Lampson Public Service Announcement: Residents Should Apply Early for U.S. Passports

I got this public service announcement from Nick Lampson’s Stafford office this evening. I thought I would post it for my 6 readers. Who knows, maybe one of them has an expired passport and is planning to make a road trip to Juarez this summer.

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Lampson Public Service Announcement: Residents Should Apply Early for U.S. Passports

STAFFORD, Texas - As families plan vacations or travel abroad during the summer, Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Stafford) is encouraging all constituents to begin the passport application and/or renewal process early.

The U.S. Department of State Passport Services Office is experiencing substantial delays in the issuance and renewal of U.S. Passports. Changes in the law now require all travelers entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, to carry a valid passport, increasing the demand for U.S. passports. Initial reports indicate that many Southeast Texans are experiencing delays upwards of ten weeks in applications to the Department of State for passport applications and renewals.

To apply for a passport, citizens need to go in person to one of over 8,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.

In order to assist constituents in District 22 with this process, Congressman Lampson's office staff is available to help constituents obtain their passports. Constituents are urged to contact one of the Congressman's District Offices within two weeks of their travel date, and office staff will begin an inquiry with the Department of State on the constituent's behalf.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

To find the nearest passport acceptance facility visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport.
Contact Congressman Lampson's district offices for assistance: 281-240-3700 (Stafford) and 281-461-6300 (Clear Lake).

Congressman Lampson's staff can also help constituents obtain information about business opportunities with the federal government, federal education loans and grants, federal grants for organizations, internships, and military academy nominations. More information is available online at www.lampson.house.gov.