WASHINGTON Montana's congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced Wednesday the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided the general public an opportunity to submit written comments regarding the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. WHTI was part of a series of security measures passed in the wake of 9/11 to bolster national security. "It's critical we do everything possible to secure our borders," Rehberg said. "However, we must also ensure Montanans aren't being harmed in the process. We have already seen long delays with passport applications and missed family vacations and additional travel costs are still a concern. This comment period is a great opportunity for Montanans to let DHS know how they feel." WHTI will require all U.S. citizens to have a passport or other approved document when traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. In January, DHS began initial implementation of the passport requirement for air travel, however this month the requirement was suspended due to a backlog in passport processing. Montanans can submit their written comments on or before Aug. 15 in several ways:
Go to www.regulations.gov and follow instruction for submitting comments.
Mail comments to: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of International Trade, Office of Regulations and Ruling, Border Security Regulations Branch 1300 Pennsylvania Ave.
N. W., Washington, D.C., 20229, Attn: Mint Annex. Submissions must include the agency name and rulemaking docket number "USCBP2007-
0061. "
