WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) voted for the overwhelmingly bipartisan Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act. This bill, which Houlahan is a cosponsor of, responds to the unprecedented surge in passport renewals and first-time applications that largely followed the COVID-19 pandemic. As Americans looked to travel internationally in 2022 and 2023, wait times ballooned to 10 to 13 weeks for a routine application. While those wait times have decreased to 6 to 8 weeks on average, the House unanimously passed the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act to improve application processes further.

"We all travel for different reasons – joyous occasions like vacations and honeymoons, and difficult occasions like when a family member or loved one becomes ill. No matter the reason, Americans shouldn't have to worry that their passport won't arrive in time for their trip," said Houlahan. "For years, we've known our passport system needed modernization, but the stressors of post-pandemic travels made it clear that we needed to act quickly to cut down on those frustrating wait times we've all experienced. I've spearheaded efforts to address this issue, and I'm thrilled to see progress being made. By using technology and digital tools, this bill will make applying for a passport simpler and quicker while also ensuring our personal information stays safe and secure throughout the process. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this bill and make traveling easier for everyone!"

The full text of the bill can be found here.

In 2021, Houlahan led an effort with 200 members of Congress in expressing their concern to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the growing passport backlog.

Constituent Services for Passport Issues

Recognized as the best U.S. House of Representatives office for constituent services in 2022, Houlahan has helped hundreds of Pennsylvanians with passport emergencies.

Recently, Houlahan’s office helped Stephanie Thibault from Devon, who gave permission to share her story.

“Houlahan’s office was on it! They immediately contacted both the office processing my passport renewal application and the Philadelphia Passport Office and kept me updated with emails. I was mortified that I had made such an avoidable mistake – I travel abroad about once or twice a year and just wasn’t thinking. The office was patient and understanding and was able to obtain an emergency appointment for me at the passport office and I was able to go to Canada for the first time. I absolutely would not have been able to go if not for Houlahan’s staff, specifically Conor and his efforts. I am so grateful for your service to your constituents!” said Stephanie Thibault from Devon.

A postcard sent by Stephanie Thibault following her successful trip to Canada thanks to Rep. Houlahan’s office

A photo sent by Stephanie Thibault following her successful trip to Canada thanks to Rep. Houlahan’s office

Helpful Reminders and Upcoming Passport Events

If you have not yet applied for a passport and have urgent travel, you should first try to make an appointment online. The appointment must be scheduled within 14 days of your international travel date.

How Houlahan’s office can help:

• If an appointment is not available, you should reach out to us so we can help you schedule one in Philadelphia – we will do our best to help you avoid traveling to New York, Washington, D.C., Buffalo, or even further for an appointment.
• If you’re having issues with an ongoing passport application or renewal, please reach out so we can obtain guidance for you from the State Department. 
• Did you lose your passport while abroad? We can help you schedule a passport appointment at the nearest Embassy.

If you need to contact our office regarding a passport issue, visit our passport page for more information and then fill out our casework form if we can assist you.

On April 27, in coordination with the Department of State and the Reading Public Library, Houlahan’s office will be hosting a special passport document acceptance event at the Reading Public Library. The exact time of the event will be announced at a later date. For more information on the Reading Public Library’s passport services, click here. 

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

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