Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that due to long processing times for passport applications, the federal government is making an accommodation for air travel.  U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda will temporarily be allowed to travel with government-issued photo identification such as a drivers’ license and U.S. Department of State official proof of a passport application.

To obtain proof of a passport application, individuals should visit www.travel.state.gov and click on the “Click Here for Proof of Application” link.  By providing the last name, date of birth, and last four digits of a traveler’s social security number, citizens can locate and print official proof of their pending application.  Children under the age of 16 who are traveling with a legal guardian will be allowed to travel with child’s proof of application.

This new procedure is effective immediately and will remain so until Sept. 30, 2007.  After that date, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) stipulation to present a passport for travel to those locations will be required.

“In the face of record-breaking demand for passports, people have been experiencing delays in receiving their passports.  I have been working to help my constituents resolve their passport issues, and I am glad that the government is taking steps to allow people to travel,” said Cuellar.

The WHTI was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors.  The WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on Jan. 23, 2007.  Under these new stipulations, air travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda now require travelers to present a valid passport.

“With the new travel regulations in place, it was becoming problematic for many people to obtain a valid passport in time to complete their travel.  My office has been working diligently to try to help my constituents resolve their passport issues, and we will continue to assist with the process,” said Cuellar.

As early as January of 2008, passports will be required for land travel to these locations as well.  “I appreciate the State Department making these changes, but I am concerned by the delays caused by the increased demand for passports.  I can only imagine that when passports are required for land travel, the processing of passport applications will come to a halt.  I urge the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to take proactive steps to prevent this situation from repeating itself,” said Cuellar.

Earlier this week, Congressman Cuellar sent a letter to the State Department inquiring what action was being taken to relieve the backlog of passport applications and end the delays.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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