Senator says expansion of traveler screening system is premature

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., late Tuesday criticized the Homeland Security Department over its expansion of an electronic travel security system for foreign travelers who do not need visas to come to the United States.

Under a rule that went into effect Monday, travelers from 35 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program must submit biographical information to the department electronically before they fly to the United States.

But Lieberman said the electronic travel authorization system is not effective in tracking suspected terrorists entering from those countries or fully capable of checking them against federal databases. Citing "ongoing concerns about homegrown terrorism in Europe," he said, "I am disappointed DHS has moved ahead before security precautions for current member countries are effective."

But he did not threaten to take any action against the department, which maintains that the electronic system is effective. "In addition to building business and cultural ties with our partners overseas, this is a commonsense step into the 21st century that will improve our efficiency in screening and welcoming international travelers at our ports of entry," Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff said.

In a separate action, Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., introduced legislation Monday they said would strengthen the Visa Waiver Program.