http://www.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/06/10....ap/index.html

Senators express concern about passport rules

Friday, June 10, 2005 Posted: 9:38 AM EDT (1338 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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-Minnesota.

Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut, 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-September 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.