Members of the Florida congressional delegation are increasingly showing their support of U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter’s, R-Ga., “Passport Modernization Act.”
Carter introduced the bill earlier in the month and offered some of the reasons why he thought it was needed.
“The State Department is experiencing a post-pandemic travel surge, with a nearly 40 percent increase in passport application requests since 2022. This boom is overwhelming both State Department and congressional resources, causing unworkable and frustrating delays for travelers. The Passport Modernization Act will enable the State Department to better serve the American people by increasing staff, updating the online passport system, and increasing congressional oversight,” Carter’s office noted.
“Despite their best efforts, the State Department is failing to meet the American people’s passport needs. After a series of meetings, congressional hearings, and oversight letters, it is clear that fundamental reform is necessary to ensure that passport applicants have the communication, certainty, and timeliness they deserve,” said Carter.
Originally 10 House members their support behind the bill, including U.S. Reps. Cory Mills, R-Fla., Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., and Daniel Webster, R-Fla. Other backers include U.S. Reps. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif.
Webster weighed in last week on why he was backing the proposal.
“My office has heard from countless constituents as they have faced frustrating delays with their passport applications,” said Webster. “This legislation will bring much needed changes to help bring down wait times, modernize our processes and improve accountability to better serve the American people.”
Last week, more members of the House threw their support behind the bill, including U.S. Reps. Yadira Caraveo, D-Col., and Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.
At the end of last week, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., threw his support behind the proposal.
“Hundreds of my constituents have contacted my office this year seeking help with getting a passport or having one renewed. The red tape is ridiculous, and it’s simply taking far too long to get the paperwork processed,” said Bilirakis. “Due to the State Department’s ineptness in performing this basic government service within the promised timeframes has caused many Americans to miss pre-planned vacations, weddings, and even the death of loved ones. Passport delays have cost time, money and an immeasurable amount of stress. I will not rest until this issue is fixed!”
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
