Recognizing the Boston Passport Agency

Floor Speech

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Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Boston Passport Agency on its 100th anniversary. For a century, the dedicated public servants at the Boston Passport Agency have connected the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts--and travelers from across New England--to the wider world. Today, the agency continues to safeguard the integrity of the U.S. passport and ensure families, students, servicemembers, business leaders, and humanitarian workers can safely travel across the globe.

I celebrate the Boston Passport Agency's centennial milestone on September 17, 2025, which marks Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. On this day, every year, we recognize the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and celebrate those who have become, or are on their path to becoming, U.S. citizens. Every American--whether they were born on U.S. soil or immigrated to our shores--offers their own unique story, traditions, faith, and values to the fabric of our Nation. For the last 100 years, the Boston Passport Agency has taken part in the incredible task of honoring American stories--one passport at a time.

The Boston Passport Agency tirelessly serves the public trust. Day in and day out, agency professionals uphold the highest standards of security, while delivering the responsive, compassionate service Commonwealth residents have come to know and appreciate. Whether it is assisting a college student preparing for a semester abroad, a grandmother traveling to welcome a new grandchild, or a family navigating the urgency of a medical or humanitarian emergency, the agency meets the moment with expertise, diligence, and care.

Over the decades--and especially in recent years--the Boston Passport Agency has displayed remarkable resilience and innovation. During periods of unprecedented demand and global uncertainty, including public health disruptions that strained travel systems worldwide, the agency's personnel adapted operations and devised creative ways to serve the public, all without compromising security. In partnership with local communities, elected officials, and Department of State leadership, the agency's staff helped reduce backlogs, protect against fraud, and strengthen processes essential to both national security and individual liberty.

The economic and cultural impact of the Boston Passport Agency's work reverberates far beyond the walls of its office. By powering international research collaborations, trade and tourism, and educational exchanges, the Boston Passport Agency enriches our region's institutions, industries, and communities. The agency enables small businesses to reach new markets, assists families in cultivating bonds across borders, and supports Americans in representing our Nation's values abroad.

We also honor the great people who make up this institution; their professionalism and diligence have made possible the extraordinary journeys of so many. On behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Boston Passport Agency--past and present--for a century of exemplary service and stewardship.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Boston Passport Agency on its 100th anniversary and in wishing its team continued success in the years ahead.

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