U.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek Supports Legislation to Ease Passport Backlog

 

Washington, DC – On Monday, Representative Kendrick Meek backed legislation in the House of Representatives to ease the backlog that has made it difficult for Americans to receive passports. The legislation was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives by a voice vote on Monday, July 16th.

"My office has heard from countless constituents who have waited months just to receive a passport," said Meek. "This common sense legislation will make it easier for the State Department to process applications and send travelers on their way. Constituents traveling to Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, other Caribbean nations, and beyond should not let red tape delay their travel plans."

Passport requests skyrocketed following the implementation of a new law requiring Americans traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda to hold a passport. The increase has resulted in significant delays with many waiting months to receive a passport.

The Passport Backlog Reduction Act gives the State Department the authority to hire retired former staffers who are trained and authorized to process passport applications. Current law denies retirement benefits to these retirees if they exceed strict wages earned and hours worked caps. The legislation approved by the House waives these requirements and makes it possible for the retired workers to return to work and help ease the passport shortage.

"The legislation we passed will help ease the passport backlog and my office will continue to do everything possible to ensure residents of Florida's 17^th Congressional District receive their passports in a timely fashion," Meek said.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and is the lone Floridian sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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