Local Passport Services at Risk as Federal Policy Shifts
Bensalem’s local access to passport services has become part of a bipartisan battle in Washington. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) has joined a group of Pennsylvania lawmakers to introduce the “Community Passport Services Access Act” (H.R. 6997), a direct response to a U.S. State Department policy that threatens to shut down passport processing at nonprofit libraries.
The legislation aims to restore these libraries’ status as “trusted passport acceptance facilities,” ensuring that Bensalem residents aren’t forced to wait longer in lines at federal offices or post offices.
The Details
The controversy stems from a recent federal determination that would prevent nonprofit public libraries from collecting and keeping passport processing fees. While many libraries are structured as nonprofits for tax and operational purposes, the State Department began shifting away from these locations in favor of a “centralized federal model.”
According to a recent announcement from Congressman Fitzpatrick’s office, this federal move ignores decades of successful operation by libraries. Fitzpatrick, joined by a bipartisan coalition including Representatives Madeleine Dean and John Joyce, argues that the current system is a “win-win”: it provides residents with evening and weekend hours for passport applications while generating revenue that libraries use to keep their doors open and fund local programs.
“Public libraries sit at the heart of our communities and have become a gateway to essential federal services,” Fitzpatrick stated. He warned that without this new bill, the change would create a “centralized federal model” that increases delays and raises costs for families. The Pennsylvania Library Association also voiced support for the bill, noting that nonprofit libraries meet the exact same security standards as municipal government offices.
Why It Matters to Bensalem
For Bensalem residents, the success of H.R. 6997 could be the difference between a five-minute trip to a nearby library and a weeks-long struggle for an appointment.
- Protecting Local Resources: Many area libraries rely on passport and photo fees to supplement their budgets. If this revenue is stripped away, it could lead to reduced hours or cutbacks in library services right here in our community.
- Convenience for Families: Libraries often offer the “one-stop shop” experience—taking the photo and processing the application in one visit, frequently during evening hours that work for local parents.
- Avoiding the “Post Office Bottleneck”: If nonprofit sites are disqualified, the Bensalem Post Office will likely see a surge in demand, making it even harder for residents to secure travel documents for business or vacation.
Congressman Fitzpatrick’s office noted that they assisted over 700 families with passport issues last year alone, emphasizing that the demand for these services in our district is at an all-time high.
