks.

But she stressed that change is necessary.

"There are vulnerabilities, particularly at the land border," Dezenski said.

By FREDERIC J. FROMMER
Associated Press Writer

Copyright 2005 Associated Press, All rights reserved

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