Barbara Lee Introduces National Passport Month Resolution
For Immediate Release
July 31, 2009
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideal of national passport month and requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe National Passport Month with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
During 2008, over 16 million Americans applied for passports - a decrease of over 2.5 million applications from 2007 and the first significant decrease in almost 20 years. Given the new regulations resulting from the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, it is particularly critical to reach out to the 75 percent of Americans who still do not have a passport. National Passport Month will help build awareness of the importance of applying for a passport.
“Americans travelling abroad gain a perspective that cannot be obtained here at home, a perspective which includes understanding, tolerance, and respect for other cultures,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “They also act as goodwill ambassadors from the United States, spreading our values around the world. This legislation will help encourage American citizens to experience firsthand the different cultures and witness the influence that America has on the world - particularly the tremendous amount of humanitarian aid given by the United States through both public and private sectors.”
###