Treasure Coast Sun

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced legislation aimed at reducing passport wait times for U.S. citizens, particularly focusing on Floridians. The Reducing Barriers to Travel Act, as introduced by Rep. Mast, aims to streamline the application process, slash backlogs, and reduce the time required for passport issuance.

“Hard-working Floridians had to wait between three-to-four months just to have their passport renewed last year,” said Rep. Mast. “Our team was inundated with calls from constituents who face significant difficulty in having their passports renewed. Some were even forced to scuttle long-planned trips because of the State Department backlog in processing passport applications.”

According to the Congressman, last year saw a significant number of passport applications in Florida, with the majority of applicants experiencing wait times of more than three months to receive their passports. The backlog in passport processing was particularly noticeable during the summer months.

To address these challenges, Congressman Mast’s proposed legislation includes provisions such as allowing public notaries to serve as passport acceptance agents. This measure aims to expand the options available to citizens seeking passport renewals.

Additionally, the bill seeks to increase the number of private companies certified to provide expedited services for hand-carrying passport applications. By enhancing the capabilities of these companies, the bill aims to reduce backlogs in areas of the country where access to passport offices is limited.

Furthermore, one innovative aspect of the bill is a proposal to align passport expiration dates with individuals' birthdays, simplifying the renewal process. This change aims to make it easier for individuals to remember when their passports need to be renewed.

In summary, Congressman Mast's legislative efforts aim to alleviate the challenges faced by U.S. citizens, especially Floridians, in obtaining timely passport renewals and reducing the overall wait times for passport issuance.