Congressmen Cohen and Bacon Introduce Czech E-1 Visa Bill

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Don Bacon (NE-2) today introduced a measure to make nationals of the Czech Republic eligible for an E-1 visa if U.S. nationals are similarly treated by the Government of the Czech Republic.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Bilateral trade between the United States and the Czech Republic has increased significantly over the past two decades. To strengthen those business relationships, providing less restrictive visa requirements will allow small- and medium-sized companies access to markets like many of their European counterparts. Americans traveling to the Czech Republic to do business will also have less restrictive requirements under the proposed new protocols.  This bill would both open new markets for American and Czech goods and deepen our countries’ strong relationship.”

Congressman Bacon made the following statement:

“Not only does Nebraska have the highest concentration of CZECH immigrants in the U.S., but the Czech Republic is a close NATO and economic ally, and their military is the international partner for the Nebraska National Guard. We should facilitate the ease of trade and travel between our two countries to reduce reliance on foreign technology from Russia and China. Treating our friends with respect pays dividends both ways.” 

Original cosponsors of the Czech E-1 Visa measure are: Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lisa McClain (MI-09), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Mike Turner (OH-10), Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Dan Kildee (MI-08).

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