The U.S. House of Representatives will take up a bill this week to help tighten border control in the wake of the November 13 terrorist attacks in France by toughening entry requirements for those traveling from "visa waiver" nations, a top Republican said on Wednesday.
"Now we're looking at the visa waiver program – those gaps and vulnerabilities in that," House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said on CNN. "You're going to see a bill roll out later this week and pass next week as well."
Under the program, travelers from 38 countries, including much of Western Europe, can embark for the United States without first getting a visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.
About 20 million visitors a year enter the United States under the program, which allows them to stay 90 days.