Ayotte Calls for Fix to Security Gaps in State Department Database

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement today regarding reports of security gaps in the State Department's Consular Consolidated Database that contains visa applications and personal information for individuals who have applied for a U.S. passport or visa.

"I'm deeply concerned by today's report highlighting serious vulnerabilities in our visa application system and database. At a time when our country is facing increased terrorist threats, we must ensure that our policies and processes for vetting visa applicants-including those seeking to travel under the Visa Waiver Program-and refugees are secure, reliable, and accurately identify and deny entry to those who have ties to terrorism. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the administration to make sure we are taking appropriate steps to secure our borders, strengthen cybersecurity, and prevent those with ties to terrorism from entering the United States. To achieve those goals, I urge the administration to immediately work to correct these serious vulnerabilities."

Source