Ellis, who participated in the New York FinTech Lab last year, said the programs were similar in the mix of participating companies.

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The Department of Homeland Security has processed 500, 000 more Global Entry passengers in 2012, compared to the same time in 2011, and more than 1.5 million people, including more than 325, 000 new members this year, have access to Trusted Traveler Programs.

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But it's hard -- no, impossible -- to believe that Congress will cut spending next year on any of these programs from their new, higher levels.

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