The House Committee on Appropriations advanced the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2027 last week, which includes language supported by Congressman John Joyce to restore non-profit public library passport services through the 2027 Fiscal Year.
This provision is important because it allows rural libraries to continue providing passport services, a key source of revenue that helps sustain their operations and ensures local access for residents who might otherwise need to travel long distances.
Congressman John Joyce said, “I thank Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart for his leadership to ensure that non-profit libraries will be able to provide passport services to our communities once again. This temporary fix will afford us time to pursue a permanent solution and allow our rural libraries access to an essential revenue stream so that they can continue to serve our communities. As this legislation moves to the House floor, I look forward to supporting the preservation of this program, and I remain committed to securing a long-term solution to preserve passport services at non-profit public libraries nationwide.”
Earlier this year, Joyce introduced bipartisan legislation known as H.R. 6997, the Community Passport Services Access Act. The bill aims for a permanent solution by allowing 501(c)(3) non-profit public libraries nationwide to serve as passport acceptance facilities. This followed a determination from the U.S. Department of State that federal law does not clearly permit these libraries to collect and keep execution fees for passports—a practice previously allowed but now under question.
Libraries in rural areas rely on serving as passport acceptance facilities as an important source of funding necessary for their continued operation and community service. These facilities are also critical in maintaining convenient access for residents in underserved areas.
John Joyce has served in Congress representing Pennsylvania’s 13th District since 2019; he succeeded Bill Shuster according to the U.S. Congress Biographical Directory.
