Hirono, Inhofe Lead Full Senate in Calling on DHS to Include Israel in Global Entry Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.) led the full Senate in urging the Department of Homeland Security to expedite Israel’s full membership in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program. In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, the Senators emphasized that Israel’s full membership and reciprocal privileges for Americans would grow the U.S. economy and strengthen national security.

Expansion of Global Entry to Israel will promote even closer security cooperation with the Israeli authorities, which can help direct CBP resources to higher-risk, unknown travelers and enforcement,” wrote the Senators. “As 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of U.S.-Israel diplomatic relations, extending full Global Entry membership and reciprocity for Americans would be a fitting gesture of our continued efforts to enhance the security and economic partnership between our two nations. We strongly support Israel’s membership in CBP’s Global Entry program and urge the efforts towards this goal be accelerated as much as possible to help ensure the best travel experience to strengthen the bonds between our two great democracies.”

The Global Entry Program allows expedited screening for trusted travelers visiting the United States, including TSA PreCheck privileges. Israel currently participates in the Global Entry program on a limited pilot basis as part of a 2012 bilateral agreement, and is working toward becoming a full member. Senator Hirono is a longtime advocate of expanding the Global Entry and other trusted traveler programs to strengthen national security and expand international markets.