House Approves Lee’s Resolution on Passport Month
(Washington, DC) – Last night, the House unanimously approved H. Res. 327, a measure introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) to promote international travel by calling for the establishment of September as National Passport month.
“Americans of all ages are our best ambassadors and we should promote policies that encourage them to travel, to forge connections with people from other countries, to foster mutual understanding, and tolerance and to help open new doors to peace,” said Lee. “The timing of our efforts could not be more critical. I think we can all recognize that America needs a boost in foreign public opinion and I am confident that connections made with American travelers can and will make a huge difference improving our image abroad.”
Currently less than 23 percent of Americans have a passport. As a result, millions of Americans are unable to take advantage of the enriching opportunities presented by international travel. The purpose of National Passport Month is to create a time to educate the public about the incredible opportunities available to those who obtain passports as well as the positive impact international travel has on individuals and the global community.
Lee’s resolution puts the House on record in support of the goals and ideals of national Passport Month, and calls on the White House to issue a proclamation establishing the month in September. It was supported by a grass-roots campaign conducted by Oakland-based travel publisher Lonely Planet, who presented Lee in April with more than 5,000 petition signatures from people around the country who supported the effort. The measure had 56 co-sponsors, as well as the support of the U.S. State Department and a broad coalition of over 70 organizations ranging from travel associations to corporations like American Express and Yahoo. The focus of the campaign will now turn to the White House to get them to follow the House’s lead and issue the proclamation.
“As the senior Democratic woman on the House International Relations Committee, and a traveler myself, I believe that there is really is no substitute for the experience that you get from visiting other countries, from meeting the people, tasting the food and interacting with the culture,” said Lee. “It changes the way we see the world. It broadens our horizons, and deepens our appreciation for different countries and cultures and our shared humanity. It also helps us learn understanding, tolerance and mutual respect for other cultures.”
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