Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7398
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-18T08:06:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to honor recipients of the Purple Heart (awarded for wounds sustained in combat) or the Medal of Honor (the highest U.S. military decoration for valor) by waiving certain fees associated with obtaining or renewing U.S. passports. This exemption recognizes their service and sacrifices without imposing financial burdens for travel documentation.
Key Provisions
- Fee Exemption: Amends the Passport Act of 1920 to exempt eligible individuals from the "execution fee" (a processing fee paid to the government for passport applications and renewals). This is added as a new category under existing fee waivers.
- Implementation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Requires the Secretary of State, through the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, to enter into an MOU with the Secretary of Defense. The MOU will outline:
- Documentation requirements for applicants to prove eligibility (e.g., via military records).
- A verification process where the Department of Defense cross-references applicant service records to confirm awards.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The Passport Act of 1920 currently lists specific groups exempt from the execution fee, such as certain government officials and children under 16. This bill inserts a new exemption for Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients, redesignating the existing list to accommodate it.
- Introduces a new subsection requiring inter-agency coordination (State and Defense Departments) for verification, which did not previously exist for passport fee waivers. This ensures accurate implementation without altering core passport issuance rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Provides financial relief to a select group of military veterans (estimated at tens of thousands of living Purple Heart recipients and fewer than 100 living Medal of Honor recipients), potentially saving each $30–$35 per passport application or renewal. It encourages international travel without added costs.
- On Government Agencies: The State Department will handle fee waivers and eligibility checks, while the Department of Defense provides verification support. This may involve minor administrative costs for record-sharing but streamlines processes through the MOU. No significant impact on international relations, as it pertains to domestic passport policy.
- Broader Effects: Minimal fiscal impact on the federal budget, as the exempted fees are relatively small. It could set a precedent for future veteran benefits tied to travel documents.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary Beneficiaries: Individuals awarded the Purple Heart or Medal of Honor, primarily military veterans and their families.
- Government Entities: U.S. Department of State (handles passport issuance) and Department of Defense (provides verification support).
- Indirectly Affected: Passport applicants in general, as the policy integrates into existing consular services without disrupting broader operations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens administrative efficiency by mandating inter-agency cooperation, reducing fraud risks through verified documentation. No conflicts with existing immigration or passport laws.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate foreign affairs and commerce (including passports) under Article I, Section 8. It upholds equal protection by targeting a defined group based on meritorious service, without broader discrimination.
- Political: Symbolizes bipartisan support for honoring military heroes (introduced by representatives from both parties). Could inspire similar veteran-focused exemptions in other areas, enhancing public perception of government gratitude toward service members, though it has limited controversy due to its narrow scope.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (18)
Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-02-05: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act — issued 2026-02-05 — PDF (3 pages)