WASHINGTON (December 13, 2016)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on news that President-elect Trump will nominate General John Kelly for Secretary of Homeland Security:
"The U.S. travel community looks forward to working with Gen. Kelly on smart, effective measures to protect our country's citizens and travelers.
"Without security, there can be no travel. Thankfully, our industry has fostered strong relationships at the Department of Homeland Security since the agency's inception, with secretaries of all political stripes. Each DHS leader, from Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff to Janet Napolitano and Jeh Johnson, has understood that balancing efficient travel and smart security is not a zero-sum game.
"The U.S. Travel Association stands ready to be a constructive partner to Gen. Kelly on matters such as streamlining Transportation Security Administration operations and improving the entry experience for all legitimate travelers crossing through Customs and Border Protection checkpoints. We are also more than happy to advise Gen. Kelly on the effectiveness of the Visa Waiver Program, the need to expand trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, and the value of adding Customs Preclearance locations—all of which are vital to national security, in addition to travel efficiency."
