House Passes Congressman Boyle’s Legislation Waiving First Responder Passport Fees

Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13) was proud to see the U.S. House of Representatives pass bipartisan, common-sense legislation that he introduced with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA-49) to waive passport fees for first responders traveling abroad to help in disaster areas. The legislation passed by a vote of 421 to 2, and will now be referred to the Senate for consideration. He also delivered remarks on the House floor in support of his legislation.

Here is a link to video to the Congressman's floor speech:

https://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=c39fb04d-5566-4b48-82e3-dd0d922b047e

Here is a transcript of the Congressman's statements on the floor:

Congressman Boyle: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this measure. And I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, my colleague and friend from California Mr. Issa, and my fellow Foreign Affairs committee colleagues for their unanimous support in helping our first responders answer the call of service when a natural disaster strikes abroad.
Every year, Americans bravely go abroad to help victims of natural disasters in foreign lands, such as the 2010 earthquakes in Haiti, the 2008 cyclones in Yemen, and 2015 hurricane Patricia in Mexico, just to name a few.

Earlier this year, the world was shocked by the images of Nepal's 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed over 8,600 people and injured over 16,800. The United States was one of the largest donors to the relief and rebuilding efforts in the wake of this catastrophe through charitable donations, DOD, contributions, and search and rescue operation and relief efforts. U.S. search and rescue teams searched for survivors trapped in debris. These first responders continuously put their lives on the line at home and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, this is an example of American leadership. Their bravery and efforts do not go unnoticed. We should do all we can to make their endeavors easier.
Unfortunately, American contractors and volunteers, despite being coordinated by USAID, are subject to passport fees at their own expense when attempting to travel abroad in response to these disasters.

To alleviate this obstacle, H.R. 3750, the First Responders Passport Act would allow the Secretary of State to grant their passports free of charge.
I am proud to have introduced this common-sense bill with my colleague, Mr. Issa from California, because contractors and volunteers deserve the same treatment as government employees when they are sent abroad to offer their service on behalf of the American people.

Cultural diplomacy like the services of these brave men and women provide in the face of international disasters is critical to our international image and international relations.
I ask that my colleagues support this bipartisan, common-sense legislation.