Community Passport Services Access Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6997
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-09: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:09:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Community Passport Services Access Act" (H.R. 6997) aims to make passport application services more accessible by allowing certain public libraries to process these applications and keep a related fee. This expands options for citizens seeking passports, particularly in community settings.
Key Provisions
- Authorization for Public Libraries: The bill adds a new section to the Passport Act of 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(a)) permitting the Secretary of State to approve qualifying public libraries—organized as non-governmental, non-profit, charitable organizations, or trusts—as official "passport acceptance facilities." These libraries can collect and retain the "execution fee" (a standard $35 fee for verifying and submitting passport applications) if they follow the Department of State's regulations for processing applications.
- Retroactive Authorization: Within 30 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of State must authorize any public library that was already acting as a passport acceptance facility before the bill passes, provided it complies with existing regulations. The Secretary must also submit a report to relevant congressional committees (likely those overseeing foreign affairs) documenting compliance or explaining any delays.
- Updates to Existing Language: The bill makes technical changes to the Passport Act to explicitly include public libraries alongside state/local governments and the U.S. Postal Service as eligible entities for handling passport applications and fees.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, the Passport Act limited passport acceptance facilities to state/local officials and the U.S. Postal Service, with fees typically directed to those entities. This bill broadens eligibility to include compliant public libraries, allowing them to retain the execution fee for the first time.
- It introduces a mandatory timeline (30 days) for authorizing pre-existing library programs, ensuring quick implementation without disrupting ongoing services.
- These changes formalize and standardize library involvement, which may have occurred informally before, by tying it to federal regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases convenience by potentially adding more local passport processing locations in libraries, reducing travel to post offices or government offices. This could speed up access for rural or underserved communities, though the overall passport issuance process remains unchanged.
- On Government Agencies: The Department of State gains authority (and responsibility) to oversee library compliance, including training and audits, which may require minor administrative resources. The U.S. Postal Service's role is preserved but no longer exclusive.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic application processing; it does not alter passport validity, security standards, or foreign policy aspects of travel documents.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public Libraries: Gain opportunities to provide community services and retain fees to support operations, especially those already involved or interested in expansion.
- U.S. Citizens Applying for Passports: Benefit from broader access points, potentially lowering barriers for first-time or renewal applicants.
- Department of State: Responsible for authorizations, regulations, and reporting, affecting its passport division workload.
- Congressional Committees: Receive oversight reports, ensuring accountability in implementation.
- State/Local Governments and U.S. Postal Service: Continue as key providers but face indirect competition from libraries for application volume.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Strengthens regulatory oversight by requiring libraries to meet Department of State standards (e.g., secure handling of personal data and photos), reducing risks of fraud in passport processing. The retroactive provision prevents legal disruptions for libraries already operating under prior informal arrangements.
- Constitutional Implications: None significant; the bill operates within Congress's authority over passports (a federal power under Article I) and does not raise privacy, due process, or equal protection concerns, as access remains available through multiple channels.
- Political Implications: Sponsored by a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania representatives, it reflects a focus on community-based federal services. If passed, it could encourage similar expansions for other agencies, promoting local engagement without major fiscal costs (fees are user-paid).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-09: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-01-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Community Passport Services Access Act — issued 2026-01-09 — PDF (4 pages)