A bill to amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to authorize certain public libraries to collect and retain a fee for the execution of a passport application.
- Bill Number
- S. 3733
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-18T15:22:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (S. 3733) aims to expand access to passport services by authorizing certain public libraries to act as facilities for accepting and processing passport applications. It allows these libraries to collect and keep a specific execution fee (a standard $35 fee for handling the application) to support their operations, making passport services more convenient in community settings.
Key Provisions
- Authorization for Libraries: The Secretary of State can approve public libraries—organized as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), nonprofits, charitable groups, or trusts—to serve as passport acceptance facilities. These libraries must follow State Department rules for handling applications and can retain the execution fee.
- Retroactive Authorization: Within 30 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must authorize any public library that previously acted as a passport facility and complied with regulations to continue doing so and keep the fee.
- Reporting Requirement: The Secretary must submit a report to relevant congressional committees (likely those overseeing foreign affairs) within 30 days, detailing compliance with the retroactive authorizations or explaining any delays.
- Update to Existing Law: The bill updates the list of eligible entities to explicitly include qualifying public libraries alongside states, local governments, and the U.S. Postal Service.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The Passport Act of 1920 (codified at 22 U.S.C. § 214) previously allowed only certain government entities—like state or local officials and the Postal Service—to accept passport applications and retain the execution fee. This bill adds public libraries as a new category of eligible facilities, broadening participation without altering the core passport issuance process handled by the State Department.
- It introduces a fast-track process for previously compliant libraries, ensuring quick reinstatement if they lost status due to prior restrictions on fee retention.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The State Department gains flexibility in designating acceptance facilities, potentially reducing its direct workload by leveraging libraries. It may need to update regulations and monitor compliance, but the 30-day deadlines add administrative urgency.
- On Citizens: Improves access to passport services in local communities, especially in areas without nearby post offices or government offices, making the process easier and potentially faster for applicants.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as this affects only domestic application processing; it does not change U.S. passport policies or visa requirements for foreign nationals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public Libraries: Gain revenue from execution fees to fund operations and expand community services.
- U.S. Citizens Applying for Passports: Benefit from more convenient locations for submitting applications.
- U.S. Department of State: Responsible for authorizations, oversight, and reporting; may see a shift in application intake.
- Congressional Committees (e.g., Foreign Relations): Receive oversight reports to ensure implementation.
- Local Governments and Postal Service: Indirectly affected as competition for passport services increases, though they retain their roles.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens administrative efficiency under existing passport laws without creating new fees or altering constitutional travel rights (protected under the Fifth Amendment). It emphasizes regulatory compliance to maintain application integrity.
- Constitutional: No major issues; the bill aligns with Congress's authority over foreign affairs and interstate commerce.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Senators Fetterman and McCormick) suggests broad support for community-based services. It could encourage similar expansions to other public institutions, promoting fiscal incentives for nonprofits without increasing federal spending.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 2026-01-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2026-01-29: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to authorize certain public libraries to collect and retain a fee for the execution of a passport application. — issued 2026-01-29 — PDF (3 pages)