IL SR0620

Urges Congress to pass the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2011 to expand the Visa Waiver Program to include Poland and other U.S. allies.

Notes that Poland has been excluded from the Visa Waiver Program despite maintaining nearly a century-long diplomatic relationship with the United States and repealing its visa requirement for U.S. citizens in 1991.

Highlights Poland's military contributions as a staunch U.S. ally, with 2,500 Polish soldiers currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and at least 24 Polish troops killed in action.

Cites economic benefits of Visa Waiver Program expansion: in 2008, VWP countries generated 16 million visits to the U.S., $51 billion in spending, 512,000 jobs, $13 billion in payroll, and $7.8 billion in taxes.

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to the Speaker and Minority Leader of the U.S. House, Senate leadership, and members of the Illinois congressional delegation.