US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB5233

Introduced
8/18/23  

Caption

To amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to make certain improvements with respect to expenditure and other authorities, and for other purposes.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the necessity for change within the current passport processing system, reflecting a growing frustration among constituents about wait times for obtaining or renewing passports. By mandating quarterly reports on wait times, the bill ensures transparency in operations and accountability for the Department of State, which may lead to enhancements in service delivery. Additionally, the authorizations for new hiring directly related to passport services provide the Department with the necessary flexibility to address staffing shortages promptly and improve overall customer service experiences.

Summary

House Bill 5233 seeks to amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 by introducing key provisions aimed at improving the efficiency of passport services across the United States. The bill addresses long passport processing times, particularly increasing accessibility for residents located a significant distance from passport agencies. It lays out timelines for the Department of State to develop a strategy to ensure citizens can access passport services in a timely manner, and proposes the establishment of new passport agencies in underserved areas. By modernizing and expanding the operational capabilities of the passport services, the bill aims to alleviate passport-related frustrations experienced by many Americans since the pandemic.

Contention

However, the bill's implementation could encounter challenges regarding budget allocations and resource management within the Department of State. Concerns may arise regarding the expansion of agencies and the potential complications involving hiring authorities, especially in the context of maintaining operational efficiency without sacrificing oversight. Additionally, monitoring the effectiveness of the proposed online status tool and customer service enhancements will be crucial to the bill's success, ensuring that citizens feel informed and supported throughout the passport application process.

Companion Bills

US HB2670

Related Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Black Sea Security Act of 2023 Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Minor Construction Threshold Adjustment Act of 2023 Ensuring Interagency Cooperation to Support Veterans Act of 2023 Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023 Beryllium Testing Fairness Act International Port Security Enforcement Act Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act Radiation Exposure Compensation Expansion Act U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023 Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 Sensible Classification Act of 2023 Classification Reform Act of 2023 Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act GRATEFUL Act Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees for Unwavering Loyalty Act Western Hemisphere Partnership Act of 2023 International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023 Combating Global Corruption Act Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 American Security Drone Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 FEND Off Fentanyl Act Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Act Space Force Personnel Management Act CONVENE Act of 2023 Connecting Oceania’s Nations with Vanguard Exercises and National Empowerment Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023 Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2023 Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2023 UAP Disclosure Act of 2023 Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act of 2023 Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 ADVANCE Act of 2023 Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2023

US SB2043

Related Department of State Authorization Act of 2023

US SB2226

Related National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 Space Force Personnel Management Act Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US SB3733

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.

US HB8432

To provide the Food and Drug Administration needed authorities to carry out its regulatory mission with respect to human foods, to provide additional resources and authorities with respect to human foods research, and for other purposes.

US HB1375

To amend the Small Business Act with respect to the maximum additional loan amount for certain disaster loans, and for other purposes.

US HB7398

Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act

US SB4465

A bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

US HB3457

To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the feral swine eradication and control program, and for other purposes.

US HB6997

Community Passport Services Access Act

US HB3284

To require audits of institutions with respect to disclosures of foreign gifts, and for other purposes.

US HB1382

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to San Francisco Bay restoration, and for other purposes.

US HB9115

To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

US HB3860

No Passports for Terrorists and Traffickers Act

MI SB0280

Vehicles: registration; recreation passport fee; make mandatory. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805). TIE BAR WITH: SB 281'25

NY S10320

Directs the commissioner of the office of children and family services to develop a portable clearance passport program to provide a uniform process for conducting background checks for employment at certain participating agencies.

NY A11424

Establishes a portable clearance passport program to satisfy certain background checks

WA SB5963

Modifying funding for the passport to careers program and eligibility for the Washington college grant.

MI HB4673

Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt Gold Star family members in vehicle code. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4672'25

WA HB2586

Modifying funding for the passport to careers program and eligibility for the Washington college grant.

US SB3733

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.